Candid Candace

LET’S TALK OSCARS!!!

I went to a great Oscar party Sunday night for the Center on Halsted. Wait until you see the fun photos! They will be in my next blog but for now these are my thoughts on the LIVE show!

1) The stage looked amazing and the best idea ever was to have all past winners on stage…genius!

2) I know Sean Penn is a great actor but he's a lousy husband! What is wrong with Robin Wright sticking with someone who is clearly "not that into her?"

3) Poor Jennifer Aniston was so nervous speaking in front of homewrecker Angelina. I wish she could move past this horrible experience and speaking of people who don't seem that into you, I'm just not feeling the love between her and John Mayer, either. She looked beautiful but less makeup would've been better.

4) My friend Christine Ott said it best: "I love Hugh Jackman but I thought this show needed some humor." I agree but you can’t deny that Jackman is one talented Wolverine!

5) Anne Hathaway was glowing and gorgeous. I'm glad to see that no rat boyfriend is keeping her down.

6) Some of my friends thought that Sarah Jessica Parker looked like Glenda from the Wizard of Oz. I'm not sure it was a compliment…..but I thought she looked great in her Dior.

7) I'm so over Brad and Angelina. I just am (but I can't deny how fantastic her emerald jewelry was).

8) My favorite HOT couple are definitely Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem…..WOW! She looked stunning….

9) Sadly I didn't get to see all of the Oscar nominated movies but I LOVED Slumdog; I'm still humming JaiHo!!!

10) It seemed like Heath Ledger's family was put in the back row! Come on, I can't believe they didn't know it was a lock for him to win?!

11) If you didn't see Wall-E, you're missing one of the most endearing animated characters of all time…..

12) What was Miley Cyrus thinking wearing that dress??!! Obviously, nothing.

13) Did you see Natalie Portman? One word: GORGEOUS!

14) Won't someone please get Whoopie a stylist!

15) I adore Kate Winslet but that old-lady hairdo just didn't cut it for me!

Overall, I thought the show was great and most of the dresses were in very good taste—for a change! :) Photos from top right: Jennifer Aniston (in Valentino) with beau John Mayer; Anne Hathaway (in Giorgio Armani); Sarah Jessica Parker (in Dior haute couture) with husband Matthew Broderick; Angelina Jolie (in an Elie Saab gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry) and Brad Pitt; Penelope Cruz (in vintage Balmain; Freida Pinto (in John Galliano) and Dev Patel; Natalie Portman in Rodarte; Kate Winslet (in YSL) with husband Sam Mendes.

Just like the title dancer in "Sacre Du Printemps," the Joffrey Ballet danced their little hearts out on the opening night of their Winter Series which began on Wednesday, February 18th and runs through March 1st at the Auditorium Theatre. There was something for everyone beginning with a happy and lively tribute to old Vienna choreographed by Gerald Arpino. Next up was Mobile—a breathtaking meditation on balance inspired by the mobiles of Alexander Calder and choreographed by Tom Ruud and then a stirring pas de deux from the ballet Cotillon. But the star of the evening was a ballet that caused riots when it was first performed in 1913. Choreographed by Nijinsky, it stands as one of the most magnificent musical and dance pieces of all time. It is introduced in a video by artistic director Ashley Wheater with an explanation of its history and origins by famed dance historian, Millicent Hodson. Sacre is one of the most difficult dances for the company to dance and you'll see why when you experience it for yourself. It comes "highly recommended" by both Heidy Weiss and Sid Smith of the Sun-Times and the Tribune, respectively. For tickets and more info, call (312) 902-1500 or visit www.Joffrey.org. Photos from top right:   Mobile; Cammie Basden, Kenneth Archer, Christine DuBoulay Ellis and Millicent Hodson; Ashley Wheater, Marina and Arnie Tatar, and Dana Triester; Barbara Levy Kipper and Harriet Ross; Christine Ott and Vicky Holdren; Melissa Babcock and Katherine Darlington; Melinda Jakovich, Sandy Deromedi and Margie Halbermann. For more photos from this event, click here.
 
