Diners who want to sample some of Niantic, Flanders and East Lyme’s culinary offerings at discounted prices and special savings will have nearly 20 restaurants to choose from during Niantic/East Lyme Restaurant Week, Feb. 22 to Feb. 28.

Unlike a typical restaurant week where one price is set for lunch and dinner, Niantic, Flanders and East Lyme’s cafes, restaurants and other eateries will come up with their own specials during the week. Current specials include discounts, free gifts with purchase, special food combos and more.

Niantic/East Lyme Restaurant Week participants include: Best of Everything Country Gourmet, The Black Sheep, Palmieri’s Slice Shop, Covino’s Groceria Italiana, East Coast Taco, Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant, Giuliano’s Bakery, Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe, Ice Cream & Diner, Illiano’s Grill, La Belle Aurore, Main Street Grille, Skippers Seafood, Smarty’s Restaurant & Pub, The Spice Club, Hartford Giant Grinder, Lillian’s Cafe, Haylon’s Market and Lyme Tavern.

For more information about Niantic/East Lyme Restaurant Week, visit www.nianticmainstreet.org.

Start Restaurant Week early at home with the following recipe from Deke Haylon, owner/chef at Haylon’s Market.

OLIVE OIL CAKE

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup olive oil

3/4 cup buttermilk

Zest of 2 oranges, finely chopped

Powdered sugar or orange marmalade for finishing

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. Mix together all ingredients except for the marmalade/powdered sugar. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake, 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool, dust with powdered sugar or top with marmalade and serve.