by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
What could be better than a week of values on three-course dinners at some of Downtown’s most popular restaurants?
How about two weeks and a longer list of participating venues?
That’s the story behind the 2010 edition of “Eat Up Downtown,” Downtown Vision’s annual dining promotion.
Celebrating its fourth year Aug. 9-22, the expanded schedule and list of choices was the result of feedback from last year’s diners.
“This is the first time we’ve had it for two weeks,” said DVI Marketing & Events Manager Kat Moore. “We distribute comment cards every year and that’s what the people told us they wanted, more nights and more opportunities to try other restaurants.”
Four additional restaurants have joined the lineup this year, including Casa Dora, Chicago Pizza and De Real Ting, all on the Northbank, and Basil Thai & Sushi on the Southbank. Each of this year’s 21 restaurants offers a three-course menu for $25 per person with no tickets to buy or coupons to clip. Just call the restaurant and make a reservation by mentioning “Eat Up Downtown.”
Moore said the second week was added not only due to patron feedback, but also because restaurateurs suggested it, reporting that most nights booked up quickly.
“It’s a great way to market Downtown, but it’s more than that. It showcases what a great experience Downtown can be and it attracts people from all over North Florida who might not usually come Downtown,” said Moore.
One of Downtown’s most exclusive restaurants, the membership-only University Club, is on the Eat Up Downtown list for the third year. Membership Director Sarah Bernstein said the promotion is attractive to the club for several reasons.
“We love to support Downtown and its activities. It’s also great exposure for the club and other than ‘Cocktails for a Cause,’ it’s the only opportunity for people who aren’t members to experience what the University Club has to offer,” she said. “We already have 40 reservations, so we’re filling up fast. It’s exciting.”
Cafe Nola at the Museum of Contemporary Art has been an Eat Up Downtown location since the promotion debuted.
“It is a bit of a challenge to come up with a menu for $25 a person, but it brings in a lot of new faces and it’s great exposure for the restaurant,” said Executive Chef Kathy Collins.
Gordon Wasson, assistant general manager at the Chart House, agreed that the value is a big part of the appeal.
“Eat Up Downtown opens an avenue for people who don’t usually spend a lot of money on dinner to enjoy a fine restaurant Downtown,” he said.
Moore also said parking on the street is free after 6 p.m. during the week and on the weekends and, as a bonus, the comment cards include a coupon valid for a complimentary cocktail at any of the clubs and lounges in The Core.
She also recommends making reservations, and soon.
“Eat Up Downtown has become so popular that people may not be able to walk into a restaurant and be seated,” said Moore.
To make reservations for Eat Up Downtown
356-2466