Chef Geoff and Norah O'Donnell

Party-goers raised thousands of dollars for charity at the pening of the new Chef Geoff’s Tysons Corner restaurant. More than 300 tickets were sold, benefiting Children’s National Medical Center.

Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Tracy (MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell) were there to welcome guests with signature cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Party veterans stood near the kitchen to get first pick of the tasty appetizers: mini burgers, tuna on a crispy triangle, and other delectables.

The bar was equally impressive, serving three types of cocktails: a Strawberry Mojito, Norah’s French Kiss (!), and Subconscious Desire.

NBC White House Correspondent Savannah Guthrie and Democratic Consultant Marc Adelman were on hand, mingling with other guests in the packed restaurant’s bar, its large dining room, and cozy smaller space fit for a private gathering.

CHEF GEOFF’S from whcinsider on Vimeo.

Nestled between Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., the new restaurant, adorned with red awnings, is upscale, yet warm, with a large bar and windows. I’m sure it’s the next Happy Hour hot spot. Chef Geoff himself glowed with the anticipation of success; his new venture joins his other local establishments in downtown Washington, D.C., and Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Check out all the pictures from the opening:

Neighboring businesses joined in the benefit, donating luxury items such as a Tiffany’s necklace and Gucci handbag, for a silent auction.  As a parting gift, nothing could be better than Chef’s Geoff’s chocolate chip cookies — the best I’ve ever had: not too sweet, not too hard … just right.

Chef Geoff Tysons is now open for lunch and dinner, and is located across from Tysons Corner Mall on Leesburg Pike.

gtruong Washington Events Geoff Tracy, Marc Adelman, Norah O'Donnell, Savannah Guthrie