I'm loco for Tocco!!! Last night, we went to Bruno and Melissa Abate's latest restaurant venture called Tocco located at 1266 N. Milwaukee Ave. I don't know how he does it but just like his other eponymous restaurant Follia: Tocco is imbued with style and artistry. While Follia showcases new designer talents, Tocco will be featuring the latest artists around town. I love how Bruno promotes young talent and mixes it with the best and freshest Italian dishes AND a great crowd. No wonder the place was packed! You saw everyone there from the top neurosurgeon in the world to the sexiest men and women. It's people watching at its finest! I highly recommend this chicest of chic new restaurants. And wait until summer comes when the whole restaurant will open up to a giant side patio! You better start working on your tans AND reservations now. I have the number on speed dial….Photos from top left: a Tocco wood-fired pizza; Tocco dining room; famous neurosurgeon Leonardo Cerullo and Bruno Abate; Chuck and Dominick DeFrisco; sous chef Michelle Peiguss, Bruno and chef Martino Fabrizio.

Speaking of fashionable friends, remember the name Tennille White. She has been designing luxurious contemporary clothing for women since she was a young design student at Whitney Young High School and although she carries sizes from 2 to XXXL; it’s her mission is to establish a fashion identity for curvaceous women. Now she is president of the Apparel Industry Board's "Young Designer Network," is fashion critic for the Red Eye, has her line at Macy's and Neiman's and is the youngest member of Mayor Daley's Fashion Council in Chicago. In short, this is a woman whose star is on the rise! Her designs are sleek, modern and intended for entrance making moments but on top of all of her achievements, she is one of the most dynamic women I've met. She has a spirit and smile that will always ensure her success. This spring/summer her Tennille White Chicago collection will be carried in over 32 boutiques nationwide. For custom orders, visit Mint Boutique at 2150 N. Seminary or call Tennille at (773) 239-3836. Photos from top right: Tennille White; Tennille White wrap top and high-waisted denim pants.  

The Factio magazine Winter Launch party was held at the Crimson Lounge Thursday night and brought out fans of the magazine and of the Crimson Lounge thanks to event organizer extraordinaire, Sarah Vargo. Melissa and Henrique de Kerch, founders of Factio, were pleased to meet and greet their many loyal friends that included Victoria Deldin, Jennifer Lezan, Michelle Barone, Tracy Tarantino, Jenny Berg, Amalie Drury, Stephanie Opel, Maggie Morgan, Lynne Bredfeldt, Susan Ellefson and her darling hubby, Sally and Kerry Shorr, Christine Sanderson, Jeff Corney, Joey Majumdar (who was off to L.A. to visit his friend, Queen Latifah) and Meghan Goulette. Photos from top right: Christine Sanderson, Melissa Maynard de Kerch and me; Jeff Corney and Henrique de Kerch; Susan Ellefson and her husband, Brian; Sally and Kerry Shorr with Lynne Bredfeldt; Tracy Tarantino. For more photos from this event, click here. 

I hope all of your favorite stars won awards and I'm glad you checked back in with Candid Candace! Check out another "ahhhhh" moment by clicking onto this link.

Love, Candace :)

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ WITH BUNKY!

The ladies of Bunky Cushing’s “Red Brigade” were out in force for his annual Valentine’s Day Tea on Tuesday, February 10th at the Ritz-Carlton. One hundred of Chicago’s social butterflies, power players and top philanthropists all wore red as instructed on the elegant Tiffany stationary that announced the event. Bunky greeted each guest at the entrance to the Greenhouse with his usual flourish and everyone was honored to be there and thrilled to have Bunky’s attention. Harper’s Bazaar described it as “one of Chicago’s most sought after invitations” and has been for 15 years. Bunky explains, “There are so many wonderful women in my life. They are talented, giving ladies who contribute their time and resources to Chicago’s cultural and charitable endeavors. This tea is my way to express my special affection for them.” The Chicago Tribune writes that “Bunky knows everybody who’s anybody—at least any society lady who’s anybody.” Lucky guests included Maria Pappas, Helen Melchior, Hazel Barr, Sara Swift, Wendy Wood-Prince Sherman, Cathy Bell, Shauna Montgomery and her mother Shirley Michaels, Noren Ungaretti, Carrie Lannon, Laurie Davis, Dusty Stemer, Gerri Shute, Natasha Isaacs, Melinda Swift, Marty Higgins, Maria Smithburg, Barbara Samuels, Vonita Reescer, Peggy Jester, Lori Daniels, Toni Canada, Amalie Drury, Greg Hyder, Jean Antoniou, Sheryl Dyer, Sharyl Mackey, Lynda Silverman, Holly Barr, Liz Sharp, Astrid McKinnon, Susan Ellefson, Lisa Malkin, Diane Edelman, Deirdre Pratt, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Vicki Hood, Sherrill Bodine and Cynthia Burns among many others. A surprise visit by Mayor Daley was a highlight of the 2007 tea. Bunky hosts several events during the course of the year but the Valentine’s Day Tea is the only non-charity event. One of his most notable charitable events is the Handbags and Halos luncheon which benefits the Howard Brown Clinic. My hat is off to Bunky for all that HE does for our great city! He is truly one of Chicago’s own and the icing on our Valentine’s Day cupcake. We love you Bunkster! :) Photos from top right: me and Bunky Cushing; Liz Sharp, Noren Ungaretti and Helen Melchior; Jean Antoniou, Hazel Barr, Sheryl Dyer and Susan Elefson; Toni Canada and Dusty Stemer; Amalie Drury and Deirdre Pratt; Sharyl Mackey; Peggy Jester, Laurie Davis and Lori Daniels; party decor; Barbara Samuels, me, Dori Wilson and Donna Hodge; Lisa Malkin and Lynda Silverman; Holly Barr and Astrid McKinnon; Maria Smithburg and Marty Higgins.

