It's no secret that the Downtown dining scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. Encore, Spindini and Sauces are a few of my favorites that opened in the past year or so.
The newest addition to our ever-growing Downtown dining scene opened this week.
The Daily Grill (170 Lt. George W. Lee Avenue, 334-5950) is in the new Westin Hotel across the street from FedExForum. This popular Los Angeles-based chain features all-American fare using the freshest of ingredients and home-style cooking techniques.
Executive Chef John Sola gave me a sneak peek of The Daily Grill a few weeks ago. I am eager to try his signature Cobb Salad, which he describes as having "all the ingredients tossed together, not in rows, so that you get the perfect bite every time." But I have a sneaky suspicion that I also may be tempted by some of the other 60-plus items on the menu.
Also on the horizon for Downtown is Circa by John Bragg, Clarksdale's popular Ground Zero Blues Club and a new The Blue Monkey.
Dishes for Wishes
The second annual Dishes for Wishes benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation is 5 to 8 p.m. April 22 at Felicia Suzanne's at 80 Monroe.
Featuring Downtown restaurants Felicia Suzanne's, Spindini, Stella, The Majestic Grille, Automatic Slim's, Lolo's Table, McEwen's on Monroe, The Blue Monkey and The Rendezvous, this unique food celebration will feature revolving foods from downtown's finest chefs every 20 minutes, a one-of-a-kind live auction, and great entertainment.
Tickets to this tasty fund-raiser are $150 per person and can be purchased by calling 680-9474.
A taste of Thailand
Chez Philippe's Chef Reinaldo Alfonso takes us to Thailand this month as part of his series of monthly world dinners. Known for its balance of five flavors -- spicy, salty, sweet, sour and sometimes bitter, the cuisine of Thailand is influenced by the curries of India and the stir-fries of China. The five-course menu will feature such dishes as tom kah gai, som tum, pad ga pow, and the popular pad thai. The dinner is Thursday, April 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. and is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 529-4188.
Cerebral palsy dinner
United Cerebral Palsy is having a fund-raising dinner at Bronte Bistro in Davis-Kidd Booksellers (387 Perkins Road Ext.) to benefit Camp LivitUp.
The prix-fixe dinner is Thursday, beginning with a silent auction at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, which include three courses and one glass of wine, are $65.00 per couple. For reservations, please call Kate Lareau at 761-4277 ext. 1004.
Please share your fabulous food finds and restaurant news with me at jennifer@cookwithjennifer.com
