Tag Archives: Ryan Poli

A FANTASY ISLAND FOR FRIENDS OF PRENTICE GALA

 …PLUS BUNKY’S RL BREAKFAST, GIULIANA AND BILL CELEBRATE AT RPM, KEITH MAGEE’S RSA HONOR, SERVICE CLUB’S MAD HATTER LUNCHEON, MAMIE HONORED AT TIFFANY EYE-BANK KICK-OFF, LISA MADIGAN HOSTS AUTHOR RECEPTION, OLD ST. PAT’S WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, SUMMER LOVIN’ SINGLES PARTY AT MCA, LANGHAM NABS JOE AGUILERA AND SO MUCH MORE!


P1040187With a theme like “Fantasy Island,” it was no surprise that this fun-filled and visual feast attracted more than 800 supporters to the 26th annual Friends of Prentice benefit at Navy Pier recently. Co-chairs Erica Goldman, Chris Newton and Stan Pillman outdid themselves in the planning and event Blog 2 - Co-chair Stan Pillman (center), wife Ginger and frienddécor specialist extraordinaire Derrick Taylor created a fantasy world that included something special around every corner. Beginning with the cocktail reception and silent auction, the Digging for Diamonds raffle was a magnet for guests who dug in a giant sandbox for all sorts of “bling” with tiny golden shovels. The raffle Blog 3 - Trina Gordon McCallister, auctioneer Greg Dellinger and Alex Sabbaggiveaway was a trip for two to Mexico. Additionally, guests could contribute to the Giving Tree, a faux palm tree with leaves that could be pulled off to make donations to fund services at the Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, which Blog 4 - Ross and Suzie Glickman, Paula Fasseas and Dr. Steven Strykerprovides pre- and post-natal care to low-income women. The silent auction had hundreds of items where you could find anything your heart desired including tickets to Lollapalooza (which has been sold out for weeks!), tickets to the Ryder Cup (another sold out Blog 5 - Having fun on Fantasy Island!event), tickets to the Kids’ Choice Awards in L.A., John Oates and Lyle Lovett concert tix, restaurant packages (including dinners at Nellcote, Paris Club, A Tavola and more), a Joffrey Ballet package and getaways to Michigan, London, New Hampshire and Ireland. As guests headed into the Grand Ballroom at Blog 6 - John Rijos, his gorgeous wife (R) and glam friendNavy Pier, event planner Derrick Taylor (whose company, Taylor & Company, is owned by co-chair Erica Goldman) had planned some delicious surprises. First of all, partygoers were lei-ed with orchids before entering into a tropical, elegant beach- Blog 7 - Mike and Alex Jacobson (center) with their proud parentsthemed paradise through a tunnel ending with a faux “waterfall” complete with sounds of the ocean. Tables were adorned with five-foot-tall palm fronds, candles and crystal candelabras much to the delight of guests. I was privileged to participate in the live auction portion of the evening with Mary Gallo (Prentice board member Blog 8 - With Bob and Hedwig Golant, Azeeza Khan and Paul Iaconoand account director for global retail leisure and luxury sales with Starwood Hotels) and star auctioneer, Greg Dellinger, aka G-Man. (If you have any events that require the services of an auctioneer, do yourself a favor: he’s your guy!) The live auction included a Blog 9 - Having fun with the beach gift giveawaysnever-before-offered package at the St. Regis NY with a stay in the Tiffany Suite. There was also an amazing Napa Valley wine lover’s package, an Italian dinner package at Piccolo Sogno and a trip to Mexico at the luxurious St. Regis Resort Punta Mita. I was Blog 10 - Girls just wanna have fun!also honored to present a moving video tribute that featured Alex and Mike Jacobson: They had lost twin boys who were born prematurely but the loving care and support they received at Prentice moved them to join the Board in appreciation. (In October, Alex gave birth to a healthy baby boy.) As the pirates moved into the Blog 11 - With Mary Pat Burns, Sheila O’Grady, friend and Sharyl Mackeydancing crowd with gift bags, the great band Maggie Speaks kept the music pumping. What a great night for charity in Chicago! This event raised $1 million to fund groundbreaking research, clinical care programs and advanced educational opportunities at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. To view ALL pics from this amazing evening, please click here!

