Looking for something a little different to do after work on Thursdays in May and June? Check out Oxford’s “Quittin’ Time” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a time to wind down, stroll through downtown and sample small-plate fare and libations from a variety of restaurants.
Participating downtown establishments are Uptown 101, Milano’s, Oasis, Harvest, The Orpheum, The Hub, Tobacco Wood Brewing Company and Strong Arm Baking and Kitchen.
Oxford’s Downtown Economic Development Corporation is a sponsor of the event, said director Mary Yount. “But this was the ‘brainchild’ of Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking and Kitchen,” Yount told WIZS News.
The idea is to visit the participating restaurants, have a taste of food and a beverage, then move along to the next location.
“We wanted to bring an event to downtown Oxford that encouraged walking around, spending time in the downtown area, dining outside and visiting all restaurants to offer support as we come back to full life after a year of COVID,” Blaine told WIZS News.
Restaurants have fun creating a different dish every week, she said, offering a style of food they don’t often cook. “It lets chefs get creative without a huge investment,” she noted. Diners can expect prices between $4-$6 per small plate, with rotating offerings each week.
Blaine said she lived in Spain for three years and that inspired the Quittin’ Time idea.
She described the Spanish custom of tapeo (a combination of tapa – appetizer or snack and paseo – a leisurely walk) as a time when diners trade a big dinner for “a relaxed amble through the streets, snacking and drinking and enjoying their town and community.” Traditionally, lunch is the largest meal of the day and dinner is usually light.
“I loved this part of Spanish culture,” Blaine said. “It is perfect for our current needs of wanting to dine outside, reminding the community about the restaurants in our area, and encouraging folks to spend more time in their downtown – the heart of their town.”
Quittin’ Time continues each Thursday through June 24 in downtown Oxford.