The First Winsted Restaurant Week Kicks Off With Global Flavor
Take a trip to culinary trip around the world in little-old Winsted.
Mama Pho's pho.
Winsted is set to launch its first-ever town-wide Restaurant Week, running from March 21 to 29, with 21 local eateries serving up special menus that showcase the town’s surprisingly diverse culinary scene.
"There are so many different tastes and flavors among our award-winning restaurants, and we're excited to toot their horns," says Dewees Yeager, chairman of the Winchester Economic Development Commission, one of the event organizers.
Chef George Noujaim, of Noujaim’s Bistro, has spent 30 years perfecting his Lebanese dishes, and for Restaurant Week, he’s rolling out a four-course menu designed to make the experience worthwhile. “I wanted to offer an extensive menu to make it special for guests,” he says.
From classic Italian comfort food to bold Vietnamese flavors, here’s a taste of what’s on the menu:
- Noujaim's Bistro
During Restaurant Week, Noujaim invites diners to experience authentic Lebanese cuisine with a four-course prix fixe menu at $29.95. Highlights include their popular hummus, Chef George's famous garlic soup made with fine sherry, fresh herbs, and cream, lamb shawarma seasoned with fourteen spices or mussel fettuccine, and house-made baklava (plain or chocolate) for dessert. - Mama Pho Vietnamese Restaurant
Offering a three-course menu at $30, Mama Pho presents traditional Vietnamese dishes. Guests can enjoy steak and brisket pho—a noodle soup with slow-cooked beef and bone broth topped with fresh Thai basil, lime, and jalapeños—pan-fried pork and veggie potstickers with creamy peanut sauce, a traditional bánh mì sandwich filled with savory meats and pickled vegetables, and creamy Vietnamese iced coffee brewed with Robusta beans and sweetened with condensed milk. - Padre's Mexican Cantina
For $30, diners can indulge in Mexican favorites at Padre's. The menu features Elote Dip—grilled "street corn" mixed with creamy queso fresco served with fresh tortilla chips—authentic tacos with choices like slow-cooked pulled pork with pickled red onions or grilled shrimp with avocado-corn salsa, accompanied by a house margarita (available in classic, strawberry, and mango) or Jarritos Mexican soda. - Monaco's Ristorante
Monaco's offers a three-course Italian dining experience at $49.95 (dine-in only). Starters include fried mozzarella or baked brie, followed by main courses including gnocchi al pomodoro, rigatoni with ricotta and eggplant, shrimp and scallop casserole, or chicken alla marsala. Dessert options feature classic Italian pastries like cannoli or sfogliatella—flaky layers of Neapolitan pastry stuffed with sweet, creamy filling. - Railway Café
At $35, Railway Café's three-course menu starts with choices like soup du jour, house salad, or a big pretzel. Entrées include a Chipotle Lime Burrito Bowl served over jasmine rice with vegetarian and vegan substitutions, Grandma Helen's Meatloaf Dinner accompanied by mashed red potatoes and pan gravy, or Grandma Lydia's Mac and Cheese topped with a Ritz cracker crust and slow-cooked pulled pork. Dessert offerings include a Salted Caramel Churro Lava Cake. - Rooted Market
For $20, Rooted Market is providing breakfast offerings. Choices include the Rooted signature açaí bowl, protein smoothie, or a yogurt bowl and bagel. Visitors are also provided coffee (espresso blend or mushroom) and a "Rooted Refresher" electrolyte drink. - The Gilson Cafe & Cinema
Combining dining with entertainment, The Gilson is offering a three-course meal plus a movie ticket for $28. Starting with homemade popcorn served with salt and real butter, followed by chowder, soup, or salad. Entrées include The Double Feature—a sandwich with ham, turkey, lettuce, tomato, and horseradish dressing—or a Reuben Sandwich with options of classic corned beef or pastrami, served with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing on rye. Dessert selections feature Chocolate Lava Cake, Tuxedo Mousse Cake, and Affogato—vanilla ice cream smothered in fresh-brewed espresso.
Winsted Restaurant Week is a collaborative effort among the Winchester Economic Development Commission, Friends of Main Street Winsted, and Litchfield.co. For a complete list of participating restaurants and their special menus, visit the official event page.
