(left to right) Joseph Granado (manager), Gerardo Barajas (executive sous chef), Ron Tice (manager), Tina Takaya (owner), Felipe Barajas (executive head chef), Richard Yates (owner).
Courtesy Photo

“When we got up every morning and listened to the radio, and heard the unfolding disaster in Japan, with first the biggest earthquake in over a century, then a tsunami, then the nuclear situation, both Tina and I felt we needed to do something to contribute to helping them,” said Richard Yates, co-owner with Tina Takaya of opal restaurant & bar (1325 State St., 966-9676, opalrestaurantandbar.com). “Especially when the Japanese people have faced this with such uncommon grace and unselfishness.”

Opal will be making its own unselfish move, as all the profits and tips on Sunday, April 17, will go to aid the Japanese via area nonprofit powerhouse Direct Relief International. This fundraiser will feature well-known guest servers, bartenders, and hosts paired with the usual accommodating opal staff.  There will be three seatings: 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., and most of the restaurant’s regular menu items will be available, as well as a great selection of wines donated by area wineries. The spot is a 2010 Independent Foodie Award winner, so it will be no sacrifice for diners to enjoy while helping those suffering across the Pacific.

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