Blog 1 - Tim Smithe presents baby rocker to RancicsLast week, Walter E. Smithe and Comcast hosted a finale viewing party for Giuliana and Bill Rancic at RPM Italian restaurant with partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman and acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis. Giuliana and Bill Blog 2 - Kathleen Henson, Luis Gomez and Kelly Zinkwarmly greeted guests taking photos with everyone on the Style Network’s flowery red carpet. Excited fans of their show won tickets and a trip to Chicago for the exclusive party through a sweepstakes on the Style Network. Tim Smithe gifted the Rancics Blog 3 - Alison Rosati, Rancics and Rob Staffordwith a custom Walter E. Smithe rocking chair for their new baby, who will be arriving at the end of the summer. After Tim (a father of six!) offered a few words of advice, Giuliana sat down Blog 4 - Shane Talbott (owner of Talbott Teas) with the Rancicsin the chair and Bill jumped on her lap. Giuliana was overheard saying she hadn’t watched much of the finale episode yet which featured the sold-out FabFest event she hosted with breast cancer advocate and Chicagoan, Lindsay Avner of Bright Pink. (The event Blog 5 - Bill and Giuliana with Larry Wertraised $240,000 for the cause, largely due to Giuliana’s support.) Lindsay and Giuliana were spied excitedly talking about her upcoming baby shower in L.A. The reality duo hinted to another season of “Giuliana and Bill” on Style Blog 6 - With Bill and Giuliana, the IT couple!and joked they were negotiating the baby’s contract. Spotted at the party were Tim Smithe, Mary Astor Smithe, Kathleen Henson, Shane Talbott, Lindsay Avner, Ryan Chiaverini, Allison Rosati, Rob Stafford, Dori Wilson, Tarrah Cooper, Richard Roeper, Erica Strama, Kelly Zink, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal (co-owners of Luxury Garage Sale), Eric Ferguson (from 101.9 The Mix) and Luis Gomez among many others. (Photos by Jeff Schear and Anjali Pint…view more here!)

Blog 1 - Dusty Stemer (center), chair Sherry Lea Holson (R), and friendThe annual Mad Hatter Luncheon benefitting the Service Club of Chicago filled the elegant Chicago Club on Van Buren with 260 ladies sporting all varieties of chapeaux! Chaired for the second Blog 2 - Mamie Walton, Hazel Barr and Lynn McMahanyear by SC member Sherry Lea Holson, this event also featured private hat collections by renowned designer Raymond Hudd which were on loan from collectors Mary Robak, Iris Sholder and Eia Radosavljevic. While the ladies sipped Blog 3 - Monika Dixon, Julianne Glatz and Kathy O’Malley Picconecocktails and browsed the collection, a panel of judges that included Bill Zwecker, Robin Robinson and Elizabeth Hamel selected winners in various categories. The Most Original hat award went to Blog 4 - Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Sheryl DyerTammy Beeler; the Most Fashionable was worn by Sarena Weil; Best Spring Ensemble was won by Rosa Guidarelli; the Best Fascinator was awarded to Jessica Priego and the Mad Hatter’s Choice was awarded to Hazel Barr. The winners won beautiful hats Blog 5 - Elizabeth Brodsky and Lisa Krausdonated by beloved milliner Loreta Corsetti, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Carlucci Millinery; Jenny Pfanenstiel of Former Millinery and, last but least, Nicole Betti of Gold Coast Couture. SC Prez Blog 7 - Karen Peters and Sally Jo MorrisVonita Reescer welcomed the guests and introduced speaker Jenny Pfanenstiel who delighted the ladies with a lecture on “The Hat Life of Raymond Hudd.” During the presentation, models from Zzazz Productions (Tracy Tarantino) walked throughout the venue wearing the hats Blog 6 - Anne Wallace, Sherren Leigh and Tiffani Kimon display. Each guest received a note holder and pen set and the floral
basket centerpieces were donated and created by Arturo from Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest. (Photos by John Reilly Studios…view more here!)

