Tag Archives: Governor Quinn

October 18, 2011 · 8:16 pm

STELLA FOSTER HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM CHICAGO JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

…PLUS JOFFREY DANCERS' PARTY FROM EMBARC, CHICAGO GOURMET'S GRAND AFFAIR, HECTOR MONARREZ FASHION SHOW, WATCH312.COM'S LAUNCH PARTY PLANS, ANTI-CRUELTY'S FUN FUNDRAISER, MARIANO'S FRESH MARKET ROCKS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The room was packed with more than 400 adoring fans and friends as the Chicago Journalists Association hosted its largest awards dinner yet for its 72nd annual event. No wonder!!! The Lifetime Achievement Award winner was none other than Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster! Even Governor Quinn had a hard time reaching the recipient to congratulate her since the crowd was packed wall to wall outside the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. He said, “She has a lifetime ethic of service and when people want to get the word out, they know where to go! She’s got a BIG heart!” The CJA annually recognizes journalistic excellence and this year they honored many more deserving recipients. The evening began with Jimmy Damon singing the National Anthem followed by the invocation from Monsignor Kenneth Velo. He thanked “all of the journalists because they capture life in a day.” Emcees Karen Jordan and Christian Farr kept the night moving along as the award winners were announced. The CJA Dale Messick/Brenda Starr Award went to Tribune columnist Mary Schmich who shared the honor with artist June Brigman. The Chicago Journalist of the Year Award was presented to the Tribune’s arts and jazz critic, Howard Reich, who attended with his wife, Pam Becker, an editor at the Tribune. The award for Best Online Journalism went to Roger Ebert, with adoring wife Chaz accepting, for his popular blog. Sister 2 Sister Magazine founder Jamie Foster Brown – and Stella’s real life sister! – introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Estella Mae Foster. She spoke of Stella’s 34-year relationship with the legendary columnist, Irv Kupcinet, as his secretar
y and confidant. She said, “She’s irreverent and sassy and oh boy, is she opinionated. I love how people love my sister. From this sister to my sister, this is YOUR night!” After this, the crowd exploded, leaping to their feet to honor this beloved Chicago treasure. She said, “This has been such an outpouring of love…I love my family at the Sun-Times.” She started to name friends in the audience but realized the task would be too great. So she continued, “Kup, that was quite a person. What I loved about Kup, he loved writing. We were doing six columns a week except for Saturday and I loved every moment of it with him.” (Stella’s popular column – “Stella’s Column” – can be found every Tuesday and Thursday in the Sun-Times.) Stella’s award was followed by the Daniel Pearl Award which was given to CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent, Lara Logan. Logan and her CBS crew were arrested and detained for a night by the Egyptian Army on Feb. 3, while covering the revolution there. She said the crew was blindfolded and handcuffed at gunpoint, and their driver beaten. They were advised to leave the country, but were later released. Since 2002, she had spent the next four years reporting from war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq for CBS News. Other Sarah Brown Boyden Award winners included Sun-Times’ John J. Kim (Photography), Sun-Times’ Francine Knowles, Kim Janssen and Sandra Guy (Business), WBEZ-FM’s Robert Wildeboer (Features), Tribune’s Dan Pompei (Sports), Sun-Times’ Frank Main, Mark Konkol, John J. Kim (Public Service), Tribune’s Joel Hood, Annie Sweeney and Stacy St. Clair (Spot News), Tribune’s Patricia Callahan and Trine Tsouderos (Science), Tribune’s Sam Roe and Jared Hopkins (Health), Sun-Times’ editorial page staff (Editorial Coverage), Tribune’s Michael Hawthorne (Investigative), AP’s Sharon Cohen (Best Series) and Best of the Best honors went to Sun-Times’ Frank Main, Mark Konkol and John J. Kim for their public service entry, “The No-Snitch Code.” It was an evening filled with familiar faces including Jimmy Rittenberg, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Alan Kaye, Dori Wilson, Joy Germont, Israel Idonije, Juanita Jordan, Grant DePorter with daughter Margot, Hermene Hartman, Linda Yu, Joe Ahern, Linda Johnson Rice, Larry Wert, Otis Wilson, Hosea Sanders, John Colletti, Rich Varnes, Leah Hope, Celeste and Bill Van Dahm, Lisa Lenoir, Cheryl Burton, Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levine, Robert Jordan, Allison Payne, Christina and Lou Vasta, Tony Preckwinkle, Tim Evans, Chaz Ebert, Marion Brooks, LeeAnn Trotter, Father Ken Velo, Karen Jordan, Christian Farr, Rob Johnson, Merri Dee, Robin Robinson, Dutchie Caray, George Daniels, Kathleen Henson, Diana Palomar Scott, Morene Dunn, Barry Axler, Courtney Nzeribe, Jamey and Melissa Sage Fadim, Tony Abruscato, Johnny Snickers, Margot DePorter, Cherie and Ernest Baker, Chris Ruys, Pam Becker, Tai Duncan, Devin Blackburn and Shell Reyes among many, many others. Congrats to all of the deserving honorees! What a great night for Chicago!

