Tag Archives: Tony Mantuano

June 4, 2012 · 12:59 pm

CAMPFIRE BALL SPURS MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD FOR SUPPORTERS AND HOPE FOR KIDS WITH CANCER

…PLUS CAA’S HARRIS THEATRE BLOW-OUT, VIPS GALORE AT BUTTERFLY BALL, RASHIED DAVIS – A CHAMPION FOR KIDS TOO, EMBEYA COMES TO WEST LOOP, A VICTORIAN BALL, CHICAGO’S PERSONAL BRANDS, CHICAGO MISCONCEPTIONS, CHEFS & THE CITY’S KICK-OFF TO PRIDE AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Memorial Day weekend came and went before I even knew it. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that it was also my birthday, but I do know I wish it would’ve lasted longer. I want to thank everyone who sent birthday wishes. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful friends – you know who you are!

And now, what’s been happening around town? Well, first off, I want to give a shout-out to one of the coolest charity events around, The Campfire Ball. I had never heard of this until I received the press release (and believe me, if I don’t respond to some of your emails, it’s because my inbox is filled with these but I’m not complaining!) and what attracted me to this fundraiser was its description. How many adults wouldn’t like to relive a part of their childhood, especially the part where you’re camping, eating s’mores over a fire and drinking spiked bug juice!? I was intrigued and did a little further research and after I found out what this event benefitted, I was completely and totally hooked. The Campfire Ball supports Children’s Oncology Services and through its One Step Programs, helps send kids with cancer to camp. Their philosophy is “a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of childhood.” Hundreds celebrated this night at Venue One with décor reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. Even the signs pointing to the “lake” and the “cabins” were scribbled on wood. And the food! Oh my! Cork Catering served gourmet versions of grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs. Sprinkles served mini s’more cupcakes and Theory offered smoked pork sandwiches. The honey, bacon and jalapeno popcorn from Bridgehouse Tavern was out of this world! Co-chair Jordan (Jordi) Izsak had this to say: “Every year I am more and more impressed with the showing of support Campfire Ball garners. Our guests and donors deserve a round of applause for making such a huge impact on the One Step At A Time programs. I was beside myself Saturday night to see a packed house and know that every person there was helping us reach our goal of raising $100,000 and sending 100 kids to camp!” The summer camp hosts nearly 300 children but the beautiful thing about Children’s Oncology Services is that they help offset the financial burden of the cost of camp for families that need it. Lynn Rubin, a counselor and cancer survivor describes her experience this way, “I�
�ve been involved with One Step Camp for six years. I’m a camp counselor, a program leader and a cancer survivor. One Step Camp holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a magical place where kids with cancer can just be kids. They can be themselves without judgment and just enjoy life without thinking about being sick. I volunteer at camp to help these kids have the best summer of their lives, but actually, they have helped me so much more. They have taught me about life, strength and happiness. I will always be a volunteer at One Step Camp. I’m a lifer. Peace. Love. Camp.” During the evening DJ Matt Roan kept the dance floor filled and the wildly popular Digital Photobooth by MVS Studio projected cute guests’ photos on the walls throughout the night. Local media celebrities guest bartended and included NBC 5’s Lauren Jiggetts, former Chicago Bear and sports personality Jerry Azumah, FOX’s Kori Chambers, Time Out Chicago’s Marissa Conrad, Jason Goff from The SCORE/CBS radio and Ed Swiderski, winner from “The Bachelorette” Season 5. Nine-year-old Maggie Conlon, whose cancer has been in remission for nearly eight years, said, “I loved camp so much that my counselors called my parents to ask if I could stay an extra week.” She is already counting down to her next visit. The after party continued at RPM Italian (RJ and Jerrod Melman and Giuliana and Bill Rancic’s new restaurant). And the parting gift for guests? Why, a box of Campfire matches, of course! Congrats to co-chairs Rachel Drescher, Jordi Izsak and Michelle Weiler on a job well done – the event raised more than $114,000! (Photos by Mitchell Canoff and Steve Starr. To learn more about this wonderful charity, please visit www.onestepcamp.org.)

