Restaurant Updates

Here's some of the latest on the local restaurant scene.

The owners of the under-construction restaurant at 2902 Central (site of the old CDK Mortgage) advise that they hope to be open in a few weeks. The restaurant will feature "Greek food," such as gyros.

Ownership of the successful Bluestone at 1932 Central confirms plans to move east of the tracks, to the site of the former transmission shop, but that move remains about a year away. Current plans are that a Mexican restaurant will open on the Bluestone site.

During my last visit to Jacky's Bistro at 2545 Prairie, just off Central, I was asked what I thought about being open on the 4th, when they're normally closed. Seemed like a good idea, especially since this last long winter was rough on the dining industry. They've decided to go with it, and the restaurant will be open for dinner only, from 5-9 pm, in between the parade and the fireworks. In addition to the full regular Jacky's menu they'll offer a special 3-course fixed-price all-American-theme dinner (including your choice of BBQ entrees, and either ice cream or apple pie for dessert) for $29.95.

If you have never had a milk shake at Prairie Joe's, 1921 Central, you have missed out on one of the neighborhood's treasures. It is a meal in itself. I took a visiting rock band there and the drummer pronounced it the best shake he'd ever had, which was saying something.

With the luscious weather lately, both the interiors and sidewalk cafes of Bluestone and Jacky's have been packed. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the experience of some Central Street dining at least once this summer.