St. Patrick’s Day at the White House!

Suffice it to say President Obama and First Lady Michelle haven’t forgotten Chicago traditions! For their first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the White House, the entertainment was none other than Chicago’s own Shannon Rovers! The party was in honor of the Prime Minister of Ireland, Brian Cowan, and his wife and many Chicagoans were in attendance including Katherine Gehl (Democratic National Finance Committee member), Mayor and Mrs. Daley, Pat Ryan, Andy McKenna Sr., David Jacobson (now working at the White House), Les Coney, Grace Tsao-Wu, Courtney Thompson, Karen and Bill Goodyear, Anne Wedner and Valerie Jarrett (now a top White House advisor). Green champagne was served and a great and historic time was had by all of these lucky guests. Photos from top right: Mayor Daley and Katherine Gehl; Karen and Bill Goodyear; Shannon Rovers; Katherine Gehl, Anne Wedner and Grace Tsao-Wu in the White House theatre; Andy McKenna, Sr; green champagne for St. Patrick's Day.
 
And in keeping with the political scene, I attended an intimate cocktail party recently to announce State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ run for the U.S. Senate. The party was held at one of the most exquisite homes I’ve ever seen on the Gold Coast owned by Bill Zanetis. Besides having incredible taste, he is a dear man and I was very honored to be invited. I went with my friends Greg Hyder (2009 CS Man of Style) and David Brandt and we were all transfixed as Alexi discussed what he stands for and his platform for the future. One of his ideas supports responsible credit card marketing legislation that will close "the sandwich loophole" and make credit card contracts that target college students public information. Many of our college students are in debt before they even get out of school so this idea makes so much sense. Congrats also to John and Billy Gorman for a most incredible and tasty catering job! Call them at 312-320-2348! I wish Alexi all the luck…he has my vote! Photos from top right: Bill Zanetis, me and Alexi Giannoulias; David Brandt, CS Man of Style Greg Hyder and Craig Hogan; Bill Zanetis and Alexi Giannoulias; caterer Bill Gorman; Bill Zanetis' wine cellar including vintages from his own vineyard; guests on one of several balconies. For more photos from this event, click here.
 
CS Magazine, Carson Pirie Scott and Graham Kostic co-hosted a party at the Tree Studios this past Friday night to introduce Isaac Mizrahi and celebrate the launch of his spring 2009 collection for Liz Claiborne New York. The place was packed with fashionistas and friends all viewing the hip, young designs of this talented designer. He is also quite a character and if you didn’t see his movie “Unzipped,” you need to rent it. I think he might be a better film star than designer, quite frankly! He’s so engaging, witty and real that you can’t take your eyes off of him. To prove this point, he announced he will be starring in his own upcoming reality show called “Fashion Show.” I can’t wait! Graham Kostic did a wonderful interview with him and asked him lots of questions and of course his signature Q & A which is based on the Proust Questionnaire. We discovered that his greatest fear is vermin and being claustrophobic and when asked when he realized he was famous he answered, “I don’t know. I’m reading a book about Florenz Ziegfeld and even though he gave us the most incredible theatre productions and ideas that we are still using today, he died penniless. However, my mother knows exactly when I became famous and never lets me or anyone else forget it!” The décor for the evening was beautifully, yet tastefully done by Heffernan Morgan and the appetizers were courtesy of Limelight Catering. Isaac’s designs will be carried at Carson Pirie Scott. Photos from top right: me and Isaac Mizrahi; Mizrahi designs; Erica Mann, Erika Goeckner and the Joffrey's Elizabeth Feste; Isaac Mizrahi and Graham Kostic; CS magazine's Howard Sims and wife Laura; Graham's beautiful mother Mary; decor by Heffernan Morgan; Graham's Q & A with Isaac. For more photos from this event, click here.

