Immediate Gratification Or Prolonged Pleasure - Chef Todd Allison's New Culinary Options At Checkers Downtown

Los Angeles, March 11, 2010 - Checkers Downtown (www.checkersdowntown.com), located in the heart of Los Angeles' Downtown financial district, is launching two distinct dining options: a three-course Rush Hour Menu, served during prime traffic hours to give Downtown workers the opportunity to wait out traffic while enjoying a well-priced, gourmet dining experience; as well as a sophisticated Five-Course Tasting Menu, served nightly for a more leisurely and indulgent culinary journey.

Checkers' Rush Hour prix fixe menu, priced at $39 per person, is served daily from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Professionals leaving the office can now avoid the worst of Los Angeles' infamous traffic while enjoying a fine dining experience at unbeatable prices. Choosing from multiple options, guests can enjoy appetizers such as Grilled Local Calamari, Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna or Rock Shrimp & Saffron Risotto; entrees including Harissa-Rubbed Alaskan Halibut, Grilled Colorado Lamb Loin or Downtown Braised Shortrib 'Potpie'; and dessert selections including Flourless Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Bean Cr�me Brulee or Gourmet Ice Cream and Sorbet.

For those with no "rush" in mind, the Five-Course Tasting menu, priced at $70 per person, is an ideal opportunity to experience this vibrant young chef's culinary chops. Changing regularly based upon market availability, seasons and whim, the tasting menu takes diners on an ever-evolving epicurean adventure. The current tasting menu features Japanese Yellowtail Crudo, Baby Candy-Striped Beet Salad, Pan-Seared John Dory, Grilled Colorado Lamb Loin, and Organic Espresso Chocolate Pot de Cr�me. The tasting menu is served until 9 pm, seven days a week. Menu updates will be posted on www.checkersdowntown.com.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Todd Allison, Checkers Downtown has been subtly entering the competitive Downtown dining market with elegant interpretations of French and Mediterranean cuisine showcasing eclectic California ingredients. As Michael Mina's sous chef at Aqua at the St. Regis Monarch Beach and James Boyce's chef de cuisine at Studio at Montage Resort & Spa, Allison honed his skills under exacting leaders with distinct styles. At Checkers Downtown, Chef Todd has created a menu style that is both independent and traditional. In keeping with the restaurant's historic appeal but with an eye to Downtown's current hot-spot status, Chef Todd is serving exciting takes on culinary classics.

About Checkers Downtown:
Within easy walking distance of Los Angeles' theatre district, shops and nightlife, Checkers Downtown can be found in the historic Hilton Checkers hotel. Dating back to the 1920s, the building has been fully restored to its original splendor and offers one of the area's best examples of period architecture. Checkers Downtown restaurant and lobby lounge are open daily. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the lobby lounge serves small bites and cocktails nightly. Reservations can be made by calling 213-624-0000 or online at www.checkersdowntown.com. Checkers Downtown is located at 535 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif. 90071. Valet parking is available. Follow the restaurant on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CheckersDowntown or Twitter: @checkersdt.


About Hilton Checkers:
Hilton Checkers Los Angeles is a historic, boutique hotel that has been fully restored to its original 1920s splendor. Its 15 stories offer extensive hotel luxuries combined with an intimate ambiance and personalized service. The hotel features 188 newly remodeled guestrooms with contemporary furnishings and amenities, more than 3,300 square feet of new meeting and event space, a stunning rooftop deck which showcases a breathtaking view of the Los Angeles skyline, and the award-winning Checkers Do