Blog 1 - Cornelia Guest, host Bunky Cushing and Sherrill BodineI’ve never been to RL Restaurant at such an early hour as I did recently for Bunky Cushing’s fourth annual “Early Birds & Bookworms” breakfast but it was sure worth it! The room was packed with Blog 2 - Bill Zwecker, Linda Heister and Stanley Paulbold-faced names waiting to see and hear guest speaker Cornelia Guest. Daughter of fashion icon C.Z. Guest and Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia is a polo champion, handbag designer, baker and heir to the Phipps steel fortune. Blog 3 - Dusty Stemer, Lynn McMahan, Kristina McGrath and Toni CanadaHer father was a cousin of Winston Churchill. In 1982 she was named “Debutante of the Year” and “Deb of the Decade” in 1986. Her mother was 1937’s “Deb of the Year” and also the guest Blog 4 - Lynda Silverman, Leslie Zentner, Myra Reilly and Sherren Leighspeaker at Bunky’s first hat luncheon 15 years ago! Besides her remarkable family history, she has made a name for herself in her own right: She is the author of “The Debutante’s Guide to Life” and, on this day, was signing her latest book, Blog 5 - Zarada Gowenlock and Mamie WaltonCornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures.” From childhood, Cornelia had an aversion to eating animal products due to her love for all creatures great and small. When her mother became ill, her research steered her toward a cruelty-free diet. In her latest book, she reveals secrets Blog 6 - Melissa Babcock and Kerry Kennedy Mudd with a cute friendshe learned from her parents’ privileged lifestyles as well as her favorite, simple recipes. Her tips on entertaining take the stress out of any meal and, as she laughingly stated during her talk she “is far from a master chef.” The book is organized by seasons with contributions from her favorite chefs, doctors, a veterinarian and other health experts. She charmed the crowd with her self-effacing banter and blonde, Palm Beach good looks and Blog 7 - Marcia Buchanan, Sarena Weil and Dusty Stemerwas on her way to Bloomingdale’s to promote her cruelty-free (made of PVC) and already-popular Hazel Barr and Lori Danielsnew handbag line (under $300) which she launched a year ago. Seen in the crowd were Bill Zwecker, Tom Gorman, Zarada Gowenlock, Hazel Barr, Cornelia’s handsome husband and doggie, Toni Canada, Sherren Leigh, Nina Mariano, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Lynda Silverman, Myra Reilly Dr. Stacie McClane and Mary Lasky(sporting a short new ‘do she cut herself!), Stanley Paul, Lori Daniels, Dusty Stemer (whose cute son, Zac, is working for the Sun-Times now), Mary Lasky, Lynn McMahan, Sarena Weil (carrying a croc Birken similar to the one sawed in half on Dina Eastwood’s reality show “Mrs. Eastwood & Co.”), Blog 8 - Sean Eshaghy (left) and cute friendsDr. Stacie McClane and more. Long may you reign, Cornelia and Bunky! “Early Birds & Bookworms” benefitted the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and was completely underwritten by the Gibson Group…awwwwww, so nice! Even nicer: The breakfast raised more than $20,000 for the Senior Caucus! (Click here for more fun pics.)

Joe Aguilera 54I just can’t wait for the new Langham Hotel to open in Chicago! Slated to open in 2013, it will be a 316-room luxury hotel in one of the city’s most famous downtown riverfront landmarks – a Mies van dere Rohe-designed building at 330 N. Wabash Ave. But the most exciting part of this news is that long time Elysian VP, Joe Aguilera, will be its Director of Sales and Marketing! I adore Joe, as those who know him do, and know he will be a fabulous addition! Currently, 29 member hotels are open or in the pipeline across four continents; to find out where and more info, please visit www.langhamhospitalitygoup.com. I will see YOU soon, Joe, at this sure-to-be elegant spot!

Keith Magee—RSA FellowAnd more kudos are in order for another beloved Chicagoan Keith Magee who is the executive officer of the much-anticipated National Public Housing Museum. On June 7th, he was named as a Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts of the United Kingdom. “RSA Fellows inspire innovative thinking, enable positive change and support each other to create an enlightened space to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.” – this describes Keith to a T, as he wears his desire to make the world a better place on his sleeve. “I'm just attempting to do what I'm required – as my grandfather has said – for as long as I can remember: ‘You have to pay your rent for taking Blog 2 - Keith Magee speaking at NPHM benefit (pic by Brian Powers)up space on earth.’ And, the resounding message of my father (now deceased), ‘Your wealth will never be determined by what you have in the bank. It will be based on the deposit you made for the next generation.’ So, really, I'm just filling the requirements. :-)” I look forward to seeing and hearing a LOT more about this remarkable man.

Linda O'KeefeIt’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing the move by Common ThreadsLinda Novick O’Keefe to Austin, Texas. Her husband, Nick, was given an offer he couldn’t refuse from the state of Texas, so of course, the family will follow. However, she will be back every month to monitor her beloved Common Threads, where she will continue to serve as the organization’s executive director. With the world living on computers, we can all do business any
where we like and with Common Threads opening up new facilities across the country, Linda will be smack dab in the middle! Common Threads co-founder Chef Art Smith said, “I think Austin is a very exciting young community where many opportunities exist that could help us grow even more.” I love you LNO and wish you and your beyond-adorable family all the best! See you soon!

