The Sunset Strip welcomed a hot new restaurant called TONY’S and celebs flocked for the grand opening – not just to enjoy the delectable Italian cuisine but to raise funds for the amazing non-profit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Maria Menounos and her foundation, “Take Action Hollywood” hosted the evening and received an honor from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles for her years of involvement and support of the hospital.
An exquisite meal was prepared especially by Executive Chef Tony Riviera and Primo Hospitality Group CEO followed by a sizzling, all-star line up of entertainment in the Piano Lounge. 2009 GRAMMY Nominee Janelle Monae kicked off the festivities, followed by triple threat Elijah Kelly of “Hairspray“, and multi-platinum recording artist Kenny Lattimore. Brian McKnight rounded out the evening in perfect harmony alongside his two sons, Brian Jr. and Nikolas.
Brian McKnight and sons perform.
$20k for CHLA
A live auction filled with one-of-a kind items and once in a lifetime experiences raised over $20,000 for the hospital. Style icon and host of the hit MTV Show “From G’s To Gents”, Fonzworth Bentley, took home a pair of George Cleverly made to order slippers monogrammed in gold and silk and handcrafted in England as well as a Duncan Quinn dress shirt.
Susie Castillo, Shannon Elizabeth. (photos by Greg Tidwell)
TV & film star Blair Underwood supported CHLA by buying the JourneyPod travel package complete with a Dooney & Burke Croco Duffel Bag and Sacndia Down pillow. Actor Evan Ross, son of the legendary Diana Ross, was one of the evening’s heroes taking home multiple auction items in support of CHLA including Caffe Primo’s Gelato & Cupcake Party generously donated by Tony Rivieria and Charlton Liu of Primo Hospitality Group.
Blaire Underwood with Maria Menounos. (photo by Greg Tidwell)
Other auction items included 2 Tickets to the Premiere of “Brothers” starring Jake Gyllenhall, Tobey Maguire, and Natalie Portman along with an MZ Wallace handbag, 2 VIP Passes to the 2009 American Music Awards private rehearsals, a game of Tennis with two time Olympian tennis pro Vince Spadea, 1 Hour Design Consultation with Eduardo Xol (Star of ABC’s Hit TV show “Extreme Home Makeover”), Private Chef’s Table Dinner at TONYS, 2 Tickets to the hit MTV Show “So You Think You Can Dance”, A Rock Flight trip for 2 to a concert of choice at any Verizon Wireless venue, a set visit for 2 to the EMMY award winning Soap Opera “All My Children”, 2 Tickets to an upcoming Chris Botti show with a pre-show Meet & Greet, 1 hour dance lesson with Twitch from the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” and a mother-daughter makeover by celebrity makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz.
Adrianne Bailon, Alyce Greczyn (photos by Greg Tidwell)
Celebrity Guests included Adrianne Bailon, Al B. Sure, Alex Band, Alice Greczyn, Amber Corwin, Blair Underwood, Brian McKnight, Colby O’Donis, Chris Milk, Danny Musico, Derrick Delmore, Eduardo Xol, Elijah Kelley, Evan Ross, Eve Marcille, Faune Chambers, Fonzworth Bentley, Jake Austin. Janelle Monae, Jason Silva, Kenny Lattimore, Kevin Connolly, Layla Kayleigh, Maria Menounos, Max Lugavere, Scott Bakula, Shane Sparks, Shannon Elizabeth, Susie Castillo, Twitch, and Vince Spaeda.
Tony Riviera with Shane Sparks
TONY’S granding opening guests enjoyed hand-rolled cigars in the Zino Platinum Cigar Lounge, and gift bags courtesy of Guitar Hero, Goldfaden Skincare, Mighty Leaf Tea, Sequel Naturals, Naturally Savvy, Pamela’s Products, Annie Chun’s, Blue Diamond Growers, Traditional Medicinals and P3 Beauty.
Kenny Latimore, Kevin Connally. (photos by Greg Tidwell)
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is the largest regional referral center for children in critical condition who need life-saving care. Each year, they treat over 93,000 children who need care that is so complex, it can only be provided by medical experts. While most of the children admitted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles come from Los Angeles County, others come from the seven-county area near Los Angeles and around the world.
CHLA is a nonprofit hospital with a reputation as an international leader in providing state-of-the-art medical care for children. The hospital has a history of pioneering new and minimally-invasive techniques to help children heal faster, and serves as a major regional referral center for children who require life-saving acute care. In addition, Children’s Hospital is a leader in providing family-centered care, integrating family members as partners in a sick or injured child’s recovery.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked CHLA 9th among 143 hospitals in the nation. They have consistently been named one of the top pediatric facilities in the nation since 1990. www.childrenshospitalla.org
Take Action Hollywood! Inc.
Maria Menounous’ Take Action Hollywood! Inc. is a newly formed charity to utilize the power of the entertainment industry as well as the medium of production to educate, empower and raise social awareness. Whether it is for war relief, victims of hate crimes, AIDS prevention, gang violence or the environment, Take Action Hollywood! seeks to utilize the power of Hollywood and the medium of film to educate and to improve human conditions locally, nationally and even worldwide. It is time to use the power of film for something positive. Its time to Take Action Hollywood! www.takeactionhollywood.com
TONY’S: Economy Friendly
Check out TONYS Italian Steakhouse for an affordable meal in an upscale yet casual atmosphere. Tony’s is also a great place to meet for drinks even in this economy because TONYS is known as “The Home of the $5” martini, featuring different spirits and formulations on a rotating basis.
Tony's Italian Steakhouse on the Sunset Strip.
TONY’S is the first “Small Steakhouse” concept in America, offering a wide range of cuts beginning at 3 oz. In addition to steaks, TONY’S serves Osso Bucco, Veal and Lamb. All pastas are imported from Italy and are prepared fresh-to-order. Pasta dishes are paired with traditional Italian sauces as well as more modern interpretations.
TONY’S exciting wine list features varietals from exotic locales, such as Malbecs from Argentina, Cabernets from Australia, and Pinotage from South Africa. The wine list emphasizes obscure and hard to find labels, all offered at affordable prices allowing you to enjoy both great quality and value. Many wines are available by the glass, and are dispensed by state-of-the-art Enomatic wine system, allowing for perfectly controlled chilling.
TONY’S is located at 8570 Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. www.tonysitaliansteakhouse.com
