Cambridge is looking to serve up appetizing opportunities for foodies this fall while giving local restaurants a much needed boost.
The city’s economic development team is in the early stages of launching Cambridgelicious, a new initiative designed to encourage residents to patronize independently owned and operated restaurants, with a particular focus on highlighting hidden gems in unexplored pockets of the community.
Cambridgelicious, which will run Oct. 13 to 22, takes inspiration from Toronto’s Summerlicious and Winterlicious events, which have proven successful in helping restaurants attract new clientele, as well as motivate people to venture out from the cocoon comforts of home.
City economic development director James Goodram is optimistic a similar food exploration adventure has potential to do well in Cambridge and could help broaden social and economic connections at a time when communities are still feeling pandemic pains.
“This is going to be a great way to get people out again,” he said.
As part of the program, diners will be able to savour a three-course, sit-down meal at participating restaurants, using featured businesses as a roadmap to new food experiences.
Although Cambridgelicious is still considered a pilot project for the city, Goodram anticipates it will be back by popular demand.
“I think it's really something that can live on beyond this year.”
While the culinary concept was created to serve as a perfect pairing to mark Cambridge’s 50th anniversary of amalgamation, the project offers other meaningful and far-reaching benefits.
It’s about being inclusive and supporting different cultures and cuisines and inspiring people to venture off mainstream menus, explained Goodram.
Cambridge is home to many restaurants that offer a rich and diverse food experience but they don’t necessarily get the attention they deserve, he noted, and people don’t have to leave the city limits to find something different and delicious.
“This might encourage some of those foodies to go out and try something they haven't had before,” said Goodram. “It's really something to support the non-franchise restaurants.”
The economic development team has reached out to a number of restaurateurs they believe will be interested in participating in Cambridgelicious. The idea is already creating a positive stir, according to senior economic development officer Laura Pearce.
The call for participants was just promoted on social media this week, so local entrepreneurs are being asked to “stay tuned” for more details.
“We’ve had a lot of excitement generated just from that, so we’re very excited,” she said. “We think it’s going to be a great uptake. We’re really encouraging all restaurants to apply.”
Preliminary discussions with business owners concluded mid-October is an ideal time to host the event as it will generate interest during a slower period, when the rush of summer and back-to-school has faded.
Interested restaurants have until Aug. 25 to apply online to join Cambridgelicious and successful applicants will be notified by Sept. 8.
There are eligibility requirements to join the inaugural event, with criteria set to give priority to independently owned establishments offering in-dining service complete with a three-course meal.
Applicants must be located in Cambridge, have up-to-date licenses, be willing to promote the program using city marketing materials and track meals served during the program’s set timeline. Applicants must also be willing to have the city listed and named as an “additional insured” on an insurance policy with a minimum limit of $2 million.
For more information about Cambridgelicious, visit the Invest Cambridge website.
