MARCH OF DIMES CHEF'S AUCTION TO FEATURE GOURMET FOOD

Gourmet fare from area restaurants will be featured at the March of Dimes second annual Chef's Auction Saturday.

The Chef's Auction will be held from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Osage Centre. The event raises money to help prevent birth defects and reduce infant mortality.

Funds for the event are generated through admission fees and the auctions. Admission is $40 per person, $75 per couple or $300 for a table.

Select restaurants will donate unique and creative "dining experiences" to be auctioned to the highest bidders. To add to the value and attraction of the experience, donors have been encouraged to package the meal with imaginative enhancements.

For example, Sodexo Marriott Catering Services will mark the 85th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with a dinner for six at the historic University Museum in Cape Girardeau. The menu will be a version of the last meal aboard the Titanic served to first-class passengers.

The Galleria Grill will offer a champagne brunch with all the trimmings for 20. The Pilot House, Shivelbine's Music and Kohlfeld Distributing join together to celebrate Super Bowl XXXIII. The package features a large-screen television to view the game, adult beverages, riblets, stuffed mushrooms, hot wings, seafood mousse, chili cheese nachos and sliced barbecue meat.

Other Chef's Auction participants are Bel Air Grill, Royal N'Orleans, Patricia's Tea Room, Jeremiah's Restaurant and Lounge, Mollies Cafe, Celebrations, Girardeaux Gourmet and In the Wine Cellar.

In addition to the live auction Saturday, a silent auction will feature items from various businesses and restaurants including theme baskets, gift certificates, home decor pieces and entertainment packages. The auction will be open throughout the evening.

Adding to the auction's festivities, featured chefs will offer a selection of culinary specialities in a gourmet dinner buffet beginning at 7:30 p.m. Following the auction, musical entertainment by Trademark and dancing will be held.

Dennis Marchi and Charles Hutson are hosts for the evening. James and Pat Allen are honorary co-chairmen. This year's fund-raising goal is $25,000.

For additional information call the March of Dimes at (573) 651-6033.