BW2logo“Bridal Wave” Season 2 is looking for brides-to-be for the hottest, live online show produced by Kenmore Studios! Audition for a chance to win a $10,000 Kenmore Dream Kitchen by clicking here! “Bringing the wisdom of the world to brides-to-be everywhere on July 13th!”

Blog 1 - Stanley Paul and MamieThe Kick-Off for the upcoming Illinois Eye-Bank Gala (set for Thursday, June 14th) was recently hosted at Tiffany’s by VP Cathy Elward and Group Director Liza Zito along with Peter Latz, the Chairman of the Blog 2 - Suzanne LeMignot, Larisa Kronfeld, Sherrill BodineIllinois Eye-Bank Board. Supporters came out to congratulate Mamie Walton, this year’s Woman of Vision, and Dr. Joel Sugar, the Gift of Sight honoree. Always elegantly attired, on this night Mamie was wearing a simple black Blog 3 - Liza Zito and Hazel Barrdress which highlighted her Tiffany Strawberry pin by Jean Schlumberger on her shoulder. Accompanied by long-time friend Stanley Paul, she greeted guests with that charming British accent and winning smile. Liza Zito welcomed the crowd and Diane Hollingsworth, Executive Blog 4 - Leslie and Bob ZentnerDirector of the IEB, thanked Mamie for her support and presented her with a pair of Tiffany cat-eye shaped sunglasses. The June 14th soiree at the Peninsula, “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” will be emceed by Bill Zwecker. Guests will be transported across the pond to the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s – the exclusive Blog 5 - Mark Roscoe and Kimberly Palmisanomember-only club catering to royalty, celebs and an elite clientele. Guests seen at the Kick-Off party included Myra and John Reilly, Hazel and Warren Barr, Tiffani Kim and Brad Ingram, Dr. David Donnesberger and Claire Kenneally, Rich Varnes and Cynthia King, Tom Segesta, Amy Wimer and Ed Wlodarczyk, Ken Norgan, Charles Hocevar, Suzanne LeMignot, Sherrill Bodine, Vonita Reescer, Larisa Kronfeld, Megan McKinney, John Regas, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern and Helen and Ralph Applegate. For tickets and more info to “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” click here and to view more images from this event, view this gallery!

Blog 1 - Crowd scene at WLBP 2011Don’t miss Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party coming on June 29th and 30th! Headliner is Ben Folds Five with Life House also performing! The WLBP is a Chicago summer tradition supporting Old St. Pat’s many missions including Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Blog 2 - Having fun at WLBP 2011Chicago and Global Alliance for Africa to name a few. Chicago celebs will be bartending and the food will be awesome! Come out and say hi- to Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Andrea Metcalf, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Stefan Holt, Anthony Ponce, Rob Stafford, Marcus Riley, Borris Powell, moi aussi, and many others! For more info, please check out my PSA below!! 

Randolph St. Market AdAmerica’s oldest and liveliest urban antiques market, the Randolph Street Market, will be returning to 1340 W. Randolph on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th with more than 250 vendors! There will be plenty of art, fashion, antiques, vintage treasures, decorator finds, food, drinks, music and FUN! Come out and see for yourself! I can’t wait to see what jewelry dealer Ira Scheck brings this time!

Chefs-kick-off-inviteOn Wednesday, June 13th, Vital Bridges is hosting a kick-off party at Studio Paris for their annual Chefs & the City fundraising event. This year, CATC will be held on July 27th at the Ritz-Carlton featuring delicious bites from the city’s best chefs including Ryan Pitts (RL Restaurant), Ryan Poli (Tavernita), Doug Psaltz (RPM Italian), Moosa Reaume (Pump Room) and more! For tickets and more info, please click here!

Summer Lovin' InviteThe Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Chicago magazine will present the 12th annual Summer Lovin’ event on Friday, June 15th, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., from 7 to10:30 p.m. Auxiliary Board President Laura Beres said, “Our sponsors and the magazine’s featured singles provide Chicago’s young professionals with an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and fun!” NBC 5’s Stefan Holt and Cheryl Scott will be the emcees and Watch312 (Candid Candace Chicago) will be there to cover all the fun! For tickets ($85) and more info, please click here.
 
