Tag Archives: Luca Luca

November 21, 2011 · 8:47 pm

“DREAMING A LITTLE DREAM” FOR ST. JUDE

…PLUS PAWS’ RECORD BREAKER, OPEN DOORS GALA, MARTHA STEWART, TOY DRIVES, A TRIP TO THE DESERT, HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS AND MORE!

It is so heartwarming to see charity events breaking records in these tough economic times. All of the events I’ve attended recently have had record attendance and have raised more money than in years past. This year’s, St. Jude “Dream a Little Dream” Fashion Show and Luncheon was no exception. With the biggest crowd in the event’s 17-year history, this much loved event brought out more than 1,500 supporters and raised more than $338K! Presenting sponsors for the next two years, Camping World and Good Sam presented a fashion extravaganza produced by none other than Chicago’s own Tracey Tarantino of ZZazz Productions. (Nancy Long was the fashion coordinator.) They knocked it out of the ballpark with collections from York Furrier, BCBG, Cusp, Neiman Marcus, Escada, Talbots, Luca Luca, Swaby, Nade Baer, Elda de la Rosa, menswear by Lord & Taylor and Furla accessories. Show highlights included glam jewels from sponsor Swarovski and a cool, holiday-inspired collection by designer darling Peach Carr of “Project Runway.” Since this is the 17th year of this event and the underlying theme of the fashion show was “Dream a Little Dream,” Tracey opted for music from The Beatles, opening with “She Was Just 17.” There were even five dancing Marilyn Monroes to add some high energy fun to the show. Entertainment was provided by Larry Adams who performed with his wife, Jessye Wright. Both are accomplished singers with Larry being named by Chicago magazine as Chicago Theatre’s best singer. Emcee for the event was NBC’s Allison Rosati who charmed the crowd from beginning to end. I was so thrilled to be the honorary chair and my highlight was introducing this year’s host family, Annie and Michael Brady and their superhero son, Michael. Michael was diagnosed last year at age three with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Within hours of this diagnosis, Michael and Annie were pursuing the best course of treatment for their precious little boy. With the support of family and friends, they decided to uproot their small family (Michael also has a little sister, Allie) and relocate to Memphis, the home of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They made this decision knowing that at St. Jude, Michael would receive the best care in the world available for children with cancer. Annie, told the crowd in a moving speech that her daughter “took her first steps in the halls of St. Jude with the support and cheering of St. Jude staff.” Executive Committee member Cathy Shaker Breit said, “I was informed that tickets sales were sold out four weeks ago or else the attendance might have hit over 2,000. This event, from my 478 years on the Board (LOL!) is by far the largest I’m aware of. The goodwill and grassroots efforts it creates to fuel other local Chicago events is invaluable.” (To view Michael Brady's heartfelt story, please see the following video).

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This event began with a champagne reception as well as makeup and hair touchups by Trish McEvoy and Ultimate Hair and a wine tasting by The Naked Grape. I was also proud to conduct a “Text to Live” that raised an extra $4,400 for the event. The extensive raffle had something for everyone and is always a favorite of attendees. Exciting packages this year for the Dream Raffle included tickets to the finale of “American Idol,” a Disney package with a Waldorf-Astoria stay, Blackhawks, Sox and Cubs tickets, a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card and a Kayman Scooter among hundreds of other prizes. The St. Jude Executive Committee – Cathy Shaker Breit, Ann Danner Dwyer, Toni Hasan and Terry Shaker – worked long and hard to make this “Dream a Little Dream” a reality and they did so in grand style. Congrats on this wonderful event benefitting the premier pediatric cancer research center in the world! To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and John Giesecke, please click here and to view my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below! Do you like the new show name!!??? 🙂

