2017 Downtown Dining Week ramps up the excitement

If you’re looking to try something new to sate your palate this month, why not check out Edmonton’s Downtown Dining Week?

With 10 days of culinary creativity in fabulous restaurants, led by talented and inspired chefs, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

Created by the Downtown Business Association (DBA) in 2004, Downtown Dining Week has become a highly-anticipated and eagerly awaited celebration for food lovers and restaurants alike, according to DBA marketing manager Katherine Hoy.

“Dining Week keeps getting better every year,” Hoy said. “This year we have 33 restaurants, and six of them are joining us for the first time.”

This year’s new restaurants are Atlas, Bellamy’s Lounge, Crash Lobby Bar, The Hat Resto Pub, Riz Asian Kitchen and Sofra.

“Edmonton has become a destination food city, and many of our finest restaurants are located in the downtown core,” Hoy said. “Dining Week shines a light on all this culinary talent and inspiration, and draws food lovers to these restaurants through unique, specially priced, multicourse meals.”

Many chefs use dining week as an opportunity to experiment with new flavours, combinations and menus. Among this year’s new dishes are pan-fried frog legs at The Marc, arctic char salmoriglio style at Sorrentino’s, and breaded fried baloney at Zinc. In addition, Rosdizado is o˜ering a vegetarian option, while Normand’s Bistro has gluten-free options on the menu.

As Dining Week grows, so does its popularity, Hoy said, adding interest in Downtown Dining Week never really goes away, and often ramps up early every year.

“Even in January we have people asking us, ‘When will the menus be up?’” she said. “They start tweeting early in anticipation about where to dine.”

Over the years, Downtown Dining Week has become a can’tmiss Edmonton event.

“People just love this event,” Hoy said. “Who doesn’t love food? Dining Week is always a good excuse to get together with friends and family for a wonderful meal.

Does Hoy have any advice on how to get the most out of Dining Week?

“Yes. Make reservations early, pace yourself and enjoy the delicious food. Worry about your diet later.”

- Downtown Dining Week runs from March 10-19 at various downtown restaurants. - Restaurateurs serve multicourse meals that save consumers at least 10 per cent over their regular à la carte menu. - Lunch offers a minimum of two courses and costs $15....