Restaurant Week Returns to the Nautical Mile

Foodie alert: planning is underway for a second edition of Restaurant Week along the .

Eight restaurants participated in the last August, which attracted large numbers of patrons to the business, marina and dining district, organizers said.

Looking to build on that success, the restaurants have moved the event earlier in the summer to June 1-10.

"It will kick-off the season," said Donna Flaherty, president of the Nautical Mile Merchants Association. "We expect the momentum to continue."

The names of the participating restaurants, dishes and pricing, have not been released by the association, or Real Detroit Weekly, which is helping plan the event.

Last year each restaurant offered a unique menu that allowed diners to choose an appetizer, entree and dessert for $20.

Flaherty expects the number of restaurants to increase, and business owners are looking forward to the return of the event.

"We saw a lot of of new faces who wouldn't have been in our restaurant if it wasn't for restaurant week," said Charlie Raffoul, owner of .

Last year Raffoul was just completing a renovation of his restaurant, and said he is looking forward to showing off the bar area of his restaurant and pita oven this June.

Richard Kohl, owner of , said the 10-day event showed patrons the variety of items on his menu including calamari and ribs.

"People didn't know how good our menu is at Pat O'Brien's," Kohl said.

Along with planning Restaurant Week business owners also discussed holding a wine stroll, where customers could try a variety of wines, and a beer festival. Both events are being considered, and no date has been set.

Additionally, the owners of and the announced their spring opening dates. Mike's will be opening March 20 and the Beach Grill will reopen March 26.

"The restaurants are key to the avenue," Flaherty added. "Other businesses thrive from them."