Tired of being cooped up this winter? Well, with March on the horizon, there are a couple of ways to get out of the house and shake off the winter. Manayunk Restaurant Week will return to Historic Downtown Manayunk and Main Street from March 2 to 8. Meanwhile, the third annual Northern Liberties Esp resso Martini Bar Crawl will take to the streets March 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “After the return and success of our Fall Restaurant Week, we knew it was a great way to highlight our chefs, our diverse flavors, and some of the newest menu items our restaurants added, as we begin to get ready to welcome the warmer weather,” said Manayunk Development Corp. Executive Director Gwen McCauley. “For the most part, Manayunk restaurants are owner/chef-operated, giving diners a chance to really get to know the restaurateurs in this community.” Diners can expect special two- and three-course prix fixe menus offered for lunch and dinner. Participating restaurants will feature menus priced at $15, $25, $35 and $45 per person. For a full list of restaurants and menus, visit manayunk.com/mnyk-events/restaurant-week. “The different price points allow diners to choose a menu that works for their budget while giving each restaurant the opportunity to highlight some of their favorite dishes,” said Brendan McGrew, restaurateur and director of operations for Voracious Hospitality Group, which includes The Goat’s Beard and Mia Ragazza. “It also makes dining more affordable, allowing visitors to try a few different places throughout the weeklong event.” The Manayunk dining scene includes a wide-ranging culinary experience from American comfort classics to global flavors, fast-casual bites to fine dining, and everything in between, including indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Bar Crawl will take place March 14. (Northern Liberties Business Improvement District) The Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Bar Crawl includes more than 20 participating locations and dozens of specially priced espresso martinis. Bars and restaurants will compete for bragging rights for categories such as best classic, most creative and best of the day. Look for standards and spins on the classics, plus more out of the box options, ranging to cheese covered, garnish embellished and flavored espresso martinis. “Northern Liberties is excited to host America’s largest Espresso Martini Crawl again this year, with our largest lineup of bars, restaurants and drink selections ever,” said Northern Liberties Business Improvement District Executive Director Sydney Rexroad. “This event was designed to showcase our district’s thriving and expert cocktail and brunch scene, and to kick off outdoor brunch season in spring with the Espresso Martini Crawl and close out brunch season with our Bloody Mary Crawl in the fall.” Select bars and restaurants will have coffee-infused food specials, as well as specials for St. Patrick’s weekend. Retailers will offer caffeine-inspired surprises, like Espresso Coffee Shower Steamers at Ray’s Reusables, exclusive espresso martini-inspired ice cream at Milk Jawn and espresso martini sweets and treats at Madison K Cookies. There is no cost to attend the event, with drinks, food and retail specials pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit explorenorthernliberties.org/events. Northern Liberties is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Philadelphia right now by the official numbers from the city and state, with thousands of new residents about to move in, around and near the district that is currently experiencing a construction boom. Within the district, the Northern Liberties Restaurant Row has grown to add dozens of new bars, restaurants, shops and service businesses over the last five years. “We timed this to celebrate National Espresso Martini Day that weekend every year, and to coincide with everyone getting back outside for brunch but also St. Patrick’s Day Weekend,” Rexroad said. “Each and every year we have thousands of people visit our District, and not just to raise a glass. This event is one of the biggest days of the year not only for our bars and restaurants, but also many of our retailers. We hope to see everyone out there, and we are manifesting that spring finally arrives just in time for us. Fingers crossed.”   ...read more read less