Thursday night at the Merchandise Mart, Janus et Cie hosted a party with CS Magazine to benefit PAWS Chicago. Korey Karnes, editor-in-chief for CS Magazine, chose 15 one-of-a-kind dog beds created by Chicago’s dog loving designers for the silent auction. It was packed with fashionistas, designers and dog lovers all brought together for a common cause. One of the guests was Joann Greene who brought her two best friends—a dog named Twister who had lost a leg in the Beirut bombings and Glenda—her other canine friend of 22 years!! Joann watches the news like a hawk and wherever an opportunity presents itself to be of service to our four-legged friends, she is there!! There should be a plaque for you Joann for this incredible dogitarian service you gladly provide. Photos from top right: Samantha Safier, Julie Selakovich, Korey Karnes and Julie Monteith; Joann Greene with Twister and Glenda; Kerry Schorr, Josephine Albanese and Sally Schorr; manager Jeanne McCrea and Kristine Peterson.

And speaking of dog lovers, I have two of the most incredible oil portraits of my Chihuahuas, Mickey, Rooney and the late Daisy, all done by local artist Matt Owen. If you are looking for that unique memory to have of your beloved pets then this is the way to go. Matt is reasonably priced and he captures the most important nuances of every animal he paints. He began as a muralist in 2001 but a rotator cuff injury nipped the big scale canvas work in the bud. After his friends asked him to paint their pets, the rest is history. He lives with five cats, two dogs, a parakeet and a rat. Last year, I had a beautiful portrait done of my sister-in-law’s dog and cat for a Christmas gift. It is her favorite thing in their home. I highly recommend this animal lover/artist to everyone. His website, www.owensartwork.com, is being revamped but should be up soon. Those intersted can email him at [email protected] or call him at 773-929-1219. Photo: oil painting of Daisy Jordan by Matt Owens.

Speaking of your best friends, how many of us have friends we still know and love from the fifth grade?! Loreta Corsetti does! I ran into her at the Diva Party last week. She is a milliner extraordinaire who opened her first boutique in 1989 and has never looked back. She has clients worldwide and is a co-founder of the Millinery Arts Alliance and has been its president for the past seven years. In 2005, she was chosen by director Robert Altman to design hats for his production of “A Wedding” that premiered at the Lyric Opera. In 2007, her work was chosen to be featured in a permanent exhibit at the Museo del Cappello in Italy—the first milliner from the U.S. to ever receive this honor. One of her biggest inspirations is a man she has been friends with since fifth grade— Bally designer Brian Atwood. She recalls, “He liked to watch me drawing dresses in my notebook and offer his critiques. I have to say that he is one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met and I deeply admire him, his talent and what he has accomplished. The funny thing is that now, he is this beautiful man who has achieved so much but when I’m with him, I can still see that boy, my friend, who made me feel special and it’s as if we’ve never spent any time apart.” Check out her boutique at 1137 N. State St.! Photo: Loreta Corsetti and Brian Atwood.