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The PAWS Fur Ball is one of my favorite events! How could it not be when you see terriers in tennis shoes, dachshunds in diamonds and Chihuahuas in cowboy hats?! And like the St. Jude event, this event was also a sellout with more than 650 animal lovers and their 200 pets! The 10th annual Fur Ball’s co-chairs Julie and Kurt Miller and Nancy and Michael Timmers planned an exciting night of fundraising highlights that included amazing one-of-a-kind live auction packages. A trip for two to Argentina brought $11K while a portrait sitting by Victor Skrebneski raised $31K. Other packages included two tickets to an “American Idol” taping in Hollywood, a week-long stay in a Tuscan villa, tickets for two to the 2012 Grammy Awards (that sold for $25K) and the opportunity to have your pet featured on the cover of PAWS’ 2013 desktop calendar that sold for $38K. Five-year board member Judith Blazer also donated $1 million the week before to support PAWS’ many good works. Fifteen PAWS puppies and kittens were on display tugging at everyone’s heartstrings and during the course of the evening six were adopted. One of the adoptees, a kitten with burned paws who had just been released from the hospital on this day, was the first to be adopted by Joann and Michael Sweig. Two of my tablemates, Anne-Marie and Murry Peretz, also became proud parents of a darling doggie on this magical night. This premier pet lover’s event began with a red carpet followed by a cocktail reception surrounded by the extensive silent auction items. There was even a doggie spa complete with masseuses and pawdicures donated by Paradise 4 Paws. Canine guests were also treated to a Pet Buffet located in the French Room where they could dine on chicken and rice with gravy, green beans and carrots served in crystal goblets and dog cookies, donated by McGrath Lexus & Acura. Animal communicator Debbie Weaver was on hand as well as artist Rosemary Fanti who had so many requests for pet pics that she ran out of paper!!! Human parents enjoyed a delicious dinner buffet in the elegant Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel; dancing continued in the French Room. PAWS Chicago has been saving pets’ lives since 1997 and, this year, will exceed 4,200 adoptions. Founder Paula Fasseas was proud to report that this year’s event netted $750K - $150K more than last year’s! To learn more about this worthwhile organization, please click here. To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and moi, please click here and to see my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!

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Columbia College’s Open Doors Gala, co-chaired by Richard Kiphart and Sylvia Neil, raised nearly $700K and honored Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing Company. The organization’s first Chicago Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have made a significant impact in the Chicago community and have helped “open doors” for future generations. Johnson Publishing has a long-standing relationship with Columbia College, including hiring interns and graduates. Columbia College recently purchased the Johnson Publishing headquarters building for the future site of the college library. This festive evening began with a cocktail reception featuring creative installations throughout the Media Production Center displaying student film work, art, photography, jazz music and fashion design. Columbia President Dr. Warrick Carter and Board Chairman Allen Turner welcomed guests. The sit-down dinner, catered by Food for Thought, followed and included a root vegetable “mosaic wall” and beef tenderloin plus a made-to-order donut bar for dessert. The evening’s entertainment featured performances by the Columbia College Gospel Choir & Rhythm Section among other student-driven performances. Congrats to Linda Johnson Rice for this much deserved honor! For more info about Columbia College and all they have to offer, please click here. (Photos courtesy of Steve Becker and Robert Kusel…to view all event pics, please click here!)

The North Shore Women’s Board and the Chicago Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society along with The Book Stall recently welcomed dining and design guru Martha Stewart to celebrate the release of her new book, “Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations.” More than 320 guests, including author luncheon chair of the NSWB Shannon Weasler, author luncheon chair of the CWB Connie Teska, and emcee Kathy Brock (ABC 7) enjoyed lunch at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in Evanston while listening to Stewart discuss her life and work. The event raised more than $15K for the American Cancer Society. Seen on the scene were Lynn McMahan, Michaela Parrillo, Toni Canada, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan, Angie Campolo, Megan Galante, Jan Evans, Stacy Barrins (Chicago Women’s Board president), Andrea Hurteau (North Shore Women’s Board president), Sally Jo Morris, Betty Rendell, Ann Lynch and Sheree Valukas among many others.

And now here are some upcoming events for wonderful causes that Candid Candace Recommends!