This month was definitely loaded with birthdays and I want to share a few of them with you. One of the more exotic parties was held in Acapulco for my friend Melinda Jakovich’s 50th birthday. She was surprised by her friends poolside at their gorgeous villa with a mariachi band, balloons, candles, margaritas and a Mexican feast. There was even a piñata to top off the fun! The group also celebrated Pierre Desy’s 42nd birthday. Friends who flew out to celebrate included Jan Melk, Michael O’Meara, Margaret O’Connor, Mary Jo Basler, Michel Desjardin, Susan Bronstein and Deb Walters. (Click here for more of Melinda's birthday fun!) On the home front, Rhonda Sanderson celebrated her birthday at Sunda with sister Debbie Pickus, daughter Samantha Amato and Chelsea Maxwell and the next evening, Hedwig Golant and Gale Gottlieb held a double celebration at Graham Elliot with friends Rebecca Besser, Michaela Parillo, Mary Ann Murphy, Karen Kraff, Nadine Epstein, Rhonda Sanderson, Donna Kleinman, Dede Lubeznik and Lee Tadin. Three birthdays in two days is my record….whew! Happy Birthday to all!! Photos from top right: Michael O'Meara, Melinda Jakovich, Margaret O'Connor, Susan Bronstein, Michael Desjardin, Jan Melk and Mary Jo Basler; Melinda taking a whack at her pinata; me and Rhonda Sanderson celebrating her birthday at Sunda; Gale Gottlieb and Rebecca Besser at Gale and Hedwig Golant's joint birthday party at Graham Elliot; Hedwig Golant; Lee Tadin, Dede Lubeznik and Michaela Parillo; Donna Kleinman; Rhonda Sanderson and Nadine Epstein. For more photos from Gale and Hedwig's party, click here.
 
While searching for something different to give for gifts, I ran across a wonderful store. I am tired of giving designer things especially in this economy. I was looking for something that would be meaningful and not so expensive and I found the perfect spot! After attending and being a co-host for the citywide showcase held at the Chicago Theatre for Mrs. Daley’s “After School Matters” program on Tuesday, March 31st, I discovered a whole new world of gift ideas and a worthy organization to support to boot! As I perused the incredible and talented offerings of the students in this program, I discovered fine paintings, unique sculpture, creative jewelry and clothing designs in the lobby of the theatre all for reasonable prices AND supporting a wonderful cause. They all came from The Gallery 37 Store at 66 E. Randolph, which houses a treasure trove of wonderful gift ideas and I didn’t know where to look first! “After School Matters” was created in 1991 and is a non-profit that offers teens innovative after-school programs in science, technology, sports, communications and the arts. It is now one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. and provides more than 1300 programs in 63 high schools. Look at the photos and see for yourself the unique variety of gifts which would not only delight a friend but help support this worthy organization and its creative teens. Students from Project Onward – a project that supports the creative development of visual artists with developmental, cognitive and mental disabilities – also are represented in the Gallery 37 Store. Fernando Ramirez is one to watch; his pieces are not to be believed! If you need art, this is the place to go!! Photos from top right: The Gallery 37 Store; inside Gallery 37; jewelry ranging from $12 to $24; porcelain bronzed bust; skateboards for $65; Fernando Ramirez painting (the most expensive item in the store for $500); ceramics class; After School Matters students standing in front of the jewelry they created. For more photos of these wonderful creations, click here.

I want to congratulate Joey Majumdar in advance for his sneak peek party of the independent film “Royal Kill” which will be held on Thursday, April 9th at Bentley Gold Coast (834 N. Rush St.) from 7 to 10 p.m.  There will be a red carpet cocktail party and a 30 minute film clip of this action packed thriller written and directed by Babar Ahmed. Robin Robinson will be presenting the film and is a co-host along with Hazel Barr, Joey and me. The movie stars Eric Roberts, Gail Kim and the late Pat Morita. For those of you who don’t know Joey, he’s an energetic Chicago based creative director who puts his heart and soul into every project so I know this will be another fun event! If you would like to join us, please email Joey at joeym718@yahoo.com or view the invitation here. In the meantime, click here for the “Royal Kill” trailer. Photos from top right: Eric Roberts; Gail Kim; the late Pat Morita.
 
