Tag Archives: Andrea Schwartz

February 23, 2012 · 9:28 pm

RPM ITALIAN OPENING BRINGS OUT CHICAGO’S WHO’S WHO!

…PLUS CHICAGO DESIGNERS AT NY’S EMERGE! SHOW, ZOOLA IS OOH-LA-LA, AUTO SHOW HIGHLIGHTS, WINDY CITY WEST’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY, TAVERNITA OPENS BIG, NEW WATCH312 VIDEOS AND MORE!

When the Melmans speak, everyone listens…especially when it comes to new restaurants! They are the experts, as the opening of their latest venture, RPM Italian Restaurant, with reality stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic (E! Channel’s “Fashion Police” and Style Network’s “Giuliana & Bill”) proved on Saturday night, February 18th. After months of planning, this new restaurant, in partnership with acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, the Rancics and restaurateurs RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman, will be the new “IT” spot for the Windy City. The star studded crowd of 500 made your head swivel at every sighting. Seen on the scene were Coach Lovie Smith and his beautiful wife MaryAnne, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman and his wife Jackie, Windy City Live's Val Warner, Ryan Chiaverini, Nina Chantelle and Eric Himel, the Sun-Times’ and Fox Chicago’s Bill Zwecker, Ronald McDonald Charities’ Doug Porter, Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper and Sarah Cooley, ABC’s Sylvia Perez, former Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias with Tara Flocco, fitness expert Shea Vaughn, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, The Mix’s Kathy Hart, Bears defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan, Sonya Jackson, Tim and Mary Smithe, the Landon twins, NBC 5’s Marion Brooks, Stefan Holt and Alicia Roman, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano, Watch312.com’s Bob and Kim Mills and Lindsay, Erica and Stevie Hoey, Paul Iacono, Cindy Burns, Catie Keogh and Jeff Conway of “24/7,” designer Azeeza Khan, Lisa Frame, NBC's Marcus Riley, artist Jesus Salgueiro, Justin Jacobson, Vincent Anzalone, Karen and Marvin Herman, BOKA
Group's Kevin Boehm, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, Amalie Drury and JC Steinbrunner among so many others. Susanna Negovan commented that if a bomb had dropped on this place this night, Chicago would have to start over! The sexy 8,000-foot space at 52 W. Illinois (in the old Ben Pao spot) was designed by NYC based Monolayer. Its chic, modern and sophisticated décor is set in tones of black, white and grey and is ideal for dinner or late night. And I can guarantee you, the bar scene will be something to behold. Acclaimed bartender Paul McGee (director of cocktail development for Lettuce Entertain You) has designed signature cocktails as well as created an expansive list of wines that include more than 100 American and Italian vintners. The restaurant will also include a six-seat Amaro bar and offer a menu of digestives – true to an authentic Italian dining experience. The menu presents modern Italian cuisine with a nod to the classics and will include more than a dozen freshly prepared in-house pastas. A highlight will be Mama DePandi’s Bucatini Pomadoro – a much-loved recipe from Giuliana’s mother! – duck angolotti with black mission figs, short rib pappardelle, taleggio and black truffle tortellini, whole wood-grilled Branzino, lobster caprese, wood grilled octopus, gnocchi gorgonzola al forno as well as a selection of prime steaks, chops and slow-roasted meats. Chef Doug Psaltis brings a wealth of experience to this project having earned three stars from the New York Times and a Michelin star while running the kitchen of NY’s Country restaurant. Psaltis has also worked in some of the world’s most esteemed restaurants including Alain Duscasse at the Essex House in NY, Ducasse’s three Michelin star restaurant in Monaco, Le Louis XV, Mix in NY, and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry in Napa Valley. Psaltis said, “Our focus throughout the restaurant is on offering great product and handcrafted items. The process is traditional, the spirit is Italian and the feel of the space and the food is modern.” Giuliana said, “Bill and I knew we wanted to work with the best so we’re excited to have teamed up with the Melmans and partner with one of the country’s most accomplished chefs. Doug has really done an amazing job creating our menu. Everything he cooks is delish so it was hard to narrow down our final choices!” Fans and foodies alike can get a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant’s planning process and opening as the details unfold in Season 5 of the Rancics’ hit Style Network show, “Bill and Giuliana,” premiering Monday, April 2nd at 8 p.m. In the meantime, check out the opening night action below on “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com – buon appetito! And to vote for your favorite “Candid Candace Chicago” celebrity interview, please click here!

