Week-long event showcases downtown dining diversity, local farms, and harvest season specialties
Downtown Medford will transform into a foodies’ destination during the inaugural Forks & Friends Downtown Medford Restaurant Week, October 17-23. The week-long celebration will spotlight the diverse culinary landscape of Downtown Medford while highlighting partnerships between local restaurants and regional farms during peak harvest season.
“This restaurant week represents everything we love about Downtown Medford’s dining scene,” said Annie Jenkins, Executive Director of the Downtown Medford Association. “From craft breweries and wine bars to global cuisine and artisanal bakeries, our participating restaurants and casual eateries showcase the incredible diversity and quality that makes Downtown Medford a true culinary destination.”
Numerous Restaurants & Eateries Participate in Inaugural Event
The event features many diverse downtown establishments, each offering unique specials, restaurant week menu items, wine pairings, and special events. Participating restaurants include:
- Common Block Brewing Co.
- The Copper Plank
- Buttercloud Bakery & Cafe
- Caba Empanadas
- The Beatrice
- Gypsy Blues Bar
- Sid’s Smoke N Grill
- The Old Spaghetti Factory
- Tartine Brunch Club
- Kahlo Exotic Grill
- Hen & Flour
- Luncheonette
- Medford Food Coop
- Ollie’s Brooklyn Slices
- Pomodori Osteria & Bar
- Over Easy
- El Paraiso Mexican Cuisine
- Elements Tapas Bar
- Jefferson Spirits
- Solid Ground Coffee & Tea
*More restaurants, bars and coffee shops are signing up on daily basis.
Celebrating Local Agriculture and Community Partnership
A key focus of Restaurant Week is highlighting the connection between downtown restaurants and regional farms and producers. Many participating establishments will feature special menus showcasing ingredients sourced from Rogue Valley farms, celebrating Southern Oregon’s agricultural abundance during peak harvest season.
“The Rogue Valley is renowned for its incredible produce, wines, and artisanal food products,” said Karolina Lavagnino of Wild Thyme Productions. “This restaurant week creates a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience how our downtown chefs transform regional ingredients into memorable dining experiences.”
Economic Impact and Community Building
The event aims to drive foot traffic to Downtown Medford while showcasing the district’s dining diversity to both residents and tourists. Restaurant weeks have proven successful in communities nationwide, typically generating significant economic impact for participating businesses and surrounding retail establishments.
“Events like this demonstrate the vitality and growth of Downtown Medford,” noted Annie Jenkins of DMA. “We have an incredible concentration of dining options within walking distance, from family-friendly brewpubs to sophisticated wine bars, and this week gives everyone a reason to explore what downtown has to offer.”
Grant Support Enables Community Event
Forks & Friends Downtown Medford Restaurant Week is made possible through a grant from Travel Medford to the Downtown Medford Association, demonstrating the collaborative effort to promote Medford as a dining destination.
The event represents part of ongoing efforts to establish Downtown Medford as Southern Oregon’s premier urban dining district, complementing the area’s established wine country tourism and cultural attractions.
Event information
Complete details about participating restaurants, special offerings, and reservation information is available at https://downtownmedford.org/events/restaurant-week-in-downtown-medford/ and through Downtown Medford Association and Travel Medford social media channels.
For more information, contact
Karolina Lavagnino
Wild Thyme Productions, LLC
541-944-0592
[email protected]
or
Annie Jenkins
Downtown Medford Association, Executive Director
541-941-5204
[email protected]
