Tag Archives: Mila Samokhina

September 12, 2011 · 7:55 pm

CHIC CHAPEAUX AT PARKWAYS LUNCHEON BENEFITS KIDS’ CAMP

This much I know for sure: Hats and high winds just don’t mix! But this fact didn’t keep 500+ ladies from donning their best chapeaux for Parkways' Ninth Annual Garden Party in the beautiful Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden on Thursday, Sept. 8th. This year’s event, co-chaired by Carol Prins and April Shink, raised more than $275,000 which will be used to support the Send a Kid to Camp Fund along with nature and environmental science programming designed to get kids outdoors, active and connected to nature. Proceeds from the Garden Party will enable 3,500 kids to attend camp and will engage 10,000 more children and their families throughout the city to experience the wonder of nature in more than 550 parks. This year, one of the founding members of Parkways, Donna LaPietra along with Bill Kurtis, emceed a paddle raise that brought in an extra $21,000 giving guests the opportunity to further support the Camp Fund. Blue Cross Blue/Shield of Illinois was the recipient of the Jens Jensen Award and Jo Ann Nathan was honored with the Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award. I know Jo Ann and this award couldn’t have been given to a more worthy volunteer. She has been involved with Parkways since its inception and served as director of the Jens Jensen Legacy Project. She also co- authored “Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side” as well as serving on many other related committees and boards. Congrats Jo Ann! Since 1994, Parkways Foundation has raised more than $30 million for Chicago’s parks to enrich communities through historic preservation, environmental initiatives, capital projects and youth/family programs. We have one of the most extensive systems in the country with more than 550 parks, 250 field houses, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 wildlife gardens and more than 9,000 annual programs, including summer camp for 30,000 kids each year. WHEW! That’s a lot of fundraising efforts since tax dollars alone can’t do it all. And despite the high winds on this day, the weather was perfect…sunny and bright with mild temps. Just the kind of setting to show off the last of your summer outfits with some great (and not-so-great) hats! The ladies mixed and mingled amidst the last flowers of the season while the gorgeous skyline added the perfect backdrop to the many photographers’ pics. After cocktails, the ladies moved inside the massive tent for the luncheon where whimsical hat designs were the centerpieces at every table. Created by the kids from the Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park, these charming little hats brought the message home to all attendees just why they were there. If you would like to learn more about this worthwhile organization or donate, please visit www.parkways.org. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins)

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN had one of the biggest store openings I’ve seen in a long, long time. It started earlier this year with a very private dinner at Henri as a sort of meet-and-greet and continued this week in a very big way. There was a private shopping day, a runway show featuring their Brit-inspired looks for Fall/Winter 2011 (hosted by Brittney Payton) and a ribbon cutting ceremony with founder Sir Philip Green, his beautiful daughter Chloe AND surprise guest Miley Cyrus! There was also a by-invite-only dinner at Paris Club on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. One hundred eighty guests showed up for an elegant sit-down dinner. The entire restaurant had been reserved for this party that was planned entirely by TOPSHOP. They left nothing to chance even planning the exquisite white floral arrangements spread throughout the room. It was elegance all the way including the French-inspired menu choices that included chicken paillard, halibut with mushroom veloute, French green beans, Provencal vegetable plate and a truffled chicken terrine among other delicious offerings. The tables were peppered with TOPSHOP honchos giving all of the guests a chance to talk shop with the pros. Their future plans include expanding stores into New York, California and Las Vegas. Pretty soon, every TOP city in the world will have a TOPSHOP! I also hear their personal shopping department is incredible! I love the choices for reasonably priced wardrobe options in our city now. The days are over for most people as far as spending thousands of dollars on clothing. At least I know mine are! Congrats to TOPSHOP for bringing their fun-loving clothing line to town. And, as I told CEO Ian Grabiner, not only do I enjoy the store but I am doubly glad to know it’s run by a lot of very, very nice people! (To view ALL event photos, please click HERE!)

