There’s a Chef Party Happening at Joe Cicala’s New Restaurant
The Cicalas are throwing a preview bash with some of the biggest names in Philly restaurants next month.
Left: Joe and Angela Cicala with their son Augustino inside the new space. Divine Lorraine | Facebook
We’re still waiting for Cicala at the Divine Lorraine, the tony new concept from Joe and Angela Cicala, to open on North Broad Street this fall.
For now, the Cicalas are working on a crowdfunding campaign to cover pre-opening costs to get work started on the luxe, lavish restaurant before more than $1.3 million in capital that they’ve raised kicks in.
But on May 10th, you can get a preview of the space and taste food from the Cicalas as well as from some of the city’s top chefs.
The party, which runs from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., includes dishes from Scott Schroeder and Pat O’Malley of Hungry Pigeon, Chris Vacca and Kiki Aranita of Poi Dog, Jason Chichonski of Ela and Little Noodle, and Mike Strauss of Mike’s BBQ. The Cicalas will be offering wine and Italian bites, too.
Angela is also bringing in some performance art that will pay tribute the Divine Lorraine’s history from its 19th-century origins through now — think opera singers and 1920’s jazz, and modern dance inspired by what she called the building’s “graffiti period,” with costumes designed by a local artist. There will even be a model wearing a costume meant to mimic a capodimonte-style porcelain statue, offering trays of bites throughout the evening.
In addition to food, wine, music, a spritz bar, and performance art, the festivities will also hold a silent auction of prizes like hands-on cooking classes, private dinners, and trips to Italy with the Cicalas.
A VIP ticket for $125 gets you into the party an hour early, along with a private pasta and wine tasting menu with Joe Cicala, limited to just 15 guests. The chef’s table will feature some of the items the Cicalas are working on for the new restaurant. General admission is $65.
Get your tickets here.