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The Chicago Auto Show closed this Sunday and was another crowd pleaser with more than 8,000 people attending on opening night alone! The 21st First Look for Charity gave the black-tie-mandatory crowd a chance to view more than 1,000 vehicles before the 10-day show opened to the public. Eighteen local non-profits benefited from this night that raised over $1.2 million for charities and included the 100 Club of Chicago, Boys & Girls Clubs, Catholic Charities, The Cradle Foundation and Misericordia. With auto show covering over 1.2 million square feet of space at McCormick Place, this show is NOT high heel friendly but the people at Cadillac provided pink slippers and foot massages at their gorgeous booth that also highlighted the Ciel, their dramatic new concept car. Blues Traveler performed while guests meandered through the space and enjoyed many interactive exhibits including a Jeep Wrangler obstacle course (one for kiddies, too), a Chevy Volt electric car ride, a playing card table at Scion and a Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 engine experience among others. You could even renew your driver's license at the Secretary of State's booth! Twenty restaurants participated including Fogo de Chao, 676 Restaurant & Bar at the Omni, Andy's Frozen Custard, Devon Seafood, Roy's Restaurant, Real Urban BBQ and David Burke's Primehouse. Cadillac donated two outstanding and much coveted raffle prizes: The first prize was won by Jill Nelson of Wheeling who will be driving a 2012 Escalade soon and the second prize, donated by Chicagoland Cadillac Dealers, was a Cadillac SRX, won by Homer Glen's Richard Onik. And to make these prizes even more exciting, a year of free gas was included! Notables onstage for this giveaway included emcee Alison Rosati, Larry Wert, Steve Foley, Jr. (auto show chairman), Dave Sloan (general manager) and Paul Brian (director of communications). Since First Look for Charity's inception in 1992, this event has raised more than $34 million for Chicago area non-profits. To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to view “Candid Candace Chicago” video coverage on Watch312.com, please see below!!!)

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Dionne Williams has done it again! Her third Emerge! Fashion Runway Show provided a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work during New York Fashion Week and has grown quicker than anyone could’ve imagined! Fashion legend Andre Leon Talley was honored at the show held on February 14th at the Broad Street Ballroom. He was presented with his award by legendary designer and president of the CFDA, Diane Von Furstenberg. The spectacular program was hosted by actress Tracee Ellis Ross with co-host model Chavis Aaron. More than 500 guests attended and included retail buyers, media, celebrities and fashion influencers. This season’s elite group of designers included Elie Kuame (Elie Kuame Couture), Michael Alan Stein (The Michael Alan Stein Collection), Gordana Rasic and Omar Villalobos (GOCA Designs), Terri Stevens (Funkinbeautiful Design), Jahi Fitzgerald (Evoli Faccion) and Barbara Bates (Barbara Bates Designs). For more information on this exciting, must-attend event, please visit www.EmergeFashionNYC.com and to view ALL event pics, please click here!

The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo held its 10th annual ZooLa fundraiser in the stunning residence of Elizabeth Foster and Michael Walsh on Wednesday, February 8th – an event that earned over $180,000 to ensure that Lincoln Park Zoo remains free and open to everyone year round. During the cocktail hour, Chicago artist Francine Turk created an oil-on-canvas original to be auctioned later, while guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by J & L Catering. The event was co-chaired by Susan Flynn, Mary MacGregor and Kim Theiss. Also in attendance were WB president Abby Zanarini, Lincoln Park Zoo president Kevin Bell and a host of friends of the zoo. John Walcher of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers led the live auction that included lively bidding for a Chanel package. This unique offering included Chanel Fine Jewelry Planete earrings in white gold, diamonds and South Sea pearls plus a private tour of Coco Chanel’s private apartment in Paris. Other packages included a chance to join "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano at his show during NY Fashion Week as well as a Masters Golf package courtesy of Intersport. (To view ALL event pics, please click here.)