Wags to Wishes Invite ImageWags to Wishes’ inaugural dinner and auction benefit will be held on Saturday, June 16th, at the Meadows Club, located at 2950 W. Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, Ill. from 6 to10 p.m. This event will benefit Young at Heart Pet Rescue, an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of senior dogs and cats. As the only rescue dedicated exclusively to older animals, they have provided “happily ever afters” for close to 500 senior dogs and cats that would’ve otherwise been euthanized in traditional shelters. For tickets ($65) and more info, please click here!
 
Jodee Blanco and Lisa MadiganCongrats to Chicago author Jodee Blanco, on her latest and very timely book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me.” This book tells her compelling personal story about being bullied as a child. Attorney General Lisa Madigan interviewed Jodee and outlined initiatives taken to counter cyber bullying at Studio Paris at The Paris Club with more than 200 guests in attendance. To order Jodee’s book, please click here.  

Anita and Ken BrownCongrats to my long-time friends from across the pond, Anita and Ken Brown, on their 33rd wedding anniversary! We’ve traveled a lot together and these two lovebirds never age. They have only grown more in love with each other over the years! We love and miss you guys – congrats on your anniversary!

Glamorama-save-the-date-Aug-10Well, this is it for now! Hope your summer is off to a roaring start! Stay tuned for Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party news and more Watch312 videos coming soon! Mark your calendars for the main event on August 10th at the Harris Theatre with Robin Thicke and Karmin benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana! (For more info and tix, please click here.)
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Chicagolicious promoP.S. I was so thrilled to see the premiere of the Style Network’s newest reality show, “Chicagolicious,” in its glorious debut Monday night! I was even more thrilled to find out that my blog and I played such a big role! The show revolved around darling With Howard Godfrey for premiere of Chicagolicioussalon owner AJ Johnson and his cute team trying to find a way to be included on this website! I’ve gotten so many Twitter requests that I can’t believe it and the hits on my blog the following morning were amazing! The power of television – WOWZA! Here’s what AJ had to say about my blog on the show: “Candace Jordan’s blog is The Style Networkthe most important society blog in the country. We have to be mentioned on it if we want to be nationally recognized. If we can get on Candid Candace, we will have lines wrapped around the block for the salon!” Oh, AJ and “Chicagolicious,” how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Thanks SO much for including me and Candid Candace in such big way! Love you, love your show, love that adorable cast! Good luck!

1 Comment

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

THE WINDY CITY WELCOMES HOLLYWOOD KINGS

Blog 1 - Sugar Rautbord and Larry King 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, Blog 2 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 Blog 3 - With Larry and Sugar riding to Wrigley book, “Truth Be Told,” which is described as “a fascinating collection of stories and anecdotes about favorite guests, memorable Blog 4 - Larry with Cubs Manager Tony LaRussa 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 Blog 5 - Cute Cubs Marketing Manager Katie Marta 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 Blog 5 - Howard Tullman and Sugar’s sugar cookies! 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 Blog 6 - Larry’s passion for baseball shows! barber took the call and said, “Some clown is on the Blog 7 - Signing autographs for ALL who asked! 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.” Blog 8 - Jesse Jackson with glam daughter Santita Former President Bill Clinton called King during his impeachment proceedings and the first thing he asked was “Who’s Blog 9 - Ken Norgan, Helen Melchior, Joan Colmar and Cheryl Burton 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 Blog 10 - Alison Rosati and her cute NBC cameraman 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 – Blog 11 - Darby Hill with hubby and Larry 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 Blog 12 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, Blog 13 - Larry with Leslie Hindman 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 Blog 14 - Larry, Father Costello and Marilyn Miglin Bredfeldt, ABC anchor Cheryl Burton (wearing the cutest hot pants), Cancer Treatment Centers of America CEO Steve Bonner, Sophie Bross, film director Party co-hosts Debra Hoag and Sugar with Larry 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.)

Blog 1 - Honoree Martin Sheen with Film Fest founder Michael Kutza 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 Blog 2 - Governor Quinn, Monica Walter and Martin Sheen 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 Blog 3 - Dan Uslan, producer David Alexanian and Emilio Estevez 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 Blog 4 - Donna LaPietra and event emcee Bill Kurtis 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 Blog 4 - With Martin! 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 Blog 5 - Committee Chair Rich Varnes and cute wife Cynthia 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 Blog 7 - Film Fest founder Michael Kutza with Emilio Estevez 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 Blog 8 - Andrew Hayes and Tsi-tsi-ki Felix 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 Blog 9 - Chic people at film premiere 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 Blog 10 - Bob
Graham and glam friend 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 Blog 11 - Autographed Paul McCartney guitar 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 Blog 12 - Interviewing Emilio Estevez for Social Circles 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 Blog 13 - Guitar autographed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 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 Jeanne Malkin (R) and friend 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 Blog b 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 Blog a 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.)

