The annual Celebrity Breakfast at Effie’s Place Family Restaurant supports the Park Road Parade.
By Ronni Newton
Effie’s Place Family Restaurant was packed between 7 and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday with a crowd of diners who were served by an overly-attentive waitstaff of local dignitaries who were pouring coffee and taking orders for Effie’s Eggs, Patrissi Pancakes, and Whiting Lane Waffles.
Approximately 150 attended the annual Celebrity Breakfast, and according to Effie’s Place owner and Park Road Association Co-President John Paindiris the event raised close to $2,000 in support of the Park Road Parade.
West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Director Richard Chiarappa came dressed in a tuxedo which managed to remain clean, but the rest celebrity waitstaff wore special aprons over their usual work attire – just-in-case.
And even though many of the servers were inexperienced in their roles, all managed to avoid major mishaps.
“I think that it was a great success. Everyone had a smile on their face and they all received great service,” Paindiris said.
The legendary Brad Davis of WDRC-AM 1360 broadcast his morning radio show live during the event, with many of the celebrities appearing as guests on the show. “Brad thought the morning went really well,” Paindiris said.
“We enjoy this event every year,” said Paindiris.
The Park Road Association is continuing to seek donations to underwrite the cost of the parade, which will be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. Those who would like to be sponsors can send a donation to the Park Road Association, c/o Effie’s Place, 91 Park Rd., West Hartford 06119.
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!
State Rep. Brian Becker serves Whiting Lane Waffles on the patio. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Board of Education member Cheryl Greenberg takes an order. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
BK&Co. owners (seated, from left) Karen Herbert and Barbara Karsky are attended to by Town Council member Judy Casperson. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Julianne Roth, Tracy Flater, and Johnny Paindiris pose at the doorway to Effie’s Place. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Brad Davis of WDRC-AM 1360 broadcast his morning show from Effie’s Place.. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
From left: Board of Education member Tammy Exum, WHC-TV Executive Director Jen Evans, and Board of Education member Bruce Putterman. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Michael Wilder (left) with Town Manager Ron Van Winkle. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Angelo Faenza and Helen Rubino-Turco. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A tuxedo-clad Richard Chiarappa serves coffee. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
From left: Park Road Association Co-Presidents Tracy Flater and Johnny Paindiris with Rob Rowlson and Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Brad Davis interviews Minority Leader Denise Hall (left) and Town Council member Judy Casperson on his morning show broadcast from Effie’s Place. Celebrity Breakfast. June 9, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
