Candid Candace

COMMON THREADS' COOKBOOK LAUNCH PARTY A HIT AT THE OMNI

Common Threads recently launched a new cookbook entitled Eat the World: Good-For-You Food for Families. I was fortunate to co-host this event along with the Omni Hotel who graciously underwrote the party. Chef Daven Wardynski, who will be participating in Chef Art Smith’s World Festival this year, prepared delicious hors d’oeuvres for almost 200 guests along with the “Small Threads” who also prepared some of the recipes from their new cookbook. The cookbook is full of simplified versions of the healthy, ethnically diverse recipes the students cook together in class. Along with the cookbooks, which were for sale for $20 each, we also sold darling Common Threads aprons. The Small Threads – Stephanie Sarabia, Starla Journet, Isaiah Spears, Jai Caldwell and Sakiya Campbell – signed the books for the guests and posed for photos. You can see from the pics that EVERYONE had a great time! The Omni Hotel is gorgeous and perfectly situated at 676 N. Michigan Ave. (The entrance is on Huron between Michigan and Rush.) The views from the 676 Restaurant on the fourth floor are breathtaking with the twinkling lights of the avenue in full view. The room was decorated beautifully for the party with a gorgeous fountain in front of the massive bank of windows.  I was introduced to Chef Daven by man-about-town Patrick Plante and it is thanks to him that this wonderful party became a reality. If you’re not familiar with Chef Art Smith’s charity Common Threads, its philosophy is a noble one: “We are Common Threads. We teach low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals because we believe that through our hands-on cooking classes we can help prevent childhood obesity and reverse the trend of generations of non-cookers, while celebrating our cultural differences and the things people all over the world have in common.” Supportive guests included Ann and Kevin Dwyer, CT co-founder Jesus Salguiero, Laura Wallace, Martha and Tom Wallace, Sherren Leigh, Cindy Burns, Hedwig and Bob Golant, Barbara Samuels, Daniel Kinkade, Charlie Kam, Sheryl Dyer, Rhonda Sanderson, Ken Norgan, Helen Melchior, John Regas, Amanda Puck, Terrence Chappell, Paul Iacono, Nashaub Ahmed,  Jim Cobb, Mailaka Otedela, Chef Jason McLeod, Bridget Quinlin, Ben Soldinger, Lucinda Hahn, Ed Howlett, Executive Director Linda Novick O’Keefe, Lori and Don Shroud, Andrew Mann, David Chihuahua, Attila Gyulai, Ernest Ward, Scott Bobek, Patrick Plante, Kim Kline, Kelly Rainey, Hunter Manzo, George Jewell, Sue Leonis, Kip Rodrigue, Shelley Howard, Carey Knowles, Andrea Schwartz, Peggy Lanigan, Terri Hickey, Veanca Campbell, Kelsey O’Neill, Erica Stimac, Chris Sofka, Donald Morris, Chris Free, Renisha Campbell, Karen Peters, Eileen Weinberg, Sherrill Bodine and Bonnie Rickard among many others. For more info on this worthy organization or to purchase a cookbook, please visit CommonThreads.org. (Thanks to Caitlin Saville for the fab pics...click here for more!)
 
Last week, we hosted a Playboy photo shoot in our home. It was very exciting and brought back fond memories of my years with both the clubs and the magazine. Pat Tomlinson, a makeup artist and stylist, has been with Playboy for 34 years and I hadn’t seen her in a long time. Jeff Cohen, a long-time art director and friend was also there so it was like Old Home Week. The model Jenna, a Pittsburgh native, had flown in that morning for a seven-hour shoot and video taping. The shoot was for three of Playboy’s special editions magazines, “Book of Lingerie,” “Hot Housewives” and “Vixens.” It was so funny to see Chuck trying to act like this was an everyday occurrence! Even my stepson, Charley, happened to “drop by.” There were two photographers (including staff photographer George Georgiou), two assistants, a makeup artist/stylist and Maria Hagen, another stylist, who initially contacted me. I had recently met Maria at a party and she had seen our home featured in some magazines and since she knew I was a Playmate, it was a natural fit. They loaded in so much equipment and lighting that you couldn’t find anywhere to walk. After a brief makeup touch-up (though her skin was flawless), Jenna and the photogs were off to find locations to shoot. The first setup was in the den. When Jenna posed naked in my husband’s favorite chair, our cozy sanctuary was transformed into “Playboy After Dark.” Jenna couldn’t have been sweeter….She came to this point by winning a Playboy sponsored golf tournament called “The Girls of Golf.” The participants voted on the most charming and attractive model and Jenna won. So now here she is in our kitchen trying on the teensiest, weensiest wardrobe you’ve ever seen. Her figure is flawless and measures 34D-25-35. During her taped interview hosted by another gorgeous model, Chernise (who had recently tested for Playmate), she said she never exercised. Sigh! Anyway, one of the secrets Pat shared with me was the lotion used to make the model’s skin come alive—it’s Nivea’s Silky Shimmer Lotion. Take note girlfriends! By the end of the shoot, Chuck had slipped into his velvet smoking jacket…when he goes for the pipe, I don’t know what I’ll do!! View more photos from this fun day here!
 
