by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Most people know that the traditional symbol for a 25th anniversary is silver and the traditional symbol for a 50th anniversary is gold.
For a 5th anniversary, though, tradition calls for silverware. That’s fitting next month when “Eat Up Downtown” will celebrate five years of bringing diners to the neighborhood for two weeks of special menus and serving hours Aug. 15-28.
The 2011 edition of Downtown Vision Inc.’s annual promotion includes 17 Downtown eateries offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Many of the venues have created special menus for the three-course celebration of food and Downtown that’s $25 per person.
New this year on the roster of restaurants is Indochine on East Adams Street and Cinco de Mayo at the Landing.
Seven of the 17 restaurants offer riverfront dining and about half of them are locally owned originals, said Pamela Elms, DVI director of marketing. She said last year, more than 9,000 diners took advantage of the promotion.
Another aspect of “Eat Up Downtown” is the comment card that each participant is invited to complete and submit. That gives DVI and the restaurateurs some feedback about the promotion and it gives diners a buy one, get one free after-dinner drink offer valid at seven bars and clubs in The Core.
Elms said people already are calling restaurants for reservations and in past years, some nights have booked up before the promotion began.
“You definitely want to make reservations as soon as possible,” she said.
For more information and individual restaurant menus, visit www.eatupdowntown.com.
356-2466
Eat Up Downtown 2011
Participating restaurants:
• b.b.’s
• Basil Thai & Sushi
• Benny’s Steak & Seafood
• Café Nola
• Casa Dora
• Chart House
• Chew Restaurant
• Cinco de Mayo
• Indochine
• Juliette’s Bistro
• Koja Sushi
• Morton’s The Steakhouse
• River City Brewing Co.
• The University Club
• Vito’s Italian Café
• The Wine Cellar
• Zodiac Bar & Grill