The 4th annual Chicago Gourmet was, yet again, a smashing success! Presented by title sponsor Bon Appétit in conjunction with the Illinois Restaurant Association and presenting sponsor Southern Wine & Spirits, this year’s event took place from September 23rd through 25th in Millennium Park and brought out a crowd of more than 10,000 attendees. The Kick-Off party, the popular Hamburger Hop, was held atop the Harris Theatre Rooftop and was the ultimate burger showdown with more than 17 determined competitors preparing their top burger dishes. Two chefs emerged victorious: Bandera Executive Chef Colleen McHugh received the judge-selected Allen Brothers Award presented by Todd Hatoff, president of sponsor Allen Brothers Steaks, and Executive Chef Steven Lawhorn of Palmer Place took home the People’s Choice Award for his “Benchmark Burger.” Other exciting activities surrounding Chicago Gourmet included cooking demos, book signings, food and wine seminars, Grand Cru Tastings, numerous gourmet tasting pavilions, and much more. Hundreds of renowned chefs participated including Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Tony Mantuano, Mary Sue Milliken, Jonathan Waxman and Ted Allen. Winemakers, premium spirit producers and brewmasters from around the world were also on hand to interact with the attendees. The event raised big money for the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), whose mission is to build the Illinois hospitality workforce through career exploration, workforce development and scholarships. Congrats to IRA’s Sheila O’Grady and her dedicated staff and supporters for another great year of Chicago Gourment!!! (Photos courtesy of David Ditzler and Jeff Schear.)

The Joffrey Ballet dancers are not only incredible artists but they are also dedicated fundraisers for worthy causes! EMBARC is a non-profit organization that provides unique cultural experiences and interactions to high school students from Chicago’s most socially and economically isolated neighborhoods. And in support of this worthy cause, the Joffrey Dancers have created a special event called “A New Movement.” This intimate evening will feature the dancers in their home, The Joffrey Tower (located at Randolph and State), where they will share their art for the cause, presenting six world premieres that the dancers have choreographed on their own time. The evening will also include cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of J & L Catering, plus a silent auction with décor donated by Kehoe Designs. I hope you can join me and see these groundbreaking new pieces being performed in support of EMBARC. For tickets and more info, please click here. (One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to EMBARC’s programming!)

The Anti-Cruelty Society will be hosting its 11th annual It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Benefit on Friday, October 21st, from 7 – 11 PM at the Palmer House Hilton. This event, their second largest annual fundraiser, is sponsored by Chopper Trading, Hill’s Science Diet, RCN Cable and CS Magazine and will be emceed by NBC 5’s Andy Avalos. There will be more than 15 chef tastings, complimentary bars, live entertainment from The Ron Harris Music Group, a Panache Boutique fashion show, live and silent auctions, a wine pull, $5000 cash raffle, and of course, adorable adoptable cats and dogs serving as the host committee! Individual tickets are $175 in advance or $200 at the door. For more info and tickets, please call 312-645-8006 or visit www.itsrainingcatsanddogs.org.

Well, I guess there could be a cuter designer than Hector-Javier MonArrez but I don’t know who it would be! His beautiful Front Row 2012 Runway Show was held recently in the legendary Union League Club’s Crystal Room in front of a packed, appreciative audience. The evening began with a VIP champagne reception and then moved into the Crystal Room for the main event. Expertly produced by soon-to-be-wed Kimberly Palmisano (her soon-to-be-proud-hubby is hunky Wulf Kaal), the show featured glamorous Factor Models styled by Joseph Michael’s Salon. The show was hosted by NBC’s Zoraida Sambolin with music provided by DJ Konsept. And it wouldn’t be a party without seeing the Queen of Illustrations, Rosemary Fanti, who was there making everyone look much better than they really are! I loved Hector’s sassy designs and especially his copper colored leather- and fur-trimmed suit. His attention to detail is flawless and this collection highlighted his masterful skills. Congrats Hector! (Additional photos by Steve Starr…view ALL pics HERE!)

Mariano’s Fresh Market is hands-down my favorite grocery store in town! And not only because it generously donated $10,000 to Common Threads recently, but this event did give me the opportunity to see this brand new store for myself for the first time. I will tell you I’ve never seen so much beautiful food so lovingly arranged. While we were there accepting the check from owner, Bob Mariano (darling hubby of Nina DiFrisco), the staff burst spontaneously into song spelling out Mariano’s! I’ve never seen anything like it! The store brochure reads “We provide world-class neighborhood shopping at compelling prices. We are a full-service, complete destination grocery store that caters to family shoppers and foodies alike.” I am totally hooked. Congrats to Bob Mariano on this wonderful new concept that makes grocery shopping such an exciting experience! And thanks also to Bob and Roundy’s Supermarkets for their wonderful policy of always giving back to the communities they’re involved with. Check out Mariano’s for yourselves at 333 E. Benton Place. Welcome to Lakeshore East and thanks for the support on behalf of the kiddies of Common Threads!

Mark your calendars and save the date for Watch312.com’s Launch Party set for Wednesday, November 30th at the Joffrey Tower! See for yourselves the new shows being debuted and meet DC Crenshaw from “Chicago Unplugged” and Dr. Sandy Goldberg and co-host Scott Mackay from “LIVE! With Dr. Sandy.” Lots of surprises in store, too! In the meantime, check out my latest videos from the Green Tie Ball and the Chicago Beach Polo Matches…more fun than the law allows! 🙂

I still haven’t made it to that pumpkin patch, sadly. I am still hopeful the weather will hold so until I get there, here’s a video to remind us all that “The Time is Now!”

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Check out this great pic of Chef Art Smith’s latest restaurant, Southern Art & Bourbon Bar, at 3315 Peachtree Road in Atlanta! Rhonda Sanderson reports it was some of the best fried chicken she’s ever had…so now we know!

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!)