If you’ve ever eaten at the Starlight Wine Bar & Restaurant in Sebastopol, you know just how tiny it is inside. The café, a converted vintage train car, holds just two short rows of tables running the car’s length.
Because of this lack of space, a very important fundraiser for Starlight executive chef Thaddeus Palmese is being held next week in another restaurant: Sassafras of Santa Rosa. That’s because Sassafras is much larger, and it’s hoped that guests will pack the place to the rafters for a very important cause.
Important, and a dire emergency.
Six months ago, chef Thaddeus had a testicle removed for cancer. Then, about a week ago, the chef (and cousin to Starlight owner Ted Van Doorn) was rushed to the hospital with swollen legs.
A full body scan revealed a tumor in his stomach so large that it’s threatening his internal organs. Over just a matter of days, Thaddeus underwent three rounds of chemotherapy plus emergency surgery to place support splints in his kidneys.
While the chef is in full fighting form, the restaurant needs to stay open to help battle his mounting medical costs. Ted has taken over the kitchen, and he and his wife/restaurant co-owner Heather have put together a rush benefit to help with hospital expenses.
What can you do? Several things.
One: eat at the restaurant often, and order a lot. You’ll be delighted by New Orleans style classics such as gumbo stocked with andouille sausage, shrimp and chicken; spicy barbecue shrimp in Creole sauce; and even chicken potpie.
Two: send a donation, as much as you can muster. You can contact Ted and Heather at Starlight, 6761 Sebastopol Ave., # 600, Sebastopol, CA 95472-3837, 707-823-1943, starlightwinebar.com.
Three: attend the benefit, being held next Monday Sept. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sassafras. The casual gathering includes chef Thaddeus’ signature red beans and rice and cornbread, plus live entertainment and a no-host bar. Tickets are $25, with all proceeds going to Thaddeus’ medical costs. Feel free to RSVP, or just march in with legions of your friends.
Four: You can, of course, be the absolute best, and do all of the above.
Details: Sassafras Restaurant, 1229 N. Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, 707-578-7600, sassafrasrestaurant.com.