The Showplace Icon Theatre opening at 150 W. Roosevelt (Clark and Roosevelt Roads) was loaded with familiar faces. Since Jerry Kleiner and Judy Neidermaier had collaborated on this redo, it was no surprise that the place was packed. It is a very unique concept: a club within a theatre. You can mingle, eat and drink and then see a movie in the luxury of huge over-sized loungers. You can even drink adult beverages while watching the movie which is exactly what we did on opening night. They offered a 16 minute sneak peak of the blockbuster “Avatar” in 3D and it was quite a treat. (We’ve since seen the film and it is nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Make no doubt about it, director James Cameron is a genius. The imaginative world he created is something you’ll never forget.) Jerry was in his element and seemed very pleased with his latest venture. Seen on the scene were Victor Skrebneski, Shelley Howard, Carey Knowles, Lori and Don Shroud, Alan Sax, Ira Epstein, Trevian Kutti, Richard Foreside, Ben Soldinger, Lucinda Hahn, Ed Howlett, Rhonda Sanderson, John Regas, Jocelyn Stoller, Helen Melchior, Tim Egan and Jon and Andrew Landan among many others. Congrats on another winner, Jerry! We love 33 Club too as you know! Do you ever sleep? :) Many more images can be viewed here!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker dinner was held recently at the Palmer House. Co-chairs Astra Gamsjaeger and Kerrie Kennedy Mudd outdid themselves and took the event back to its roots. There was a matinee before the dinner and then an evening performance after so guests could take their pick of the experience they wanted. The dinner was held in my favorite room, the Red Lacquer Room. The massive chandeliers, dripping in clear and red crystals, make this room a perfect choice for the holidays. The co-chairs welcomed the crowd and then the Children’s Ballet Master, Carla Graham-White, was acknowledged for her outstanding support of the little dancers who participate every year in the production. After the meal, there was a “Kingdom of Sweets” set up in the Ballroom. It was a sight to behold and many of the magical visuals were created by Jonathan Ryan. The little kiddies’ eyes almost bugged out of their heads when they saw the marzipan snowmen, the life-size rocking horse and the princess and the snow king who were on hand for photos. It was such a fun event and everyone seemed to have had a wonderful time. Guests included MK Pritzker with her darling daughter, Ann and Ron Waters, Christina Gilberti, Carol Stone, Kathy Smith and her son Austin, Claudine Shramko, Edward Wagoner, Kelly Dettman, Ellen Distelheim, Jessica Steffenson, Judith Pierpont, Lauren and Marina Tatar, William Holitik, WB President Christine Ott and her son Liam and Executive Director Christopher Conway among others. Watch for the upcoming production of “Cinderella” beginning on February 17th! Victor Skrebneski shot this image of dancer Megan Quiroz who will be playing Cinderella for the invite. As you can tell, this WON’T be your grandmother’s “Cinderella”! Click here for more images! 
 
Kristina McGrath and her beautiful twin sister, Korinna Isselhardt, hosted their annual Christmas Party at Kristina’s gorgeous home! There was beautiful décor everywhere you looked and immediately upon entering, you were offered your choice of a Korinna or Kristina custom martini. It was girl’s night out and everyone had a blast—there was no way you couldn’t at a party hosted by these twin dynamos! Lucky and happy guests included Jan Flanagan, Toni Canada, Heather Farley, Nina Mariano, Maria Nasharr, Gayle Anthony, Julie Lampert with her darling mom and grandmom, Melissa Kann, Cathy Hofman, Kelli Christenson, Jacqui Woolbridge, Sheryl Dyer, Ava Vorwaller, Patty Nalepa, Ann Caron, Bobbi Jo Rittman, Lisa Allegra, Kristine Oakley, Trevian Kutti, Suzie Glickman and Melissa Gamble among many more. Here are some more photos!
 
That’s all for this week! We are in L.A. now and will be spending New Year’s Eve with Hef at the Mansion. I can’t wait to see all of my old friends again! I hope Santa was good to ALL of you and I hope you all have a very Happy New Year’s!   