The 30th anniversary celebration for the Chicago Academy of the Arts featured top chefs and student performances at the Harris Theater on May 10th and attracted more than 530 guests. The night began with a video montage of students, past and present, speaking about the CAA and what it meant to them. Emcee Bill Kurtis introduced Head of School Pamela Jordan, who had this to say: “At CAA, we want our students ready for collaborative opportunities that the 21st century will offer. Our plans include an upgraded recording studio, a refurbished science lab, incorporating SKYPE into classrooms and building a state-of-the-art creative lab. We now have a global program, a student composed full length opera performed by professional artists, a student directed and produced 90 minute film and the CAA Repertory Dance Company.” Student/alumni performances included musical theater soloist Eleri Ward, soprano Jessica Oliver, and classical pianist Su Jin Kang. The performances opened and closed with the CAA Repertory Dance Company. Rock band Semi Precious Weapons, featuring front man Justin Tranter, performed a high-energy number that had the crowd on its feet. This group opened for Lady Gaga during her 2009-2011 Monster Ball Tour but Tranter said, “I’ve told more stories about the CAA than Lady Gaga!” Following the performances, guests moved to the Millennium Park Rooftop Terrace where Chef Rick Bayless (an event host with wife Deann, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis) had assembled a culinary team who had all been featured on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” It included chefs Sarah Grueneberg, Tony Mantuano, Stephanie Izard, Chris Jones, Richie Farina, Dale Levitski, Amanda Rockman, Heather Terhune and Takashi Yagihashi. Bayless quipped, “You will not see a group of this caliber together in one place, for one night, anywhere else in Chicago!” Stephen Flach and Chris Fryson were the event co-chairs and Barbara Levy Kipper was the civic chair. The event raised more than $460,000 for the organization. Founded by Essie Kupcinet in 1981, The CAA was designated a National School of Distinction and remains the only independent arts high school in Illinois. This year marks the CAA’s 30th anniversary. (Photos by Bob Carl and Jennifer Girard.)

More than 70 Chicago-area girls ages 6 to 16 strutted their stuff down the catwalk on a mission to help other children suffering from serious illnesses at a benefit for the Comer Children’s Hospital. Development Board members and “Frankie’s on the Park,” a Lincoln Park children’s boutique, teamed up to host the second annual Girls Spring Fashion Show & Tea at the Women’s Athletic Club. "Windy City Live" stylist Eric Himel emceed the show with proceeds from the event supporting medical research and advances in patient care at Comer Children’s Hospital. Awwwww…future super models in training! (For more pics, please click here.)

Chicago’s civic and corporate leaders filled the tent for the 14th annual Butterfly Ball benefitting the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Themed “Tour de Nature,” this event celebrated the museum’s popular new exhibition “Bikes! The Green Revolution” and embodied its commitment to be the urban gateway to nature and science. This year’s co-chairs were Rita and John Canning (who also recently co-chaired the Big Shoulders Fund benefit) along with Susan Whiting. Vendors for the ball were chosen for their creative and vibrant commitment to being environmentally responsible with the flowers dotting the event being repurposed in the Woodward Wickham Butterfly Garden. The stunning décor by Event Creative included butterfly images projected throughout the tent and painted bicycles hanging from every light pole. ABC 7’s Linda Yu served as the charming emcee, even wearing a butterfly pin to prove her commitment. Senior Curator of Urban Ecology Steve Sullivan hosted a Q & A and showcased specimens from the museum’s collection that included a prairie chicken. Sullivan said, “There is an interesting and sad history here with the prairie chicken being very prevalent 100 years ago and now down to a few dozen in Illinois.” Calihan Catering prepared a seasonal menu for the black tie crowd with guests meandering throughout the museum following dinner. The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven was my favorite. The fabulous Lynne Jordan & the Shivers kept the dance floor filled. Besides co-chairs Rita and John Canning and Susan Whiting, other notables seen at the gala included Toni Preckwinkle, Deborah Lahey, Gery Chico, Vi and Vince Daley, Sharon Walton and John Burns, Jacky and Michael Ferro (who is remaking the Sun-Times), Diana and Steve Ferrara, Francee and Vern Broders, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Libby Prakel, Steve Connell, Marc Miller, Chris Horsman and Anne Pramaggiore (with her darling son). On this night, $1.6 million was raised and more than 272,000 people visited the museum over the course of last year. (To view more pics from this event, please click here!)

Rashied Davis, former wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, had some fabulous moves on the field but he’s proving he’s got what it takes in the world of philanthropy, too! Rashied Davis Charities is hosting its annual charity cocktail event to support and promote literacy among children. “Cocktails for Brighter Tomorrows” will take place June 5th, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard St.) with WLS ABC 7 sports reporter/anchor Rafer Weigel emceeing. Several of Davis’ former teammates will be on hand to lend support including Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher (maybe he’ll bring Jenny!), Earl Bennet and Jerry Azumah. The proceeds raised at this event will benefit the Saturday Place Program, a supplemental educational program for third and fourth grade CPS students who are underperforming. Tickets start at $75. (To purchase tix and for more info, please click here and or more info about Rashied Davis Charities, please click here.)