Chicago’s stylish set was dancing with joy up and down Michigan Avenue for the last two weeks during “In Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival” which included our city’s first version of “Fashion Night Out” for its finale on Thursday, Sept. 8th. FNO began in New York in 2009 as a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy. It was a runaway success with more than 100 cites across the U.S. participating this year. During the course of Chicago’s evening finale, stores planned a night of fun-filled activities that brought out the stars. The 900 Shops hosted “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” featuring Bravo’s Brad Goreski in its Tzar VIP Lounge as well as a flash fashion show, beauty bazaars, photo booth, in-store celebrations and giveaways. The Shops at North Bridge included styling tips from Chicago magazine’s fashion director Stacey Jones and style editor Heiji Choy Black while Water Tower Place hosted a fashion party and a cookbook signing by “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Guidice. Flashing strobe lights lit up Neiman Marcus’ entryway while inside its plans included a fall trends runway show, Chicago Bulls’ Kyle Korver, tastings from local restaurants, a Factor Model search, a DJ and live fashion illustrations. Saks Fifth Avenue spotlighted handsome and uber talented shoe designer Brian Atwood for the official unveiling of its new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. He graciously signed his signature stilettos and posed for pics while the 500+ crowd of admirers sipped champagne and swayed to the sounds of DJ Madrid. He also shared a little scoop with me: He is newly engaged to long-time love and handsome hunk himself, Dr. Jake Deutsch! Jake proposed to Brian on his birthday in a chapel in the Greek Islands after a 2 ½ year courtship. My only question to Jake was, “What took so long?!” They are the perfect couple and are blissfully happy! Chair of In-Fashion and Director of PR for ULTA Beauty, Carrie Lannon, along with her 50-strong committee, created an event to remember and are already planning next year’s celebrations. Congrats to Chi-Town on our first Fashion Night Out, Chair Extraordinaire Carrie Lannon, all of the participating stores, Amanda Puck, Julie Selakovich, Wendy Krimins, Tina Koegel and Brian and Jake!!! Can’t wait to see what magical fashion fun next year brings!!! (To see ALL fab fotos by Mila Samokhina, please click HERE!)

Thanks to “Windy City Live” for having me on again recently! I appeared in a segment with Time Out Chicago’s features editor, Laura Baginski, as she discussed their latest issue about Playboy (on newsstands now). I brought my Playboy Bunny ears and made Val and Laura wear them while I gave a little show-and-tell about my long history with Playboy. My friends teased me about being such a saver concerning the memorabilia I had brought but I SAVE everything! Good news and bad news! But I am very happy to have my Bunny costume. Complete sets have sold on eBay for over $10,000! Gerard Butler and Kerry Wood were guests on the show this day, too; check it out below. (I hope you like it!)

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=&section=wcl&mediaId=8344637&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://windycitylive.com&configPath=/shared/util/&site=

Common Threads ‘Associate Board is hosting its first annual Cook-Off on Thursday, September 15th at Fulton’s on the River, located at 315 N. LaSalle, from 6:30-9 PM. With this new theme, 27 chefs will create and serve their favorite dish either in a glass, on a bun, in a shell or on a stick. Guests will then vote for their favorite in each category and may the BEST chef win! VIP tickets are $150, general admission is $75. For more info, please call Erica Stimac at 312.329.2501, ext. 208, or email Erica@commonthreads.org.

And now for something completely different! For the second year, Studio L’Amour, presents “Superstars of Burlesque” at the Park West at 322 W. Armitage on Friday, September 16th. This show is described as “the most ambitious and spectacular burlesque show ever to hit Chicago.” Every performer in this one-night-only event holds a title from the Burlesque Hall of Fame (the industry’s highest honor). Performers scheduled include Michelle L’Amour (2005), Indigo Blue (the Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011), Dirty Martini (2004) and Roxi D’Lite (2010) among others. World’s Best Group 2011, The Stage Door Johnnies, is also scheduled to perform along with Trixie Little and Evil Hate Monkey. These names alone make me want to go! I can’t wait to see what Studio L’Amour has in store (a little rhyme, get it?). It also doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite emcees, Murray Hill, will be doing the hosting duties! There will be two shows on Friday, at 8 PM and 10 PM. Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased at the door, online or at Taboo, Tabou, located at 845 W. Belmont. See you there!