On December 10th, don’t miss Kris Kringle’s 9th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Kandy Kane Ball at 940 W. Weed St. beginning at 9 p.m. Spinmasters DJ Sye Young and DJ JEM will get the party started at this Winter Wonderland (aka Joe’s Bar) where a toy donation is required and pre-sale tickets are only $40. Cocktail attire is requested and there will be an open bar, appetizers, a live choir and festive holiday décor. The toys will be distributed to hundreds of children at Holy Name Church on December 17th and anyone is welcome to help. It’s a great opportunity to give back during the holiday season! This event is an annual sellout so get your tickets now! Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketweb.com or at Joe’s Bar.

Still with children in mind for the holidays, the 5th Annual Brad’s Kids Toy Drive will take place on Thursday, December 15th, from 7 – 9 p.m. at The Joynt, located at 650 N. Dearborn. All you need to bring is a new, wrapped toy to gain entry to this party offering complimentary cocktails, live music and more! Since 2007, Brad’s Kids has delivered more than 25,000 toys to seven local hospitals. Visit www.bradskids.org for more info.

How about a terrific holiday getaway for a good cause? On January 27th, Dance for Life will host a celebratory evening of dance in support of the AIDS Assistance Program and The Dancer’s Fund in Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. Tickets for the event start at $150 and can be purchased by calling 760.325.8481 or clicking here. With Chicago Ambassadors Katherine Chez Malkin and Carol Kaplan rounding up support from other “snowbirds,” you know this event will be a sellout!

I hope you, your families and friends all have a delightful, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for…

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And if you’re getting in the gift giving mood for the holidays and just don’t know where to go, may I suggest Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at 1338 W. Lake St.? Her “Fine Jewelry and Timepieces” auction will begin previews on Wednesday, November 30th , beginning at 10 a.m. The preview will run through Saturday, December 3rd, with the auction on Sunday and Monday, December 4th and 5th. I have the catalog and, believe you and me, there are more than 1,100 lots running the gamut and price ranges in luxurious jewelry and watches. :) Sigh…

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Tagged as 5th Annual Brad’s Kids Toy Drive, AIDS Assistance Program, Allen Turner, Allison Rosati, American Idol, Andrea Hurteau, Angie Campolo, Ann Danner Dwyer, Ann Lynch, Anne Marie Peretz, Annie Brady, BCBG, Betty Rendell, Blackhawks, Camping World, Candid Candace Chicago, Carol Kaplan, Cathy Shaker Breit, Chicago Legacy Award, Chicago Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society, Columbia College Chicago, Connie Teska, Cubs, Cusp, Dance for Life, Debbie Weaver, Disney, DJ Jem, DJ Sye Young, Dr. Warrick Carter, Drake Hotel, Dream a Little Dream, elda de la rosa, Escada, Fashion Show, Fine Jewelry and Timepieces, Food for Thought, Furla, Good Sam, Grammy Awards, Jan Evans, Jan Flanagan, Jessye Wright, Joann Sweig, Joe’s Bar, John Giesecke, Johnson Publishing Company, Judith Blazer, Julie Miller, Katherine Chez Malkin, Kathy Brock, Kayman Scooter, Kris Kringle’s 9th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Kandy Kane Ball, Kristina McGrath, Kurt Miller, Larry Adams, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Linda Johnson Rice, Lord & Taylor, Luca Luca, Lynn McMahan, Martha Stewart, Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations, McGrath Lexus & Acura, Megan Galante, Michael Brady, Michael Sweig, Michael Timmers, Michaela Parrillo, Mila Samokhina, Murray Peretz, Nade Baer, Nancy Long, Nancy Timmers, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, North Shore Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society, Open Doors Gala, Paradise 4 Paws, Paula Fasseas, PAWS, PAWS Fur Ball, Project Runway, Richard Kiphart, Robert Kusel, Rosemary Fanti, Sally Jo Morris, Shannon Weasler, Sheree Valukas, St. Jude, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stacy Barrins, Steve Becker, Swaby, Swarovski, Sylvia Neil, Talbots, Terry Shaker, Thanksgiving, The Book Stall, The Dancers' Fund, The Joynt, The Naked Grape, Toni Canada, Toni Hasan, Tracey Tarantino, Trish McEvoy, Ultimate Hair, Victor Skrebneski, Waldorf-Astoria, Watch312.com, White Sox, York Furrier, ZZAZZ Productions

July 26, 2011 · 12:42 pm

TWO CHICAGO INSTITUTIONS HOLD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: GENE & GEORGETTI AND KATHY O’MALLEY!