On Wednesday, June 13th, Rape Victims Advocates (RVA) will honor those individuals who have given hope to sexual assault survivors at the 8th Visionary Awards themed Legacy of Hope. This high-energy gala at Salvage One, located at 1840 W. Hubbard, will pay posthumous tribute to RVA’s founder, Dr. Natalie Stephens. Tom and Mary Seeberg will be honored with the Dr. Natalie Stephens Visionary Award along with RVA volunteers, past and present. (Seeberg’s daughter Elizabeth, aka “Lizzy,” tragically committed suicide after a sexual assault and the Seebergs have been adamant in their pursuit of truth, justice and accountability on behalf of their daughter.) The RVA has been doing important work in the city for 38 years with 100 volunteer advocates on call 24/7 for 14 Chicagoland hospitals. Val Warner of "Windy City Live" will emcee. A high-end silent and live auction, illustrations by Rosemary Fanti and a raffle will round out the evening. (Tickets are $95. For more info, please visit www.rapevictimsadvocates.org.)

Congratulations are in order for the handsome former VP of Operations for the Elysian, Attila Gyulai (pronounced like the month July): He and Executive Chef Thai Dang (formerly the chef at the Elysian’s Ria) are teaming up to open a new restaurant this summer in the West Loop, at 564 W. Randolph, called Embeya. The cuisine will be “progressive Asian.” We wish them luck and I can’t wait to become a regular!

And now for something completely different! Channel your inner Lady Elizabeth and Master James at the Victorian Ball on June 15th at the stunning Stan Mansion. Founder Laura Elvis has outdone herself to create an elegant event with proceeds benefitting Chicago Lost and Found and their efforts to raise funds to support artists and art organizations. The red carpet will be hosted by Jen Knoedl (Jen Chicago) and NBC’s Marcus Riley. Guests will enjoy a spectacle of exhibits by local Scott Thompson, a pop-up boutique by Chicago Lost & Found and fashion designers galore! There will be classical presentations including violins and harps, character mimes, dancing waltzes and opera singing by reigning Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit. Unleash the sassy Victorian with DJ Lego and enjoy cocktails and delectable dishes. This event is produced by handsome Benjamin Cottrell with soon-to-be-seen photos courtesy of Kirsten Miccoli. Generous contributors to the Ball include Shari Duffy, Cera Stan, Ramsey J. Prince and April Padilla with custom looks provided by Anna G. Costumes. Tickets are only $50 for this night of delicious decadence for a great cause – get more info here and here!)

A special thanks to TCW magazine for including me in their cover story “70 Chicago Personal Brands.” I never thought I would see my name on the same list as Michael Jordan! (Click here to see the 69 other Chicago Personal Brands but, better yet, check out this cool Chicago-centric magazine and see the whole issue for yourself here!!

The amazing event production duo of Cece & Melinda has done it again: They had so many hits on their recent idea that you would have to be living on the moon not to have seen it! Titled “Chicago Misconceptions,” this article asks 30 Chicagoans to reveal a misconception about themselves. The list includes fellow Watch312 host Amanda Puck, Marcus Riley, Billy Dec, Corri McFadden, WGN’s Nancy Loo, Catie Keogh, Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Sarah Vargo, Kelly Zink, Hope Bertram, Ryan Beshel, Margaret O’Connor, Kerry and Sally Shorr, Marco Foster and Rachel Schwanz among others! Check it ALL out here! Thanks so much for including me, Cece & Melinda! Their next big event is the annual “50 & Beautiful Fashion Show” at the Drake Hotel on Wednesday, July 18th from 6 to 10 p.m For more info, please click here!

Don’t miss this year’s Chefs & the City’s culinary series event “Kick-Off to Pride” on Sunday, June 10th, at Anteprima Restaurant, located at 5316 N. Clark St. Hosted by Khoa Ho, William Hail, John Piecha, Peter Alving, David Sanchez, Alan Harder and Stewart Smith, this brunch will include a delectable buffet, champagne, martinis and Bloody Marys! What more could you ask for!? Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling Michelle at 773.271.9161. (All proceeds benefit Vital Bridges’ services for people living with HIV/AIDS.)