And, finally a huge congrats to Dr. Stacie McClane and JAM Productions' Jerry Mickelson on their recent engagement! I attended a party in their honor at the Peninsula recently and the love in the room was palpable. Stacie’s darling daughter and mom were in attendance along with friends. The event was hosted by Yvette Cusack, Kate Covington, Dusty Stemer, Jean Antoniou and Sherry Lea Holson. Congrats, Stacie and Jerry!

That’s the lowdown on this week’s MANY highlights! I hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place. Thanks also to all who voted for my blog in the CBS contest. I will let you know the results, good or bad as soon as I know! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I also hope you can join me on Thursday, Sept. 15th, for AUTHOR TALKS presented by the Chicago Tribune. Authors Jacquelyn Mitchard (“Second Nature, A Love Story”) and Elizabeth Berg (“Once Upon a Time, There Was You”) will be discussing their upcoming books at a reception hosted by Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor. The event will begin at 6:30 PM at the Tribune Tower, located at 435 N. Michigan, and tickets are only $20.

2 Comments

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 10022-Shoe, all of the participating stores, Amanda Puck, April Shink, Author Talks, Bill Kurtis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Brad Goreski, Bravo, Brian Atwood, Brittney Payton, Burlesque Hall of Fame, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol Prins, Carrie Lannon, Chicago Bulls, Chicago magazine, Chicago Tribune, Chloe Green, Common Threads, Cook-Off, Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award, Dirty Martini, DJ Madrid, Donna LaPietra, Dr. Jake Deutsch, Dr. Stacie McClane, Dusty Stemer, Elizabeth Taylor, Erica Stimac, Evil Hate Monkey, Factor Model, Fame Fashion and Flavor, Fashion Night Out, Fulton’s on the River, Gerard Butler, Heiji Choy Black, Henri, Ian Grabiner, In Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, Indigo Blue, Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side, Jacquelyne Mitchard, Jam Productions, Jean Antoniou, Jens Jensen Award, Jens Jensen Legacy Project, Jerry Mickelson, Jo Ann Nathan, Julie Selakovich, Kate Covington, Kerry Wood, Kyle Korver, Lannon, Laura Baginski, Michelle L'amour, Mila Samokhina, Miley Cyrus, Murray Hill, Neiman Marcus, Paris Club, Park West, Parkways Foundation, Peninsula, Playboy, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Roxi D’Lite, Saks Fifth Avenue, Second Nature A Love Story, Send a Kid to Camp Fund, Sherry Lea Holson, Sir Philip Green, Stacey Jones, Stage Door Johnnies, Studio L’amour, Superstars of Burlesque, Taboo Tabou, Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park, Teresa Guidice, The Shops at North Bridge, Tiffany & Co., Time Out Chicago, Tina Koegel, Topman, Topshop, Tribune Tower, Trixie Little, Tzar VIP Lounge, Ulta Beauty, Water Tower Place, Wendy Krimins, Windy City Live, Yvette Cusack

September 5, 2011 · 9:20 pm

WORLD CLASS POLO COMING TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

We are quickly becoming a city of FIRSTS and BIGGESTS and I am so thrilled for our Windy City! Chicago’s first beach polo matches are coming to North Avenue Beach beginning Saturday, October 1st. And, if the recent Kick-Off party for the Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I at Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar is any indication of the interest, we’re gonna need a bigger beach!!! More than 400 guests gathered at this new River North hotspot to hobnob with polo enthusiasts, players and polo royalty like Reute Butler, whose family founded Oak Brook and literally introduced the sport to the Midwest. Reute’s great-grandparents built the Oak Brook Polo Club in 1922 and, at one time, the Butler family had 13 polo fields at the height of the season with 600 to 700 horses stabled there. The Butlers also hosted the U.S. Open Tournament in Oak Brook for decades. (They have a fascinating family history, as you can see, and plans for a book are in the works so stay tuned!) The Chicago Beach Polo World Cup will take place on North Avenue Beach beginning with a VIP, by-invite-only party on Friday, September 30th. The matches begin on Saturday, October 1st with a horse parade, fashion show and more parties. The finals, along with a closing party on the Wit’s ROOF, will be on Sunday, October 2nd beginning at 11:30 AM. This event, founded by The Polo Life, produced its first beach polo event on Miami Beach in 2004. For tickets and more info, please visit, www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…to view ALL images, please click here.)

