Tag Archives: Carlos Zambrano

August 23, 2011 · 11:09 pm

THE WINDY CITY WELCOMES HOLLYWOOD KINGS

Sometimes opportunities come around when you least expect them. I have known, loved and admired socialite/author Sugar Rautbord for many a year. Her global connections are well known and her stories are fascinating as she calls many world leaders her friends. So, when she called and asked me if I would like to ride in the limo with legendary talk show host/author Larry King to Wrigley Field to see him throw out the first pitch, I had to pinch myself. I’ve always known and admired him (who hasn’t?) but it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to sit with him and ask questions that I came to know what a legend he truly is. He was in town to promote his current book, “Truth Be Told,” which is described as “a fascinating collection of stories and anecdotes about favorite guests, memorable moments, funniest jokes and a half-century of asking questions.” I can’t wait to read this one, right after I read his last book, “How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere.” (With my new gig as host of “Social Circles,” I think this book will come in VERY handy!) And speaking of “Social Circles,” I was even allowed to have my cameraman, Fred Jackson, in the car with me so we could record each and every precious moment. At most, I was expecting a sound bite from Larry enroute to the ballpark, but what I received was 25 minutes of uninterrupted “Larry King-isms” that I will never forget. He recounted his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he said will never speak on a cell phone. So when a call came in for Larry at his barbershop from the Russian Prez, Larry’s barber took the call and said, “Some clown is on the phone saying he’s Putin!” (Putin said this about Larry: “In U.S., there are many talented and interesting people. But, still, there is just one King.”) And then there was the time that Saddam Hussein called Larry when he was enjoying himself at a restaurant with friends. Larry told the waiter, “Put him on hold.” Former President Bill Clinton called King during his impeachment proceedings and the first thing he asked was “Who’s winning?” knowing how passionate Larry is about baseball. King also talked about growing up poor in Brooklyn and remembers his first pair of glasses was courtesy of government aid. When I asked him how he met his gorgeous wife, Shawn, he said in L.A. in front of Tiffany’s. “It became pretty expensive…I wish it had been a Target!” At the ballpark, he was inundated with fans requesting him to sign their baseballs and take photos – and he obliged every single one of them. He also shared a sweet moment on the field with Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa: When Larry playfully tried to switch baseball caps with him for a photo, Tony wasn’t having any of it and held the cap for the camera instead. (BTW, Larry brought the Cubs luck, even though he’s a Dodgers fan – they beat the Cardinals 5-4 in 10 innings!) His long-time friend, Sugar Rautbord, hosted a book launch party for him, along with International Insurance exec Debra Hoag, later that evening at her posh Gold Coast condo with lots of friends in attendance. Seen on the scene were Jesse Jackson (talking presidential politics with Larry), Leslie Hindman, Lynne Bredfeldt, ABC anchor Cheryl Burton (wearing the cutest hot pants), Cancer Treatment Centers of America CEO Steve Bonner, Sophie Bross, film director Matthew Miele, Marilyn Miglin and her daughter Marlena, Holly Hunt, Jerry Stone, Chef Art Smith, Lane Davis, former Miss Arkansas and equestrian Darby Hill, Sun-Times’ Laura Washington, Chicago Mag’s Rich Gamble and NBC’s Alison Rosati, among many others. After the party, Sugar and 10 of Larry’s pals headed off to Rivers Casino for dinner. Oh, what a day AND night! :) (All photos by Mila Samokhina with additional pics by Mitch Canoff.)