In the “I can’t believe it” file, runaway bride Crystal Harris – aka the girl who dumped Hef at the altar – is moving back in with him at the Mansion. He tweeted on May 31st, “Getting back together with Crystal Harris shouldn't be a big surprise, since I have a history of remaining close to former girlfriends.” And recently, on June 2nd, he tweeted, “It's Mary O'Conner that brought Crystal Harris back. Crystal was miserable & said so. Mary told Crystal to write & tell me, which she did.” So there you have it. No comment.

Congratulations to handsome restaurateur Manolis Alpogianis on his newest venture at Navy Pier! City Porch, a chic yet comfortable dining spot, is just what the place needs! Enough of the burger joints – finally something sleek with an extensive and delectable menu to match! Plus, I loved the Adirondack chairs out front for viewing the fireworks. This place is sure to be a hit on the dining scene and will even feature guest celeb chefs each month to add their specialties to the menu! Congrats, Manolis!

And last but not least, one of my “Candid Candace Chicago” segments on Watch312.com has been submitted for Emmy consideration. In this case, it’s an honor just to be submitted! To see the segment, please click here.

Love to you and yours and I hope your Memorial Day weekend holiday gave you a shot of adrenaline for the summer ahead!

Love always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Hope to see you at Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party on Friday, June 8th! American English, a Beatles cover band, will provide top-notch entertainment along with lots of surprises at this hot, new venue Greenhouse Loft, located at 2545 W. Diversey, from 7 to 11 p.m. Check out the Glam Host Committee and come out and join us!!!

WHAT THE VICS (VERY IMPORTANT CHICAGOANS) DID FOR NYE!

…PLUS HARRIS THEATER’S PARIS OPERA BALLET/GRAFF LAUNCH PARTY, JOFFREY’S POINTE OF DEPARTURE, TOP CHEEKY CHICKS 2012, GIBSON’S CHARITABLE NYE CONTRIBUTION, “THE DINNER PARTY” AND MUCH MORE!

My, my, my…it’s 2012 already and I feel like I barely scratched the surface of 2011! We were so lucky to spend our New Year’s Eve this year with old and new friends in Florida. Newlyweds ICB’s Bob Mills and Kim Venezia Mills combined their wedding celebration with a New Year’s Eve party and the results were outstanding! An evening boat ride through the waterways of the Intracoastal eating, drinking and dancing while viewing the most magnificent display of holiday lights I’ve seen outside of the Griswold home! Every mansion was draining electricity like an alcoholic downs whiskey. And yes, we were enjoying adult beverages as well along with every other food group you can think of. Kim missed her calling as a social director but I’m sure glad she was ours! Kim, along with Bob and their respective families, made a group of around 60 guests feel so very welcome in every way. Every day, there was a BBQ, dinner or a pool get-together and I loved meeting their wonderful friends who had flown in from all across the country to celebrate with the new lovebirds. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Mills and watch for their upcoming launch of Chicago’s Online Network, Watch312.com, now with eight shows in production! (To view many more fun Florida pics, please click here!)

I’m always so interested in everyone’s New Year’s Eve plans so I quizzed some VICs (Very Important Chicagoans) to see just what they were up to on the eve of 2012:

I have always loved Nate Berkus…he was the first person to host The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails at the Illuminating Company on February 8, 2007, at the request of my co-founder and friend, Helen Melchior, and he will always be a VIC in my heart. His exciting NYE was spent at Playacar Palace in Cancun celebrating event planner extraordinaire Colin Cowie’s 50th birthday. Other VIP guests included Padma Lakshmi, Niche Media’s Jason and Haley Binn, Clear Channel’s Bob Pittman, Chef Todd English and NBC’s Ted Harbert. Natalie Cole even sang “Unforgettable.” Niceeeee…

And even though this event happened LAST NYE, I certainly thought it was worthy of inclusion: I mean how many people have intimate dinners with HRH Prince Charles in his own home!!?!?! I’ll tell you who, the dynamic Natasha Isaacs and her handsome husband, Michael. Natasha was allowed to invite whomever she wanted and, of course, she invited her dearest friends (who are equally gorgeous) Eva and Cezar Jakubowski along with Bozena and Arie Zwieg. The occasion was to thank them for their fundraising efforts for the Shakespeare Theater that’s being built in Gdansk, a project they’re both passionate about. And who could ever say no to Natasha anyway? 🙂

Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan and her handsome husband Tom had quite a night, too. They dined at Charlie Trotter’s and during the course of the evening, Charlie dropped the bombshell announcement that he is leaving the industry to pursue philosophy! Susanna said it made the evening even more special knowing this would be the last NYE celebration at Charlie’s historic restaurant.

