As Happy Valley’s local restaurants prepare for the 2023 Happy Valley Restaurant Week, June 16–25, the consensus is clear. Proprietors hope locals will use the special event to visit eateries that might not currently be among their regular dining rotation, and maybe even find a new favorite.

“We are hoping to encourage local diners to expand their palates beyond downtown State College and beyond dinner,” said David Welsch, new owner at The Naked Egg Café, which is situated just a short drive from downtown State College, near Pine Grove Mills. The restaurant already boasts a fanbase thanks to its locally inspired breakfast and lunch offerings, but, with new ownership and new menu items, now’s the perfect time for diners to revisit the café, or visit for the very first time.

Welsch added, “We’re looking forward to offering new specials and returning favorites all summer, including [our] peanut butter cup banana bread, deep-fried deviled eggs and more. Patrons can enjoy our patio and enjoy the beautiful weather while sampling these or any of our other creative offerings.”

At Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Café, owner David Letterman notes that a visit to Bonfatto’s also allows visitors to explore Bellefonte in general, including picturesque Talleyrand Park, which sits just across the street. This is the café’s first year participating in Happy Valley Restaurant Week.

“We wanted to do something a little bit different and highlight … the many things we have to offer,” Letterman said. “Expect something unique. We’re using imported and local ingredients. You’ll get to visit the town of Bellefonte and see everything it has to offer and its ambiance.”

For Happy Valley Restaurant Week, Bonfatto’s will be serving several tantalizing special menu items including a primavera panini — made with chicken breast, grilled zucchini, yellow squash, red peppers, red onions, fresh imported asiago cheese and a roasted tomato basil aioli — and paccheri lisci, an organic, artisan pasta combined with guanciale, wild mushrooms, hot sausage, crispy broccoli and semi-dried baby tomatoes. Pair either option with a lavender matcha lemonade freddo, made with the café’s own lavender syrup, or local strawberries combined with whipped ricotta on a butter scone.

Also in Bellefonte, Robin Hood Brewing Co. is gearing up for a summer of fun with new beer releases, Christmas in July specials and more, and it all starts with Happy Valley Restaurant Week, during which the brewery will be offering its Southern California grilled chicken flatbread alongside its regular full menu.

“[Happy Valley Restaurant Week] is a great community event and we love being part of our community,” said the brewery’s Hailey Salvanish. “We also want people that may not know where we are located or what we have to offer, to be able to get taste of who we are.”

Unlike some of the above restaurants, though, The Corner Room is no stranger to Happy Valley Restaurant Week, having participated for multiple years in the past. Diners may remember last year’s Restaurant Week fan-favorite Corner Room turkey tostada.

“It gets people excited about eating something different at their favorite places,” said general manager Kate Hufton of the event.

During Restaurant Week, The Corner Room plans to highlight a limited-time Creole mac ‘n cheese topped with smoked chicken.

Not a mac ‘n cheese fan? If you’re in that minority, The Corner Room still offers lots to love this season, as Jufton pointed out. She said, “We like to stay fresh and sometimes we just change things up for the fun of it. We’re rolling out new menu items [soon] and a summer cocktail menu.”

The 2023 Happy Valley Restaurant Week participants include:

• The Naked Egg Café

• RE Farm Café

• Robin Hood Brewing Co.

• The Corner Room

• Hublersburg Inn

• Federal Taphouse

• The Field Burger & Tap

• Oeuf Boeuf et Bacon

• Creekside at the Gamble Mill

• Pine Grove Hall

• State Burger Co.

• Bonfatto’s Italian Market & Corner Café

• HiWay Pizza Pub West

• HiWay Pizza Pub Downtown

• Alla Spina at HiWay

For full Happy Valley Restaurant Week details, visit happyvalleyrestaurantweek.com.