Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks returns for 13th consecutive year

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. - Restaurant we just kicked off in Santa Ynez Valley with plenty of food choices to go around.

"Restaurant week is a community event where restaurants have the opportunity to choose a 30, 40 or 50 dollar meal for three courses. We chose the lower price to make it more inviting for more locals," said executive chef Bryan Aceves of Barrel Works in Buellton.

Restaurant Week is attracting visitors across Santa Ynez Valley to places some would have otherwise never experienced before.

"I ordered a three meal and I’ve got an 805 blind ale, said customer Ashley Santillanes at Barrel Works.

This week chefs at Barrel Works said the momentum is picking up.

"It’s a great to show community and provide outlets for the community … great way to showcase everyone’s talents," said Aceves.

"It brings people together … go places they would t normally go … our community is supportive they come out and really take care of us," said owner Jimmy Loizides of Vega Vineyard and Farm in Solvang.

"Everybody gets creative and draws all the different clientele," said winemaker Steve Clifton of Vega Vineyard and Farm in Solvang.

"It’s going well because it’s priced right … we all but into it because we feel locals will come to this and keep coming back," said general manager Barry Prescott of The Landsby in Solvang.

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks started Jan. 16 and continues to Jan. 31.

Some of the restaurants participating this year include Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Osteria Grappolo, Buttonwood Winery, and Campo Del Sol and Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Buellton.

Participating Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks restaurants will feature curated, chef-driven three-course prix fixe menus at price points of $30, $40, or $50, plus tax & gratuity.

Participating wineries and tasting rooms will also participate at various levels and price points, including offering two-for-one tastings, special tasting flights, and discounts on bottle purchases.

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