Recap: Chiba Restaurant’s Grand Opening Party Benefiting The Tipitina’s Foundation

March 15th, 2012

On Sunday, March 11, 2012, celebrated its grand opening with a party with a purpose. The mood was electric and pulsed with excitement as invited guests arrived to partake in an evening filled with great food, music and fun. Chiba’s owner and CEO, Keith Dusko and President Tiffany King are no novices when it comes to the world of sushi. Both are veterans of the sushi scene having garnered experience and acclaim at the famed Haru sushi restaurant in New York. And though not a native New Orleanian, Dusko has adopted New Orleans as his own and couldn’t be prouder of his new NOLA restaurant. When asked why he chose New Orleans for his newest restaurant, he exclaimed with a huge smile, “New Orleans is the best place on Earth! Can we just start and end it there?”

(Photo Credit: www.nola.com)

Dusko and King spared no expense as they treated attendees to a host culinary delights featured on their menu including the Gulf Coast Roll, Short Rib Tempura, Octopus Ceviche and more! And trust me, everything was delicious. From the clean and fresh flavors of the ceviche to NOLA influenced Crispy Chicken with a Crystal Hot Sauce BBQ sauce. The vibe was only amplified by music provided by DJ MC.F. The most amazing part of the night was the cash bar. Of course the food was stellar but not only were the drinks frosty and delicious but each ring of the bar cash register represented funds to be donated to the Tipitina’s Foundation.

The Tipitina’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting New Orleans’s prized musical community. With a specific focus on the youth of the city through programs such as Instruments A Comin’ , Sunday Youth Music Workshop and the Internship Program, the Tipitina’s Foundation provides instruments,
instruction and mentorship to countless young musicians. And what an impact they have made! For instance, Instruments A Comin, which provides instruments to students of Louisiana schools, has purchased more than 1.8 million dollars worth of new instruments thus increasing youth participation in local school music programs.

According to Nancy Romano, Tipitina’s General Manager & Director of Special Events, the Foundation couldn’t be happier about their newly formed relationship with Dusko and Chiba. “To give back to a charity it really says a lot about him [Dusko]. Keith’s generosity has just proven what a great addition he will be to Oak Street. I know all the things he had on his plate and all the struggle he had trying to get his place [Chiba] open and for him to actually say ok for my grand opening we’re not going to make any money….to give all the proceeds to the Tipitina’s Foundation…I was so moved by his offer,” said Romano.

Chiba with its friendly , elegant atmosphere and delicious food fits in perfectly with its Uptown community. And its devotion to the city of New Orleans as a whole is as refreshing as one of its signature cocktails, the Chiba Painkiller. Take some time out to give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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WHERE:
Chiba Sushi Restaurant
8321 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Ph. 504-928-9119

HOURS: Click here for business hours.