Candid Candace

HAROLD RAMIS CHARMS CHICAGO FANS

Besides being the nicest guy among the Hollywood set, he’s also the bravest! Harold Ramis stood up before an audience invited to the screening of his latest film, “Year One”, who were clearly not the target group for this movie as he pointed out. He said his film’s demographics were directed more towards 20-year-old males and yet, here we were. He was disappointed in its opening and this Q & A came right on the heels of Roger Ebert’s one star review. He was brave, very brave and very kind, honest, funny and smart. He answered everyone’s questions and seemingly took a photo with everyone there. The evening was planned by event planner extraordinaire Brenda Sexton of Chicago Link Productions and it was a delight! Before the movie started, Harold said, “You are exactly NOT the demographic for this movie….I will be drinking while you’re watching this film.” His self-deprecating humor was a breath of fresh air in an arena of too many puffed-up egos. Even though the film has brought in close to $21 million, it still hasn’t met his expectations. He jokingly said he should put “AIR CONDITIONING” in really big letters in the ads like the old days to bring more people in. “Year One” was filmed in Sibley, La. in 13 weeks on a 6½ acre set constructed entirely out of Styrofoam. There were lots of funny moments and Chuck and I laughed at times so hard we had tears running down our cheeks. So even though we weren’t the target, we still thoroughly enjoyed it. Harold describes “Year One” as an abstract theme played out with adolescent comedy. The event was also to honor and celebrate Flashpoint Academy’s first graduating class. Howard Tullman gave a talk and presented a video recounting Flashpoint’s many achievements and his cameras were there to record the evening’s festivities. The after party was at the Wit Hotel which is also celebrating its first year in business. The evening was a night of firsts—“Year One” for a first year class in a year old hotel….very clever Brenda! Richard Roeper moderated the Q & A session and many of Harold’s 11 films were discussed including “Groundhog Day”. He said Tom Hanks turned this film down and the rest, as they say, is history. In Harold’s opinion, this film is the “It’s a Wonderful Life” for our generation. He goes on to say that with all of the blockbuster films coming out now like “Transformers”, he feels like he’s driving a Smart Car down the highway surrounded by 18 wheelers. I see him as the “Little Engine that Could” with “Year One”…  Additional pics by Mitchell Canoff. Photos from top right: Richard Roeper, Howard Tullman and Harold Ramis; me with Chaz Ebert and Joli Burrell; Janine Givray, Laura Baron and Dana Dressler; Amy Jacobsen and Brenda Sexton; Harold at the Wit after party; Deborah Chapman; me, Howard Tullman, Barbara Pollack and Bill Zwecker; Lori and Don Shroud; Badal Shah, Justin Rakestraw and Aakash Shah; chic partygoers.

The kick-off party for the Joffrey Ballet’s fourth annual “Couture & Cocktails” will be at Neiman Marcus’ Michigan Avenue store in the Zodiac Room on Wednesday, July 29th. Come for a sneak peak of international designer Pamella Roland’s exciting collection and meet her in person. The party and trunk show will be from 6 to 8 p.m. and I don’t want you to miss it! It will be a very chic affair! Please call 312-386-8921 to RSVP. Pamella will be doing the fashion show for “Couture & “Cocktails”, the most exciting event of the year, on Friday evening, September 25th, in the Palmer House, our presenting sponsor! This will be the first fashion show ever to be held in its grand lobby. Her designs are worn on hipsters around the world and we are so lucky to have her! I am proud to say that Helen Melchior and I are the co-founders of this event and this year we have more fabulous co-chairs involved:  Leslie Hindman, Shauna Montgomery, Ann Waters, Anne Kaplan, Rebecca Besser, Sheryl Dyer and Kristina McGrath. We have enlisted Donna D’Cruz, DJ of the international jet set, to amp up the excitement for the after party. At Donna’s latest event in Dubai, her guests included Robert DeNiro, Michael Jordan, Sir Richard Branson, Charlize Theron, Wesley Snipes, Jade Jagger, Mary Kate Olsen, Janet Jackson, Mischa Barton, Kylie Minogue, Denise Rich, Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson and various Sheiks. “Couture & Cocktails” will be a blow out with never ending surprises and excitement! Tickets start at $250 and there is limited runway seating so reserve now to get up close and personal! For sponsorship information and tickets, please call 312-386-8921. Don’t forget to polish your dancing shoes!!! We won’t be leaving early… :) Photos from top left: Pamella Roland design; Pamella DeVos and her beautiful family; Palmer House lobby; DJ Donna D'Cruz; "Couture & Cocktails" invitation.

