If you've strolled through downtown Syracuse recently, you may have noticed the arrival or ongoing construction of several new restaurants. It's a part of the area's continued growth and as Elizabeth Jeneault explains, many are hoping it will be noticed during an upcoming event.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In just a few short weeks, downtown will be flooded with people checking out what it's like to live there.
"Once a year, we open the doors to a variety of different types of condos and apartments," said Merike Treier, who is on the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. "So, it gives you a great feel of the urban lifestyle. Plus, you get to try out all these new restaurants."
The committee said the area's population increased by about 10 percent in just the last year. And to feed all those residents, a number of new dining options have popped up.
"I was actually having lunch with someone last week who hadn't been downtown since probably last season and was surprised to see the transformation," said Treier.
One of those new restaurants held its soft opening Monday night. Like other recently opened establishments, The York has set out to offer a unique twist on food.
"You see a lot of restaurants and staple establishments that have been in business for a very long time here and are very good at what they do, but they are very true to just one specific type of cuisine," said Danny Vault, the restaurant's owner.
As a Central New York native who worked away from Syracuse for years, Vault said he's proud to have returned and to be a part of the growing modern food movement in the city.
"Coming back and being able to do it from an ownership perspective is exciting," said Vault.
Leaders hope the recent arrival of unique places to eat impresses those who take the Downtown Living Tour. They say there simply can never be enough interest in living, working, eating and playing there.
The tour will be held on May 16 and tickets can be purchased here.