If you’ve been wanting to treat yourself to a more upscale restaurant experience, then Charlottesville’s first-time Restaurant Week event is the perfect opportunity. We’re giving you ample time to plan your summer getaway and enjoy a great dining out experience at one of the restaurants participating in the July 13-19 week.

These are restaurants you may have wanted to visit but rejected because of the tightening bounds of the economy. This special week offers a time to enjoy a prix fixe three-course meal (appetizer, entree, and dessert) for just $25. Yesterday executive chef Craig Hartman of Keswick Hall’s Fossett Restaurant unveiled his menu. In doing so early he demonstrated his commitment to the event with a menu of the same high quality he prepares daily. Hartman believes restaurants should view Restaurant Week as an opportunity to introduce themselves to new customers as well as greet familiar faces. When he manned the kitchen at the Morrison-Clark Inn in Washington, DC, he actively championed this special dining program. 

Here’s an appetite teaser from Hartman: Salad of local Amish tomatoes, their own-grown Arugula, and shaved Everona Farm’s Pecorino. A cornmeal-crusted strawberry grouper for an entree or a slice of Virginia Gentleman whiskey cake served with Surrey peanut ice cream. Obviously there are additional selections, but I thought a mouth-watering tease might get you to open your calendar.

Other participants include The Boar’s Head Inn’s Old Mill Room, L’etoile, Cassis, and C&O Restaurant. Some of the restaurants participate in Open Table, the online service that lets you make reservations when you remember; not just when the restaurant is open for business!

Stay tuned. We will revisit this special week as more restaurants are added.