Seal Beach’s Restaurant Week, also called “DEVOUR” by its organizers, is back for its second year with more restaurants and deals. DEVOUR Seal Beach runs from Nov. 17-22, at participating restaurants in Old Town Seal Beach.
Started in 2013 by Jason and Rebecca Schiffer, 320 Main owners, and Gabe Gordon, Beachwood BBQ owner, the inaugural event was successful in bringing together the restaurant community in Seal Beach.
“Until last year, I hadn’t even met our neighbor Tom Rowe, owner of the Abbey and now we talk all the time,” Schiffer said.
Rowe joined the planning team this year along with Aaron Kwesin, The Hangout owner, Tarit Tanjasiri, owner/baker of Crema Café & Bakery, and Pascal Cheng, owner of Thai on Main and Bistro St. Germain.
The group of owners said they were excited to share some new dishes as well as their signatures during DEVOUR Seal Beach.
There are many restaurants here in Seal Beach and because it’s a small town, they often get overlooked in the larger Orange County dining scene.
DEVOUR Seal Beach organizers hope to shine a light on the city’s best-kept secrets through great one-week-only discounts and “can’t miss” specials.
Restaurants have developed prix fixe menus such as this sample from Beachwood BBQ: Olive Oil Poached John Dory with Watermelon Gherkin Salsa and Radish, Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs with Purple Cauliflower, Chanterelles, Blue Pumpkin and Arugula, and Hop Infused Panna Cotta with Hazelnuts, Berries and Smoked Salted Caramel, all for $35 dollars.
320 Main is also offering a prix fixe menu along with 50 percent off one of their award winning cocktails.
Their $30 dinner includes classics from their menu like Duck Toast with warm duck leg confit on country toast, fig chutney and Laura Chanel goat cheese, Pan Seared Scottish Salmon with sweet onion and apple puree, black lentils, diced bacon and turnips, and Peanut Butter Semifreddo with peanut brittle and blueberries.
Seal Beach institution, Walt’s Wharf is back this year with amazing prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner.
At just $18, lunch is a steal that includes their famous Grilled Artichoke, the newer Pork Belly Sandwich and a Petite Cream Brulee or Key Lime Bar. For dinner, they are offering four courses for $27.50 featuring Oak Grilled Salmon, Petite Filet or Brick Chicken.
The owners of The Hangout are excited to be debuting a new menu item, Seafood Pots, available during restaurant week for 50 percent off.
Taco Surf is also offering 50 percent off seasonal specials, Homemade Horchata, Pumpkin Flan and Churros. O’Malley’s on Main is offering 20 percent off its entire menu of food.
To kick off DEVOUR Seal Beach, all the participating restaurants will participate in an Old Town Chili Cook-off, dubbed the “Main Street Chili Crawl” headquarted from Hennessey’s Grill at 143 Main St., the heart of Old Town Seal Beach.
Chili-lovers will start at Hennessey’s and pickup a passport to take up and down Main Street where participating restaurants will be serving their signature chili.
Last year, the Chili Cook-off drew a large crowd of hungry locals who tasted a dozen chilies and crowned 320 Main the winner by popular vote.
The Main Street Chili Crawl will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 2-5 p.m.
This year’s “Best Chili” will be decided by popular vote as well as a panel of judges including Kathy Major, food writer for the Sun Newspapers. A trophy will be awarded to the winning restaurant.
Tickets and passports will be available at the Hennessey’s for $10 and include a portion of chili from every restaurant participating, a vote for your favorite chili and a chance to win raffle prizes.
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be donated to Miss Seal Beach. Current participating restaurants include 320 Main, Hennessey’s, Beachwood BBQ, The Abbey, Walt’s Wharf, Crema Café, the Hangout, Taco Surf, Thai on Main, Bistro St. Germain, McKenna’s Tea Cottage and O’Malley’s.
For an up-to-date list of participating restaurants, including menus and restaurant offerings, visit www.sealbeachrestaurantweek.com.
