Second Dine Around a big success

Date: 11/3/2008

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD The Springfield Business Improvement District (BID) will be making the "Downtown Dine Around" a twice a year event thanks to the turnout on Wednesday night.

For the second time this year, nine participating restaurants located in the BID welcomed in groups of diners to sample dishes from their menu. And this event drew 370 participants, more than then first event, according to Sarah Fitzgerald, the BID's public relations and marketing manager.

The participating restaurants -- the 360 Grill, Currents, Virtuoso, Montenia's, McCafferty's Pub, Caf Lebanon, the Student Prince, Sitar and Shakago -- all offered sample plates from their menu as well as complimentary beverages.

Groups started at each restaurant and then moved to another every 40 minutes or so.

The reactions from the participants were positive, Fitzgerald said, who acted as the leader for one of the nine groups.

"All around people were very impressed," she said.

This reporter was in one of the groups, which included several people who identified themselves as not from the city. Fitzgerald said there were a number of people who either were not Springfield residents or who worked in the downtown area but had never taken the time to see what the area has to offer for restaurants.

There were also people who wanted to "test out what's in my own backyard," she said.

For establishments better known for their drink than food, such as Shakago, Fitzgerald noted the Dine Around was a chance to introduce their menus to potential patrons.

She said the restaurants were also happy with the turnout and with the reception from the diners.

Fitzgerald said she anticipates the next Dine Around will be in the spring, so the restaurants can feature their spring menus.