The 11th annual Gift of Sight Gala benefitting Midwest Eye-Banks took place Friday, May 15th at the Peninsula Hotel. Almost 150 guests came to this black tie affair to honor well loved local entrepreneurs and philanthropists Heinz Kern and Mary Ann Rose as the 2009 Man and Woman of Vision. Co-chairs for this evening were Greg Hyder, Beverly Blettner, Tom Hackett and Amy Wimer. Bill Zwecker was the emcee and the Stanley Paul Orchestra played until the wee hours. Charles Hocevar of Pratesi Linens was the silent auction chair and helped raise over $45,000 worth of items for this worthy cause. Guests included Sheryl Dyer, Cookie Cohen, Mary Cameron Frey, Connie Wimer, Kerstin Stitt, Laurie Zewer, Franco La Marca, Carol Caroll, Tiffani Kim, Marily Frank, Lesley Bramson, Jeff Stolarz, Daniel Nack, David Donnersberger, Brian Szubinski, Tom McGuire, Maureen Haga, Susan and Fred Gohl, Linda and Mark Heister, Maria and Bob Zec and Hazel Barr among others. Thanks to John Reilly Photography for the fantastic photos! Photos from top right: 2008 honoree and emeritus Beverly Blettner with 2009 honorees Heinz Kern and Mary Ann Rose; gala co-chairs Greg Hyder, Tom Hackett and Amy Wimer; Maria and Bob Zec; Susan Gohl and Laurie Zerwer. For more photos from this event, click here!
 
Congratulations to Diana Palomar Scott for the recognition she is bringing to the wonderful organization Mujeres Latinas en Accion. Diana, Pat Pulido Sanchez and Maria Capoccia hosted a luncheon on Wednesday, June 17th, to bring awareness to this group and the important work and services they provide for their community! I was sorry to miss it but if you would like to learn more, please visit www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org. Good luck Diana! :) Photo: Jessica Priego of the Chicago White Sox, Judie Garcia of WGN News, Michael Gonzalez of Maestros Ventures and Diana Palomar Scott of ABC 7 News.

I think one of the most important trends in this economic turndown is the return to basics and spending more quality time with family and friends. And what can be more traditional than a backyard BBQ?! We were invited to Jannie and Elliot Pearlman’s house the other evening for just such a get together. Friends included Nadine and Ira Epstein and Hedwig and Bob Golant. We had the best time and didn’t want the evening to end. The delightful meal consisted of Bob Golant’s BBQ cauliflower, Carson’s ribs and chicken (can’t make it any better on your own grill!), crispy sweet potato fries, potato salad, cole slaw and two different pies (cherry and apple) homemade by our hostess Jannie. It was a perfect summer evening—not too hot, not too cold and their home is enchanting. Jannie and I share a charming and talented designer, Paul Gonzalez, and our homes both showcase his incredible touch. We used him 20 years ago and we’ve been close friends ever since. Even though he says he’s retired, you can’t tell it. He takes on special projects for friends and family and can do anything be it modern or traditional. It was a wonderful night and I hope to be spending more intimate time with friends throughout the summer. Photos from top right: hosts Jannie and Elliot Pearlman; having fun with friends; Hedwig with the famous Golant BBQ'd cauliflower; homemade pies; Pearlman living room designed by Paul Gonzalez. For more party pics, click here!
 