The first annual Chicago Dancing Festival Opening Night Gala heralded a five day long celebration of dance in Chicago described by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “the largest free festival anywhere in the country.” More than 19,000 people were able to enjoy the fifth anniversary of this much- anticipated and much-loved event. During its Opening Night Gala, co-founders and artistic directors Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch welcomed over 400 people to this inaugural event. Franke spoke of the Mayor’s early years as a dancer and suggested that he might have chosen a different course in his life. When the Mayor stepped up to the podium, he said, “I want you to know that’s exactly what my mother says to me, every day. And that’s only fitting as a Jewish mother.” He went on to say, “Nothing has made me more excited for the city than this dance festival, in this sense: We have 19 companies and 19,000 people are going to show up over the next five days to see dance here in the city of Chicago.” And indeed, this past week was a “dream-come-true lineup,” as described by the Tribune’s Sid Smith. On Gala night, there were a series of duets on the MCA Stage beginning with The Joffrey Ballet who opened the five performances with a pas de deux from “Swan Lake.” They sent their own dream team, husband and wife dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria Jaiani. Words can’t describe the beauty they bring to the stage so I won’t even try. They were followed by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago who performed “Following the Subtle Current Upstream.” Next, Martha Graham Dance Company danced “Shaker Interior” from “Snow on the Mesa.” Brian Brooks Moving Company performed a seemingly impossible piece by Brian Brooks and David Scarantino. A world premiere by modernist Walter Dundervill closed the show with his translation of “Swan Lake” called “Compression Piece.” The party continued on the Terrace overlooking the Sculpture Garden. On this perfect summer night, VIP guests included Susan and Lew Manilow, Pamela Crutchfield, the Mayor with his wife and daughter, Helen Melchior (who sponsored The Joffrey Ballet in the Dancing Festival), Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, George Jewell, Carrie and Michael Sacks, Commissioner Michelle Boone, Joan Harris, Dia and Ed Weil, Ken Norgan, Phil Lumpkin, Neal Zucker, Linda Johnson Rice, Grace Barry, Sandra and Jack Guthman, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Jan Melk, Lisa Key, Robert Mills, Kim Venezia and Lindsay Hoey, among others. Following the Dancing Festival’s Saturday night finale, VIP guests enjoyed an after-party called “Last Dance” at the Intercontinental. All of the dancers were invited to attend free of charge, of course! Congrats to event co-founders and artistic directors, Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch!!! I can’t wait to see what next year’s event will bring! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins…to view ALL event pics, please click here.)

The third annual Taste of the Gold Coast was held at The Sutton Place Hotel recently. Fun-loving and food-loving guests enjoyed delicious dishes from Il Mulino’s, Chicago Q, The Drawing Room, Carmine’s, RA Sushi, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Go Roma, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Cape Cod Room, Gaylord, Devon Seafood Grill, Saloon Steakhouse and Pane Caldo. Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, along with Nan Mason & Terry Higgins, kept the music flowing for this event, whose extensive silent auction, benefitted the North Dearborn Association. Produced by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions, their next venture will occur on Friday, September 30th, at the Dana Hotel with the second annual “Who Is Chicago” event. This evening will highlight and honor 10 influential Chicagoans who are active in the philanthropic community. Emceed by Laura Schwartz, the honorees include Sonya Jackson, Sherrill Bodine, Jonny Immerman, Janet Szylk, Shaun Rajah, Rochelle Trotter, Sergio Fernandez, Linda Novick O’Keefe, Quenten Schumacher and Jamie Haberkorn. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ceceandmelinda.com. Congrats to all of these deserving honorees AND to Cece and Melinda! (Photos by Steve Starr)

Don’t miss the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN opening set for Thursday, Sept. 8th at Pearson and Michigan (in the old Borders spot). Free and open to the public, this event will begin at 9:30 AM with a day filled with activities beginning with a ribbon cutting by founder Sir Philip Green at 10:30 AM. This will be their second flagship store in the U.S. (their first in the Midwest) and will feature over 30,000 feet of trend-setting fashions. The opening day runway show will be hosted by the always adorable Brittney Payton. Will YOU be there, too?