The 2009 Legendary Landmarks Gala honorees have been announced. They are Richard Driehaus—philanthropist and leading figure in the Chicago Historic Preservation Movement; Michael Kutza—founder of North America’s oldest competitive international film festival; and Susan and Lew Manilow—community and cultural leaders with a passion for human rights, the environment, art and politics. They will be honored on Saturday, March 7th at the Palmer House Hilton and the proceeds will benefit Landmarks Illinois. Recognizable buildings which this organization spearheaded efforts to save include: The Chicago Theatre, Cook County Hospital, The Farnsworth House, Marquette Building and many more. This event is more important than ever since an Illinois appellate court recently struck down the city of Chicago’s Landmark ordinance saying it is unconstitutionally vague and puts over 250 buildings and 50 historic districts at risk. Co-chairs for this year’s gala are Victor Skrebneski, Madeline Gelis and Shelley Gorson. This black-tie event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Red Lacquer Room followed by an elegant dinner in the Grand Ballroom. There will be dancing and a live auction featuring personalized packages from each honoree. Gala tickets are $500 per person and may be purchased by calling Landmarks Illinois at 312-922-1742 and additional information on the statewide programs can be found at www.Landmarks.org. Please support this worthy organization and help preserve our history! Photos from top right: Richard Driehaus; Michael Kutza; Susan and Lew Manilow.
 
I hope your Valentine’s Day was everything you’d hoped for! Thanks for checking Candid Candace and we’ll “talk” next week…and since the point of this week's blog is all about good friends, take a glimpse at a different version of "puppy love."
 
Love,
Candace :) 

P.S. A big congratulations to Chef Art Smith for hosting the Obamas for Valentine’s Day dinner at his Table Fifty-Two restaurant. I love this town! Photo: the Obamas leaving Table Fifty-Two after their Valentine's Day dinner.

IT WAS DIVA-LICIOUS!

The Crimson Lounge at 333 N. Dearborn was the scene of the latest in the red-hot Diva Series parties organized by Sarah Vargo. These unique events celebrate influential women in media, fashion, beauty, finesse, PR and more. Last Thursday’s party toasted the talented and beautiful members of the NBC Chicago Street Team. Members include Ashley Lobo, Joy Di Naro, Jen Knoedl, Theresa Carter, Katrell Mendenhall, Kaylee King, Desiree Prieto, Liz Holland, LaShonda Matlock. Natalia Avilez, Kaylee King, Rikki Greenberg, Amanda Hunt, Damaris Woodbury, Blagica Bottigliero, Amanda Hunt and many other fabulous ladies! There were also plenty of NBC MALE Street Team members to keep the party exciting including the handsome D. C. Crenshaw, Glenn Murray, Jim Grillo, Raminder Chadha, Zoran "Hungry Z" Sopcic, Street Team boss Marcus Riley and Shlomi Rabi to name a few. I was fortunate to be one of the three Teamers chosen to tape a short segment for 24/7 along with Ashley Lobo and Blagica Bottigliero. (I will let you all know when it will air. Catie Keogh is the host of the show and it’s on every Saturday night at 12:30 a.m. on NBC5.) The Crimson Lounge, if you haven’t been, is a very handsome space with a clubby feel a la Annabel’s in London. The crowd was happy and having fun. Other guests included Gregg Zgonena, Mark Dunnett, Ed and Mike Howlett, Chuck and Charley Jordan, Loretta and Sven Asmus, Gerry Xydis, Loreta Corsetti, Joey Majumdar, Huzefa Kapadia, Nisha and Neal Goyal, the sexy Romantika girls, Kate Gordin and Sasha Tsupina and Joffrey dancers Abigail Simon and Lauren Stewart. Post Diva Party took us to the late night favorite Bijan’s Bistro at 663 N. State for dinner. It’s become quite the hangout for celeb spotting. The night we went, gorgeous Carla Gugino was there dining with friends. She will be leaving the Goodman Theatre Production of “Desire Under the Elms” on February 17th to promote her two upcoming films so catch her while you can! Photos: top right, event organizer Sarah Vargo, Joy Di Naro and Jen Knoedl; top left, Natalia Criollo-Avilez, me, Marcus Riley and Ashley Lobo; middle right, me taping a segment for 24/7; middle left, cameraman Scott Conway and producer Meredith Ogilvie; bottom right, Joffrey dancers Lauren Stewart and Abigail Simon; bottom left, Sven and Loretta Asmus; bottom right, Carla Gugino. For more photos from this event, click HERE. A big thank you to Joy Di Naro, Gerry Xydis and Ed Howlett for these fantastic pics!

And speaking of talented partygoers, I want to commend Angela Rose (a dynamic woman I met at the Diva event) for her strength and courage to start the national non-profit organization called PAVE which stands for "Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment."