Gibson’s Restaurant’s Kathy O’Malley Piccone and John Colletti, along with 75 volunteers (mostly staff) served more than 300 people for Catholic Charities at the restaurant New Year’s Day…after they had served almost 1,000 customers for dinner the night before! Special guests arrived at noon and enjoyed steaks, shrimp cocktails, garbage salads and chicken with all of the trimmings. They were also given goody bags that included warm hats, gloves, scarves and tooth paste and toothbrushes. I LOVE THIS PLACE and their staff – especially Kathy – all of whom are just too wonderful for words!

Beautiful Gayle Anthony’s equally gorgeous sister, Julie Weindling and her beau Phil Geier, spent NYE at Round Hill Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where they hobnobbed with Sir Paul McCartney and his new wife Nancy, daughter Stella and their kids including Beatrice, his daughter from Heather Mills. Also seen at this posh resort were Ewan McGregor, Ralph and Ricky Lauren and Lauren Bush. WHEW! What a hotspot!

Celebrity scribe and TV personality Bill Zwecker and his partner, real estate broker extraordinaire Tom Gorman spent an exciting NYE at Linda Johnson Rice’s spectacular mountaintop home in Palm Springs. Seen on the scene were Desiree Rogers, Neal Zucker, Julie Latsko, James Bell (Boeing CFO) and wife Mary, Sue Leonis and others. Awwww…what a life!

Darling freelance writer and Chicago magazine nightlife reporter Amalie Drury always has fun wherever she goes and this night was no exception! Her friends Megan and Alex Menocal hosted a dinner party at their Albany Park apartment where they all enjoyed a “beautiful” grilled rib roast, smoked salmon and butternut squash Wellington. They drank countless bottles of champagne, played board games and danced in the living room and, at midnight, Alex played “Auld Lang Syne” on his guitar while they all sang along. Sounds like a perfect night with friends! Love you, AD!

Man-about-town-but-with-a-serious-job Paul Iacono spent NYE with a “triple header” beginning with a dinner at Piccolo Sogno with Elizabeth Brodsky and her family and friends at 7 p.m. sharp. At 10 p.m., he was off to ring in the New Year with bottle service at the Pump Room at Public Chicago, where he and his buddy Brian Thompson occupied Booth One, of course, which was reserved for eight and included Brian’s girlfriend Kristin Atchison, Cindy Burns and Spiro Megremis, Kevin Wright, Emily Greenaway and Rhea Lyn. Restaurant Director Jay Schuster was “spot on” and the evening included a midnight champagne toast..but Paul’s night wasn’t over yet! He concluded his NYE at the home of Shabbir Helaly with glam girls Monika Dixon, Saira Cooper and their cute hubbies…life is good in the World of Iacono! Maybe this could be a ride at Universal?

CheekyChicago.com founders Erica Bethe Levin and Jessica Zweig know how to party, too, of course! Erica (along with handsome Terry) dined at NAHA for their annual tradition, enjoying Chef Carrie Nahabedian’s magical dinners that included lobster risotto this year. Jessica hosted a party with 15 of her best friends at her home. Her “date” for the night was Lisa Frame, founder of MugShotMonday.com. After, a stretch limo (courtesy of Uber) took them to Whistler, a mixology-focused hipster bar in Logan Square, where they danced their cheeky cheeks off!

Biz Bash’s Jenny Berg and her BF Dustin Berta spent NYE at Playboy’s party at the Hilton Chicago where they rang in midnight with a confetti
explosion, a kiss and a Bunny at the turntable. NBC’s handsome Marcus Riley also attended the Playboy party but not before making dinner for his glam model girlfriend, Nicole Townsend, accompanied by a couple of bottles of champagne. After, they attended friend Justin Jacobson’s Hard Rock Chicago event before the final stop at the Hilton to party with the Bunnies.

Reality star and Edrop-Off’s Corri McFadden rang in the New Year with her love Spiro Tsaparas and friends for a simple, low-key dinner at Le Colonial. Although NOTHING is low-key in Corri’s world including her Louboutins that she’s rockin’ in this pic!

Auctioneer extraordinaire Leslie Hindman spent the New Year in style in Paris with long-time friends Mary Lou Gorno and Ann Tomlinson with her charming college-aged kids at Le Grand Colbert. (BTW, Leslie is opening more auction houses around the country so more good things to come for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers!)

