August 17, 2011

River Forest residents Tony and Marion Durpetti purchased Marion’s father’s iconic
Chicago restaurant in 1990.  Twenty-one years later, Gene & Georgetti (500 N.
Franklin Street in Chicago), a Chicago legend for 70 years, marked their milestone
anniversary with three, sold out nights of throwback dinners—with all proceeds
benefiting three specially selected charities—on Thursday, July 14- Saturday, July
16.  These 1940’s-themed celebrations featured special 4-course prix-fix menus,
cocktails, entertainment, décor, glamour—and prices—straight out of their opening
year of 1941.
Gene & Georgetti went back to its roots during this one-time-only extravaganza
with three distinctly themed evenings, serving in total over 1100 guests per night!
On Thursday, guests experienced a retro dinner party, complete with vintage movie
posters, classic libations and décor.  On Friday, partygoers hearkened back to
Hollywood’s golden years—the era of the movie star—with celeb impersonators
and 1940’s films on the screens.  Finally, on Saturday, the packed house swung to
the sounds of the “Big Band Era” with legendary Sway Chicago, as they joined
Gene & Georgetti to wrap up the festivities.
As an extra “thank you” to the community that has supported them for 70 years,
Gene & Georgetti donated all proceeds from the celebration—over $23,000 total—
to three beneficiating charities: Common Threads, Standing Tall, and St. Vincent
DePaul Center.