DonRocks Posted September 4, 2005 Share Posted September 4, 2005 I urge everyone on this website to attend this event, Monday, September 12th, from 11 until 3. These are our city's culinary leaders gathering to drum up support for an outstanding cause, and it's our job as the dining community to step forward and pony up. Cheers, Rocks. Culinary Fundraiser for New Orleans Refugees Monday, September 12 A group of high-profile chefs and restaurateurs here in Washington is donating its time, food, and energy to raise money for New Orleans, in sympathy with all the victims of Hurricane Katrina, especially their fellow food and restaurant workers who have lost their livelihoods and so much more. We’re hoping the movement will go national. We’re doing it with Po’ Boys, the beloved New Orleans sandwich. Here’s our rallying cry: “PO’ BOY POWER - Dress New Orleans Again!” At any New Orleans po’ boy joint, you order your oyster or roast beef sandwich “dressed” – with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and hot sauce. Our goal is to raise money, not just to revive the city, but to bring it back as good as it can possibly be – “dressed.” Acadiana restaurant, a Louisiana-style fish house opening this September, right in the heart of the nation’s capital, will become the po’ boy headquarters of the fundraising effort. On September 12, from 11 am-3 pm, Chef Jeff Tunks and his chef friends Robert Wiedmaier (Marcel’s), Michel Richard (Citronelle), Roberto Donna(Galileo), Ris Lacoste (1789), Cesare Lanfranconi (Tosca), Frank Morales (Zola), Todd Gray (Equinox), Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve), RJ Cooper (Vidalia), John Besh (Restaurant August, New Orleans), Jeff Buben (Vidalia and Bistro Bis), Kevin Scott (New Orleans Bistro), John Wabeck (Firefly), to name a few, will make brown bag carry-out po’ boys (Shrimp Remoulade and Roast Beef) for a donation of $25 each. Additional donations are welcome. Look for the banner on 901 New York Avenue that says “Po’ Boy Pickup.” Come stand in line and get ’em to go! “There is no question. This food is what we know and love, these people are who we care about, and this is what we can do to help,” says Tunks. His ties to New Orleans are strong – he lived for four years there – even got married there – and, most recently, “I was just down there, getting to know local purveyors, farmers, and fishermen who were to supply Acadiana. We’ve been in constant contact all summer. Now they’re just gone.” The first food donors on board are Congressional Seafood and Dairy Land. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be given to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (established by Governor Kathleen Blanco). The Foundation will also receive a percentage of Acadiana’s profits for its first month of operation, as well as generous donations of the servers’ tips. As a New Orleans native and long-time culinary industry professional, I know first-hand how the disastrous hurricane has affected my family, their homes, and businesses. New Orleans’ legendary cuisine, such a tremendously important part of the city’s industry and economy, has always been the lifeblood of countless food-service workers, from busboys to restaurateurs – who have now lost everything. Acadiana, 901 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 For more information: Simone Rathlé 800.496.1733 -- 703. 534. 8100 -- 703.534.8102 simonepr@aol.com or simoneink@aol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted September 8, 2005 Author Share Posted September 8, 2005 Here's an update on the Acadiana fundraiser next Monday: I hope to see some of you guys there! Rocks --- PO' BOY POWER Dress New Orleans Again! At any New Orleans po' boy joint, you order your oyster or roast beef sandwich "dressed" - with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and hot sauce. Also, its name derived in the 1900s when the impoverished youth asked, "Please give a sandwich to a po' boy." That was the only meal they had for the day. How relevant that is to what is happening today. Our goal is to raise money, not just to revive the city, but to bring it back as good as it can possibly be - "dressed." Acadiana restaurant, a Louisiana-style fish house opening this September, right in the heart of the nation's capital, will become the po' boy headquarters of the fundraising effort. On September 12th, from 11 am- 3 pm, Chef Jeff Tunks (DC Coast, TenPenh, Ceiba and Acadiana) and his chef friends Robert Wiedmaier (Marcel's), Michel Richard (Citronelle), Roberto Donna (Galileo), Ris Lacoste (1789), Cesare Lanfranconi (Tosca), Frank Morales (Zola), Todd Gray (Equinox), Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve), RJ Cooper (Vidalia), John Besh (Restaurant August, New Orleans), Jeff Buben (Vidalia and Bistro Bis), Kevin Scott (New Orleans Bistro), John Wabeck (Firefly), Bryan Voltaggio (Charlie Palmer Steak DC), Christophe Poteaux (Aquarelle at the Watergate Hotel), Robert Weland (Poste Moderne Brasserie), Douglas Anderson (Seasons at The Four Seasons Hotel), Brian Kenny (Red Sage), Eric Ziebold (CityZen), and Andrew Evans (The Inn at Easton), to name a few, will make brown bag carry-out po' boys (Shrimp Remoulade and Roast Beef) for a donation starting at $25 per po' boy, or you can give more! Look for the banner on 901 New York Avenue that says "Po' Boy Pick-up." Come stand in line and get 'em to go! Please call Simone Rathlé for details and please contact us if you can get involved: (703) 534-8100 - (703) 534-8102 - (800) 496-1733 simonepr@aol.com or simoneink@aol.com "There is no question. This food is what we know and love, these people are who we care about, and this is what we can do to help," says Tunks. His ties to New Orleans are strong - he lived for four years there - even got married there - and, most recently, "I was just down there, getting to know local purveyors, farmers, and fishermen who were to supply Acadiana. We've been in constant contact all summer. Now they're just gone." The first food donors on board are Congressional Seafood and Dairy Land. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be given to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (established by Governor Kathleen Blanco). As a New Orleans native and long-time culinary industry professional, I know first-hand how the disastrous hurricane has affected my family, their homes, and businesses. New Orleans' legendary cuisine, such a tremendously important part of the city's industry and economy, has always been the lifeblood of countless food-service workers, from busboys to restaurateurs - who have now lost everything. Help us get the word out. Help Dress New Orleans AGAIN! Thanks y'all! Acadiana, 901 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, (202) 408-8848 or donate directly to: Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, Inc. c/o Division of Administration 1201 North Third Street Suite 7-240 PO Box 94095 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095 Tax ID No. 20-3399944 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simone Sez Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 We're hoping lots of people will come out, eat po' boys, and help the relief effort. The reason we have 21 top chefs clamoring to make po' boys is that New Orleans was such an important culinary center, and we all feel the loss. We love the food, we care about the people in our industry, and this is what we can do to help. - Po' Boy Power Committee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia R Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Making my lunch plans and trying to figure out a good place to eat this carry-out. Best to avoid eating while driving and earning a Thank You Note from my drycleaner. Map shows a park nearby - any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oliveDC Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 The City Museum grounds, on Mt. Vernon Square, are directly across the street and are pretty nice and grassy. Acadiana had some outdoor seating at the opening party, though I'm guessing that area might be somewhat of a madhouse tomorrow (in a good way). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeMc Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Can someone please write the play by play of this, so those of us who can't go can hear how wonderful it was? Those of us who teach high school in virginia bet. 11 and 3 can only donate our contributions in a box that's graffitti'ed in big bubble letters that read, "Fight the Flood", no po'boy included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Just got back in with my roast beef po'boy - unsurprisingly, it's very good. When I picked it up at 11:10, there were an awful lot of people making sandwiches and very few people picking them up - if you weren't already planning on going, make some time and go. It's a good sandwich, and it's for a good cause. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted September 12, 2005 Author Share Posted September 12, 2005 Back from the front lines: they take cash, checks and credit cards (tax deductible (you'll get a donation receipt) and payable to "Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, Inc."). The shrimp salad Po' Boy is huge, stuffed with shrimp, and comes with a bag of Route 11 sweet potato chips. They're open until 3 PM, and are set up for quick, brown-bag distribution. You guys still have three hours left - go, go, go! Cheers, Rocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TedE Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 'Tis indeed an excellent sandwich (shrimp). Got there at 11:30 and there were only a handful of follks waiting. Looks like many were putting in big orders which is a good sign. Get thee down for a po' boy post haste! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 For those of you thinking of driving, there seems to be ample parking on K street west of 9th. And K street and that point is one-way going west and 9th st. is one-way going south. Bring a couple of quarters for the meter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Philanthropical bliss. Get your po' boy, it's delish!