A big congrats to the Philanthropic co-chairs for the Service Club of Chicago! Connie and Katherine Saville and Lynda Silverman put in over 2000 hours with the largest group of philanthropic volunteers (46) ever this year! We received 81 grant requests and were able to fulfill 39 of them to the tune of $362,000! The Service Club of Chicago, established in 1890, is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Their motto is “No one is greater than the service he/she renders to the world.”  Amen…and don’t forget the annual Day on the Terrace this year at the Peninsula Hotel! The date is Monday, August 3rd, and there will be a luncheon and fashion show from many chic Chicago stores! Host Hazel Barr always has surprises up her sleeve and this year will be no different! Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling 312-664-8471. Photos from top right: SC philanthropic co-chairs Connie Saville, Lynda Silverman and Katherine Saville; Day on the Terrace host Hazel Barr. 

I hope you’re thoroughly enjoying summer in Chicago—there is no better city in the world, especially at this time of year! And now, if you didn’t believe in miracles before, you will now… check this out!
 
Love,
Candace :)

OUR CHICAGO HOUSEWIVES AUDITION!

Thursday was a very eventful day for Shauna Montgomery, Shelly MacArthur Farley, Whitney Lasky and me: We filmed our auditions for Becky Cattie of Towers Productions! We all gathered at Shauna’s gorgeous North Lake Shore Drive apartment for our group interview in front of a big bank of windows (which made the lighting perfect for us). Becky’s assistant Mary Kozelka did the filming and should be on a show herself she’s so pretty. We all had previously filled out an eight-page questionnaire that included questions such as what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?, were you ever arrested?, describe your personality, who are the people you surround yourself with?, describe a typical day in your life, what would people not know just by looking at you?, have you ever filed for bankruptcy?, what are you passionate about? and many more. Now Towers Productions knows more about me than my husband does!! After the group interview, Becky interviewed us individually. We were told they are looking at four or five more groups but are more interested in women who live downtown since they want to feature our gorgeous city prominently in the filming! YEAHHH!! I know there are lots of gorgeous and dynamic Chicago women out there so Becky and Mary have their work cut out for them! We will be told in three weeks or so of the outcome. Good luck to ALL and may the best housewives win! (Exclusive audition photos by Caitlin Saville.) Photos from top right: the future "Real Housewives of Chicago"; our group audition; Shauna's lovely foyer; refreshments were served; entertaining our interviewers...and ourselves; Whitney and me having a laugh. For more photos, click here!

Sugar Rautbord and Suzie Glickman planned another blockbuster evening when they introduced Paula Froelich, editor of the New York Post’s infamous Page Six, to her adoring Chicago fans on June 17th. The occasion was to celebrate the launch of her bestseller, already three weeks on the list, Mercury in Retrograde. Gigi Grazer, author of The Starter Wife, describes the book this way: “Move over Dorothy Parker…funny, clever and engaging…gives the reader the ultimate insider’s view into the looking-glass world of a working girl’s Manhattan.” Best-selling author Erica Jong says it is “a delicious romp—our horoscope-addicted heroine will make you laugh and cry. Great fun!” The heroine’s name is Penelope Mercury and she’s a reporter at the New York Telegraph. She pounds the pavement breaking stories that seem inconsequential to everyone but her boss. And then she is fired. Another character is Lena “Lipstick Carcrash” Lippencrass (this name alone makes me want to buy the book!), who is a socialite of the highest standards until her parents cut her off for refusing to work in the family business. And then there is Dana Gluck, a workaholic lawyer who is hoping her failing marriage will be revived by having a child. Then her husband leaves her for an exchange student/model who promptly gets pregnant. They all wind up in the same SoHo apartment building and realize having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might be the best thing that’s ever happened to them. The book launch was held at Hub 51 and the hosts were Sugar, Suzie, Bill Zwecker, Trisha Rooney Alden, RJ and Jerrod Melman and moi. Guests included Lynn McMahan, Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook, Diane Whiteley with her darling hubby, Ross Glickman, Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink, 24/7 producer Jeff Conway, Lydia Alouf, Gale Gottlieb, Leslie Hindman, Jim Gorman, Patrick Plante, Christina Ghilberti, Jennifer Kiefer, Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky, Dr. Ian Smith, Anna Devlantes, Kathleen Henson, Scott Yonover and Nora Daley among others. Congrats Paula! I can’t wait to read Mercury in Retrograde!!! :) (Special thanks to Mitch Canoff for photos!) Photos from top right: Paula Froelich; Jennifer Keifer, Sugar Rautbord and Christina Ghilberti; Ken Cook and Brenda Sexton; Bill Zwecker and Paula; me and Celeb TV's Kelli Zink; Paula and Patti Lambrecht; Kelli Zink and producer Jeff Conway; me and co-host Suzie Glickman; Lynne Bredfeldt and Michelle Barone; Whitney, Shauna and me with Paula; me with co-host/Hub 51 owner RJ Melman and Paula.