And now I have a wonderful book suggestion for you! Not only does “A Dog Named Slugger” have a wonderful message, but 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the nonprofit St. Francis Service Dogs Organization! The book, lovingly written by Leigh Brill, is a true story about a woman (Leigh) who, at the height of her cerebral palsy symptoms, turned to a service dog organization where she was matched with Slugger, a highly intelligent, devoted and loving yellow Lab. More than just a memoir, this book shines a light on the growing service dog movement, hopefully leading to more trainers, helper dogs and triumphant “Slugger stories” throughout the country and the world. A must- read for dog lovers and people lovers everywhere! Leigh is a writer, speaker and advocate for people with disabilities and is actively involved in organizations promoting the noble work of service dogs. To order, PLEASE visit www.LeighBrill.com and to learn more about this wonderful service dog organization, please visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org.

I hope you will join me for a meet-and-greet with Victory Gardens Theater’s new Artistic Director, Chay Yew, on Monday, Sept.12th, beginning at 5:30 PM at Victory Gardens Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Refreshments will be served followed by a season preview presentation. Please RSVP to 777.871.3000.

A reminder! Don’t forget to follow the Yellow Brick Road to buy your tickets for Chicago Gateway Green’s 20th Annual Green Tie Ball on Saturday, September 17th, at A. Finkl & Sons, located at 2011 N. Southport, in Chicago. With fun-loving co-chairs like Tim Smith (Walter E. Smithe) and Stephanie Castagnier (NBC’s “The Apprentice”), you know this formal affair will be something to remember! (Tickets are $125, VIP tickets are $250; purchase yours at www.GatewayGreen.org.)

I can’t wait for the fun-filled week ahead! I’m so excited and grateful to be returning to “Windy City Live” on Wednesday, September 7th, and Monday, Sept. 12th! On Wednesday, with all of the news about the upcoming show “The Playboy Club” and rumors of a real-life Playboy Club opening here, I’ve been asked to come on and discuss my own Playboy Bunny experiences. AND, on Monday, Sept. 12th, I will be discussing all things Chicago with Val, Ryan and Ji. (Windy City Live, Monday-Friday, 9 AM, Ch. 7!)

And, happily for all of you, this will be the LAST time I ask, so please remember to vote HERE for my blog, Candid Candace, IF you enjoy reading it! I will send you ALL lots of money if I win! (Thankfully, voting ends on September 9th!)

Have a happy and healthy week and I will “see” you again soon!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandacecom

P.S. And even though Hurricane Irene was nothing to laugh at, this photo did crack me up! My neighbors had chosen this moment in time to visit the Jersey Shore with their entire family, dog included! Here is a pic of Berit Waterfield with Burger (aka Toto) escaping back to Chicago!

