AmeriCU and the Downtown Committee Announce

Record Downtown Dining Week(s) for 2010

Program Provides Opportunity to Support Relief Efforts in Haiti

Syracuse, NY - This year, more restaurants than ever before are participating in the highly popular Downtown Dining Week promotion.  Nineteen fine downtown restaurants will offer three-course dinners for $25 or less.  The promotion will run for two weeks, from February 15 through February 27.    Dining Week is coordinated by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse and presented with sponsorship from AmeriCU Credit Union. 

With more restaurants participating, more people will dine out and take advantage of this special offer.  This year, diners will also have an opportunity to make their dining experience meaningful.   Dining Week patrons will have the option to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Red Cross in support of relief efforts in Haiti.  At most restaurants, the donation can simply be added to the dining bill.

"AmeriCU (Credit Union) is so pleased to be part of this program that supports downtown businesses, and now, will help a very worthy cause," said Linda Garboczi, AmeriCU's vice president of member relations and marketing.  "We live in a community that steps up when there is a need, and we expect this effort will prompt a strong demonstration of support."

David Mankiewicz, executive director of the Downtown Committee added, "Dining Week has become an institution - a reason to celebrate the outstanding local food that is part of downtown's fabric.  This year, we're giving them an easy way to help others and experience a great night out at the same time."   

Contributions raised through Downtown Dining Week will help the Red Cross provide critical assistance to this massive humanitarian relief operation.  Support for the thousands of survivors in Haiti takes on many forms, including financial assistance, highly-trained staff, as well as supplies such as, hygiene kits, blankets and water containers.  Red Cross teams from around the world are in Haiti distributing food and water, and providing shelter and basic medical aid.  

"The American Red Cross stands ready to provide further assistance for those affected by this disaster in Haiti and we are grateful to have the support of efforts such as this that brings hope and comfort to those affected by disaster," said Marci Henderson, regional CEO for the American Red Cross. 

Dining Week also supports the downtown economy by increasing traffic and business.  Some downtown restaurant owners report doubling or tripling their normal business during Dining Week and booking reservations weeks in advance.   In 2009, an estimated 25,000 patrons enjoyed Dining Week.

Another benefit being offered during Downtown Dining Week is the opportunity to purchase discount tickets to see Anthony Bourdain at the Landmark Theatre on Thursday, April 22, at 8 p.m.  Bourdain is an internationally acclaimed chef, author, and host of the Travel Channel's "No Reservations."  $25 discount tickets will be available only during Dining Week (from February 15 at 10 a.m. through February 27 at 10 p.m.) by going to ticketmaster.com and entering the Password:  DINING. 

Visit:

www.redcross.org or call 315-234-2200 to learn more about your gift at work.

www.downtownsyracuse.com for a list of participating downtown restaurants and Dining Week menus.

Downtown Dining Week

February 15 - 27, 2010

Participating Downtown Restaurants

Ale 'N Angus Pub                          238 Harrison St.                      426-9672

Anthony's Pasta Bar                      126 E. Genesee St.                  422-4669

bc Restaurant                               247 W. Fayette St.                   701-0636

Bistro Elephant                             238 W. Jefferson St.                475-1111

Black Olive                                  316 S. Clinton St.                     399-5599

Bull & Bear Pub                            125 E. Water St.                      701-3064

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que                      246 W. Willow St.                   476-4937

Empire Brewing Company               120 Walton St.                        475-2337

J. Ryan's Pub                                253 E. Water St.                      399-5533

Kitty Hoyne's Irish Pub                   301 W. Fayette St.                   424-1974

L'Adour                                         110 Montgomery St.               475-7653

Lemon Grass                                 238 W. Jefferson St.                475-1111

The Mission                                   304 E. Onondaga St.               475-7344

Opus                                             218 Walton St.                        701-1351

Pascale Wine Bar & Restaurant         204 W. Fayette St.                   471-3040

Pastabilities                                   311 S. Franklin St.                   474-1153

PJ's Pub & Grill                              116 Walton St.                        478-3023

Syracuse Suds Factory                   320 S. Clinton St.                     471-2253

Wise Guys Restaurant                   201 S. Salina St.                       214-4596

Support for Downtown Dining Week comes from AmeriCU Credit Union, the Downtown Committee, Lemon Grass, the Syracuse New Times, T.J. Sheehan, distributors of Duvel, Dumac Business Systems, and Onondaga Cash Register.