THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 18, 1994 TAG: 9408160154
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: ON THE TOWN
SOURCE: SAM MARTINETTE
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Some 30 of the area's top restaurants will participate in this year's Zoo ToDo, set for 7 to 11 p.m. on Sept. 10, on the grounds of the Virginia Zoo.
The event, originally suggested by Chef Mike Hall of the Bienville Grill, is patterned after the annual Zoo ToDo benefit held in New Orleans, and over the past few years has become one of the area's premier parties of its type.
``We hope to raise $50,000 to go toward the African Plains Exhibit,'' explained Zoo ToDo chairman Bill Cabel. ``The Siberian Tiger Habitat will be opening the first of the year, one of the jewels of that exhibit, and we were told recently that when they came up a little short of funds for some of the items, such as a heated rock to attract the tigers out where visitors can see them, that Zoo ToDo funds were used. So we were really able to make a difference.''
Partygoers are encouraged to wear ``fun'' black tie or something ``wild,'' which could mean anything from animal print evening gowns to pith helmet, tux and tennis shoes.
Music will be provided by the Hotel Paradise Roof Garden Orchestra, offering big band swing and tea dance melodies, the TFC Band, which does contemporary dance music, and the Stingrays, who play Beach music and oldies. Photographer Ronn Maratea will exhibit pictures he has taken on Safari over the years.
``The evening will begin with a feeding frenzy, and there's more room than ever under the big tent,'' Cabel said. ``The music will start when the party starts, so those who want to dance right away can do that. The jazz tent will be set off in a quieter area, but the main stage, in the big tent with the food, will have continuous music all night.''
Among the restaurants set to participate are the Bienville Grill, the Omni's Riverwalk, Le Chambord, Antiquities, Positive Vibes, the Blue Point Bar & Grill, J.P.'s Waterfront, Johnson & Wales University, First Colony Coffee & Tea, the West Side Wine Shop, Peter's TenTop, and Giorgio's Italian Restaurant.
Also Freemason Abbey, Cafe 21, Uncle Louie's, Adante Cafe and Gourmet Market, Sugar Plum Bakery, Gus' Mariner Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Stormy's Pub, No Frill Grill, Bistro 210, O'Sullivan's Wharf, Olive Garden, Bagel Works, Reggie's British Pub and Toques Creative Catering.
``The restaurants have really come through with flying colors when we asked for increased portions, so there's lots of food this year and we've increased the number of beverage stations,'' Cabel said. ``Later in the evening we'll have coffee available, and plenty of desserts.''
Tickets for the event are $55 per person ($45 to zoo members), and that includes unlimited food and beverage. I'm told you can join the Virginia Zoo right up to the day of the event and get the members' discount. Officials expect a sell-out, so don't wait until the last minute to support a good cause and have fun at the same time. Call 622-WILD for tickets or information. by CNB