Restaurant Week: A celebration of Monroe’s eateries

MONROE, CT — Whether its a mouthwatering cut of New York Strip, fresh seafood dishes, a specialty pizza, Chicken tikka masala, burritos or a juicy burger covered with cheese, grilled onions and other toppings, Monroe’s restaurants have something to satisfy virtually any diner’s pallet.

Those dining out from Oct. 18 to 25 can take advantage of special offers and prefix menus by staying in town during Monroe Restaurant Week, an annual celebration of the town’s eateries that should also attract business from hungry patrons in neighboring towns.

The annual event is sponsored by the Monroe Economic Development Commission.

“The Economic Development Commission is very proud each year to feature all of these wonderful restaurants we have in our town,” said Chairman Ray Giovanni. “Restaurant Week is an opportunity to show the community all of their eclectic offerings.”

“Restaurant week is the best way to invite people from surrounding towns to dine in Monroe and it’s not a secret that I love delicious food,” First Selectman Terry Rooney said. “Monroe has added so many new types of cuisine to our already great restaurant scene.”

Among the new options Rooney said he’s been enjoying are Central 25 (whose owners also operate Trumbull Cafe in Trumbull), El Sol Deli, Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta and Testo’s Ristorante.

The first selectman said a Ramen Noodle and Grill will soon be coming to Main Street (Route 25).

“Route 111 has seen some new cuisine with the opening of Aldini’s and Village Coffee Bar,” Rooney said. “Monroe has so many diverse and eclectic options now and it’s only going to get better.”

“Dining and socializing keeps a community energized and engaged with one another,” he said, “and it’s nice to have a week to welcome others to appreciate the new and existing options Monroe has to offer.”

The participants

Diana Lia said Lia’s Pizza, 535 Monroe Turnpike, which she and her husband, Dante, have owned together for 27 years, will offer two large cheese pizzas and a large salad for $31.50 during Monroe Restaurant Week.

Constantin Crama, who owns Monroe Social, 494 Main St., is also gearing up for the week.

“We are happy to be part of the Monroe community and to have the opportunity to serve the great people  from our amazing town and the surrounding  communities,” he said. “Our price fix is only $27.95 and will give you a chance to try some of our most popular items. Hope to see everyone coming out to support the amazing Monroe restaurants.”

“Osteria Romana will be offering great food in a relaxing atmosphere with choices from our prix fix menu,” said Jaime Zuniga, who co-owns the restaurant at 89 Main St. “Restaurant Week is beneficial for the public and our venue.”

Other participating restaurants include:

Aldini’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, 401 Monroe Turnpike

Bella Rosa Pizzeria Ristorante, 500 Monroe Turnpike

Testo’s Ristorante, 505 Main St.

Vazzy’s Osteria, 415 Main St.

Flames, 262 Main St.

India Raj Restaurant, Clock Tower Square, 477 Main St.

Bill’s Drive-In, 431 Monroe Turnpike

El Gallo Dorado, 115 Main St.

El Sol Deli, 179 Main St.

Jennie’s Pizzeria, 380 Monroe Turnpike

Julian’s Pizzeria Oven & Kitchen, 525 Main St.

Last Drop Coffee Shop, 435 Main St.

MacDaddy’s, 650 Main St.

Marcello’s Italian Eatery, Clock Tower Square, 477 Main St.

Monroe Diner, 568 Main St., Monroe

Monroe Fish Market, Clock Tower Square, 477 Main St.

Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta, 140 Main St.

Terra Café, 150 Main St.

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