This same night, the 47th Chicago International Film Festival) honored Martin Sheen with a long overdue Lifetime Achievement Award. Martin came to town with his handsome son, Emilio Estevez, as part of their 32-city, grass-roots promo tour of their film, “The Way.” Film Fest Founder and Artistic Director Michael Kutza couldn’t have chosen a more worthy recipient to honor than this hard-working, remarkable and much-loved film icon. Sheen remarked to the crowd, after Governor Quinn honored him with a proclamation naming August 19th as “Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez Day” in Chicago, that he ‘hopes after all this fuss that you like the movie!” (Governor Quinn told me later that Sheen, being the avid human rights activist that he is, had contacted him to ask him to abolish the death penalty.) As for the movie, “The Way” is described as “a powerful, inspirational, and often amusing story about family, friends and the challenge of navigating through an ever-changing world.” Estevez, who wrote, directed and co-starred in the film, describes it as “essentially the retelling of ‘The Wizard of Oz’” with Sheen portraying Dorothy in her quest to find her way home. After Sheen received his Silver Hugo from Kutza, he remarked that “it looks like the Blessed Mother!” He also said he would follow FDR’s advice to “be sincere, be brief and be seated.” Emcee Bill Kurtis had an opportunity to tease the Governor with his comment, “Wouldn’t this [the theatre] make a great casino?” In the media line before the screening, the loving father and son talked to each and every reporter! Emilio has piercing eyes just like his dad and when I told him so, he said, “And no contacts!” He loved directing his father, whom he said “has such dignity,” and is “always on time and knows all of his lines.” He also said his dad inspired him to write the story. In a London Telegraph interview, when asked if he had considered any other actor for the lead role, Estevez said, “Dad wanted me to. He said, ‘You ought to go to Michael Douglas. You’re not going to get this movie made with me.’ But I said, ‘I’m only making this movie with you.’ Then he said, ‘Mel Gibson should play this part.’ I said, you are playing this role. Stop.’ That’s the level of his generosity.” The love and respect between these two men was palpable and a joy to see. When I spoke to Martin, I asked him how he liked Chicago and he said, “This is not only a city of Big Shoulders, but of big hearts, too.” And I couldn’t agree more! After the movie, the Film Fest’s annual Summer Gala was held across the street at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Even the walk to the after-party was exciting as you wound your way past 11 Lincolns (one of the event’s sponsors) and through the pulsating light beams of the six massive searchlights. It made me feel like I was in Hollywood at the premiere of “Casablanca!” (Summer Gala Committee Chair Rich Varnes did an outstanding job along with his notable host committee!) The party continued the movie’s Spanish theme with flamenco dancers, tapas and Sangria along with a huge memorabilia-filled auction that included two guitars, one signed by Paul McCartney and the other red, white and blue one, signed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band! There were also sports jerseys from Patrick Kane, Derrick Rose and Billy Williams; a Carlos Zambrano baseball; a Kermit the Frog sketch signed by Jim Henson; a signed “Peanuts” cartoon sketch; signed film fest posters as well as signed movie posters by Sheen and Estevez. There was even an Oscar poster signed by Jack Nicholson, Robert Redford, Woody Allen and Steven Spielberg among many others. This year’s Chicago International Film Festival runs from October 6th through 20th. (All photos by Mila Samokhina with additional pics by Steve Starr.)

There is such diversity in Chicago for events! You can go high, you can go low or you can go fest! The first (hopefully annual) Street Food Artistry event was held recently at Galleria Marchetti. This event celebrated the rich street food culture in Chicago and had something for everyone! Guests sampled tastings from Bistro One West, Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, Dark Matter Coffee Company, E.leaven Food Company, English Bar & Restaurant, Porkchop and Wow Bao. Participating food trucks included Bergstein’s NY Deli Truck, Forever Yoghurt Truck and the Old School Root Beer Float Cart among others. Macy’s Chefs A-Go-Go Tour featured the Mobi Munch Truck manned by charming Chef Takashi Yagihashi. (Watch for his new restaurant, Slurping Turtle, coming soon to 116 W. Hubbard St.) His delicious and healthy noodle dish with secret sauce was to die for! I also loved the LickLick truck for the poochies, manned by cute owner Andreana Droz. Porkchop offered delicious shredded pork sandwiches grilled with whiskey corks!?! It was tasty (hic!) though! Chef Julius Russell gave cooking demonstrations using Chilean ingredients – he is so sweet and talented that it’s no wonder he has just been named Culinary Ambassador to Chile! With wife Jada by his side, they make a formidable team. :) There was also a kids’ cooking demo by handsome Chef Eric Paul. Live entertainment included the sweet sounds of Chicago Street Musicians’ Meisha Herron, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, The Real Connection, Soul People and H2O Soul. There was also an interactive, live photo shoot by fine art and fashion photographer Geraldine Rodriguez. This event was presented by President and Co-founder Patrice Perkins (My Lifestyle Zen) and Co-founder Alicia August-Wright (A’Vents by August), both who wanted to bring Chicago’s diverse communities together as one. Proceeds from the silent auction benefitted University of Chicago Charter School, Common Threads and Chicago Street Musicians.