Don’t miss Windy City West celebrating 25 years of Chicagoans in entertainment in LA! This event, produced by Brenda Sexton’s Chicago Link Productions, will feature comedian Tom Dreesen as the emcee at RJ and Jerrod Melman’s popular LA-based restaurants, M Street Kitchen and Stella Rossa Pizza Bar. On Monday, March 5th, many of the original founders of Windy City West will host a private event for 350 VIP guests where they plan to honor Cubs’ chairman Tom Ricketts. Ricketts will receive the 2012 Windy City West “Man of the Year” award recognizing his many contributions to Chicago sports and commerce. The event was founded by Chicago writer/producer Ginny Weissman, Tom Dreesen and Rich Melman 25 years ago as a “culinary camaraderie,” a simple annual get-together for fellow Chicagoans yearning for a “taste of home, and now attracts some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Watch this space for further coverage of this annually exciting event!

Congrats to darling Chef Ryan Poli on the opening of his new restaurant, Tavernita, at 151 W. Erie! Owned and operated by Mercadito Hospitality, this restaurant features the world-class cuisine of chef/partner Poli and embodies the flavors of Spain and Latin America! Opening night attracted more than 500 fans to this hotspot! Can’t wait to try it – congrats Chef Poli!

Wow, Chicago is exploding with hot new restaurants and lots of excitement, as you can see! Thanks for letting me bring you to the party! Hope you enjoyed the ride and will be back next week for more Windy City fun!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Please check out this eSmiles program benefitting the new Ronald McDonald House! It’s an easy way for them to make $10,000! Just email a note, card or photo everyday from your emails and your message will be posted in the family room for all of the families to enjoy! For details, please visit www.hpesmiles.com or send your message to RMHChicagoCNI@eprintesmiles.com .

THE “SPORT OF KINGS” COMES TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

Pounding hooves, clicking mallets, cheering fans, hot club music…all of this happened for the first time on North Avenue Beach this weekend. The Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, 2011 took place Saturday and Sunday on the sands near the boathouse as eight international teams of men and women took to the field, erghhh…I mean beach! This two day event was one of the best parties I’ve been to in a long, long time! DJ Geronimo played the hot club music between chukkers that reminded me of high season in St. Tropez! The attendees had all dug deep into their closets to find the most fashionably appropriate polo-viewing outfits and they ALL looked so very chic. Beach polo was created first in Dubai in 2004 followed by the Miami Beach Polo World Cup in 2005. For the debut event here, team sponsors included Grey Goose, Gascon, Lutfthansa, Titan Commercial, Amstel/Comcast and Trump Residences. The winning team was Titan Commericial led by players Ben Rosenfield, Chad Middendorf and Guille and Tavi Usandizaga. The horses and players were so close to us, you could hear the snorts and see the sweat (on the horses!). It was so exciting and there was so much going on during the matches. The festivities actually began on Thursday at the Noble Horse Theater on Sedgwick with an incredible, hands-on clinic with the pros. Setting the stage for the World Cup weekend, top rated players Nic Roldan and Brazilian Paula Chermont, along with a team of other players directed an eager group of Chicagoans in practices such as riding, shot techniques, rules and strategy. Following the clinic, there was an after-party at Gallery 1028. Friday night, the Crimson Lounge at the Sax Hotel was the scene for the Press Party where guests mixed and mingled with the players and on Saturday, the main event began. There was a men’s and women’s fashion show presented by Cityblue Apparel & Denim. It was so cool to see the models on the “runway” in the sand which then extended through the VIP Pavilion. I even saw fashion maven Nena Ivon there surveying the show with her unerring eye. President of The Polo Life, Bruce Orosz, had this to say: “Our event continues to grow, thanks to incredible and continuing support from our sponsors and many polo enthusiasts, whose population is also increasing. As interest in the ‘Sport of Kings’ expands, we feel we should follow suit.” Orosz has plans on expanding the beach games to spots around the globe. Alex Webbe, chairman of the International Beach Polo Association added this, “Although over 3,000 years old, the ancient sport of polo made its first appearance in Chicago’s Dexter Park in 1876 when the California Polo Club staged a practice game much to the delight of an enthusiastic assemblage. Three years later, the Chicago Polo Club would be formed. Familiarly played on emerald expanses of the finest Bermuda grasses, beach polo reduces the size of the playing area to a more crowd-friendly size in an effort to drop the action into the laps of the spectators. The sport of beach polo has grown over the years, serving as a ‘moveable feast’ of sorts, bringing this exciting equestrian sport to cities and locales that would not otherwise have the opportunity of observing this age-old sport.” This event truly was a ‘moveable feast’ with fabulous food from Fogo de Chao and Union Sushi & BBQ, photo booths, a Gascon wine tent, an Amstel beer tent, pop-up shops and even electric violinists! The beach was filled with happy laughter and, as both days drew to a close, the sand and dance floor was filled with high spirited, dancing polo-nistas…and this was BEFORE the AFTER-PARTIES began! Whew! Congrats to all involved for bringing (and promoting) this exciting event in Chicago: Grey Goose, Bruce Orosz (Polo Life President), Lou Vasta (producer/partner Chicago Beach Polo), Don Miguel Gascon, Union Sushi & BBQ Bar, Rock Sake, Amstel Light, Tim Huizenga, Mark Mitten, Alex Webbe, Vincent Anzalone, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Dan Uslan, Lonnie Rodriquez, Bettie Bomb PR, Rebecca Kussman, Rebecca Janoff, The Polo Life, the amazing men and women players and their athletic ponies and so many more! Can’t wait to see what next year brings! My only complaint is that the event should be held two weeks earlier. Saturday was very cool but sure didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits! For more info, please visit www.ThePoloLife.com. (Additional photos courtesy of Helena Rafeyan and Caitlin Collins. To see ALL event pics, please click HERE!)

