Lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy celebrated his first anniversary with his wife, Marva, enjoying a memorable steak dinner at Strip Steakhouse in Avon. 
Not only did he score some serious husband points for the romantic, three-course meal in the restored barn, this milestone meal was noshed in support of the county’s first Restaurant Week.
Held April 28 to May 7, this 10-day event was designed as a delicious excuse for foodies to explore the area’s often overlooked culinary scene, says Lundy, whose board of commissioners took control of Visit Lorain County last year. The visitors bureau, which is funded by a bed tax assessed when people stay overnight in hotels, spearheaded the effort. 
“We have been working to chart a new direction for the organization, and our feeling is that, if we can get people to come to Lorain County to experience our dining, hopefully that will bring them back to the county to spend the night,” he says. “The idea is that people come out, sample a meal, look around Lorain County, like what they see and come back to take in a Crushers game or enjoy an activity on the lakefront and stay longer during their next visit.”
Nine restaurants participated in the inaugural Restaurant Week, including 1833 Restaurant, Bistro 83, Cole’s Public House, Cork Tree Tavern, Jackalope Lakeside, Nemo Grille, Parker’s Grille & Tavern, Strip Steakhouse and the Unicorn Restaurant & Pub. 
“Often people think, ‘I want a fine-dining experience, I have to go into Cleveland to get that.’ You don’t,” Lundy says. “We have fine-dining experiences here in Lorain County. If you go to Cleveland, you have to shell out the $10, $15, $20 to park. We actually have free parking and great dining.”
Lundy adds he is hoping to build upon the initial successes for a second Restaurant Week, possibly even in the fall. 
“It’s been very well done, but there’s always room for growth and improvement,” he says. “We’ve gotten some good feedback from the restaurant owners, and we’re hoping that other restaurants will want to joi