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President of the Newport Beach Restaurant Assn.:

CHECKING IN WITH ...

Fired up for foodies

President of Restaurant Assn. shares ideas behind week of samples.

January 15, 2009|By Paul Anderson

Next week is Newport Beach Restaurant Week, so who best to check in with than the president of the Newport Beach Restaurant Assn. — Sheri Drewry of Wilma’s Patio on Balboa Island?

Restaurant Week started with about 50 restaurants and is now up to about 60. Have you been satisfied with the growth?

Yes, absolutely! We are very grateful to have more restaurants participating this year. Every year we have had a growth in the amount of restaurants who participate in this citywide culinary celebration throughout the neighborhood of Newport Beach. As a result of the success from our January campaign, we are already looking forward to our first ever Fall Restaurant Week in October, and we hope to have even more participation.

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January’s supposed to be your slow month, right? Has this event turned that around?

Restaurant Week definitely boosts sales and has had a very positive effect on the numbers for January (just ask the city of Newport Beach). January is now the winter month that we all look forward to because of Restaurant Week. It is a fun way to promote the culinary talent and hospitality that Newport Beach is known for. It’s been a great time for locals to really get out and enjoy all of the outstanding restaurants in their own neighborhoods.

What’s the part of Restaurant Week that’s been working best and what could stand some improvement?

The best part is that all restaurants from the corner cafe to the very high-end can participate, which shows the diners just what diversity we have in Newport Beach. It really helps to brand Newport Beach as a culinary destination. The Restaurant Assn. always strives to encourage more participation and is always looking for corporate sponsors. We also want to reach out and involve the Newport Beach hotels and shopping districts in cross promotions working together to complement Newport Beach as a whole.

Are there some restaurants you haven’t had a chance to check out yet that you plan to drop in on for Restaurant Week?

Oh yes, I plan on going to Restaurant Week every day next week! I will dine at some locations I’ve never been to before, but I will never tell where. I want to be like any other diner!

What’s your restaurant doing that’s different this year for Restaurant Week?

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