The 26th annual fall benefit for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton featuring guest speaker/actress, Goldie Hawn. The event was co-chaired by Michelle Friedman, Ashley Hemphill Netzky and Lara Shipp Shiffman. Children from the Music Institute of Chicago performed for 750 happy guests anxious to hear Goldie, whose mother was a breast cancer survivor, speak. The room was a sea of pink with linens provided by BBJ and assorted pink blossom centerpieces courtesy of Heffernan Morgan/Ronsley. Attendees also had the chance to bid on new and collectible handbags from upscale boutiques and private collections for the “Purse-sue the Cure” silent auction. Bryan and Julie Barrish and family, Neil Bluhm, and Cari and Michael Sacks were Daisy Sponsor supporters for this event, which raised $635,000 to support breast cancer research, fellowships and educational programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern. LSCRF has begun to “Light the Way to Find a Cure,” turning Chicago’s beautiful skyline pink to raise awareness throughout the month of October. To learn more about this wonderful organization or to make a donation, please visit www.lynnsage.org.

I hope you got a chance to enjoy Chicago’s FIRST “Open Streets” event downtown this weekend. This concept, introduced previously to the city by the Active Transportation Alliance, closed seven blocks of State Street to buses, cars and cabs so pedestrians could enjoy a safe place to stroll, bicycle, walk the dog and meander free from the worries of traffic. Sponsored by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, this popular idea, called a “ciclovia” (Spanish for bike path), originated in Bogota, Columbia. Ciclovias are now popular in many places around the world including New York (where Park Avenue is closed) and San Francisco (where Grant Avenue is closed). The Loop Alliance helped Active Trans organize this year’s event along with help from supportive Aldermen Brendan Reilly and Robert Fioretti as well as Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Ty Tabing. This fun day included an Imagination Playground, a Scavenger Hunt, a dunking booth, the Windy City Rollers, break dance instruction, a skateboard park and live streaming from the Illinois Center for Broadcasting featuring Bionce Foxx and Ernie Scatton. Watch for video from Watch312.com with highlights coming soon! 🙂