Thursday evening, Vogue style expert Amy Tara Koch and Whitney Lasky co-hosted “Evening in Vogue”, an event held each year in various cities across the country for area movers and shakers. (They also have events in L.A., NYC, San Francisco and Miami.) Originally, it was to be held at Whitney’s apartment but the weather seemed threatening so it was changed to the Golden Triangle at 333 N. LaSalle St. There was fun food from The Entertaining Company, cocktails and several different vendors selling top vintage designer collections. Cameron Silver from Decades in L.A. brought in incredible pieces by Lanvin, Pucci, Balenciaga and Chanel. Sally Kovler from Tangerine Sky had jewelry from India and Lisa Kingsley showed her exotic handbags as did Gillian Carrera. A portion of the evening’s sales benefitted The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Chic guests included Matt Murphy, Rachel Schwanz, Shellie Thompson, Grace Sergio-Banks, Tina Culver, Fred’s personal shopper Q, Jan Flanagan, Kristina McGrath, Kate Prange, Susan Ifergan with daughter Chloe, Leslie Zentner with her daughter Kate, Christina Ghilberti, Jennifer Keifer, Marci Holzer, Gale Gottlieb, Sherrill Bodine, Dusty Stemer, Becky Cattie, Mary Kozelka, Patrick Plante, Sugar Rautbord, Scott Bobek,  Kate Templin, Dan Uslan, Leslie Bluhm, Cheryle Jackson, Dede Lubeznik, Shauna Owens, Meredith Woodprince, Sophie Bross, Kate Neisser, Sam Goldberg, Ellee, Pai Hong, Jennifer Oppenheim, Robin Berger, Morris Gerring and Linda Bynoe among others. BTW, congrats to Amy Tara Koch on her first book to be published by Random House in March 2010. Now we have ANOTHER party to look forward to!!! Photos from top right: co-host Amy Tara Koch with Kate Prangle; Ann Wallace with co-host Whitney Lasky; Jan Flanagan with Kristina McGrath; Debbie Beitler and Noren Ungaretti; Tina Weller and Mary Lasky; Matt Murphy and Dusty Stemer with friend; Grace Sergio-banks and Tina Culver; Barney's Q with Shayna and Shelley. For more photos, click here! 

