Decked with a warm mahogany bar, tile-encrusted chandeliers and high arching ceilings, the Townhouse Restaurant and Wine Bar exhibits an air of elegance akin to its not-so-distant neighbor, the Lyric Opera House.

Start your meal by getting acquainted with the drink menu. The knowledgeable wait staff will help you select one of Townhouse's specialty martinis, margaritas, mojitos or perhaps a glass of international beer or wine. Drinks range from $7-$10.

Next enjoy an appetizer such as ahi tacos or white bean bruschetta. Or opt for a salad, like the incredibly aromatic warm shitake mushroom bread salad or the tart, shaved apple salad served with sweet sunflower seed brittle and cider vinaigrette. As for entrees, the mustard-rubbed and marinated flat-iron steak will easily steal the title of favorite; it comes thinly sliced, nestled against an asiago cheese polenta and served with tempura-fried broccolini. Though you might be won over by one of the house specials of the day, such as a pan-roasted chicken breast in orecchiette pasta with light alfredo sauce, diced butternut squash, broccolini and tomatoes. Appetizers run between $8-$13, and entrees average $10-$20.

End your meal with the grand marnier chocolate cherry cake, pistachio cheesecake or just a fine cup of coffee and you'll leave this place happy, with a promise to return soon.

Centerstage Reviewer: Colin Douglas