And now, here are some of my favorite upcoming events – aka CANDACE RECOMMENDS!

Thursday, September 8th

The 9th Annual Parkways Foundation Garden Party & Luncheon will be held in Grant Park (Columbus Drive and Balbo) beginning at 11 AM. The 2011 Volunteer Award will be presented to Jo Ann Nathan. The Jens Jensen Award will be presented to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Co-chairs are Carol Prins and April Schink. Tickets begin at $225. For further information, please contact Alison Krzys at 312.742.4807 or email her at akrzys@parkways.org.

Thursday, September 8th

Hosted by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, “Toque: An Evening with Chicago’s Culinary Masters” will benefit Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. The evening will begin at 6PM at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, located at 1 W. Wacker Dr. and will feature a seated, multi-course degustation menu prepared by top chefs including Ryan Poli, Graham Elliot, Stephanie Izard, Mindy Segal and Cleetus Friedman, among others. The event’s Executive Chef is Michael Kornick. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased by calling 312.924.4220, Ext.4 or by visiting www.onestepcamp.org.

Friday, September 9th

The 10th Annual Catholic Charities Gala of the Arts will donate a percentage of proceeds benefitting the Catholic Charities’ ongoing Emergency Assistance Programs for those in need. Fifteen juried artists will display and sell their artwork at this event which will also include a seated dinner followed by the live performance of “Under the Streetlamp: An Intimate Evening with the Recent Stars of Chicago’s Jersey Boys.” Tickets are $250 and can be purchased by calling 312.655.7912 or by emailing aowen@catholiccharities.net.

Sunday, September 11th

The 31st Annual Misericordia Family Festival runs from 11 AM until 6 PM at Misericordia’s Campus, located 6300 N. Ridge (just south of Devon Avenue). This event will include live entertainment, a children’s theater, games, a celebrity dunk tank, Jesse White Tumblers, Frisbee Dogs, clowns, Rainbow Dogs Pet Therapy, silent auction, bingo, craft booths, kiddie rides and so much more to support the exceptional programs Miseracordia offers for more than 600 children and adults living with mild to profound developmental disabilities. This year, Miseracordia must raise $13 million for costs not covered by the State of Illinois in their efforts to provide housing for individuals on its waiting list. (Thanks to my friend Mary Frances Bragiel for giving me a heads up about this great event for a wonderful cause!!)

Saturday, September 17th

The 20th Annual Green Tie Ball, presented by A. Finkl & Sons, celebrates a “Return to the Emerald City” this year and, since this event IS at Finkl Town, located 2011 N. Southport, you know it will be fun!!! Co-chairs Tim Smithe and Stephanie Castagnier have planned an evening that will include edibles from more than 60 of Chicago’s finest restaurants, charitable gaming, live entertainment by Dr. Bombay, DJ Rock City and Platinum Events DJs as well as premium open bars. The evening begins with a VIP reception at 6:30 PM. This ball’s proceeds will help raise money towards the greening and beautifying of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods. For tickets and more info, please visit www.GatewayGreen.org.