Monday evening I visited my friend Christina Peters at the VIP opening party for her new store, Bisazza at 226 W. Kinzie. I must say I was blown away by the incredible tile and home furnishing choices. Bisazza Mosaico has been synonymous with luxury for decades and with new designs by Andree Putnam, Jaime Hayon and design director Carlo Dal Bianco, their Italian tiles have dressed some of the most exquisite celebrity homes, public venues and famed art. Established in 1956 in Alte Vicenza in Northern Italy, the company is the leading producer of glass mosaic for interior and outdoor decoration. They employ 795 people and have nine flagship stores in Barcelona, Berlin, London, L.A., Milan, Moscow, N.Y., Paris, Rome and soon Tokyo and Antwerp. Bisazza brings lux to a whole new level and is a “see it to believe it” kind of store. Launched in 2006, Bisazza Home offers a collection of furniture and accessories also designed by world-class designers. Rumor has it that Oprah and Rod Stewart love the Bisazza pool designs and Kate Walsh is a fan as well. The spa at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria and the custom pool pattern for the new Elysian Hotel here also feature designs by Bisazza. Emily Blinn and Kristin Shea from Chicago Home & Garden magazine, owner Rossella Bisazza, Dustin O’Regan, George Spencer, Sandra Casparriello, Tina Cervone, Bridget Kearney, Jessica Lagrange, Julia Pesak, Michael Richman, Mary Kay Mudd, Kerry Moriarty, Maria Pinto (who has Bisazza tiles in her new showroom), James Kinney, Lara Schiffman, Marisa Bryce, Luke Gibson, Jan Parr (editor-in-chief of Chicago Home & Garden magazine), Jessica and Fredrik Neilsen, Roger Hill, Janet McCann, Rachel Brockway and Felicia Ferrone were among the crowd of 300. I wish them the very best with their first Chicago location. Photos from top left: owner Rossella Bisazza; Christina Peters; Kerry Moriarty, Mary Kay Mudd, Dustin O'Regan and Marisa Bryce; Emily Blinn and Kristin Shea; 24-carat gold "Damasco Oro" in Rossella's office; beautiful Bisazza; the new Chicago flagship store.

A special thanks to former Q101 DJ Todd Fooks and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Konkol for having me on their show, “Keeping Score in Chicago”. They asked tough questions such as which team do I root for, the White Sox or Cubs. I said both and my husband said I tried to pull a “Hillary” and be politically correct and he was right! I should’ve admitted that I’m a Cubs fan but I love Ozzie. Kerry Wood and Paul Konerko have both lived on the street behind us at various times so I have connections with both teams…If you’d like to check out the interview, follow this link. I must warn you, it’s a little long and I am last so you should slide the cursor half way to start the show.  Photos from top right: co-host Todd Fooks; co-host Mark Konkol.
 
Don’t forget the English Speaking Union’s upcoming “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Ascot Ball this Friday night, June 26th! Co-chairs Lynn McMahan and Mamie Walton have planned lots of surprises and it will certainly be an all-star cast of guests! It will begin at 7 p.m. at the Casino with music by the Stanley Paul Orchestra. Sponsor Tiffany & Co. have donated the raffle prize which is  a gorgeous aquamarine and diamond “Legacy” ring valued at $7650. There will be a live and silent auction which will include yacht parties and a penthouse cocktail party among other unique offerings. Tickets start at $350 and can be purchased by calling 630-241-2363. Plan your best Holly Golightly look and I’ll see you there!! :) Photos from top right: Lynn McMahan and Mamie Walton; Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
 
A special birthday wish to Margie Habermann who was feted at Frontera Grill last week by friends Helen Melchior, Amelia Silva and Ann Waters! I hope I’m there to celebrate with you on your 100th Margie!! :) Photo: Amelia Silva, Margie Habermann, Helen Melchior and Ann Waters.

I hope you all have a wonderful week of glorious summer weather (finally!) and stay happy and healthy! Also, as this photo proves, our southern borders are well protected….so nothing to worry about….
 
Love,
Candace :)

IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY…..