Macy's scored another coup having my favorite “Girl Next Door,” Kendra Wilkinson/Baskett, make an in-store appearance at their State Street store for a signing of her latest book, “Being Kendra: Cribs, Cocktails & Getting My Sexy Back.” This is her second book, following her New York Times bestseller, “Sliding into Home.” In her current book, she “reveals her private side, sharing the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of motherhood, marriage, and life in the spotlight.” I will tell you, the opening paragraph catches your attention immediately. “Hank and I had sex on the staircase today. Right there, flat-out spontaneous sex with our clothes mostly still on. Steps digging into my back, the banister acting as a bedpost. It was quick and skillful.” Kendra is blatantly honest which makes her such a successful author and popular reality star. She told me she asks the E! Channel to “put it all in because it’s life. If there’s dog poo on the floor, I tell them to show it.” She has lived a large part of her life in front of the cameras and her intent is to build security for Baby Hank so “he doesn’t have to live that lifestyle.” (Kendra was a stripper when she was discovered by Hef.) Her appearance at Macy’s was filmed by E! for an upcoming show segment. Tribune nightlife reporter Luis Arroyo and Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide (owned by my friend Bonnie Krueger) also covered this fun event. Kendra’s fans filled the lower level in anticipation of her arrival. I loved talking to her…she’s real, press savvy and driven. Go Kendra! Go Kendra! (Thanks to Macy’s Kamal Bosamia and Andrea Schwartz for this terrific opportunity!) Check out my interview below on Watch312.com and see how interested she is in my own Playboy history!

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

The coming weeks will bring lots of exciting events and here are a few CANDACE RECOMMENDS. Hope to see you at one or more of these fun fundraisers!

On Thursday, October 6th, the International Film Fest Opening Night Gala will feature “The Last Rites of Joe May” and its star, Dennis Farina. Bill Kurtis will emcee. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoFilmFestival.com.

On Friday, October 7th, designer Hector MonArrez presents his FRONT ROW 2012 Fashion Show at the Union League Club beginning at 6:15 PM with a VIP champagne reception. Tickets (starting at $45) can be purchased by visiting www.monarrezcollection.com.

On Thursday, October 13th, the Art of Home will celebrate 50 Chicago area artists in a benefit to raise funds for Lakeside Housing programs. I am so proud to be a part of this worthy event which will take place at Zhou Brothers Art Center at 1029 W. 35th St. from 6-9 PM. For tickets ($150), please click herge!

Fashion Focus Chicago begins on Monday, October 17th and runs through the 23rd in Millennium Park. Tickets are $35 for general admission which applies to each of the four shows in the tent this year. All ticket holders will be seated, no SRO crowds this year! There are a host of other fashionable events surrounding Fashion Focus including the FIRST show called NEXT FASHION CHICAGO, which will occur Monday night, October 17th, from 6:30 – 10 PM at the Germania Club, located at 108 W. Germania Place. The show, produced by Rose Mandel/Mandel Productions, is the first full-length group show and will include designers Elda de la Rosa, Sahar Dada, Sujata Gazder, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Mira Couture, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzales and Cleons. Featured stores include Bottega Contessa, Sofia, Furla and Cache. I am proud to be an emcee along with NBC’s popular Marcus Riley! For tickets, beginning at $30, please visit www.NextFashionChicago.com.

Saturday, October 15th, the Kohl Children’s Museum will celebrate 25 years with “An Evening to Imagine” at 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview. The fun-filled celebration will feature music, dining, dancing and magic with surprises for the entire family! Individual tickets start at $500. For more info, please visit www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org or call 847-832-6600.

And lastly, on a personal note, I want to congratulate two friends on their EMMY nominations: Steve Weiss and Catie Keogh! Catie’s show – “24/7” - has once again been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Magazine Programming! Her show runs on NBC 5 at 12:30 AM as well as 35 times a week on the NBC Nonstop Channels. Congrats to one of the hardest working women in showbiz! And my neighbor/friend, Steve Weiss, and his company, ZACUTO, have been nominated for FOUR Emmys – one for Outstanding Achievement for Documentary Programs, one for Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programming, one for Interview Programming and one for Outstanding Crafts Achievement Off-Air: Editor-Program. I wish them both the BEST of luck!!! 🙂

Well, this is the lowdown on Chicago’s highlights for this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace and that I “see” you again next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Dogs really are man’s best friend, in many, many ways… 🙂

