Peggy Fort, marketing guru for Newport Beach Restaurant Week

1. When and why did Restaurant Week originate?

Originally launched in January 2007, Newport Beach Restaurant Week is produced by the Newport Beach Restaurant Association Business Improvement District. We wanted to develop a revenue-driven marketing campaign that brands Newport Beach dining and creates incremental business for the participating restaurants during a relatively slow time of the year. The campaign is a good fit since we have so many great restaurants here. It is an opportunity to showcase the culinary talent and extraordinary diversity found throughout the different neighborhoods of Newport Beach uniting traditional to ultra trendy establishments in a citywide culinary celebration. 

2. Can you give us a brief overview of the upcoming week?

The community is invited to celebrate its love of food during Newport Beach Restaurant Week which starts on January 22 and runs through January 28. Many of the finest Newport Beach restaurants are participating in this week-long citywide culinary celebration offering great deals on outstanding culinary delights prepared exclusively for this event. It gives residents and visitors a unique dining opportunity to experience the culinary flair and hospitality that Newport Beach is known for – all at a discounted price! There are no tickets or passes required; simply dine out at a participating restaurant.

3. What are the prices for lunch and dinner?

This year, the participating restaurants will be serving up special three-course, prix-fixe lunch menus for $15 or $20 and dinner menus for $25 or $35. Many of them are also doing special Restaurant Week drinks, wine pairings and other special promotions, too! 

4. Do I need to make reservations and can you make them online?

Reservations are strongly recommended in advance especially for large parties which are very popular during Newport Beach Restaurant Week. Many restaurants offer online dining reservations which can be accessed through NewportBeachDining.com, or, you can simply call the restaurant directly. Phone numbers are conveniently listed on the website and on the brochures distributed around town. 

5. Can you explain how the Newport Beach Dining Rewards Card works?

Here's how it works ... With the Newport Beach Dining Rewards Card, the more you dine out during Restaurant Week, the more you save! Participating restaurants will deliver Dining Rewards Cards to guests who’ve visited during Restaurant Week and ordered off their NBRW menu. The Rewards Card entitles diners to 20% off their next food bill at any participating establishment if they come back again to dine January 29 through March 15, 2010. The cards also entitle diners to a complimentary bottle of Aqua Panna water, courtesy of Restaurant Week’s official water partner Nestle Waters North America. 

6. How can I find out which restaurants are participating?

The best way to check out who is participating is to visit NewportBeachDining.com the official website of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association BID and click on Restaurant Week. The participating restaurants are also handing out brochures, or you can call (949) 675-0501.

7. What are the estimated revenues realized by the city from Restaurant Week?

For 2010 Restaurant Week it’s hard to say exactly ahead of time because there are a lot of factors that control the actual revenue generation, but, most restaurants will report a sharp increase in sales for the week. Overall, the Newport Beach restaurant industry is the City’s leading sales tax revenue generator, producing more than $4.65 million into the General Fund in 2008. 

8. With so many restaurant choices, how do you decide where you want to dine?

When I make dining plans with my family, friends and clients I am happy as long as we dine out in Newport!  I really enjoy vibrant atmosphere and the whole concept and energy of the restaurant. Waterfront dining is also a very nice bonus.

9. Are you a foodie? What do you most enjoy eating?

Yes, of course! I have always been somewhat of a food snob. It’s kind of a long time joke among my family and close friends. I have been a vegetarian since the age of 11 and I love innovative light cuisine paired perfectly with a nice glass of red wine. I like to eat lots of organically grown fruits and vegetables and try to order healthier options if I can which is very trendy right now. Maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about my job promoting all of the wonderful restaurants here in Newport Beach – it’s foodie heaven! I love cooking, but, if only I had a fraction of the talent that the chefs I market do.

10. We know you're a big time runner. What type of food do you eat before a race?

The night before a big race or long training run, like most runners, I really look forward to splurging on pasta and the opportunity to carbo load without any of the guilt. Friday nights you can usually find me dining out in Newport Beach at one of my local Italian favorites.