By Shelby Clark
Birmingham's annual Restaurant Week, running Jan. 27-31 and Feb. 3-7, will again feature some of the best restaurants bets in town. Three-course lunches will be $15; three-course run $30. Portions of the events proceeds will go to charity. Last year, the week-long event raised nearly $4,000 for Forgotten Harvest.
A silent auction will be offered at various locations throughout the event, with further proceeds going to benefit the Beaumont Hospital's Charles Main Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund. The charity helps young cancer survivors pursue advanced education and honors achievements made by both former and current pediatric cancer patients of the hospital.
Foodies can expect to find delicious and diverse entries during the event. French and Euro-inspired fare can be found at What Crepe? on 172 N. Old Woodward Ave. The bistro brings sweet and savory crepes, soups and salads. The restaurant offers many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Mediterranean food is plentiful at Elie's Mediterranean Cuisine and Salvatore Scallopini. Elie's specializes in Lebanese dishes such as hummus, stuffed grape leaves and other Middle Eastern dishes. Located at 263 Pierce St., Elie Mondalek and his wife, Tracy, have run the business for 16 years.
Salvatore Scallopini, named "Best Italian Restaurant" by the Detroit News in 2005, brings fresh-made pasta and other Italian specialties to restaurant week. The Italian eatery is located at 505 N. Old Woodward Ave.
For those craving seafood, Streetside Seafood (273 Pierce St.), open since 1995, features seafood from both the Atlantic and Pacific, as well the "lakes and streams of the Midwest."
Further American cuisine includes The Stand Gastro Bistro (34977 Woodward Ave.), a modern American establishment featuring fresh, local and organic ingredients. The business prides itself on its knowledgeable and courteous staff.
Rojo Mexican Bistro serves as the lone Mexican cuisine during the event, bringing both new and authentic dishes at 250 E. Merrill.
Fleming's (323 N. Old Woodward Ave.) restaurant week menu includes Filet Mignon, Breast of Chicken, or Barbecue Scottish Salmon accompanied by either a Fleming Salad or Seasonal Soup. Finish the meal with an assortment of fresh dessert choices at the steakhouse and wine bar.
Nearly 20 eateries are participating in this year's Birmingham Restaurant Week. Menus for other restaurants will be posted online closer to the event.
For more information on Birmingham's Restaurant Week, call 248-530-1200 or visit http://www.birminghamrestaurantweek.org. The event's Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/EnjoyBirminghamNOW.
