CANTON -- GardenShare is calling anyone and everyone who loves delicious, locally sourced food and likes dining at area restaurants or getting carry-out to enjoy at home for the first-ever Restaurant Week in St. Lawrence County.

From October 16 to 23, GardenShare invites diners to explore the delicious dining options of participating restaurants and eateries in the area, all while supporting GardenShare’s vital food access and local food programs.

“Our hope is to raise the profiles of all the wonderful places that feature local food and encourage the community to support their favorites, try something new, and above all, get a taste of our region,” says Carol Pynchon, who serves on GardenShare’s Board and the Restaurant Week planning committee. Restaurant Weeks across the country have successfully generated increased revenues and diners for participating restaurants.

Some participating restaurants already showcase local ingredients in dishes on their menus while others are giving local a try for the first time. “The idea is to connect restaurants with farmers and producers, which will be a boost for both - and great for all the lucky folks sampling their fare,” says Pynchon. Participating restaurants’ support for Restaurant Week includes a financial donation to GardenShare.

Participating restaurants, to date, include Flying Lotus Yoga Center & Juice Bar, Jake's on the Water, Nature's Storehouse, Big Spoon Kitchen, Village Diner, Jernabi Coffeehouse, Foster the Plant, Red Pine Cone, Josie’s Pizzeria, Cascade Diner, and Potsdam Food Co-op--and new ones are signing on every day.

Local dining enthusiasts are invited to get in on the fun. Any donations made to GardenShare during Restaurant Week will qualify for drawings for fun local food-focused prizes.

Restaurants, coffee shops, and other eateries are an important part of our community and our food system. Restaurant Week is a wonderful opportunity to promote and celebrate local food and all the people who work year-round to bring it from their farms and fields to our plates.