6 Comments

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Weblogs

Tagged as 24/7, Active Transportation Alliance, Alex Webbe, Amstel Light, Amstel/Comcast, Andrea Schwartz, Art of Home, Ashley Hemphill Netzky, BBJ, Being Kendra: Cribs, Ben Rosenfield, Bettie Bomb PR, Bill Kurtis, Bionce Foxx, Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, Bonnie Krueger, Brendan Reilly, Bruce Orosz, Bryan Barrish, Cache, Caitlin Collins Saville, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cari Sacks, Catie Keogh, Chad Middendorf, Chicago International Film Festival, Cityblue Apparel & Denim, Cleons. Bottega Contessa, Cocktails & Getting My Sexy Back, Crimson Lounge, Dan Uslan, Dennis Farina, DJ Geronimo, Don Miguel Gascon, E!, elda de la rosa, Emmy awards, Ernie Scatton, Fashion Focus Chicago, Fogo de Chao, Fraley Le, Front Row 2012 Fashion Show, Furla, Gallery 1028, Gary Gonzales, Gascon, Goldie Hawn, Grey Goose, Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, Guille Usandizaga, Hank Baskett, Hector Mon Arrez, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley, Helena Rafeyan, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, International Brach Polo Association, Julie Barrish and family, Kamal Bosamia, Kendra Wilkinson, Kohl Children's Museum, Lakeside Housing, Lara Shipp Shiffman, Lonnie Rodriquez, Loop Alliance, Lou Vasta, Luis Arroyo, Lutfthansa, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Macy's, Mandel Productions, Marcus Riley, Mark Mitten, Michael Sacks, Michelle Friedman, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mira Couture, Music Institute of Chicago, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Neil Bluhm, Nena Ivon, NEXT Fashion Chicago, Nic Roldan, Noble Horse Theater, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Open Streets, Paula Chermont, Rebecca Janoff, Rebecca Kussman, Robert Fioretti, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rock Sake, Rose Mandel, Sahar Dada, Sax Hotel, Sliding into Home, Sofia, Steve Weiss, Sujata Gazder, Tavi Usandizaga, The Last Rights of Joe May, The Polo Life, Tim Huizenga, Titan Commercial, Trump Residences, Union Sushi & BBQ, Union Sushi & BBQ Bar, Vincent Anzalone, Watch312.com, Windy City Rollers, Zacuto, Zhou Brothers Art Center

August 17, 2011 · 4:11 pm

FASHION FLIES “LIKE A G6” AT GLAMORAMA PLUS FAR EAST MOVEMENT AND CEE LO GREEN!

