News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Murray Date: 3/29/05   SOUTHEASTERN’S CHEFS EVENING “BIDS OUT” FOOD AND FUN APRIL 3        HAMMOND – Patrons of Southeastern Louisiana University’s annual Chefs Evening are reminded to come hungry and encouraged to bid for great fun, experiences and personal and home makeovers, as Chefs Evening will host silent auctions at the event on April 3.        Already popular for its “dinner party for a good cause” benefiting Southeastern academics, the Southeastern Development Foundation’s Chefs Evening features treats and libations from area restaurants, bars, grills and wholesalers. This year’s event at the University Center will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and will be set in the Far East, complete with hanging lanterns, paper parasols, and pagodas.        New for this year, patrons may purchase “take-out boxes” for $20 each. Each box will include a mystery gift, such as a gift basket from Hugh’s Wine Cellar in Mandeville and gift certificates for Target, Moseley’s Jewelers, Pete’s Cleaners, Destrehan Plantation Tour, and more.        Also on the night’s agenda are many silent auctions. Highlighting the event are three separate makeovers – room, patio and ladies – with additions to each being made every day.        According to Chefs Evening coordinator and director of development Wendy Johns, the room makeover will incorporate furniture from Payless Furniture, courtesy of Ricky Brooks; design by Susan Johnson Owens, Marguerite Walter and Kathy Heitman, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, who has studied one-day makeovers in New York City; and more to make a room complete. The patio makeover will be provided by Top Score, which will provide painting, staining and engraving. Other items and vendors are to be announced.        For the ladies, patrons may bid on the “Extreme Ladies Makeover,” complete with teeth bleaching by Drs. Melvin Allen and Warren Wood; a facial, manicure, hair and makeup package by Neill Corporation, and more.        Other silent auctions will include a one-of-a-kind Waterford Crystal Clock engraved with “Chefs Evening 2005” by George Ibert, $50 gift certificates to CNO’s Meal Solutions, pies by Frances Chauvin, dinner for eight at Murphy’s Seafood, a bottle of 1982 Chateau Margot wine; one year of unlimited golf for one at Carter Plantation, a Harrah Casino package of 3 days and 2 nights hotel stay with show tickets, gift certificates to CNO Meal Solutions of Mandeville, and jitterbug lessons for one couple at Fellom Ballet.        Also on the auction block are various excursions by Get-Away, including a Magnolia dinner boat cruise with a one night stay at Annadele’s Plantation, a tour of Pontchartrain Vineyards, condo rentals, and dinner at Friends on the Tchefuncte in Madisonville. Southeastern departments have also donated items for auction, such as Sweet of the Month (including a holiday surprise) by the Department of Education. Athletics is offering 2005 season football tickets with passes to the Billups Room, a dance team birthday party for 8-10 children ages 5-10, and a cheerleader birthday party.        On the menu for Chefs Evening are more than 30 area restaurants and vendors, including Abita Springs Water, Aramark Classic Fare Catering, Bella Rose (Coy’s Contemporary Cuisine), Bravo’s Italian Bistro, Blythewood Plantation, Cate Street Pub, Cate Street Seafood Station, Catfish Charlie's, Champagne Beverages, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Cuco’s, Don’s Seafood and Gerald Banta Catering.        Also participating are Glazer, Jacmel Inn, Jambalaya & Co., Jim Carey Distribution Co., Lagniappe Catering, Miki’s Fish Co., Nacho Mama’s, Murphy’s Seafood Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Picadilly, Subway, The Crescent Bar, The Plantation Restaurant (Carter Plantation), Tommy’s Pizza on Thomas, Tope La’, Trey Yuen and The SpeakEasy.        Dishes to be served include beef Wellington, crawfish bisque, shrimp pasta royal, sesame chicken, prime rib and smoked salmon. Desserts will include be supplied by Carona's Bakery, Taste of Bavaria Bakery, Cocoa Bean and others. In addition, a wide assortment of wines, beers, and other drinks available, Chefs Evening will once again welcome the “margarita fountain” from Cuco's.        Individual tickets for Chefs Evening are $40. Patrons can also choose from a variety of ticket packages which can include the popular Patrons Party with a champagne toast at the university president’s residence.        Chefs Evening ticket packages and their rewards are:        · The President’s Medal: $500, eight tickets each for the president’s champagne toast, Chefs Evening, the Patrons Party and a reserved table for eight.        · Summa Cum Laude: $425, eight tickets for Chefs Evening and a reserved table for eight.        · Magna Cum Laude: $150, two tickets each for the president’s champagne toast, Chefs Evening and the Patrons Party.        · Cum Laude: $75: one ticket each for the president’s champagne toast, Chefs Evening and the Patrons Party.         To obtain tickets or for further information, contact the Development Foundation at 985-549-2239.