Downtown Dining Notes

The new lunch menu features sandwiches and entrees as well as small plates and salads. All sandwiches are served with Proof fries or a green salad, including the Yellowfin Tuna Panini with eggplant caponata, arugula and Cacio de Roma ($12) and the Bison Pastrami Sandwich with caramelized spaghetti squash ($10). Entrees include Spaghettini "Campanese" with San Marzano tomato, basil and ricotta salata ($14); Pan Roasted Trout with wax beans, almonds and brown butter ($18); and Chicken Milanese with arugula salad and grilled lemon ($16). A new midday feature is the daily lunch special, with entrees ranging from Raviolo Al Uovo with sage brown butter (Tuesdays, $13); to Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with Proof fries and sirachi crema (Thursday, $18); and Duck Confit Pizzette with grapes, Gorgonzola and roasted garlic (Fridays, $13).

New dinner entrees include Fried Soft Shell Crab Risotto with ramps, parmesan and lemon ($30); New Zealand King Salmon with citrus roasted endive, hazelnut and pancetta ($28); and Smoked Amish Chicken with spicy lettuce and bread salad, scallions, pine nuts and currants ($20). A selection of in-house cured meats and relishes is also offered.

Specialties on the newly expanded Proof bar menu are listed in three categories: Hearth, Antipasti and Snacks.  Hearth selections include Octopus Bagna Càuda with parsley, garlic and oregano ($13); Mushroom Pizzete with fontina, leeks, ramps and chervil ($14); and Tripe "Parmigiana" with San Marzano tomato and fettunta ($10).  The Proof Antipasti list includes a selection of relishes, charcuterie and cheese. Diners can order a la carte or create a tasting platter of their favorites. Several snacks round out the bar offerings, including Sunchoke Soup with cauliflower, shiitake and crema ($7); Soft Shell Crab with pine nuts and watercress ($15); and the Proof Bison Burger with bacon, cheddar and jezebel sauce ($14).

I finally, finally, finally had a meal at Proof last week and I enjoyed it very much. I won't do a full "review" of it because my meal was comped but I plan to go back sometime very soon on my own nickel and will write about my experiences. In advance of that I will tell you however that I was there for lunch and had the Bison Burger and it was great. I really enjoy Bison burgers and the one I had at Proof was excellent. So if you go before I have time to go back and experience Proof again I feel comfortable recommending that you order the Bison burger if burgers are your thing.

Park Place on Main is doing some cool things to celebrate spring/summer. I'm particularly interested in the 3 courses for $30 deal and the Farmers Market dinners. I say let's get a group of cool people together to share a table and a bunch of family style side dishes. I'm open tonight. Who's in? Oh wait the deals don't start until next week. OK who's in for next week?

Start your week with real savings as chef Denham is offering a three-course meal for only $30! Guests can choose from anything on the menu including the salads, appetizers, entrées, or desserts. Have each course paired with wine for an additional $10.

Come check out the bar plates and new ball park menu. Chef Denham will be sending out complimentary samples from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays for bar guests. This is in addition to Whiskey Wednesdays which means all bourbon flights are $5 off.

Bring the entire household and sit down to a Farmers Market Family-Style Meat and 3 Dinner on Thursdays. The cost is $20 per person and includes a choice of an entrée and three family-style sides for the table. Additional sides are available a la carte. Enjoy your family's company while dining on the freshest produce brought in by local farmers.