On Wednesday, September 17, 2014, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick will hold ribbon cutting ceremonies for newly-opened eateries on and around the Ithaca Commons.

At 4:45 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Red’s Place at 107 North Aurora Street (next to Ithaca Ale House). Red’s Place is a dining pub featuring flavors from all around the world and a laid-back atmosphere with reclaimed wood, lighting fixtures, and other architectural elements from Ithaca’s past. Says proprietor BJ Bliss, “We chose downtown Ithaca for our new restaurant project because we know that a vibrant downtown helps the entire community. We feel that the downtown restaurant world is one of the best in the country and we are proud and excited to call it home.”

At 5:00 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Gorgers Taco Shack at 111B The Commons (next to Casablanca Pizzeria). Gorgers will be offering a variety of fusion tacos that change on a daily basis. They will be open for lunch seven days a week and until 2:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Says proprietor Matthew Diamond, “We give the bar crowd a quality option on the Commons after closing time. In keeping with the Gorgers tradition, we will be serving only the freshest ingredients; we are currently sourcing organic tomatoes, tomatillos, and other vegetables for our tacos.”

At 5:15 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Sacred Root Kava Lounge and Tea Bar at 139 West State Street (in the Cornell Daily Sun building). Sacred Root is Ithaca’s newest nightlife alternative, serving kava – a traditional and relaxing ceremonial elixir from the South Pacific – as well as a diverse selection of organic and local teas, coffees, and desserts. They will be open from 4:00 PM until midnight Monday through Saturday. Says proprietor Judi Galgoczy, “We are a downtown destination and gathering place filled with artistry and an uplifting positive vibration, surrounded by visually and sonically stimulating elements.”

Local gourmands will also want to take note of Le Café Cent-Dix, the classic French bistro at 110 North Aurora Street that opened earlier this year. Stop in to sample from their rotating Plats du Jour and their extensive selection of French and Finger Lakes wines.

All of Downtown Ithaca’s ribbon cuttings are free and open to the public.