Blog 1 - Chef Takashi Yagihashi 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 Blog 2 - Mason and event co-founder Alicia-August Wright 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 Blog 3 - Heather Hannon, Lindsey Hays and Andrea Schwartz 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 Blog 4 - Jada and Chef Julius Russell 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 Blog 5 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 Blog 6 - “Sweet” Chef Darius Williams 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 Blog 7 - Eleni Hountolas, Dimitri Douvalakis, Miguel Chavez 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. Blog 8 - Alexis and Alex Straus 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!

Parkways Garden Party Luncheon 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.

 

Sub-nav-toque 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.

Catholic Charities Gala of the Arts 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.

Misericordia logo 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!!)

Banner_Silver_Script 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=

Dennis, Simona and Sebastian Garcia 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!!!

Mvb 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

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

Blog 1 - Alisha Van Fosson and Far East Movement with Sharlese and Bailey 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 Blog 2 - Roseanne Huebener, Christina Thomas and Sheila Musolino 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 Blog 3 - Laura Schwartz, Robin Reibel, Laura Schwartz 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 Blog 4 - Tyronne and Valerie Stoudemire with Darlene and Darryl Dennard 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 Blog 5 - Pete Tidemann, Pete Lentine, Mike Gansmoe (Macy’s VP Special Production), Rich Ouellette 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 Blog 6 - With RMHC’s Doug Porter and Paul Huebener 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 Blog 7 - Glam choreographer Myron Johnson (L) and friends 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 Blog 8 - Gwen Callans and Lesley Prizant Goodman 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 Blog 9 - Liz Kores and WGN’s Dean Richards 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 Blog 10 - Macy’s PR Kamal Bosamia 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 Blog 11 - Katie McLenaghan, Fabrice Calmels and Julee White 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 Blog 12 - Aleah Connect (L), Brenda Arelano (R) and glam friends 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 Blog 13 - Small stars of the show! 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 Blog 14 - Brad, Teresa, Richard and Josh Poterack 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 Blog 15 - Patty and Alisha Van Fosson 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 Blog 16 - Max and Liz Herrick 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 Blog 17 - Cynthia and Rich Varnes with Patrick Doyle and friend 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, Blog 18 - With model Evander Holyfield, Jr “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 Blog 19 - Models at the Artrageous After-Party 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 Blog 20 - RMHC’s Christina Thomas 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 Blog 21 - With RMHC’s Mardelle Gundlach 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 Blog 22 - Cee Lo Green House in Chicago near Lurie Children’s Hospital which is located in the Streeterville neighborhood. Blog 23 - Marc Jacobs, my favorite! 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, Blog 24 - Marc Jacobs 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 Blog 25 - RMHC Ambassador Child Alisha Van Fosson 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!)

Blog 1 - Co-chairs Greg Cameron, Greg Thompson, Mary Frey, Karen and Marvin Herman 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 Blog 2 - Katherine Chez Malkin and Linda Novick O’Keefe 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 Blog 3 - David Heroy, Marvin Herman and Joycelyn Winnecke 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 Blog 4 - John Cannon, Cary Frank, Chuck and Chris Long 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 Blog 6 - Kip Helverson, Reute Butler and Neal Steiner Brewery/Froehlich’s Bakery). Specialties for the day included charred cuttlefish, grilled Dietzler Farm beef shoulder sandwiches, Becker Lane pork belly sandwiches with Blog 7 - Chef Art Smith with Bryan Anderson and Allen Gustin 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 Blog 9 - Tavernita’s Chef Ryan Poli 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, Blog 10 - Auctioneer Judd Malkin 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 Blog 11 - Heaven on Earth! 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 Blog 12 - A fairy tale home 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 Blog 13 - CT’s Jillayne Benjamin and Eleanor Leichenko 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 Blog 14 - Chef Ryan Poli and Kip Helverson 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.)

Temptations 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.  

Summer Gala with Martin Sheen

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 TGC2011-fbPromo 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 Rooftop Paris Invite 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.

 

Mvb

 

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! 🙂

Pug and baby 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