March 27th was Jackie Taylor Day in Chicago and I attended the ceremony at the State of Illinois Building thanks to the invite from Brenda Sexton. It was a joyous and packed affair and featured members from Jackie’s Black Ensemble Theater company serenading the crowd. Governor Pat Quinn introduced Jackie and presented her with a plaque and certificate. She gave an inspiring speech encouraging people that “no matter what your race, creed or color, you must love everybody on MY day!” She went on to say that “greatness lies inside each and every one of us.” She founded the Black Ensemble Theater company in 1976 with a $1200 loan. Jackie, who is an actress, singer, director and theater founder, was born in Cabrini Green. Governor Quinn said there must be something in the water because so many great people have come from there including Curtis Mayfield and many more. She has written and produced over 100 plays with her latest being “I Gotcha,” the story of Joe Tex and the Soul Clan. The Black Ensemble Theater is located at 4520 N. Beacon in The Uptown Hull House. For ticket info, please call (773) 769-4451 or Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500. The crowd was loaded with friends, family and politicians applauding her on her special day. Photos from top left: Brenda Sexton with Governor Quinn; me and Jackie Taylor; Hazel Barr, Macy's Ralph Hughes and Brenda Sexton; members of the Black Ensemble Theatre; Jackie, Governor Quinn and dignitaries. For more photos from this event, click here.
 
And now for some fun news updates! Many of you might remember the gorgeous Marcia Proffitt from her modeling days here in Chicago. Her mass of golden curls was always a traffic stopper and then she disappeared to Mexico. Well, I am happy to report she is happier than ever and it’s all because, at age 57, she is six months pregnant with her first child—a little girl who they will call Mia. Always a health nut, Marcia looked 20 years younger than what she really was so it’s no wonder that she was able to conceive at this age. She says, “It is a dream come true for me. After all those years, I had given up hope of ever having a child. What a life I lead and at my age, who would’ve ever dreamed that this would be possible?” She has been with her boyfriend and soon-to-be new dad, 27-year-old Maurice Florence, for three years now and they are both over the moon with excitement. She says, “I feel it’s a miracle and a blessing. I am praying for a healthy delivery and a healthy, beautiful child. Life is beginning for me. Once again, my youth has been restored like the eagles!” Marcia, I wish you, Maurice and baby Mia all the best! 🙂 Photo: Marcia Proffitt and Maurice Florence. 

And in more baby news, I’m sure you all remember the flamboyant restaurateur Dimitri Alexander! He owned many bars, restaurants and clubs here, my favorite being Alexander’s. Well, I met his darling wife, Marisa Murilla, at the Mizrahi party and she informed me they are expecting, too!! I’m sure the little one will come out with a full head of hair just like its poppa! Congrats Marisa and Dimitri! I can’t wait to meet your blessed little addition! Photo: Dmitri Alexander's wife, Marisa Murilla, who is also expecting!
 
On the restaurant front, latest Tocco sightings included CS’s John Carroll with his gorgeous sister, Julie, and daughter, Megan. Julie is one of John’s six siblings and 25-year-old Megan is one of his two children. She works at the Alan Koppel Gallery and speaks fluent Italian! This is one talented and beautiful family! Wow! Also seen this evening were CPS head Michael Scott with his gorgeous wife, Diana Palomar! Diana broke her ankle over the weekend so here’s wishing her a speedy recovery!!!! :) Photos from top right: John Carroll flanked by sister Julie and daughter Megan; Michael Scott and Diana Palomar with Tocco owner Bruno Abate.

I want to send a BIG HELLO to Ramiro Burgos in Argentina! He is one of the many international fans of CandidCandace and is a big pop star there!!!! Woooo Hooooo!!!! Hi Ramiro! Thanks for tuning in!!! Good luck with your next tour! Photo: Ramiro Burgos performing with his band.
 
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s CandidCandace! Boy, is this town jumpin’ or what?! As always, here is a video to leave you with warm and fuzzy feelings. I wish we could all learn from this clip to love others who may be a bit different from us like our very own….
 
Love,
Candace 🙂