Thanks to "Windy City Live" for having me on again this week! I had a blast, as always, and love those sweet peeps! Glad to see the show doing so well!!!

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And last but not least, a huge congrats to beloved mom-about-town Simona Garcia and her cute hubby Dennis on the birth of their second baby! Welcome to the world, Sebastian Jack Garcia!!!

Well, that’s this week’s lowdown on Chicago’s highlights! Hope to “see” you ALL again next week! (And remember, if you enjoy Candid Candace, please vote for me in CBS’ “Chicago’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011.” You can vote everyday until Sept. 8th!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. This woman is either really, really brave or really, really stupid. Either way, it’s still beautiful to watch!

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Tagged as A. Finkl & Sons, Alicia August-Wright, Alison Rosati, Andreana Droz, April Schink, Art Smith, Bergstein’s NY Deli Truck, Bill Clinton, Bill Curtis, Billy Williams, Bistro One West, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Bruce Springsteen, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carlos Zambrano, Carol Prins, Catholic Charities, CBS’ Most Valuable Blogger Awards, Cheryl Burton, Chicago Cubs, Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago Street Musicians, Children’s Oncology Services Inc., Cleetus Friedman, Common Threads, Darby Hill, Dark Matter Coffee Company, Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, Debra Hoag, Dennis Garcia, Derrick Rose, DJ Rock City, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, E Street Band, e.leaven Food Company, Emilio Estevez, English Bar & Restaurant, Eric Paul, Forever Yoghurt Truck, Fred Jackson, Gateway Green, Geraldine Rodriguez, Governor Quinn, Graham Elliot, Green Tie Ball, H2) Soul, Holly Hunt, How to Talk to Anyone Anytime Anywhere, Jack Nicholson, Jerry Stone, Jesse Jackson, Jim Henson, Jo Ann Nathan, Julius Russell, Kermit the Frog, Lane Davis, Larry King, Laura Washington, Leslie Hindman, LickLick, Lynne Bredfeldt, Macy’s Chefs A-Go-Go Tour, MADD, Marilyn Miglin, Marlena Miglin, Martin Sheen, Matthew Miele, Meisha Herron, Mel Gibson, Michael Douglas, Michael Kornick, Michael Kutza, Mila Samokhina, Mindy Segal, Misericordia, Mitch Canoff, Mobi Munch Truck, Old School Root Beer Float Cart, Parkways Foundation, Patrice Perkins, Patrick Kane, Paul McCartney, Peanuts, Platinum Events DJs, Porkchop, Rich Gamble, Rich Varnes, Rivers Casino, Robert Redford, Ryan Poli, Saddam Hussein, Shawn King, Simona Garcia, Social Circles, Sophie Bross, Soul People, St. Louis Cardinals, Stephanie Castagnier. Dr. Bombay, Stephanie Izard, Steve Bonner, Steve Starr, Steven Spielberg, Street Food Artistry, Sugar Rautbord, Takashi Yagihashi, The Real Connection, The Way, Tim Smithe, Tony La Russa, Toque: An Evening with Chicago’s Culinary Masters, Treatment Centers of America, Under the Streetlamp: An Intimate Evening with the Recent Stars of Chicago’s Jersey Boys, University of Chicago Charter School, Vladimir Putin, Windy City Live, Woody Allen, Wow Bao