Gene & Georgetti owners, Marion and Tony Durpetti, welcomed hundreds of guests over the course of three days as they recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of their legendary restaurant located at 500 N. Franklin. For this momentous occasion, they featured 1940’s décor and offered a prix-fixe, four course menu with old-time favorites that included stuffed celery, minestrone soup, mostaccioli, anchovy canapés, broiled strips, filets and pork chops, chicken Vesuvio and whitefish. Sides included sautéed spinach, broiled mushrooms and cottage fried potatoes. The entire bill (excluding tax and gratuity) was only $15.25. You can certainly see why reservations went faster than Paul McCartney tickets. Guests were seen sipping Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Rob Roys and Hiballs as they enjoyed the Lucille Ball, Carmen Miranda, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and Veronica Lake impersonators. Magician David Kovac enchanted the crowd before the big band, Sway, began at 8:30 with a cake cutting ceremony that included all of the guests. General Manager, Richard Ciota, said, “I don’t work a day in my life. These guys are like my family.” The restaurant served 1,100 lunches and dinners each day and night with ALL proceeds benefitting Common Threads, The Standing Tall Foundation and St. Vincent DePaul Center. Congrats also to Tony and Marion’s daughter, Michelle, for planning and promoting this great three-day celebration for wonderful causes!

Chicago’s Hostess with the Mostest, Kathy O’Malley Piccone, celebrated her 50th birthday in grand style at Moe’s Cantina recently. We have been friends for years and years (truth be known, since Faces days…all of you over 50 will know what I mean!) and she has always been one of the nicest people I know. It’s no wonder Gibson’s is so very successful having her at the front desk meeting and greeting every customer like they are long lost friends. And, in many cases, they are! She’s been featured on the cover of TCW in their “Powerful Women” issue and in many other articles and publications. She should’ve run for Mayor! Her long-time friend, BJ Murray, had been at Moe’s all day inputting tons of photos which were shown on the multiple video screens throughout the venue. Hundreds of friends showed up and stayed into the wee hours of the morning. Long may she reign! Love you Kath! Happy BD!!! (To view more party pics, most by Steve Starr, click here.)

Old St. Pat’s recently celebrated two days of music, food and fun at their 27th Annual World’s Largest Block Party. This is one of the most anticipated events of the summer with almost 20,000 people attending this year. Dubbed the “party with a purpose,” this event featured music by Farraday, Plain White T’s, Cobra Starship, Out for Hours, Spazmatics, No Love for Linus, Matt Nathanson and Barenaked Ladies. The food stands held all of the expected delights of a summer festival and then some including BBQ from Robinson’s Ribs, rotisserie chicken and pork and corn on the cob from Nicholas Quality Meats, Good Humor ice cream, Quang Noodles’ crab Rangoon, pad Thai and shrimp fried rice, burgers and brats from Old St. Pat's Grill & Bones Grill, funnel cakes, foot-long corn dogs, Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds and coconut shrimp from Suzie’s Fun Foods and Connie’s Pizza. In a word, heaven! As one of the celebrity bartenders, I even learned how to pour a perfect cup of beer! FYI, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy was a run away winner! Other celeb bartenders included Windy City Live’s Ryan Chiaverini, NBC 5 reporter Anthony Ponce, Fox 32 meteorologist Tammie Souza, Fox 32 reporter and anchor Kori Chambers, WGN-TV anchor Lourdes Duarte and ABC 7 reporter John Garcia among others. This event is also a matchmaker’s dream come true having introduced 102 couples, who are now married, after meeting at this Block Party! So mark your calendars now for next year…maybe YOU could be next!!! Proceeds from this event goes towards Old St. Pat’s dozens of global outreach programs. (To view ALL pics, with additional photos by Gary Chang, please click here).

