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13th Annual Downtown Syracuse Dining Week Begins February 15th

John Smith/WAER News

Downtown Dining week is aiming to keep restaurants busy as usual this time of year.  Starting February 15th, 32 participating restaurants will offer three course meals for $25 dollars or less.  It’s the most participation from businesses the event has ever experienced during its 13 year run.  Executive Director of the Downtown Committee, Merike Treier says the event attracts customers from all over Central New York for high quality, fine dining.

“We do get folks from Onondaga County but, many of our surrounding counties, as well.  I mean, this is such easily commutable area.  But, usually the restaurants, we have people that go to their favorites year after year and then we have folks that are checking the menus daily planning out with their friends   what new restaurants they want to try.”

Credit John Smith/WAER News
A sampling of dishes prepared by Lemon Grass.

The program began in 2005 in an attempt to generate more customers to dine at downtown restaurants which is typically known as a slow period during the winter.  The Owner of Lemon Grass and Bistro Elephant, Max Chutinthranone says the experience diners will receive during Dining Week is the same as anytime, even with the discount.

“Everything is original, everything is the same portion.  We’re not going to cut any portion to make it small.  It’s a great time to see new people from about a 50 mile radius and some of them who have been here come and enjoy the meal.”

Lemon Grass and the Bistro Elephant is offering a special 3 course menu for the event and Chutinthranone says the business really benefits his 50 employees which directly benefits their families; roughly 200 people.  Local downtown hotels are offering special room rates and a $25 dollar certificate towards dining week. At Marriott Syracuse Downtown the certificates can only be used at their in-house restaurant 11 Waters.  Courtyard by Marriott in Armory Square Manager, Jim Wefers says families can plan a weekend.

Credit John Smith
Lemon Grass and Bistro Elephant Owner, Max Chutinthranone.

“To take that Saturday, come down early and go to the most with your family and then go out to dinner at night, go to one of the hotels, sleep-over.  Use the pool and then wake-up Sunday morning and go to brunch at any one of these restaurants, downtown.”

The event happens for two weeks from Wednesday, February 15th through March 1st.  For more, click here.  Visions Federal Credit Union is sponsoring the event.  

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.