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Ethnic foods in spotlight  at International Night

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By Joanne Clodfelter, Contributing Writer 8:59 AM Thursday, June 11, 2009

RIVERSIDE — Last week, the Riverside Chamber of Commerce inaugurated International Night, which each month will showcase one of the 19 locally owned, mostly ethnic restaurants in the city by inviting the public to enjoy a meal selected by the owner for no more than $15, including gratuity.

Riverside is home to three Chinese, two Greek, two Mexican, one Japanese, one Eastern European, one Lebanese, and one Italian restaurant. There also are seven American restaurants, excluding fast food.

Akashi Japanese restaurant on Harshman Road was the site of the first meal for about 20 chamber members, city staff and friends. Owner Miko Whigman prepared a meal with soup, salad, and a range of entrees including tempura shrimp, California rolls, soba noodles, and dumplings.

For many, it was their first time at Akashi and their first time eating Japanese food.

Mindy Hilgeford, owner of the Dairy Queen in Riverside, said it was her first visit to Akashi. “It’s been here for 10 years, but this was my first time,” Hilgeford said. “I’d like to come back.”

“I hope everyone comes back,” Whigman said. “This is the first time in 10 years that I’ve had this kind of group. I’m so happy for that. I will follow the chamber to different restaurants because I want to see another restaurant and see how others serve their customers.”

Bob Murray, economic development director for the city of Riverside, said the goal of the meals is to generate business. The chamber works with the restaurant owner to bring in business on a typically slow weeknight.

“We want to support local restaurants during these tough times for everybody,” Murray said. “It’s a nice international experience for everyone on one the restaurant’s slowest days of the week.”

Another goal is to have people experience the best of what the restaurant has to offer, especially for those who have never tried a particular ethnic food.

International Night is open to anyone, but RSVP is required. To get your name on the mailing list, e-mail RSVP@RiversideChamber.com.

Contact this reporter at joanneclodfelter@ameritech.net