At the age of 17, Angela was abducted at knifepoint and assaulted by a repeat sex offender. At the police station, the detective didn’t even believe her story. Through her anger and a strong sense of vigilance, she started PAVE and this Sunday, February 15th, Angela will be celebrating eight years of shattering the silence of sexual violence with a party/fundraiser called “Love Fest” at Martyrs at 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. from 4 to 8 p.m. The emcee is Frida Lay with music by Anne Harris. They have a variety of entertainment planned with a burlesque show starring Red Hot Annie and HBO Def Jam poet, Nikki Patin. Raffle will include a W Hotel getaway and Bulls tickets. There will be many surprises throughout the evening so please come out, have fun and support this very worthy cause started by this brave, strong and determined woman, Angela Rose. Tickets are $25 at the door and $20 pre-event. Photo: top left, PAVE founder Angela Rose; bottom right, Angela Rose and me.

And another Street Teamer’s performance you won’t want to miss is Miss Amanda Hunt’s at Green Dolphin Street on Friday, February 13th. Selected as a “Woman Making a Powerful Difference Through Song” and featured in Jet Magazine, this is a performance you won’t want to miss. Amanda will be singing hits from Nancy Wilson, Etta James, Dinah Washington and Nina Simone using her own renowned vocal skills… I’ll see you there! :) For a sample, please go to www.myspace.com/amandahuntsings. Photo: Amanda Hunt.

The Joffrey Ballet is on a roll! On January 5^th, they launched the Academy of Dance, the Official School of the Joffrey Ballet located in the Exelon Education Center at the Joffrey Tower at 10 E. Randolph St. All course offerings are overseen by Joffrey artistic director, Ashley Wheater and include Community Open Classes which offer training to anyone, ages 3 and up, with kids options including basic training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and Latin dance techniques. They also offer a pre-professional division for serious students ages 7 to 17. This program is by audition only and teaches many different dance styles as well as ballet technique. The Academy will also offer open classes for children and adults in Pilates, yoga, ballet, hip-hop, modern, jazz, tap, African, Latin and contemporary plus two dance-based workout classes. Registration is ongoing so visit www.Joffrey.org for more information. And don’t miss their dynamic Winter Program beginning February 18th through March 1st. It includes four riveting ballets by Gerald Arpino, George Balanchine, Nijinsky and Tom Ruud. You can purchase tickets by calling 312-902-1500 or visit www.Joffrey.org. Photos: top right, Joffrey students in a photo by Herbert Migdoll; bottom left, Joffrey Winter Program. 

Yoshi’s Cafe at 3257 N. Halsted has been in business since 1982 so they are certainly not the new kids in town but don’t tell owners Yoshi and Nobuko Katsumura this. Every night they are creating new experiences and excitement with their ever-changing but always delicious menu selections. The night we were there, they had created a special dinner featuring the menu from President Obama’s Inaugural luncheon. It included seafood stew with lobster and shrimp, duck breast with sour cherry chutney and herb roasted pheasant with molasses whipped sweet potatoes and apple cinnamon cake served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. I sure hope President Obama keeps up his workout routine with lunches like this! Congrats on your 27th anniversary, Nobuko and Yoshi! Photo: Yoshi and Nobuko Katsumura with their "special guest."

I want to congratulate my friend, Chris Long, on her fabulous 50th birthday celebration at MK recently! She was surrounded by friends that included Christopher Clinton Conway, Jonathan Ryan, Helen Melchior, Christine Ott, Mary Jo Basler, Sandy Deromedi, Ann Waters, Amelia Silva, Chuck and me. Her cake said it all: “Here’s to growing young!” Congrats, dear Chris! Photo: Chris Long blows out the candles at her fabulous 50th birthday party. For more photos from this event, click HERE.

A huge congratulations to one of the best-dressed women on the Grammy Red Carpet last night – Jennifer Hudson – who won for Best R&B Album! I LOVED her dress and what’s even better is that the designer, Roland Mouret, is carried at Nordstrom! And if you have an extra $3,200 burning a hole in your pocket, pick up one of your own. Photo: Chicago's own Jennifer Hudson in Roland Mouret on the Grammy red carpet. 

Hope you’re enjoying the first hints of spring…I know I am!!! I’ve been scouring all of the fashion magazines for spring and all I can say is GET READY FOR SOME COLOR!! Woooo Hooooo! We sure need it right about now! And whether you like her or not, Kate Moss rules ALL of the ad campaigns; she also happens to be my personal favorite. What a chameleon…. Photo: fashion icon Kate Moss. 

And now, I would like to close with a song! Who knew he was a fan? Song and video by J. Rutherford.

Love, CandidCandace