6 Comments

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as A Dog Named Slugger, A. Finkl & Sons, Berit Waterfield, Brian Brooks, Brian Brooks Moving Company, Brittney Payton, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cape Cod Room, Carmine’s, Carrie Sacks, Cece & Melinda, Chay Yew, Chicago Dancing Festival, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Q, Chicago Tribune, David Scarantino, Devon Seafood Grill, Dia Weil, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Ed Weil, Gaylord, George Jewell, Go Roma, Grace Barry, Green Tie Ball, Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Hurricane Irene, Il Mulino’s, Jack Guthman, Jamie Haberkorn, Jan Melk, Janet Szylk, Jay Franke, Joan Harris, Joffrey Ballet, Jonny Immerman, Ken Norgan, Kim Venezia, Lar Lubovich, Laura Schwartz, Leigh Brill, Lew Manilow, Linda Johnson Rice, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Lindsay Hoey, Lisa Key, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, Martha Graham Dance Company, Michael Sacks, Michelle Boone, Mila Samokhina, Nan Mason, Neal Zucker, Nora Daley, North Avenue Beach, North Dearborn Association, Pamela Crutchfield, Pane Caldo, Phil Lumpkin, Quenten Schumacher, RA Sushi, Rahm Emanuel, Raymi Productions, Reute Butler, Robert Mills, Rochelle Trotter, Saloon Steakhouse, Sandra Guthman, Sean Conroy, Sergio Fernandez, Shaun Rajah, Sherrill Bodine, Sid Smith, Sir Philip Green, Sonya Jackson, St. Francis Service Dogs Organization, Stephanie Castagnier, Steve Starr, Susan Manilow, Taste of the Gold Coast, Temur Suluashvili, Terry Higgins, The Apprentice, The Drawing Room, The Playboy Club, Tim Smith, Topman, Topshop, Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar, Victoria Jaiani, Victory Gardens Theater, Walter Dunderville, Walter E. Smithe, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Windy City Live

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!!!

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=&section=wcl&mediaId=8319842&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://windycitylive.com&configPath=/shared/util/&site=

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!

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

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 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… 🙂

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=&section=wcl&mediaId=8307266&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://windycitylive.com&configPath=/shared/util/&site=

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

P.S Awwwwwwww…just something to make you smile!

1 Comment

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as A League of Her Own, Alex Sanchez, Alisha Van Fosson, Alyssa Hock, Amanda Puck, Andrea Schwartz, Armani Jeans, Bar III, Buescott Park, Bull and Bear, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, CBS Chicago’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011, Cee Lo Green, Chicago International Film Festival, Christina Thomas, Common Threads, CTA Tattler, David Blonsky, Dietzler Farm, Evander Holyfield, Evander Holyfield Jr., Far East Movement, Foodarazzi, Froehlich’s Bakery, Galleria Marchetti, George Jewell, Glamorama, Gnarles Barkley, Greenbush Brewery, Greg Cameron, Greg Moore, Greg Thompson, Impulse, Jamie Haberkorn, Jean Paul Gaultier, Joseph Michael’s Salon & Spa, Judd Malkin, Julie DiCaro, Kamal Bosamia, Karen Herman, Karl Lagerfeld, Katherine Chez, Kenneth Cole, Laura Schara, Like a G6, Lurie Children's Hospital, Macy's, Marc Jacobs, Mardelle Gundlach, Markethouse, Martin Sheen, Martine Reardon, Marvin Herman, Mary Cameron Frey, Mike Gansmoe, Mila Samokhina, Myron Johnson, North Dearborn Association, Papi, Patrick Sheerin, Public House, Pussycat Dolls, Ralph Hughes, Robin Hall, Robin Reibel, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Chariries of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ryan Poli, Sally Noblett, Scott Walton, Shine & Dine, Social Circles, Sonia Rykiel, Step Up Women’s Network, Steve Starr, Studio Paris, Sutton Place Hotel, Taste of the Gold Coast, Tavernita, The Signature Room, The Temptations, The Temptations Revue, The Way, Tracy Rees, Valerie Warner, Windy City Live, ZOE Foundation

August 9, 2011 · 8:42 pm

51st GLAMOURCON HIGHLIGHTS PLAYBOY PLAYMATES, PAST AND PRESENT!

