The summer heat wave isn’t keeping the crowds at bay, at least not in Claremont. The Claremont Chamber of Commerce has made sure of that by enticing locals into the 90-degree weather this month with some extra incentive.

Last weekend, Village-goers braved the heat with beer in hand for the fourth annual Blues and Brews beer fest, redubbed this year as the Claremont Craft Beer Walk. The name change didn’t throw anyone for a loop, however. Tickets sold out before the libations even started flowing, raising an estimated $20,000—a percentage of which will be donated to local nonprofits Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Auxiliary, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and Shoes That Fit.

The weekend may have been hot and humidity, but the unfavorable weather wasn’t enough to dampen spirits—the walk’s 1,250 guests milled about from business to business, gathering their food and drink samples and enjoying the sweet sounds of live music along with the welcome relief of air conditioning at each stop. By event’s end there was nothing but kudos from walk participants, shared Sonja Stump, chair of the Village Marketing Group, sponsors of Saturday’s event.

“We have had overwhelmingly positive comments,” Ms. Stump said, but “next year we will pray harder for cooler weather!”

With hardly enough time to settle down after the beer walk and Fourth of July festivities, the Chamber has another trick up its sleeve to ward off the usual summer slowness. The city of Claremont’s first-ever Restaurant Week debuts this Monday, July 8 with a slew of prix fixe menu specials at eateries all about town. The deals continue through Tuesday, July 16.

More than 20 establishments, spanning all corners of the city, have signed on to offer lunch and dinner specials in addition to their usual menu choices. For $10 to $40, Restaurant Week patrons can get their fill of fried zucchini at Eddie’s Pizzeria, sample sushi at Kazama in the Village or try out a sourdough chocolate bread pudding at the Packing House Wine Merchants. It’s all part of the plan to ward off the usual summer blues when it comes to commerce.

“Business is usually slower in July,” explained Maureen Aldridge, Chamber president and chief executive officer. “This is a way to help.”

With Restaurant Week, Claremont clings to a concept which more than 30 other urban areas across the country, including Los Angeles and Orange County, have already taken to with positive results. The model has gained in popularity in recent years, lauded by restaurant executives and customers alike. While diners reap the benefits of special meal deals, usually offered at a discounted price from a la carte alternatives, restaurateurs receive extra publicity often resulting in new customers.

“It’s all about exposure,” Ms. Aldridge said. “Most people don’t know we have Portuguese food or that the Orchard Restaurant is at the Doubletree. This is a great way to support our restaurants and highlight the variety.”

For more information on Claremont’s Restaurant Week, participating businesses and prix fixe menus, visit www.claremontrestaurant.com.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com

Check our complete list of website links of participating restaurants with special menus and prices for Claremont’s Restaurant Week, July 9-16.

Eddies                                                     www.eddiesnewyorkpizzeria.com/
Tutti                                                         www.tuttimangia.com   
Casa Mareno                                          www.casamorenogrill.com   
Saca’s                                                     www.gotosacas.com
la Paralo                                                  www.laparolacciausa.com
Espaiu’s                                                  www.espiaus.com
Casa 425                                                 www.casa425.com
Packing house wine merchants              www.packinghousewines.com
Kazama Sushi                                         www.sushikazama.com        
Casa de  Salsa                                        www.casadesalsarestaurant.com
Walter’s                                                   www.waltersrestaurant.com
The Press                                                www.thepressrestaurant.com
Orchard.Doubletree                                www.doubletreeclaremont.com