For $30, get a taste of downtown Wheaton's eateries

Samplings from more than a dozen restaurants in downtown Wheaton will be available under one roof Thursday during the Downtown Wheaton Association's second annual In Good Taste Toast.

The toast, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at Toms-Price Home Furnishings, 303 E. Front St., is the kickoff event for the city's In Good Taste Restaurant Week, which runs from Feb. 27 to March 8.

"It's a fun evening," said Paula Barrington, executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association. "It's a great way to encourage people to try new restaurants they haven't been to before. It's a chance to showcase all of them ... and create top of the mind awareness that downtown Wheaton is a dining destination."

Tickets are $30 a person and include admission, unlimited tastings and one beverage. They are available online at www.downtownwheaton.com or at the door the night of the event. They also can be purchased at the Downtown Wheaton Association office, 108 E. Wesley St.

"People are very excited," Barrington said, adding that ticket sales already are expected to exceed the 100 or so that were sold last year.

Participating restaurants and samplings include:

• Adelle's Fine American Fare - Lobster bisque;

• Il Sogno Ristorante - Chicken Vesuvio with grilled beets, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts;

• Muldoon's Eatery - Mini Reuben sandwiches and pub sticks;

• The Cellar Bistro - Bruschetta and creamy polenta;

• Suzette's Creperie - Alsace-inspired dishes, including onion tarts and sausages;

• Brick's Wood Fired Pizza - several pizza selections;

• Ivy Restaurant - Asian pork belly skewers;

• Wok N' Fire - Colorful and artistically arranged platters of appetizers;

• Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream - Hand-dipped chocolates;

• PampleMousse Bakery - French macaroons and pastries;

• Kilwins - Signature chocolates;

• Tasting DeVine - Selection of fine wines;

• Dry City Brew Works - Locally brewed craft beers;

• River City Roasters - Fresh brewed coffees;

• and Serene Teaz - Popular wintertime teas.

One soon-to-be opened restaurant, Gia Mia Pizza Bar, will feature a preview of offerings from its appetizer and pizza menu, Barrington said. The business is scheduled to open in March at 106 N. Hale St.

"There's a really good variety," Barrington said. "You can go around that room several times and be quite satisfied. There's everything from sweet to savory."

Aside from food, live jazz music will be featured and guests will be invited to browse the store's showrooms. Prairie Path Books, which is located in the store, also will be open.

"The thing about the event is not only can you sample different restaurant options, but it's a good opportunity to socialize and network," Barrington said.

"This time of year, certainly, people have been cooped up for a number of months with the weather," she said. "People, I think, are anxious to have an excuse to get out, socialize and enjoy themselves."

Restaurants in downtown Wheaton will offer dinner specials and highlight new items on their menus during restaurant week. Details are still being finalized, but some examples include 20 percent of wines at Suzette's and the introduction of Easter favorites, such as cream-filled chocolate eggs, at Graham's.