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Had my shrimp Po' Boy (very good) sitting on a bench at the corner of 9th and New York around 11:30. There were a bunch of taxi cabs dropping people off and it was great to see that people were heading over to help contribute. Hillvalley -- They had Fiji water available for an extra $5 donation. If you are contemplating going, GO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Keep the reports rolling in... I didn't think I had time for this today but the raves have made me think I should make the time. How are the lines, those of you who have recently returned? Jael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCJono Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Keep the reports rolling in... I didn't think I had time for this today but the raves have made me think I should make the time. How are the lines, those of you who have recently returned? Jael The whole process took less than 10 minutes for me at 11:50. Maybe three dozen people in two lines (one for CC and one for cash). I bought both the shrimp and roast beef and just finished the roast beef and will nibble on the shrimp the rest of the afternoon. Both sandwiches are quite yummy. Definitely worth it. They even included a baby bottle of Tabasco. I'm kicking myself, tho, that I didn't peer inside the windows at the restuarant. When is it supposed to open? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Hey, I didn't see any of you peeps at Acadiana! You have 2 hours left to grab one of these babies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 I'm kicking myself, tho, that I didn't peer inside the windows at the restuarant. When is it supposed to open? It looked great in there. They open tonight. I have a copy of the menu. Perhaps I'll take a picture of it and post it in the Acadiana thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 The whole process took less than 10 minutes for me at 11:50. Maybe three dozen people in two lines (one for CC and one for cash). I bought both the shrimp and roast beef and just finished the roast beef and will nibble on the shrimp the rest of the afternoon. Both sandwiches are quite yummy.Definitely worth it. They even included a baby bottle of Tabasco. I'm kicking myself, tho, that I didn't peer inside the windows at the restuarant. When is it supposed to open? http://amandamc.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyani Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Fyi- They only have roast beef left at this point (as of 12:45)- so head over soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Don't overlook the mini bottle of Tabasco sauce hidden deep in the bag under the napkin and chips. I missed my chance to use it. Actually it's a good souvenior, a desk charm (or perhaps a mace of sorts). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoganCircle Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 (edited) The shrimp was gone by 12:33, when I bought my five. Just learned the hard way that our CEO doesn't eat beef. Whoops. Edit: there were probably 15 people in the credit card line and 20 in the cash line when I was there. The process was very quick. Edited September 12, 2005 by LoganCircle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 (edited) I bumpbed into Cathal Armstrong at the door and he told me that they had made 1 thousand sandwiches for today's event. At $25/per, that works out to $25,000 for the relief effort. I got the impression that they would be able to make more if need be. So, the reports of being out of the shrimp version might be accurate but only temporary. edited to add: And he also told me to bring my appettite on Thursday evening. Edited September 12, 2005 by Jacques Gastreaux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Here's hopin'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 yup, picked up a roast beef at around 12.30 - sad to have missed the shrimp decent sandwich - tabasco gave it a bit of zing you can also buy t-shirts for an additional $25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oliveDC Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 There's no more shrimp. The chefs were done, and Simone sounded like the sandwiches had gone so quickly, they may not last til 3! She said they'd already gone through 1,200. Sounds like a great success with lots of money raised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 OK, I'm heading over, and either I'll get a sandwich or I won't, and they can have my $25 either way. Will report. Jael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCJono Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 yup, picked up a roast beef at around 12.30 - sad to have missed the shrimp decent sandwich - tabasco gave it a bit of zing you can also buy t-shirts for an additional $25 How'd I miss the T-shirts?! Total bummer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Foodie Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 They were out of the shrimp when I was there too, but the roast beef was great! Sitting in the shade in the park across the street with me were about 25 other people enjoying their po'boys. I'm so curious to hear the final numbers they bring in! (Also, whoever said they could post the menu, I'd love to see it!