Steven Bruening celebrated Thanksgiving with friends at Palomino Euro Bistro — thanks to dozens of the downtown Cincinnati restaurant's employees, who prepared a free private dinner for people affected by AIDS.

        More than 150 clients, their friends and families of Caracole Inc. a regional AIDS service organization, and AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, an AIDS advocacy and support group, were among the guests.

        “I think this is very good,” said Mr. Bruening, a 28-year-old Clifton resident who is HIV-positive. “A lot of clients (of Caracole and AVOC) can't afford this ... It makes you feel dignified.”

        With a second-floor view that overlooks the ice rink now on Fountain Square, guests feasted on turkey, peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie. A pianist provided music in the bar and sitting room adjacent to the dining area.

        Holiday joviality filled the room as diners enjoyed their meals and restaurant staff enjoyed the spirit of giving.

        Kelly Stein of Covington said she was glad to volunteer part of her holiday along with about 30 other employees.

        “This makes me feel great knowing I did something for someone,” she said. “You think about how much some people have to go through, and you just want them to know you're on their side.”

        Executive chef Bo Buckner was in the restaurant at 6 a.m. Thursday to begin preparing the meal. The restaurant cooked eight turkeys, 80 pounds of mashed potatoes, 8 pounds of stuffing and an entire case of peas and readied 18 pies.

        Donations came from Ohio Valley Wines, Alliant Foodservice, U.S. Foods, Joe Lasita & Sons produce and Scalea's restaurant.

        The Thanksgiving goodwill meal was Palomino's first, said general manager Jerry Hill. However, Restaurants Unlimited Inc., the parent company of Palomino, has a history of benevolence, Mr. Hill said.

        Norman Hampton, a 49-year-old Roselawn resident diagnosed with AIDS, said the group at Palomino is family for many of the guests Thursday.

        “My family is north, and my partner is in Lexington,” he said. “So my family is Caracole. If it wasn't for this, some of these people would have no place to go.”

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