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Andi Gulija 1965-2010
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Andi Gulija passed away some ten years after she had been diagnosed with cancer. But Andi wasn't so much a victim of the disease as she was a warrior against it, doing whatever she could by taking an active part in organizations that raised money for research, or to provide services to others in similar circumstances. Central among those organizations was Lucia's Angels, the East End organization that reaches out to women with late stage cancers and offers a myriad of services that run the gamut from nursing services to baby-sitting.
During a visit with Andi in the hospital, several of the Lucia's Angels realized how important it was for the family of a terminally ill patient to remain close to their loved one during difficult times, regardless of the limits of hospital visiting hours. It was obvious that a space was needed within the hospital setting, where the family could stay, around the clock when needed...and the 'Lucia's Room' Project at Southampton Hospital was born.
Upon hearing of the project last May, Doug Gulija, Andi's husband and Chef/Owner of the Plaza Café, went to Lucia's Angels and offered to do a benefit wine dinner to raise money for the room project. After a date was chosen the work began with Doug recruiting the cooperation of some great local wine makers and some other very special suppliers, all of whom agreed to donate their products and indeed, to participate at the dinner.
In the end, we are happy to report that, due to the generosity of the wine makers and our other suppliers, the hard work of Lucia's Angels, the wonderful support of the Southampton Press, the dedication of the Plaza Café staff and of course, about 70 of the greatest guests that ever attended a Plaza Café event, we were able to turn over some $27, 000 to the project. |
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Lucia's Angels' Stacy Quarty and Susan Roden
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L to R: Charles and Ursula Massoud (Paumanok Vineyards)
Roman Roth (Wölffer Estate) with wife Dushy
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L to R: Joe Macari, Jr and wife, Alexandra (Macari Vineyards) and Tom Jurgielewicz (Jurgielewicz Farms)
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In addition to the smiling folks pictured above , others who donated goods and services that helped make the dinner a success were Palmer Vinyards, Gosman's Fish Market and The Press Newsgroup. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one, as well as to the guests who reached into their pockets and came up with almost 20% of the projected $150,000 needed to create the room.
Any one wishing to donate should contact Lucia's Angels at www.luciasangels.org and click on "Donate". You will see instructions on how to give to the Room Project.
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The format for the dinner was similar to other Plaza Café wine dinners; a reception where whimsical canapes are served and guests mingle freely throughout the room before being sked to take their seats for dinner. Between courses, the wine makers introduce the next vintage being served. In this case, the guests were treated to introductions by three of Long Islands most celebrated vinters: Roman Roth, Charles Massoud and Joe Macari, Jr. (Miguel Martin of Palmer Vineyards was not able to attend).
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THE MENU
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Plaza Café Signature Canapés
PALMER VINEYARDS ROSÉ MERLOT 2010 (North Fork, L.I.)
***
SAUTÉED LOCAL DAY BOAT SCALLOPS
sweet corn polenta, shiitake-sea bean ragoût, basil oil
MACARI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 (North Fork, L.I.)
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LOCAL LOBSTER -CORN CHOWDER
corn shoots, basil oil
WÖLFFER ESTATE 'PERLE' CHARDONNAY 2008
(The Hamptons, Long Island)
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JURGIELEWICZ FARMS DUCK 'THREE WAYS'
sliced breast, barbecued leg confit, corn crêpe, tomato-corn salsa,
foie gras sauce
PAUMANOK 'ASSEMBLAGE' 2007 (North Fork, L.I.)
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CHERRIES 'A WHOLE BUNCH OF WAYS'
cake, soup, ice cream, crystalized
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For more information about the wineries and other contributing companies, visit:
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Gosman's Fish Market
Jurgielewicz Duck Farm
Palmer Vineyards
Paumanok Vineyards
Wölffer Estate
The Press Newsgroup and 27East.com
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Click here for a gallery of photos of Andi's Dinner
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