August 3, 2011 · 1:22 pm

SPORTS REIGNED AT DEMPSTER’S NIGHT FOR CHARITY

Chicago is exploding with fun parties, galas, fundraisers and festivals this summer and I hope you’ve been able to attend one or more of them! Recently, I attended the Second Annual Dempster Foundation Casino Night at the Palmer House. For all of you non-sporting types, Ryan Dempster is a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. He, along with his beautiful wife, Jenny, created the Dempster Family Foundation, Strike Out 22q. 22q is also known as DiGeorge Syndrome and is a genetic disorder that affects swallowing, breathing and speech in children. Ryan and Jenny’s little daughter, Riley, was born with this condition. One baby in 1,800 is afflicted with this disease and this night was dedicated to raising awareness and funds. An outpouring of support came from Dempster’s Cubs teammates and fellow athletes who attended including Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Marmol, Starlin Castro, Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, Randy Wells and former Cub Doug Glanville, among many others. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom and the gaming tables, courtesy of Horseshoe, lined every corner, many manned by the players or local celebs. There was a silent and a live auction that offered an incredible autographed Babe Ruth baseball as its top prize that sold for $22K. Other live auction highlights included a guest spot on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ($10K!), a World Series Package that included tickets for four plus a private charter and hotel, 2012 Ryder Cup Package for two, dinner for four with Ryan at Harry Caray’s, an Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas Platinum Package and the dream of a lifetime; throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field for a Cubs game which brought $3,750! The silent auction was a sports memorabilia collector’s dream come true with autographed jerseys (including one signed by Ernie Banks), lots of signed baseballs and bats, Blackhawks tickets, theater tickets for Blue Man Group and Second City, restaurant packages, beauty treatments, trips and the chance for a young baseball fan to be a bat boy a Wrigley Field (this included four game tickets, too!). Ryan had this to say about the evening, “When people come together for a common cause, they can do a lot of good.” On this night, filled with love, $300K was raised. To learn more or make a donation, please visit www.dempsterfamilyfoundation.org. (To see ALL event pics, please click here.)

I had never been to a fashion show that featured just handbags and shoes but I was happy to know I didn’t need to be a size 6 to lust after these catwalk offerings! The American Cancer Society’s Women’s Board of Chicago, in conjunction with Saks Fifth Avenue, featured the fall designer collections that showcased two of my favorite things, shoes and handbags! The night began in the Palmer House’s Red Lacquer Room, one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the city, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres along with a silent auction that included two VIP tickets to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week plus airfare ($2,300), a Fifth Avenue Getaway that included a suite at the Setai plus a $500 Saks gift card ($2,000), polo lessons at Arranmore Farm and a Chicago Weekend at the Palmer House plus dinner atop the 95th. The event opened with a birthday video (the American Cancer Society is the “Official Sponsor of Birthdays”) that included comments from Jack Black, Justin Bieber and Usher, to name a few. Women’s Board Chair, Stacey Barrins, welcomed the crowd of 400 to this unique show and said, “I have been entrusted with carrying on a legacy founded almost 60 years ago. New leadership naturally brings change, but the one thing that remains constant is our responsibility to raise funds in the fight against cancer.” Fashion Chair Bonita Friedland, along with the dynamic 22 member Women’s Board, raised $150K on this night. The next scheduled event is set for November 10th when Martha Stewart will be the guest speaker. For more info, please visit, www.AmericanCancerSociety.org.

TCW Magazine, along with Bob Graham, recently hosted a reception at UBS’ offices at One North Wacker to celebrate the women included in their recent feature, “100 Women Making a Difference.” It was such an honor to be included with so many dynamic Chicago women! The room was packed with honorees and their well- wishers for this cocktail and hors d’oeuvres party. The first thing you noticed upon arrival was the bank of gorgeous elegantly clad male models who were on hand to check you in. What a cute idea from Publisher Sherren Leigh and Managing Editor Cassandra Gaddo! The women immediately had their cameras out, me too, and began snapping away at this group of men who looked like they had all just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Congrats to ALL of the honorees and thanks for bringing this feature back, Sherren! (This idea was begun 14 years ago and last ran in 2001.) Check out ALL of the event photos by Steve Starr here.

