Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published November 29, 2006 Click here for the current edition Help Santa Duke This Saturday; Eat And Drink Extravagantly Fourteen years ago Chef Duke LoCicero, the owner of Cafe Giovanni, got it in his head to bring an extra measure of cheer to children whose lives were disrupted by severe illness. He asked his customers to bring him toys, and right before Christmas he went around to hospitals and distributed them, with the help of others in the culinary community. In return, he threw a great party. The party is this Saturday night, and you're invited. It starts at 7:30 p.m., December 2. and will feature an endless and cinstantly-changing feast of Duke's best dishes, with cocktails and over thirty wines to sample. Meanwhile, the opera singers and their brilliant accompanist on the piano will provide entertainment. There's no ending time for the event; it's my experience, with Eat Club dinners and other functions, that Chef Duke keeps things happening much later than most. In this case, he has a live DJ coming in for the late shift, and plenty of room for dancing. The price is $75 inclusive, plus a toy. The toy should be a) new, b) unwrapped, and c) worth over $20. (If you don't have time to shop, Chef Duke will happily accept a cash or check donation of $20 or more in lieu of the toy.) To reserve a spot, call 529-2154. Cafe Giovanni is at 117 Decatur Street, just off Canal. Parking is easy: leave your car around the corner at the Marriott Hotel. Cafe Giovanni will validate it down to five dollars. More information and pictures from last year's party and the distribution of the toys to the kids can be found here. © 2006 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com