Glamourcon is a bi-yearly event that celebrates the world of glamour and pinup art with an emphasis on Playboy Playmates. This year at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare, more than 20 Playmates participated. There were girls from every era including the current Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair. Claire’s looks harken back to the days of famous pinup Bettie Page with her dark hair and short cropped bangs. Even her flirty, polka dot skirt reminded me of a kinder, gentler time. No wonder Hef picked her! Of course, I guess it doesn’t hurt to be dating his son, Marston, either! At 20 years of age, Claire is one of the youngest Playmates of the Year! My husband wondered if she even had her driver’s license and I replied that I am sure she has no shortage of limo offers! She is cute, adorable, bright, funny and sexy all rolled into one package. Her star turn at MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris revue brought the house down during her hot burlesque number on the big, red lips sofa. But enough about Claire – there were lots of other fabulous Playmates there too like Janis Schmitt, Miss February 1978 (who I was a Bunny with in St. Louis), Lee Ann Michelle (Miss February 1979), Liz Glazowski (4/80), Charlotte Kemp (12/82), Kerri Kendall (9/90), Crystal McCahill (5/09) and her mom Gale Olson (8/68), Henriette Allais (3/80), Cathy St. George (8/82), Lorraine Michaels (4/81) and Lisa Sohm (4/77), among others. The two-day event attracted more than 600 fans and offered everything under the sun pin-up related including vintage Playboy magazines, original artwork, t-shirts, sculptures, Playboy clothing, photography sessions, an old-time burlesque show by Vaudezilla.com and jewelry to name a few of the highlights. It was great seeing favorite friend/fans like Tom Shimada who never fails to amaze me. During the last show, he had found a Playboy cover that I had never seen and he did it again this year! He brought an unknown cover from Mexico dated March 1981. Playmate Cathy St. George had done the identical cover for the U.S. version in October 1981. Playboy is one of the original “recyclers!” Also seen on the scene, the “Playmate’s Friend” Larry Armstrong (who always finds treasures to bring to the show), John O’Neill, photographer Tom Testolin, Seth Grenald, calendar and poster dealer Thomas Helmke (who presented me with my calendar from 1982), John Newman, artists Alex Lord and Steve Baier along with dear Jeff Evans (who is the only person I know with a baseball signed by almost every single 500+ home run hitter including Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Frank Thomas, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson and Barry Bonds to name a few!!!). Friend and United Airlines pilot, Bloke Mauer, touched my heart by gifting me with half of his pilot’s wings! The next Glamourcon will be at the Hilton in Long Beach, California, on November 5th and 6th. I talked to Patti Connors and we hope to make it a Bunny/Playmate reunion with Janis Schmitt and Debra Jensen McMurray, (Miss January1978). Who knows, maybe we can take a casserole over to the Mansion to console Hef! Thanks to all who attended Glamourcon 51 and event founder Bob Schultz! Hope to see you all in Long Beach!!! To learn more about the event, click here. (To view ALL event photos, please click here!)

The Shedd Aquarium’s 5th Annual BLU event was an ocean lover’s delight with more than 1,000 guests mixing and mingling at the historic aquarium on a perfect night in Chicago. The star of the show was the jellyfish (jellies) exhibit but the true star was the aquarium itself. Opening in 1930, it has been a top cultural attraction in the city and, on this night, with the decorative lighting, the exhibits looked like stage sets. The jellyfish were glowing and undulating in their temporary homes (which I hope becomes permanent!) and the sharks, along with 500 other species, were swimming lazily in the Wild Reef complete with its own crashing surf. I am ashamed to say this was only my second time at the Shedd, but thanks to their dynamic Auxiliary Board, who presented this event, I will be returning again and again. There is so much to see here! On this night there were tastings from some of Chicago’s top restaurants including farm raised caviar from Big Fish Farms, tuna and salmon tartar from cibo matto at the Wit, Spanish saffron rice and chicken from Emilio’s Tapas, steak tartar from Hubbard Inn, house smoked sturgeon from Lockwood Restaurant, tacos de carnitas from Mercadito, pan seared goat cheese from Prairie Grass Café, duck breast and beet salad from newcomer Roka Akor Sushi and Steak and a gorgeous chocolate tower of fondue from the Melting Pot among many others. At the end of the night, when dancing began on the Lakefront Terrace, delicious pizza from Aurelio’s was served. Co-chairs Janet Barnes and Julie Hawkins, along with the Shedd staff led by Katie Clark, planned a perfect night under the stars that raised over $150K for conservation and educational programs. I hope to meet you by the shark tank sometime soon! (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina).

