The economy did not keep people from eating out during dining week in Syracuse. The event wrapped up Saturday night and if you weren't able to take part don't worry, there are still deals to be had.
"It's gone so well our restaurant Pascale is going to extend it through the entire month of March in lieu of the fact that the economy is not good, the weather's not exciting, people are out in droves all through downtown and it's been a positive thing for downtown," says Neil Pascale of Pascale Wine Bar and Restaurant.
This year 17 restaurants took part. People could dine at restaurants like Ambrosia and pay $25 for a three course meal. Pascale Wine Bar and Restaurant stepped up the competition by lowering the price to $20. For the restaurants it provides a stream of customers during what would otherwise be a slow time after the holidays. Usually dining week is one week but this year it was extended to two weeks.
"I think what it did was spread it out a little bit instead of having 1 fantastic week we've had 2 very good weeks and I think it's been fantastic. I think it was all I could expect," says General Manager of Ambrosia Dean Stewart.
Even though dining week is over the specials also continue at Ambrosia with half price sushi nights Monday and Thursday as well as other deals. Restaurants know if they want to keep people eating out in a tough economy, they have to make the meal that much sweeter.