Four hundred guests dressed in their Sunday best to attend Bright Pink's "For the Women We Love" high tea celebration. Celeb TV's Kelli Zink emceed the fourth annual benefit, which raised over $80,000, and also included musical entertainment by former Broadway performer, Laurie Akers, who sang Rascal Flatts' "I Won't Let Go." There were heartfelt and empowering stories from young women in the Bright Pink community as well as the presentation of the "Bright Impact Award" which was presented to Carolyn Brundage, the founder of Pretty City. This successful entrepreneur and beauty columnist has raised nearly $100,000 through her "Pretty in Pink" campaign which benefits breast cancer charities. Bright Pink founder, Lindsay Avner, has created much needed awareness with her organization that supports, enlightens and empowers young women to be proactive with their breast and ovarian health. To learn more and for donations, please visit www.bebrightpink.org. (To view ALL event pics by Steve Feferman, please click here!)

Congrats to another great year for PAWS! Their 9th Annual All Paws on Deck Beach Party was a tail-wagging success! US99’s Lisa Dent, who was the emcee again this year, auctioned off some exciting packages that included two tickets to “Dancing With the Stars” (won again this year by Tails in the City’s Bruce Haas and Phillip Emigh). Judy and Howard Tullman won the right to showcase their five “kids” next year in the always hotly anticipated PAWS poster. This year’s benefit was chaired by Nancy and Ron Officer along with Dawn and Jim O’Neal. PAWS founder, Paula Fasseas, welcomed guests Deborah and Bruce Crown, last year’s co-chair Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Kim Gleeson, Alexis Fasseas, Kathy Hinton, Christine and John Mallul, Carol and John Walter, Carole Mack, Gigi Ross, Sue and Wes Dixon, Dr. Barbara Royal, Colleen Garard, Lindsay Carlton, Len Goodman, Angie DeMars and Cheri Lawrence to name a few. Presenting sponsors included North Community Bank, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock and Pomellato. This event raised $212,000 this year. Congrats PAWS and keep up the good work in support of our beloved four-legged friends! Mark your calendars now for the Fur Ball coming to the Drake Hotel on Friday, November 11th. For tickets and more info, please visit www.pawschicago.org.

The Service Club of Chicago’s “Day on the Terrace” luncheon and fashion show is just around the corner, August 1st, and I hope you all have your tickets for this 25th annual event which promises to be a show stopping fashion extravaganza featuring real women and men wearing the best Fall 2011 fashions from Chicago’s premier retailers. Participating stores include Escada, Intermix, Luca Luca, Tory Burch, Paul Stuart, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, Saks Fifth Avenue Men, Mark Shale Women’s and Men’s and a finale presented by Neiman Marcus that will include selections from their evening wear and fur collections. The event, which will be held at the Peninsula, was the first event ever held at this hotel when it first opened 10 years ago. Fashion Chairs include Jean Antoniou, Tracey Di Buono and Hazel Barr. Look for some celebrity guest appearances, too! All proceeds from this popular event benefits the Service Club, which supports grants established by government or corporate entities. Tickets are $175. For tix and more info, please call Jean Antoniou at 630.564.5700.

Congrats to UBS for giving back! Two hundred UBS volunteers participated for the Special Olympics Softball Competition Day at Grant Park this year. This is the 13th year that UBS volunteers have totally produced the two days of fun activities supporting Special Olympic athletes. UBS Head of Community Affairs, Patrick Sheahan, said, “It’s a very fulfilling and rewarding event. Every athlete is a winner and every athlete walks away with a medal.” This year, there were more than 750 participants. Congrats to UBS for being such an excellent example of corporate responsibility!

Step Up Women’s Network will launch its first signature event in Chicago, “Shine & Dine,” on Thursday, August 18th, at Galleria Marchetti beginning at 6 PM. The evening will feature philanthropy and seasonal fare from Chicago’s hottest restaurants while welcoming 400 local professionals and notables. Valerie Warner, co-host of Windy City Live, will serve as Honorary Charo for this inaugural event. Step Up Managing Director, Gina Marotta, said, “Step Up has been a fixture in Chicago for five years and this special event is the perfect way to celebrate our work with local women and girls, as well as attract new enthusiasts to our cause.” I hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please visit www.suwn.org.

