If you like dining out, you'll have plenty to bid on Friday night. The auction includes items ranging in value from $25 to $5,000. Restaurant gift certificates for hot spots like Vito's, Tunxis Grill, Union Street Tavern, Bamboo Garden and Morton's Steakhouse will be available as well as homemade pies, a wedding cake, lunch with Police Chief Kevin Searles, a chocolate gift basket, wine rack with 14 bottles of wine, tickets to "Eat To Live" organic dinner, a 1/4 CSA share, a wine bar or a night out on the town! One of the unique 'dining experiences' you can bid on will be hosted by Mike Rabbett, a Windsor gourmet, offering a one-of-a-kind Dinner for Ten in a private room at the Whistle Stop Cafe. He'll be preparing several of his specialties including a secret selection of soups and appetizers as well as wedge and caesar salads, wine and dessert. Food, you could say, is in Rabbett's blood. His father was a cook and instilled a love of food in his kids. Mike got a merit badge in Boy Scouts for cooking and never looked back. Over the past twenty-five years, he has been cooking for friends and family in small and large groups to much acclaim. His Dinner for Ten will be a highly sought-after auction item. Another unique find is the "Arsenic and Old Lace" Dinner donated by Marnie Cooper. Arsenic isn't usually something you want around during dinner, but you're going to want to bid on this special dining event! You and your guests will enjoy the bizarre tale of mild-mannered mass murderer Amy Archer Gilligan, the real-life inspiration for the Broadway play and movie "Arsenic and Old Lace". The evening begins with drinks on the veranda and proceeds to dinner for eight served in the dining room. After dinner, retire to the drawing room for coffee and the all-too-true tale of the murderous Angel of Mercy as recounted by writer Ron Robillard. If you've got a daughter, you'll want to try for the Tea Party at the Beanery at Bart's. You and your daughter and friends will enjoy sweet treats including scones, mini-cupcakes, cookies, and several kinds of tea (and decaf tea). Kids will also get to make a tea-themed necklace and get a goodie bag. If both quantity and quality are important to you, you'll want to bid on "Breakfast Every Week" at Dom's Broad Street Eatery, a hidden gem located in Windsor center. DJ DiBella, son of beloved restauranteur, Dom DiBella, is offering breakfast every week through the end of 2011. Win this item and you'll get breakfast 40 times at this home town favorite! Buy a Silver Surprise Box for $25 and you'll very likely find a restaurant gift certificate inside. Boxes contain items valued between $25 and $100. Every box also includes three $5 gift certificates to local restaurants you may not have tried yet, and a specialty gluten-free chocolate bar. Plan to bring your family, friends, neighbors, and business associates to share in the fun and support local non-profit organizations. Tickets are $40 per person. Cash bar. For more information call 860-688-5165. View the items up for auction and buy tickets |