Checkers Downtown

Checkers Downtown Restaurant Review:

In this city of flash and fads, Checkers Downtown stands out as a classic, an oasis of calm civility with compelling food to match and a lovely romantic atmosphere. Originally built in the 1920s, the now-boutique Hilton hotel has been revamped to exude an updated elegance. White tablecloths, sultry lighting and candles lend the evening a charming romance, while at lunch there’s enough gravitas for downtown execs and their business deals. Checkers Downtown boasts a bit of culinary pedigree---it was helmed by Thomas Keller (before The French Laundry and Bouchon). The kitchen (former chef Todd Allison has departed the restaurant) draws on the farmers market for seasonal fare, which may result in a delicate bite of Dungeness crab on a tiny Pink Lady apple, savory roasted cauliflower soup with confit of salmon belly, a succulent seared Maine diver sea scallop with Moro blood orange, or grilled strip loin vying for flavor with abalone mushrooms. On Thursday evenings, the happy hour FOUR is offered in the Checkers Lounge, where inspired seasonal small plates are spotlighted each week (along with handcrafted cocktails) for only $4 apiece.