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May 25, 2013

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LRW Preview: Fine meals not to be missed

A handful of white tablecloth restaurants participate in Local Restaurant Week, providing those who typically stick to casual meals with the opportunity to experience fine dining on a budget. Restaurants that fall within this category are the sort of places I typically choose to visit during LRW because I love to see how fine chefs stretch a dollar while making fabulous food for the hundreds that stream through their doors during this promotion. Often their menus rely upon ingredients that gain flavor through slow cooking processes like braising or sous vide. My choices for today's LRW preview are no exception.

Tabree was at the top of my to-do list during LRW Spring 2012, and it didn't disappoint. In its newer location on Main in Snyder, there is the ability to seat perhaps four times the number of people that could dine in its original Elmwood Avenue location. The big, modern room is flooded with natural daylight, making chef Brenden Haggerty's dishes all the prettier. This year's menu includes a glass of wine and the choice of one of three entrees, which include salmon, braised beef, and classic Coq Au Vin.

Encore, located across the street from Shea's, is well known to the theater crowd, but in casual conversation I am surprised by the number of foodies I come across who are unaware of this great little find. Chef Christopher Daigler, formerly of Oliver's, knows his way around the kitchen and his menu for LRW reflects that. The three-course offering includes a variety of selections. Entrees include the choice of two sushi rolls (yes, they do sushi), chicken stuffed with Asiago and served with risotto, salmon encrusted with macadamia nuts and served over chili and coconut infused rice, a simple steak frites featuring a Flat Iron cut, or buccatini with spinach, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms. Diners will find their entree selection bookended with the choice of soup (Italian Wedding or shrimp bisque) or salad (Caesar or greens with strawberries and chevre), as well as dessert (a slice of chocolate cake or pumpkin cheesecake.) What a deal!

Another option most city-folk may not be familiar with is Protocol. Located on Transit, Protocol is a restaurant often recommended to me by seafood lovers. This busy suburban eatery has created a menu for LRW sure to suit most. One option allows diners to pick from a list of several wines by the bottle being offered at the special $20.12 price. For those looking to enjoy their entire meal at the special LRW price, they have a salad to start with three entree specials, including salmon filet with a horseradish crust, classic shrimp jambalaya, or a porterhouse pork chop. The chef is also taking advantage of a new LRW option, which is to offer an upgrade at an increase. Protocol diners willing to spend $40.12 will have the opportunity to enjoy surf and turf.

 

Check in with us tomorrow for tips on LRW's best burgers!

 

Other posts in this series: "LRW Preview: Make reservations at the new hot spots today."