The crowd was flying “like a G6” at the 13th Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama Friday night. The Far East Movement along with singer/rapper/writer/producer and Grammy Award winner Cee Lo Green headlined this fashion extravaganza that was one of the best Glams I’ve ever attended. The producers for this year’s event outdid themselves in every way. A special shout out to choreographer extraordinaire Myron Johnson! The dance numbers were out of this world! Young dancing sensations Bailey and Sharlese were so fabulous that Macy’s asked them to walk the Media Line after the rehearsal! I coveted almost every single style that was presented along with their perfect accessories. Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs showed looks reminiscent of the 1940’s with little pillbox hats, ¾ length skirts and dresses and romantic silhouettes with fur shrugs thrown casually over the models’ shoulders. Gaultier even went so far as to describe its collection as a “nod to middle age declaring gray is beautiful.” Hallelujah to that!! Even the hairstyles, designed by Sally Noblett and her team from Joseph Michael’s Salon & Spa, were stylized and sleek as opposed to the loosey, goosey look of recent years. I loved it ALL! Since the theme was “Artrageous,” national Lancome makeup artist Alex Sanchez created looks inspired by painter’s palettes. The models were all so GLAM and beautiful! Elegance was the watchword for the evening except for some of the menswear lines. Armani Jeans showed rapper inspired fashions with cut-up jeans, bomber jackets and skull caps. Papi, a men’s underwear collection out of Miami, was a huge hit with the ladies as the models strutted their six-packs to the wild applause from the audience. The colorful underwear seemed to be a crowd pleaser and, why not, when you have famous boxer Evander Holyfield’s son Jr. in the lineup!? And he was as nice as he was cute (I had the privilege of interviewing him for Social Circles). The show opened with a heartfelt video featuring Ronald McDonald’s Ambassador family, the Van Fossons. Alisha, at age 12, had been through 32 surgeries and tearfully explained how thankful she was to the Ronald McDonald Houses for “giving her family such a wonderful home away from home.” Her mom, Patty, put it bluntly. “If it wasn’t for the House, Alisha would still be in a wheelchair or on a respirator.” The fashions were fabulous and wearable on the runway. Here is my roundup. Sonia Rykiel showed a great mix of textures, fabrics and colors. Not for me, but looked great on the models, of course! Kenneth Cole showed sporty, yet professional looks for men while Tracy Reese’s line focused on flirty skirts and dresses in the colors of fall: brown, toffee, black and gray with metallic and jewel undertones. For the first time, Karl Lagerfeld’s Impulse collection debuted in Chicago. This line features limited-edition women’s apparel including a blend of dresses, airy tops, tweeds, tees and jackets all with a rock n’ roll edge. Bar III’s collection appeared onstage with Far East Movement (not a bad position and the crowd loved the mix) and showed a contemporary line featuring men’s and women’s clothing (they have a growing home collection as well). I loved the entertainment this year, too! Far East Movement is the first Asian-American group with a #1 song in the country, “Like a G6.” Their stylish, modern looks were a winner and their friendly manner with the fans won me over completely, especially with their kind attention to Alisha. Candid Candace has eyes and ears everywhere. And even though I loved Cee Lo Green, especially since two of his top songs, Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha” are two of my favorites, let’s just say he was great onstage. He performed both of these songs and the latter one with his own clever lyrics. When he asked the crowd, “Don’t cha wish your boyfriend was rich like me?” the crowd exploded. He also performed his latest chart topper, “F*ck You.” Thankfully, he didn’t do it as graphically as it sounds. After the one-hour show, the chic crowd high-tailed it over to the 7th floor at Macy’s for its “Artrageous After-Party.” And the name sure applied because there was something colorful, inspiring and fun in every corner! There was an interactive Patron Tequila Photobooth, silhouette artists in the American Express Lounge, Lancome makeup touch-up stations, 18 fully stocked Patron bars featuring signature Glamorama cocktails like the Glam Grapefruit, Patron Pomorama or the Patron Pineapple Couture. Food stations included Grilled Panini Comforts, American Graffiti, Late Night Breakfast and Asian Food Art with a Sushi Bar. The OfficeMax Lounge featured fashion sketches by designers-in-residence of the Chicago Fashion Incubator. It was so nice to know that, for the third year, this event benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana in the building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House in Chicago near Lurie Children’s Hospital which is located in the Streeterville neighborhood. There are so many people to thank in the creation of this massive event – and I know I will leave some names out, so forgive me! – so special thanks to Andrea Schwartz, Martine Reardon, Robin Reibel, Robin Hall, Mike Gansmoe, Greg Moore, Kamal Bosamia, Mardelle Gundlach, Christina Thomas, Alyssa Hock, Laura Schara, the Van Fosson Family, Myron Johnson, Sally Noblett, Alex Sanchez, the Amazing Dancers, Models, Entertainers and Backstage Helpers, Jamie Haberkorn, Ralph Hughes, the Sponsors and Everyone Else who was involved!!!! I was so proud to be the Honorary Chair for this sensational event, along with my illustrious Host Committee, that raised more than $350K for RMHCCNI. It was also one of the best Glams attended so far with 3,000-plus people in attendance! (To view ALL Glam pics by Mila Samokhina – whose photos also appeared on “Windy City Live” this week – plus Steve Starr, please click HERE!)