Lots more summer fun coming in the Windy City with the first ever “Street Food Artistry Event” on Sunday, August 14th, at Galleria Marchetti, located at 825 W. Erie, from 1 – 7 PM. This unique event celebrates Chicago’s street food culture and will include food trucks, street-inspired dishes, food carts, street inspired art, photography and more. There will even be an adorable doggie ice cream truck, LickLick, which will cater to the four-legged guests! Owner Adreana Droz says, “We use only top-grade human ingredients in our doggie treats and ice cream. There are no preservatives or stabilizers of any kind.” Fido can choose between flavors such as peanut butter bacon, green apple cheddar, carrot carob and strawberry almond mint. Makes me wish I was a dog! (Not really!) The silent auction will benefit Common Threads, Chicago Street Musicians and the University of Chicago Charter School. Tickets are only $35 can be purchased by calling 312.884.1278 or visiting www.streetfoodchicago.com/event-deets.

The 47th Chicago Film Festival will honor actor Martin Sheen with a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award before he premieres his latest film, “The Way” on Friday, August 19th. He will walk the Red Carpet beginning at 6:30 PM alongside his son, Emilio Estevez, who wrote and co-directed with his dad. The film is a feel-good movie about the relationship between a father and son. Film Fest founder Michael Kutza always reins in top talent for his galas and this year is no exception. The film will premiere at AMC River East with a post reception across the street at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Legendary Bill Kurtis will be the emcee and RL’s Rich Varnes is the chair for this event along with a great host committee. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased by calling 312.683.0121 or by visiting www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

It will be a week of dance next week beginning with the 20th anniversary of the Dance for Life Gala coming to the Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, on Saturday, August 20th. This event benefits DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) and will feature five dance companies including The Joffrey Ballet, Ron de Jesus Dance, Giordano Jazz Dance of Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance and River North Dance Company plus two world premieres by choreographers Harrison McEldowney and Randy Duncan. Tickets begin at $50 for performance only and $175 for pre-event reception and performance. To purchase tickets or for more info, please call 312.922.5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com.

Following this dance theme, the Chicago Dancing Festival will present its opening night benefit gala at the MCA with Mayor Rahm Emanuel as the host on Monday, August 22nd. (He used to be a ballet dancer, dontcha know?) The night will feature an intimate evening of duet performances by Brian Brooks Moving Company, Faye Driscoll, Hubbard Street Dance, artists from The Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company and the Chicago Dancing Festival’s first ever original commissioned work by Walter Dundervill. The performance begins at 6 PM followed by cocktails and dinner. This event kicks off five days of the festival with the Grand Finale on Saturday night, August 27th, beginning at 7:30 PM with the “Celebration of Dance,” which is open to the public in Millennium Park. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 312.931.9954 or visit www.ChicagoDancingFestival.com.

ASIDES! Congrats to Tails in the City for being a destination point for John Legend and girlfriend Chrissy Teigen. Darling owners Bruce Haas and Philip Emigh tell me they stocked up on Poochee collars and leashes, a new carrier and bed plus lots of toys and treats. John was in town touring with Sade but, before the show, they headed to Table 52 for Chef Art’s famous fried chicken!

Chicago’s own Steve Starr is known for his photography skills but the set stylists for the much-talked about new television show, "The Playboy Club," sought him out for something else. Steve also has cases of vintage items available for purchase in the Lincoln Antique Mall (on Irving Park Road near Kedzie). There, they found some wonderful pieces for their set including a vintage radio and French sunglasses circa 1962. Steve Starr – a man of many talents!

Hope some of you caught me on “Windy City Live” Monday morning! It was so much fun sitting at the “BIG Chat Desk” with Val, Ryan and Ji… :-) I will be on again on Monday, August 15th, at 9 AM on Ch. 7. If you missed it, please check it out below AND, if you enjoy the segment, please Facebook “Windy City Live” and let them know!

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=&section=wcl&mediaId=8295090&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://windycitylive.com&configPath=/shared/util/&site=

Well, that’s this week’s lowdown on some fantastic highlights! Hope to see you all at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama Friday night benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities!!! Tickets are still available by visiting www.RonaldHouseChicago.org or by calling 630.623.2309.

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Wishing the happiest of birthdays to beloved Fred Gohl! A zillion family and friends celebrated his recent 95th birthday! Happy Birthday Fred and many, many more!