Congrats are in order for friends Leslie Hindman, Amanda Puck and Debra Baum! Leslie had a fantastic half-page article by Melissa Harris in Sunday’s Tribune about her expanding business empire! She will be opening up new locations in Palm Beach and Milwaukee (she recently opened in Naples, too) and she’s busier than ever! Amanda has started a food blog and it’s fantastic! Who better to write about food than AMANDA?! And last but not least, Debra also has a new website devoted to health issues for women over 30. It will have daily updates with a dose of humor!

Good luck and congrats to one and all!!! I hope you are enjoying my new column in the Chicago Tribune called “Chicago Scene.” I am so proud to be the new social columnist for this venerable newspaper that has just been through a major overhaul! My column appears weekly in the Sunday Magazine section, full page, full color! 🙂

And lastly, the launch is coming soon for www.Watch312.com, an online network of Chicago-centric shows! This network and its team of experts from Illinois Center for Broadcasting will provide viewers with a portal connecting them to everything Windy City! DC Crenshaw’s show, "Chicago Unplugged," covers the restaurant scene from top to bottom and everything in-between while Dr. Sandy Goldberg’s call-in show, "LIVE! With Dr. Sandy," will address nutritional and health concerns in a non traditional yet informative way. Her co-host is radio veteran Scott Mackay. As the host for “Social Circles,” I will be bringing you a behind-the-scenes look into charity events, parties, movie premieres, celebrities, nightlife and more! Check it out and let me know what you think! We are still in the early stages with lots of tweaking to do but I wanted to make you aware of all of the excitement to come!!! 🙂

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And THAT is the lowdown on Chicago’s MANY highlights for this week! Hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here is an inspiring video that will put our petty, daily concerns in the right perspective. This young Chinese girl began playing the piano three years ago and she plays masterfully, despite the fact that she has no fingers on her right hand. Miracles are all around us if we just look for them.

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Tagged as Alexis Fasseas, All Paws on Deck Beach Party, Amanda Puck, Angie DeMars, Anthony Ponce, Audrey Hepburn, Barenaked Ladies, BJ Murray, Bonnie Spurlock, Bright Pink, Bruce Grown, Bruce Haas, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carmen Miranda, Carol Walter, Carole Mack, Carolym Brundage, Cheri Lawrence, chicago scene, Chicago Tribune, Christine Mallul, Cobra Starship, Colleen Garard, Common Threads, Connie’s Pizza, Dave Kovac, Dawn O’Neal, Day on the Terrace, DC Crenshaw, Deborah Crown, Debra Baum, Dr. Barbara Royal, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Drake Hotel, Escada, Farraday, For the Women We Love, Fur Ball, Galleria Marchetti, Gary Chang, Gene & Georgetti, Gigi Ross, Good Humor, Hazel Barr, Howard Tullman, Humphrey Bogart, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Intermix, Jean Antoniou, Jim O’Neal, Jim Spurlock, John Garcia, John Mallul, John Walter, Judy Tullman, Kathy Hinton, Kathy O'Malley Piccone, Kelli Zink, Kim Gleeson, Kori Chambers, Laurie Akers, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Len Goodman, Leslie Hindman, Lindsay Avner, Lindsay Carlton, Lisa Dent, Lourdes Duarte, Luca Luca, Lucille Ball, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Marion Durpetti, Mark Shale, Matt Nathanson, Melissa Harris, Michelle Durpetti, Moe’s Cantina, Nancy Officer, Neiman Marcus, Nicholas Quality Meats, No Love for Linus, North Community Bank, Old St. Pat’s Grill & Bones, Out for Hours, Patrick Sheahan, Paul McCartney, Paul Stuart, Paula Fasseas, PAWS, Peninsula, Phillip Emigh, Plain White T's, Pomellato, Quang Noodles, Rascal Flatts, Richard Ciota, Ron Officer, Ryan Chiaverini, Saks Fifth Avenue Men, Scott Mackay, Service Club of Chicago, Shine & Dine, Social Circles, Spazmatics, Special Olympics, St. Vincent DePaul Center, Standing Tall Foundation, Step Up Women’s Network, Steve Feferman, Steve Starr, Sue Dixon, Suzie’s Fun Foods, Tails in the City, Tamie Souza, TCW, Tony Durpetti, Tory Burch, Tracey Di Buono, UBS, Valerie Warner, Veronica Lake, Watch312.com, Wes Dixon, Windy City Live, World’s Largest Block Party

April 19, 2009 · 6:31 pm

CHICAGO WELCOMES BIGGER, BOLDER BARNEY’S!