In a galaxy far, far away (the Four Seasons) I met George Lucas! Saturday night, June 13th, the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute presented “An Adventure with George Lucas” to a sold-out crowd. From Main Street in “American Graffiti” to outer space through the “Star Wars” franchise and deep into the earth with “Indiana Jones”, Lucas has led us on an incredible adventure and we’ve happily followed. When Lucas directed “Episode I: The Phantom Menace” of the Star Wars Saga in 1999, it was the year’s biggest box office hit and also the first major live-action film to be projected digitally. “Episode II: Attack of the Clones” broke new ground as the first major movie shot using entirely digital media. His Lucasfilm Ltd. has grown into one of the world’s leading entertainment companies with global businesses including Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, LucasArts, Lucas Licensing, Lucas Online and Lucasfilm Animation. In short, this is one busy man! On this evening, he was awarded the Visionary Award for Innovation in Filmmaking by SAIC president Wellington Reiter. There were cocktails before the dinner and award presentation and George mingled among the guests with his gorgeous Chicago girlfriend and president of Ariel Investments, Mellody Hobson. The event was packed with movers and shakers such as Sandy and Jesse Jackson Jr., LeeAnn Trotter, Marian Brooks, Linda Johnson Rice, Neal Zucker, Lynn and John McMahan (our gracious hosts), Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook, Ikram, Bill Kelly, Liz Stiffel, Cookie Cohen, Julie and Fred Latsko, Marlene Iglitzen Siskel, John Iltus, Lisa Key, Joel Mangers (associate director of development for the Gene Siskel Film Center), Morgan Henington, Marty Rubin, Bill Zwecker, Martha and Rich Melman, Dr. Carolyn Jacob, Chris Hansen, Jim Pinto, Estelle Walgreen, Vicky and Bill Hood, Ellen and Richard Sandor, Courtney Thompson, Shawn Donnelly and many more. The dinner consisted of a Jedi sampler of spring salads, roasted tenderloin, Dagobah Swamp bass, green beans and whipped potatoes. The dessert was delightful and fun: mini milkshakes of wild Naboo strawberries with blueberry donut holes! The guest host, Jon Favreau, led a discussion with George. Jon is quite a success in his own right as many of you may know, having establishing himself as a writer with the hipster comedy “Swingers” and then his directorial debut with “Made”, a script which he also wrote and starred in opposite Vince Vaughn and Sean Combs. He went on to direct “Zathura”, a children’s adventure film, and the holiday hit “Elf” starring Will Ferrell.  More recently, Favreau directed Robert Downey Jr. in “Iron Man” and is currently directing “Iron Man 2” (which has added Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson to the cast) as well as co-starring in “Couples Retreat”, which he wrote. During the interview, George said, “I’ve written everything I’ve done but I’m not sure why since I hate writing.” He takes inspiration from the things he loves in life like the speed of racing cars which he related to the speed of motion pictures. Favreau described how he felt visiting George’s Skywalker Ranch. He said his home is Arts and Crafts style with each room/suite named after someone who had influenced him. There was a Kurosawa suite and a Dorothy Parker suite. There is even a Lake Ewok! George loves illustration art and his home is filled with art by Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish. Sitting at George and Mellody’s table for the event were Sandy and Jesse Jackson, Jr., Ikram, Marian Brooks and others. What I noticed while observing them was the tender way he rubbed Mellody’s back throughout the evening. When I introduced myself to her, I mentioned that my stepson, Charlie, had gone to school with her at St. Ignatius and she was thrilled! She even remembered details of his apartment for a party she had gone to there. She turned to George and said, “Her stepson went to high school with me!” I was so impressed with her generosity of spirit to others. George is one lucky man and I’m sure he will use this as a subject for his next movie…..I’m accepting scripts now ;)  In short, Mellody is absolutely a delight!! George was himself: smart, successful, creative and a force to be reckoned with in so many different areas. Good luck to them both! It was a thrill to be there and to meet them! And another big thank you to Lynn and John McMahan for including us in this extraordinary evening!!!! :) Photos from top right: me, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson; Bill Zwecker with Marlene Iglitzen Siskel and her daughter; LeeAnn Trotter, Sandy Jackson, Marian Brooks and friend; Cookie Cohen, Liz Stiffel, Linda Johnson Rice and Neal Zucker; Lisa Key, Joel Mangers and Morgan Henington; Sandy and Jesse Jackson, Jr.; Lynn McMahan and Jean St. Aubin; Jim Pinto, Dr. Carolyn Jacob and Chris Hansen; Bill Kelly and friend; Princess Leia raffle seller, Star Wars table decor; elegant guest.