Angela Rose, founder of PAVE: Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment, held a 15th anniversary party for her dynamic organization at Rockit Bar & Grill. This fundraiser included appetizers, a private reception and a chance to mix and mingle with supportive friends. The host committee consisted of Andrea Metcalf, April Rose, Cassandra Gaddo, Chloe Ifergan, Dr. Dominic Gaziano, Frances Renk, Glen Murray, Jenner Evans, Jonathan Landan, Lindsay Hays and moi. Save the date for their next Annual PAVE Charity Fashion Show, “Fear No Fashion,” at Bentley Gold Coast set for Friday, Sept.30th. Also, please check out their brand new website, www.ShatteringtheSilence.org. Congrats, Angela! (Photos by Steve Starr…click here to view ALL event pics.)

When Cece & Melinda throw a party, it seems like the whole world shows up! Their latest fete, with proceeds benefitting Bear Necessities, was a hit at Il Mulino. The outdoor patio was teeming with fashionables decked out in their summer’s best. And these ladies don’t stop: Their next big event will be the Third Annual Taste of the Gold Coast set for Tuesday, August 23rd, from 6 – 9 PM at The Sutton Place Hotel. Top neighborhood restaurants will participate with their head chefs offering delectable tastings from their gourmet menus. Look for fabulous food from Carmine’s, Il Mulino, Cape Cod, Saloon Steakhouse, Chicago Q, Devon Seafood Grill, Whiskey Bar, RA Sushi, Gaylord, Pane Caldo and many more. Live entertainment will be performed by two popular Gold Coast bands, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers along with Nan Mason & Terry Higgins. There will also be a silent auction benefitting the North Dearborn Association. For tickets, $80-100, please visit www.ceceandmelinda.com. (Tickets will also be offered at the door for $120). I hope to see you there! To view ALL event pics, please click here.)

The Rooftop at Studio Paris, located at 59 W. Hubbard, couldn’t be hotter after its opening this summer! And on Thursday, August 18th, the Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s will be hosting an exclusive event at this uber chic River North spot. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the development of the Rooftop Retreat of the world’s LARGEST Ronald McDonald House at 211 E. Grand Ave. in Chicago. Debuting in 2012, this space is designed to give families a chance to relax and replenish after a day at the hospital. The first skyline bricolage will also be featured on the rooftop of the new house and you will have the chance to add your name to a tile at the party! The mosaic will be showcased this night along with the artists. So grab your friends and head to the Roof to benefit the Roof for Ronald McDonald House Charities!!! Tickets are $150 and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres plus the chance to make a difference…

Get ready to rumble for one of our town’s most popular columnists, STELLA FOSTER! On Friday evening, October 14th, the Chicago Journalists Association will honor Stella with its Lifetime Achievement Award! Her “Stella’s Column” in the Sun-Times, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday, is required reading for scenesters. Born in Chicago and raised in Englewood, her journalism career was officially launched when she began writing for Sister 2 Sister, a national entertainment magazine founded by her sister, Jamie Foster Brown, and husband. In 1969, Brown told Stella that legendary newsman Irv Kupcinet was looking for a new secretary. And the rest, as they say, is history! Tickets are $90. I will see you there! (For tickets and more info, please call 312.458.9792.)

And last but not least, huge kudos for one of the most high-powered peeps I know in the PR and marketing world, Kathleen Henson of Henson Consulting and top model, director and producer, Kasia Koniar (Factor)! These two high-powered dynamos were selected along with three other women to be featured in TCW Magazine’s “Professional Women” article slated for September! The other lucky girls include Nancy Loo (WGN), Noemi Garcia (Fifth Third Bank) and stylist Deshaia Moss (The Image Studios). Congrats to ALL of these deserving women and thanks for spotlighting them, TCW!!!

Another action packed month in the Windy City! Speaking of windy cities, please watch for me on “Windy City Live,” on Channel 7 on Monday, August 8th. I will be giving you MORE of the lowdown on upcoming city highlights! Also, please check out my weekly Tribune column, "Chicago Scene," every Sunday, my Chicago Now blog AND my upcoming internet show, “SOCIAL CIRCLES!” Busy BEE!