Toy Drive to Benefit Hurricane Sandy

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar and Eatery, 1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA | Get Directions »
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Some of the District Hog chefs of Washington, DC, RJ Cooper, David Guas and Robert Wiedmaier are swapping their helmets for Santa hats this holiday season to benefit children of Atlantic City, NJ affected by Hurricane Sandy. These chefs are known to support one another and their respective communities, coming together for New Orleans after another devastating hurricane not so long ago, to cite just one instance.  Their riding brother, chef Robert Wiedmaier, has rallied them to chip in and help raise the sprits of people in need who live near the surrounding area of his restaurant, Mussel Bar & Grille at Revel Resort – his employees, among them.  As National Cocoa Day is Wednesday, December 12 – 12 days before Christmas – it’s the perfect day to rev up the holiday spirit with gift giving to children who deserve something “nice!” Robert Wiedmaier will personally deliver the toys to Galloway Community Center in Atlantic County just in the nick of time for Christmas. www.gallowaytwp-nj.gov.

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery will be gifting Chocolate Peanut Sandies – made with rich Valrhona Chocolate and Virginia Peanuts – to anyone who comes in with a toy to donate. Mussel Bar & Grille in Bethesda, MD will treat gift-givers to Triple Chocolate Gateau with Young’s Chocolate Stout Crème Anglaise and Vanilla Ice Cream, while Mussel Bar & Grille in Atlantic City will be whipping up Nutella Ice Cream with Chocolate Waffle “Bonbons.” At Rogue 24, RJ Cooper will reward you with a Monk’s Hot Chocolate Cocktail, a concoction of Buttermilk, Dry Milk and Cocoa Powders with a touch of Green Chartreuse. Look for the box wrapped in motorcycle wrapping paper at any of these spots to drop your toys.

“Being from New Orleans, I personally understand the effects of hurricanes on communities, and Robert and RJ were the first to support me when my hometown was hit,” said chef Guas, “I encourage all to contribute on this special day during the holidays, when kids who have lost homes will feel it even more.”