CS Magazine’s Samantha Saifer Berngard, along with her hubby and friends, dined at Tony Mantuano’s new restaurant Bar Toma. Afterwards, they headed over to the Hard Rock Hotel where they listened to their wedding band, The Gold Coast All Stars, perform with a few special guests including Hey Champ, American Idol’s Lee DeWyze and O.A.R.’s Chris Culos. CS sponsored the event and they all danced the night away!

Foodarazzi blogger/XA’s Amanda Puck kicked off the night with BF Jerome Weitzel and friends at Big Star for some tacos and bourbon. Then they returned home for their second annual French Onion Soup Fete where they prepared a soup recipe from the October issue of Bon Appetit. (Watch for Amanda’s new internet show, “Dish It,” coming soon on Watch312.com!)

Fabulous in every way designer Pamella Roland (DeVos) has just become a VIC having recently bought a beautiful new home here! For NYE she and her glam family, along with their friends, sailed the seas near Cabo on her luxury yacht.

(For space reasons, I wasn’t able to include all of the exciting NYE happenings so to see what ALL of the VIC’s did for NYE, please check out my jam-packed Chicago Now column here!)

More than 100 of Chicago’s arts and civic leaders joined presenting sponsors/co-chairs Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and John Nichols along with Gala Presenting Sponsor, GRAFF, in celebrating the announcement of the Chicago debut engagement by the Paris Opera Ballet coming in June. This event has been described as “one of the most significant projects for Chicago’s arts community in decades.” The launch party was held at Graff on Oak Street and included VIP guests Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Suzette Bulley, Consul General of France Graham Paul, Margaret Unetich, Paul and Kelly Kaiser, David and Luann Blowers, Sandy and Jack Guthman, Lori Gray Faversham, Ken Norgan, Maya Polsky and Nicolas Bridon, Maria Zec, Dori Wilson and Elton Dixon among others. The Gala, on June 26th, will debut the Paris Opera Ballet’s “Giselle” and mark the company’s first return to America in more than a decade. Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be Honorary Chair. For tickets and more info please visit www.harristheaterchicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

I mentioned the CheekyChicago.com founders’ NYE plans a bit earlier and now I am thrilled to announce the Top 10 Cheeky Chicks of 2012! They include *drumroll please* Kiran Advani (Programming Director, Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture), Bridget Albert (Mixologist, Southern Wine & Spirits), Maryilene Blondell (Development Director, The ALS Assn.), Leah Chavie (Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique), Jackie Chen (Exec. Chef Chicago Cut Steakhouse), Allison Cooke (Marketing Mngr. CS Mag), Charity Gonzalez (Founder UrbanFitClubs.com), Melissa Muoio (personal stylist) and Ashley Zisook (owner Sofia Boutique). What a great list of CHEEKY CHICKS – congrats to ALL!

The Auxiliary Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents their second annual Pointe of Departure event on Thursday, January 26th from 6 – 9 p.m., at a NEW venue this year, Venue Six/10 at the Spertus Institute, located at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Joffrey dancers including Temur Suluashvili and Matthew Adamczyk will again be contributing amazing artwork as well as man
y other artists. Fab fotog/artist/jeweler Mila Samokhina will also be donating an exquisite piece entitled “Illusion.” The after-party will be at TZAR (215 W. Ontario), another new venue for this unique and much-loved event. Besides the original artwork, the evening will also include DJ Sadie Woods, cocktails and Wolfgang Puck’s tasty hors d’oeuvres plus a silent auction! Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 312.386.8979. Congrats in advance to co-chairs Diane Crary and Andrew Caravella and their dynamic committee! See you all soon!

Congrats to Fear No Art’s Elysabeth Alfano, one of the hardest working women in show business, on the birth of her latest production, “The Dinner Party.” This live artist talk show takes place at the Mayne Stage Theatre and will launch on January 30th. “The Dinner Party” happens onstage over wine and appetizers created by celebrity chefs in front of a live audience and will stream live on the internet at www.FearNoART.tv. MOTO Chef Homaro Cantu will be featured in the first production along with guest artists Tony Fitzpatrick, Jon Langford and Rachel Rockwell. Get your tix here!

So 2012 is off to a roaring start! I hope all of your wishes come true this year and that you keep enjoying Candid Candace!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Thanks to CS Magazine for including this blog in their "Best of the City 2012" book (the "Follow the Leaders" article). I am honored and thrilled!

STELLA FOSTER HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM CHICAGO JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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