Great Plates - One More Reason To Support Local Restaurants
The Greater Lowell Chamber’s new Downtown Lowell Business Committee is presenting Great Plates, a fixed-price menu selection at participating local downtown restaurants, featuring an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. Not that I need an excuse to forgo my normal frozen dinner lunch or sandwich at the office for a restaurant-cooked meal! This special promotion will take place from Sunday, February 15 through Saturday, February 28.
The restaurants who are participating are the Athenian Corner, Blue Taleh, Centro, Caffe Paradiso, Cobblestones, La Boniche, Life Alive, Old Court, Ole, Ricardo’s Café Trattoria and Tabocas Steakhouse (the newly opened Brazilian restaurant at 26 Andover St).
If you opt for a Great Plate, “you will be entered to win gift certificates from the participating Great Plates restaurants! Eat and be entered as many times as you can!” (Oh god, I’m in trouble now…)
Neat idea for a business promo program, and I look forward to working my way through my fave restaurants hoping to get a gift certificate to my fave restaurants. 
Economic downturn? Nevah! Let’s support our local businesses as much as we are able!
February 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I’m very interested in sampling some of the Great Plates dishes but I’d love to see what on the meunu - the flyer directs you to the Chamber’s website for menus, but I’m not finding any. Am I missing something or are they not there? If I’m not missing a big link that says MENUS (entirely possible), does anyone have any idea of where I could preview what’s being offered?
February 9th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Though it is not part of this campaign I can advocate for the new Village Smokehouse on Middle St. If you like BBQ (and I do) its top notch. Two visits with my family, so far the food was excellent and I couldn’t finish the portions. A serious drink menu too.
Since many of the chains are downsizing portions (Outback) or closing (On the Border) why wouldn’t you stay local? There isn’t much you can’t find in downtown these days. I’ve been a repeat diner at Athenian, Cobblestone and Ricardo’s and never had a bad meal there either. I’ve also heard great things about Centro and Life Alive.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
The only thing that’s missing here, Tryin, is Indian, since the Indian place downtown closed.
There’s other great local Indian fare though…that south Indian vegetarian place near University Music on Middlesex by the Roarke is really good.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
True, Bombay Mahal closed up last week after a long run in business. I’ve been told the Kebab Restaurant on outer Westford St has decent Indian food if you’re in the mood for it.
February 9th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
These methods of showcasing local businesses are important, and should be done on a regular basis.
The soup competition at Winterfest is a good example. I was able to both sample soup and talk to the owner/staff.
The Great Plates program should not be a one time event.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Great Plates is a great idea. Hope it works well and restaurants consider a regular/seasona thing.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Oh - Marianne - sorry, meant to respond to you as well, I don’t see them either, it’s not just you.