Thursday, April 16th, will go down in history as the day the Big Boy came to town! The new, bigger Barney’s is the most beautiful store in Chicago and the turnout on opening day proved it. Everyone wanted to see it and, by the expressions on their faces, they were pleased indeed. With jaw-dropping square footage and attention to every detail, this store must be the crown jewel in the Barney’s empire. From the flooring to the dressing rooms and everything in between, the design and furnishings are done to perfection. I could move right into the dressing rooms and be perfectly content! The designer selections are unique and varied, I’m sure in large part because it is an opening but I hope this endless variety continues. Even one of the sales girls told me she never even knew Marni had such great designs until they sent the new stuff for this opening. So please NY, don’t give up after this week is over!!!! There is a dramatic winding staircase in the center of the store that takes you to all six levels. Beauty, skin care and fragrances are on the lower level; accessories, hats, jewelry and sunglasses are on the main floor; designer collections and shoes are on the second level; sportswear and denim are on the third; the fourth and fifth floors are for men and the sixth floor contains Chelsea Passage with selections for the home. BUT the most important feature of the sixth floor is the fabulous restaurant, Fred’s! This chic dining spot has incredible views and a petite and exclusive outdoor patio with only three tables with a beautiful view straight down Oak Street to the lake! Imagine sitting above our greatest shopping street and looking at our sparkling lake on a lazy summer day? Makes me feel woozy just thinking about it!! Michael Celestino, Barney’s executive vice president, told me it’s been 22 years since they’ve opened a restaurant so they are feeling really happy about this decision and he thinks their location is perfect. Their other two dining spots are Green Grass in Beverly Hills and Fred’s in NY. Not only will our Fred’s be open for lunch but it will also be open for dinner and brunch. When I went to dinner here on opening night, the place was packed with fun, friendly faces and I predict it will be a new hotspot for those in the know. Michael told me Fred’s in NY is the best kept secret among the locals for dinner and I suspect it will be the same way here. You have to make a reservation for dinner and then come to the side entrance on Rush Street. Then a security guard will check your name and you will be escorted to an elevator inside the store. I think it will be fun and feel like our very own speakeasy! Fred’s is named after the grandson of the original property owner that Barney’s is built on in NY. Their incredible chef, Mark Strausman hails from NY. For the opening, they decided not to do a big blow-out since this economy wasn’t conducive to it, so champagne and donuts were the order of the day. Delicious sugar donuts by Mindy Segal served on silver platters were the perfect touch. The store is open seven days a week and Fred’s serves food from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. I saw a gazillion people there opening day including Jerry Kleiner (who was passing out cards for his new restaurant, Via Ventuno—which is his retooled Room 21), Christina Gidwitz (trying on chic designer dresses), John Carroll, Amalie Drury with Jeff Corney, Sophie Bross, Helen Melchior, Kathy Lidbury, Scott McLellan, Chryssi Cochanis, Jazmin Arellano (who just landed a job with Maria Pinto), DJ John Svendsen from Norway, Carol Beitler, Lorenzo Beard, Margaret Rainone, Naywri Wright, Demetri Alexander and his wife Marisa Murillo, Ann Waters, Martha and Laura Wallace, Hazel Barr, Scott Bobek, Janice and Ray Blaney, Joy Germont and Marie Amelio. Photos from top right: Barney's at 15 E. Oak St.; display area; Jerry Kleiner and John Carroll; Carol Beitler, Margaret Rainone and Lorenzo Beard; Barney's dramatic staircase; Naywri Wright; Fred's; Fred's outdoor dining space; Barney's executive vice president Michael Celestino and me; Fred's bar area; Fred's head chef Mark Strausman; donuts from Mindy Segal; Martha and Laura Wallace; Ann Waters, Helen Melchior and children's book author Kathy Lidbury; Marie Amelio and a friend; Jazmin Arellano and DJ John Svendsen; Kimberly Gleason and Sophie Bross. For more photos from this event, click here.

