The Newtown Economic Development Commission will present its first Newtown/Sandy Hook Restaurant Week, a celebration of local and international cuisine, September 26-October 2.

Newly renovated locations within Sandy Hook Village, along Main Street, Queen Street, and South Main Street, have set the stage for the event, with participating restaurants offering international cuisines from Italian, Thai, Irish, Japanese, English, and Indian to progressive American and "fusion."

Local unique and enticing dining environments expect to draw locals and patrons from surrounding communities with interest in fine food.

Depending on the restaurant, offerings will range from prix fixe menus to specials.

To date, participating restaurants include Café Xpresso, Cover Two, Dere Street Restaurant, Foundry Kitchen & Tavern, Fusion 25, Kolam, McGuire's Ale House, My Place Restaurant, Nouveau Monde Wine Bar, Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro, SoHo Pizza, Sweet Mango Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant, Tambascio's Italian Grill, Tazza Cucina, Thai Delight, The Villa, and Toro.

To enhance the cultural experience of Restaurant Week, the EDC has partnered with Newtown Cultural Commission and the Board of Education to incorporate "Music in the Streets" on Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1. Outside of several participating dining locations, musical performances by local musicians and students will greet diners from approximately 5 to 7 pm.

The Newtown and Sandy Hook Restaurant Week is sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank, Dental Associates of Connecticut, Connie & Co. with William Raveis and David Landau with Re/Max, Associated Refuse Haulers, Barefoot Buddha Marketing, TR Paul Inc, Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP), Newtown Arts Festival, and Newtown Chamber of Commerce.

The EDC encourages all restaurants in Newtown and Sandy Hook to participate in this community event. Contact Betsy Paynter for details at 203-270-4281 or betsy.paynter@newtown-ct.gov.

To learn more, visit newtownsandyhookeats.com.