Friday night, Rebecca and Charlie Besser hosted a fundraiser at their house for Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias. This was the second time I’d seen and heard him. (The first event was hosted by Bill Zanetis at his fabulous Dearborn Street home). I must say that I try to avoid politics and be an equal-opportunity blogger but in Alexi’s case I am going to tell you I will be supporting him. He is so inspirational and hopeful in his speeches. His sincerity and his past service to our city speak for themselves. He was there with his mother and girlfriend, Tara Flocco, and spoke of how much his father influenced him while his mother listened with tears in her eyes. She sure has a lot to be proud of in her son! Good luck Alexi…this blogger is definitely on your team! Guests included Marty and Jack Higgins, Bob Golant, Jerry Lasky, Michaela and Dickie Parrillo, Gale Gottlieb, Dale Tallon, Coach Dick Versace, Kelli Zink and Ryan Pruett, Susanna Negovan, Dan Uslan and many more. Photos from top right: Charlie and Rebecca Besser with Alexi Giannoulias; Tara Flocco with Alexi and his mom Anna; Chuck, Jerry Lasky, Alexi and Bob Golant; Rick and Toni Canada; Susanna Negovan and Dan Uslan; Charlie introducing Alexi.
 
I had been dying to see the Wit Hotel ever since its opening and finally got to go Friday night! And boy, was it packed! The already-famous Roof terrace was wall to wall with people and that’s saying something since it’s 7,000 square feet! But surprisingly, it didn’t seem crowded. There are so many different areas including roaring fire pits, indoor and outdoor spaces, booths, communal tables and several bars that there was room for everyone. There is even a suspended table overlooking the Chicago skyline. And let’s talk about the views: They are the best I’ve seen so far in Chicago! Roof was conceived as a year-round lounge that will work for Chicagoans way beyond the summer months. Chef and Chicago native Todd Stein, who previously led the Windy City kitchen of MK and Las Vegas’s David Burke, serves a menu of 20 small plates that offers something for everyone’s palate including small pizzas, roasted artichokes, fried mozzarella, carpaccio, skirt steak, truffle toast, roasted sweet pepper and goat cheese and tuna crostinis, lamb burgers and much more. There was an excellent DJ and even though the weather outside was cool, the unobtrusive bank of heaters along one wall kept everyone comfortable. It was an exciting place with happy people. I highly recommend it! Then we stopped off in one of the three restaurants that will be in the Wit, State and Lake. It’s on the ground floor and offers a chef-driven menu that serves artisanal American cuisine. Some of these offerings on this night included ale steamed mussels, BBQ shrimp, ahi tuna, NY strip, rainbow trout, braised short ribs, crab stuffed duck egg omelet, baby back ribs, roasted chicken, cheese burgers and much, much more. A third restaurant, Cibomatto, will have a modern Italian menu and will open July 7th. The 27-story Wit is located at 201 N. State St. – at the corner of State and Lake, as its restaurant denotes – and as you can see from the photos it’s the place to be! :) For reservations for the Roof and State and Lake restaurant, call 312-239-9502. Photos from top right: The Wit; Wit lobby; view from Roof; Roof crowd scene; Michelle Barone; sexy Roof lighting; another amazing Roof view.

A big thank you to Marcus Riley for recommending me for an interview on the new NBC show “The Talk”! My segment with Marian Brooks was aired Sunday morning and except for not knowing what camera to look at, I think it went pretty well! This was the second show and it’s based on talking to people and discussing current events. Good luck Marian and thanks for having me on! :) Photos from top left: me and Marian Brooks on the set of "The Talk"; Marcus Riley. If you missed the segment, don't fear: it's right here!  

 

I am now a contributor for Playboy’s new Playmate web site! Keep this link on your list of favorites and watch for my pic in Playmate News in the July issue! All of my blog entries are different….you just never know what you’re going to find so don’t forget to check out what CandidCandace is up to on Chicago Now (for instant updates) as well as the NBC Street Team! :) I am a very happy blogger and I hope you will like what you see!
 
And finally, congrats to Mary Ann Murphy! She and her rocker boyfriend Blitch are going strong and happy as two peas in a pod! Can’t wait to meet him, Mary Ann! Bring him to Chi-Town ASAP! Photo: Mary Ann Murphy and Blitch.
 
Thanks again for checking in and I hope you have a perfectly wonderful week! This video is so heartwarming and shows the true meaning of sportsmanship….
 
Love,
Candace :)