Doesn’t the name “Burscott Park” evoke memories of some ancient, English hunting grounds reserved for royalty? Well, in a way, this is true. Especially since you consider the fact that it is the summer home of culinary royalty, George Jewell. Recently, George graciously lent his elegant estate to Common Threads for a “BBQ Unlike Any Other.” And boy, was this ever the case since five of Chicago’s top chefs cooked an outdoor feast the likes of which I probably won’t see again! The weather tried hard not to cooperate but nothing could dampen the spirits of the many supporters who showed up to eat, drink and put the fun in fundraising! Host Committee members Mary Cameron Frey, Greg Cameron, Greg Thompson and Karen and Marvin Herman enlisted incredibly talented Chefs David Blonsky (Public House/Bull and Bear), Jessie Oloroso (Black Dog Gelato), Ryan Poli (Tavernita), Patrick Sheerin (The Signature Room) and Scott Walton (Markethouse/Greenbush Brewery/Froehlich’s Bakery). Specialties for the day included charred cuttlefish, grilled Dietzler Farm beef shoulder sandwiches, Becker Lane pork belly sandwiches with seedling farm jam, Pin Oak’s lamb ribs with tomato jam BBQ sauce, grilled oysters Rockefeller, panzanella with fried kalamata olive bread and Green Acres red Pontiac potato salad among many others. Dessert consisted of a chocolate and manchego grilled cheese sandwich with smoked date gelato and a blackberry compote! DELICIOUS!!! There was also a lively auction led by Judd Malkin who stood on a chair to get the guests’ attention while his gorgeous wife, Katherine, looked on watchfully and lovingly. George’s guest house was chic in every way and, if he hadn’t chosen to be the world’s top caterer, he would’ve been the world’s top designer. The lighting was so dramatic yet the furniture and antiques were definitely there to be used. There was nothing precious and I noted he even burned the candles on his wall sconces instead of just keeping them there for decoration like I do! A walk around the spacious grounds revealed a large pond inhabited by four gorgeous white swans. All of the property was perfectly manicured, of course, except for the huge vegetable garden and some large patches of wildflowers. A dinner at George’s must be one very special occasion! A walk in the other direction revealed peacocks and peahens in an enclosure. Staff told me they would normally be roaming the grounds except for the party on this night. Ahhhhh, what a perfectly delightful day and night in the country, made even better by the fact that it all benefitted Common Threads to the tune of $22K! This amount of money is enough to completely fund groceries for 14 out of their 18 Chicago 10-week after-school programs for this coming fall, bringing over 225 kids together to learn to prepare meals themselves! (To view more pics, please click here.)

Didn’t you just love The Temptations? Hello! Who didn’t!? Well, now you get a chance to relive this glorious past at “The Temptations Revue!” on Friday, August 19th, at the Park West, located at 322 W. Armitage. This event, beginning at 6 PM with cocktails, benefits the Zoe Foundation which is dedicated to the research and cure of atrial fibrillation. Dinner begins at 7:30 PM with a live auction followed by a 9 PM concert and dancing, dancing, dancing! Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling 630.790.2687.

CANDACE RECOMMENDS: Tickets ($200) are still available for the 47th Chicago International Film Festival honoring Martin Sheen with a premiere of his new film “The Way.” For more info, please call 312.683.0121 or visit www.ChicagoFilmFestival.com. Also, “Taste of the Gold Coast” is coming to the Sutton Place Hotel, located at 21 E. Bellevue, on Tuesday, August 23rd, from 6 to 9 PM. Over 13 neighborhood restaurants are participating and there will be live entertainment plus a silent auction benefitting the North Dearborn Association! For tickets ($80-$100), please call 312.730.8262. “Shine & Dine,” benefitting the Step-Up Women’s Network, will be featuring “Windy City Live” darling, Valerie Warner, at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie, on Thursday, August 18th, from 6-9 PM. Tickets begin at $75 and can be purchased by calling 312.235.3277. I also hope you can attend the “The Rooftop Party at Studio Paris,” located at 59 W. Hubbard, on Thursday, August 18th, benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities from 5 to 8 PM. Tickets are $150 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and cocktails plus a chance to be a part of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House’s history. For tickets and more info, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org.

If you haven't already received my terrorist demand in an email earlier, please take note! I am SO thrilled to be a finalist in CBS’s “Chicago’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011.” I need your vote! You can vote every day until September 9th! (It IS Chicago after all!) It’s really easy, too…just click and vote for Candid Candace HERE! Other finalists I will be voting for include Amanda Puck’s Foodarazzi, CTA Tattler and Julie DiCaro’s “A League of Her Own.” May the best blogger win!!!

Thanks again to “Windy City Live” for having me on again this week! If you missed the show, please check it out HERE… 🙂

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I will have lots of info on some great September events coming up next week so I hope you stay tuned plus the usual recap of some other exciting happenings around town! I hope you enjoy this beautiful weather and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com