This Just In: Area Restaurants to Hold Katrina Benefits

Information posted on DonRockwell.com, a DC-area food and dining blog, indicates that over the next several weeks, the Neighborhood Restaurant Group (consisting of Vermilion, Tallula & Evening Star Cafe) will be holding a number of fundraising events to aid in relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

The group is planning a number of different opportunities for patrons and employees to contribute to the overall donation to the American Red Cross.

Fundraising events planned include:

Total Sales Donation Night - September 7
A percentage of total sales from Tallula, Vermilion & Evening Star Cafe will be donated to the cause.

Sweet Tribute - September 5-11
50% of sales from all desserts sold during the week will be donated

Taste of the French Quarter--Dates TBA
Tallula and Evening Star Cafe will bring a taste of the French Quarter to Virginia with a tribute to the famous Cafe Du Monde. Beignets and hot coffee will be served with 100% of proceeds going to the fund.

Check Donations - Month of September
Guests will be given the opportunity to contribute to the American Red Cross on top of their check. Those who wish to contribute to the fund can indicate a desired donation amount on a card enclosed with the bill. That amount will then be added to their bill.

Donations will also be collected during the live music performances throughout September at Vermilion and the Evening Star Cafe. Visit the website for Vermilion and Evening Star for live music schedules.

Planet Wine will also be collecting donations at both shops.

**Also, the employees working the lunch and dinner shifts at Vermilion on Labor Day have pledged to donate at least 50% of their tips from the day to the American Red Cross. So plan to celebrate Labor Day at Vermilion and tip BIG to help out your fellow man (PS--the food is damn tasty too!)

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Brickskeller and RFD
For the entire month of September, 5% of all draught beer sales at both the Brickskeller and RFD Washington will be donated to the Red Cross to help those affected by Katrina. The Brickskeller and RFD Washington will match those totals collected from draught beer sales and double the contribution.

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Acadiana Po-Boy Benefit
Area blogs have reported that Acadiana, the new Cajun/Creole themed dining destination (I'm excited about this one!!) from Executive Chef Jeff Tunks and the team that brought DC Ten Penh, Ceiba, and DC Coast has a benefit in the works.

On the opening day of Acadiana, September 12, Tunks and other area chefs including Robert Wiedmaier, Michel Richard, Roberto Donna, and Cesare Lanfranconi, to name a few, will make brown bag carry-out po'boys (meat or seafood) all day, for a donation of $25 each.

Acadiana
901 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001

For more information:
Simone Rathlé - Headquarters for PoBoy Power
(800) 496-1733/(703) 534-8100/(703) 534-8102
simonepr@aol.com / simoneink@aol.com