Speaking of great stores, a BIG thank you to Neiman Marcus, Mary Ann Henderson and Tina Koegel for arranging a wonderful luncheon for members of the Joffrey Women’s Board Thursday. The luncheon served two purposes: one, to thank outstanding members of the Joffrey Women’s Board who had served on committees this past year and two, to introduce Santiago Gonzalez’s Spring 2009 handbag collection. Santiago is the son of luxury handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez. Neiman’s scored on both counts and everyone enjoyed meeting Santiago and fondling his luxurious handbags up close. All of the Nancy Gonzalez bags are handmade in Columbia using precious skins such as Caiman Crocodile and Malaysian python. Santiago assured us that the crocodiles are farm-raised and each bag has a numbered emblem from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to attest to this fact. He went on to say that it takes seven years of training to learn how to make these beautiful bags since matching the skins is an art form. The factory employs 700 people and 99 percent are women. His mother is very spiritual and studies with the Dalai Lama and has provided her workers with a day care center that cares for 150 children. The company was started 10 years ago when Nancy was unable to sell a surplus of bags after a store closing. Santiago suggested she send them to him and he would sell them to his college friends in NY. When the landlady heard he was selling bags out of his grandmother’s apartment, she hit the roof—until she SAW the bags. Then she suggested he take them to her friend, Dawn Mello, at Bergdorf Goodman and the rest, as they say, is history! Last year, the company sold over 55,000 handbags, each one unique. Santiago says, “True luxury is never trendy and the only hardware should be in your jewelry, not on the bags.” Their totes come with a banana leaf as a nod to their native Columbia. It was particularly delightful for me speaking with him since he goes to St. Tropez every year and we knew many of the same people. Here’s to your continued success, Santiago, and maybe I’ll be lucky enough to run into you in the South of France next year! :) Photos from top right: Santiago Gonzalez, me and Tina Koegel; Kate Benson and Marina Tater with Gonzalez handbags; model showing a Nancy Gonzalez bag; Astra Gamsjaeger and Kelly Detman; Santiago with his mother Nancy Gonzalez's bags; Lisa Leiden and Women's Board president Kathleen Klaeser; Marilyn Slattery; Rebecca Besser and Liz Ryan; Santiago with models; Linda O'Bannon; Francis Elliot and Santiago with the handbag he autographed for her.

Dave Curry really knows how to think outside the box: He has invented a unique concept in footwear called Podi, which means "foot" in Greek. Formerly in commercial real estate, inspiration struck Dave on the Michigan shores. While watching his daughters play in the water, he noticed his own footwear was trashed. He felt there had to be a better way than shelling out another $150 or more for shoes so in 2004, he came up with the idea of interchangeable shoe covers which can be removed or replaced based on one's mood or outfit. Curry designed six shoe covers for women and five for men. For $129, you receive the shoe base, three covers and an environmentally-friendly knapsack to keep it all in. Each extra cover is just $19.99 and you can even design your own cover using his Van Gogh style which arrives as a blank canvas. I see this as a boon for children who seem to go through shoes faster than you can blink an eye. To see how this innovative invention works, click here. Good luck, Dave! Photos from top left: Dave Curry with his Podi Wear; women's Podi shoe and cover choices.

On a personal note, I would like to congratulate my friend Simona Groza (beautiful manager of Luca Luca on Oak Street) and Dennis Garcia on their upcoming wedding on August 23rd. It will be held in the Hotel Sun Garden in Turda, Romania. Simona is beloved by so many and we all wish her and Dennis mountains of happiness! :) Photo: Dennis Garcia and Simona Groza.

I think we are finally headed for spring!!!! And as we all know, there is no place prettier than Chicago at spring time…unless it’s Chicago in the summer! Now here is a video that will exhaust you by simply watching it; I don’t remember cheerleading ever being quite like this!

Love,
Candace 🙂