Last week, Max of Eastman Place quietly introduced a new economically minded lunch special that was so well received, it has been extended through Friday, February 13. In response to the grim economic news that seemingly keeps getting worse by the day, the richly appointed restaurant overlooking Miller Square is offering its "anti-crisis" three-course meal for an incredible price, $5. (Not a misprint! Three courses for $5!) You can look forward to a soup or salad to start and finish up with sweets like mini cupcakes or a rich brownie, but the main course offerings got my full attention. Dishes like New Orleans beans and rice with chicken and sasso ham that will warm you up on these colder days, or comforting penne with a parmesan cheese sauce are among the creative dishes offered. (Note that the menu is fixed per day, and no substitutions are allowed.)

Neil Doran, general manager at Max, says he's been pleased with the response so far, and is just as excited to extend the offer. This special is available weekdays 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and the regular menu also available during those times. Max of Eastman Place is located at 25 Gibbs Street. For more information call 697-0491.

Romantic dinner at Artisan Works

Artisan Works on Blossom Road has long been an instution that celebrates the creative arts, and also offers gorgeous spaces to rent for weddings and corporate parties. Now the sprawling space is hosting an event that is open to the public, and based on the success, may continue with a series of special nights.

On Friday, February 13, Artisan Works will present a Valentine's Eve Dinner Party that promises to be a step up from the regular date night out. You and your sweetheart will get tours of the facility, accompanying live music, and a spread of food including traditional Greek and Indian dishes, along with comforting American and European classics. The food is being prepared by chef Madeline Neville, who owns Madeline's catering and partners with Artisan on many events.

The event runs 7-11 p.m., and tickets cost $125 per couple (for $250 per couple, private rooms are available as well). Call 288-7170 by Friday, February 6, for reservations. Artisan Works is located 565 Blossom Road.

Chilly Chili Challenge

This Sunday, February 8, there's something out in the cold to warm and truly spice up the last dregs of winter. As part of the 25th Annual Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park and the Port of Rochester you can sample the wares at the Chilly Chili Challenge. The chili cook-off features both professional and amateur chili chefs. From noon to 3 p.m., you'll be able to weave your way inside the heated Port of Rochester terminal and taste various chili concoctions. With any good food offering, there should always be a drink nearby. While beer is my usual chili accompaniment, Casa Larga wine will be featured, including an opportunity to taste ice wine. For more information on the event, check out cityofrochester.gov.

Sunday brunch at Simply Crepes

We can think of no better way to pass the rest of these snowy winter Sundays than to sit in the library curled up with a good book - and good food. Since 2005, Simply Crepes has been serving patrons at the downtown Bausch & Lomb public library on South Avenue, and the restaurant has just announced a new Sunday brunch specific to that location. You can expect the usual delicious crepes and other patron favorites, such as the oatmeal creme brulee, in addition to crepes made to order. The regular menu is also served on Sundays, and one of the newer items introduced sounds heavenly: a 36-layer crepe cake with strawberries and cream. For you chocolate lovers, there's a double-chocolate with raspberry cake available as well.

Pierre Heroux, CEO and president of Simply Crepes, says that based on the success of the downtown brunch, the Canandaigua location may start serving this special Sunday treat as well. Brunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and reservations can be made by calling 428-8300. Free parking available at the Court Street garage.

Café Vas follow up

Good news to report for Cafe Vas fans. A few weeks ago in this column I mentioned that the new eatery in the Culver/Merchants neighborhood looked to be closed. Last week I was able to get in touch with owner Vinny Rovitelli, and he assures me that Cafe Vas will be back and even better. The space is going through a facelift, with a kitchen expansion and the addition of a bar. Rovitelli says that he really wanted to build on the success of the first six months, and the remodel is just taking longer than expected. Rovitelli is looking to re-open in the spring, and thinks that beer and wine will be a great addition to the neighborhood cafe. Chow Hound will have more information as the launch gets closer.

Closing

Park Ave eatery Martini Grille has recently closed its doors, much to my martini-loving dismay. As the name would suggest, Martini Grille had an appropriate concentration of unique drinks to complement its solid menu. The coziness of a converted house is something that works so well in a city setting, and we are sad to see this one go. I could not contact owner and chef Jon Venturo by press time, and I will severely miss my Irish martini spot.

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