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 I bumpbed into Cathal Armstrong at the door and he told me that they had made 1 thousand sandwiches for today's event. At $25/per, that works out to $25,000 for the relief effort. That's great! I can't get down there today after all, but it's heartening to see people opening their hearts and wallets like this. There's plenty of places to give to if you didn't get a po'boy - we've given to the Red Cross, the Preservation Hall fund, Chefs Cook for Katrina, Operation Backpack, and a few local drives. Unfortunately, there seems to be no shortage of need either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocoarisotto Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 The roast beef was very good, but I sure could have used more napkins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 (Also, whoever said they could post the menu, I'd love to see it!) Lunch Menu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Final report: sold out by 2pm, and nothin' there but a big SOLD OUT sign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ustreetguy Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Final report: sold out by 2pm, and nothin' there but a big SOLD OUT sign. Yup - I metroed down from Bethesda. Got there at 1:45 and they were completely sold out of everything. They did let me walk into the restaurant to check it out though. Nice looking space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giant shrimp Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 actually, they had run out of po boys before 1:30, but still had water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 That's great!I can't get down there today after all, but it's heartening to see people opening their hearts and wallets like this. There's plenty of places to give to if you didn't get a po'boy - we've given to the Red Cross, the Preservation Hall fund, Chefs Cook for Katrina, Operation Backpack, and a few local drives. Unfortunately, there seems to be no shortage of need either. We certainly are fortunate to live in a metropolitan area where the chefs band together in support of efforts like this. This is not the first time that the local DC chefs' community has done something like this. Their generosity begets generosity. It is also heartening to see that so many who participate on this board took part, chefs and consumers alike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 The roast beef was very good, but I sure could have used more napkins! Well, they are listing the sandwich as the 'twelve napkin roast beef po-boy" on the menu Al posted. Sound advice, huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oliveDC Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 (Also, whoever said they could post the menu, I'd love to see it!) I posted the dinner menu on the Acadiana thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 (edited) Well, they are listing the sandwich as the 'twelve napkin roast beef po-boy" on the menu Al posted. Sound advice, huh? But I wonder where the "debris" comes from for the gravy. Edited September 12, 2005 by Jacques Gastreaux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Want Mo' Po' Boy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia R Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Arrived at 1:40 and got the fat-free, no carb, "suitable for the gym" tee shirt (maybe it's a sign from above). Got to see the front of house and the back banquet room - very nice AND some tired but smiling staff/volunteers - even better. Now that I know EXACTLY where Acadiana is - no excuses. Thanks for posting their menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simone Sez Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you who stopped by to make a donation and get your po' boys. The participating chefs arrived at Acadiana at 9:30 this morning to get started on the preparations. The po' boys sold fast! We sold out in about 2.5 hours and raised more than $26,000 for the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. We're organizing another po' boy event to provide continued support and will let you know the details when they are finalized. We appreciate your support in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina. -The Po' Boy Power Committee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenticket Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 What a bummer to make the trek in from Bailey's Crossroads, find parking easily, and then discover the Sold Out sign as I walked around the building at around 2pm, along with 2 other disappointed folks who said they'd walked a ways to get there (Fellow DR'ers, perhaps?). Caught a glimpse of lovely sparkling light fixtures hanging over the windowside tables. Chef Tunks was heading out too, in his big ol' Escalade with the DC Coast vanity plates - visual confirmation for me that no more po boys would be coming out of the kitchen. Thanks, Al Dente, for the opportunity to live vicariously, virtually, and calorie-free through your photos... maybe I can make an early start from the hinterlands and arrive in time for the above-promised future event. Or else I'll just save my pennies and go for the philanthropic gusto with a ticket for the Share Our Strength Katrina relief event on October 17th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 The Po'boy fairy delivered one of the shrimp po'boys at school for me this morning. It was about a half hour before lunch and as I sat at the desk and inhaled a few bites everyone who walked by was quite envious and suddenly hungry I couldn't believe the quality and size of the shrimp. A couple of hours later, when I was finally able to enjoy the rest it was even better. The bread had soaked up all the mayo and juices from the tomato. It was excellent. There was enough spice for me so I didn't need to use the baby Tabasco. If only the Po'boy fairy could make a delivery every Monday morning It was a great way to start the week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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