Love,
Candace :)
[email protected]
 
P.S. Huge congrats to Pat Pulido Sanchez for her feature in Latino Leaders Magazine! As president and CEO of Pulido Sanchez Communications, she has been instrumental in showcasing and promoting leadership in the Latino community in America. Keep up the great work Pat!

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN CHICAGO

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Chicago
Not a creature was stirring, not even Blago!
The property tax payments were all in the mail
With hopes that our aldermen stay out of jail.

 
The Chihuahuas were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of “Tails in the City” danced in their heads.
And I in my Manolos and Chuck dressed so swell
We readied ourselves for a night at RL.

 

When all of a sudden, we heard on ‘GN
That down at City Hall
Some news had come in…

When what to our wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh flying o’er Navy Pier!
 

With a cute little driver so lively and cagey
We knew in a moment it must be St. Daley!
More clever than foxes, his alderman came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name!
 

Now, Burke! Now Vi Daley and Walter Burnett,
On Munoz and Reilly and Flores and Tunney
I need this year’s Christmas to be quite a honey.
 

As I turned to Chuck to say we must part
The Mayor issued this statement
Which made us both start:

 

“The Olympics aren’t ours and for that I am sorry
But I hope that your holidays are joyous and starry!
Christmas in Chicago—nothing compares!
And remember to keep the troops all in your prayers.”

 

 

With my deepest apology to Clement Clarke Moore! And now here are more “gratitude thoughts” from some of my friends…but first click here for some more great holiday images of our fair city!
 
Chaz and Roger Ebert had this to say: “One of the best Christmas gifts we ever gave was a donation to Nelson Mandela’s “Save the Children Fund” when we were in South Africa in 2001. In return, we were able to bid on a Christmas tree made by orphans. This tree is made of metal and hand-strung crystals and has portals for setting candles. Roger and I were so touched by the handiwork of the orphans that we had the tree shipped to Chicago so that we could start a new tradition with it. Every year, we install this tree along with our traditional fir tree. We encircle the South African tree with friends and family and each person takes a turn lighting a candle and making a wish for the New Year or stating something for which she/he is grateful. It is a lovely and poignant celebration. It is a gift that keeps on giving.”
 
NY Housewife Alex McCord says, “I am most grateful for all of our dear, crazy friends. When life is a whirlwind, those that ground us (even if they’re wearing feathers) are the ones we have on speed dial!” Her favorite gift to husband Simon was finding and replacing copies of some of his favorite albums that had been lost, broken or deleted over the years plus a few new titles from his favorite bands. She said, “It didn’t take much effort but the smile on his face was priceless!”

 

 

 
Handsome Bally head designer Brian Atwood said, “I am thankful for my health and my wonderful family. Without them, NOTHING matters….and for having a wonderful person in my life….. I have a lot to be thankful for.” The best gift HE’S ever received was an “amazing photograph of a white Lamborghini Countach.” He said, “It was soooo beautiful and always inspired me.”
 
With love and thanks at Christmastime to all of my readers…..Have a VERY Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! We will be at the Playboy Mansion for New Year’s Eve and I look forward to sharing all of the fun with you when we return! 
 
Candace :)
[email protected]

ROCK & ROLL MEMORABILIA RAISES BIG MONEY FOR CHARITY

The 21st Annual Rock for Kids Rock & Roll Charity Auction recently packed Park West. Over 500 Chicago musicians, radio personalities and fans came together to support this great organization that provides free year-round music education for children in need. Executive Director Maria Mowbray welcomed guests such as former Chicago Bear Richard Dent, attorney Jeff Jacobs, JAM co-founder Jerry Mikelson, Cool Globe’s Wendy Abrams and Cabaret Metro owner Joe Shanahan and legendary musician and longtime Rock for Kids supporter Buddy Guy. There were hundreds of fabulous live and silent auction items donated by music legends that spanned every era. Presiding over the live auction were WXRT radio personalities Lin Brehmer and Marty Lennartz along with expert auctioneer Jeff Brown. There was a signed Jackson 5 “ABC” album cover that went for $7,000, as well as signed vintage memorabilia from the Grateful Dead (an album cover that brought $6,000), Led Zeppelin (album cover that brought $6,800), Jonas Brothers (tour book for $900), Pearl Jam  (signed poster for $5,600), Lou Reed (guitar that made $2,200), Fall Out Boy (guitar for $1,000), Bon Jovi (drumhead for $1,600), Bruce Springsteen (signed album that brought $5,400), Huey Lewis (guitar for $410) and a “30 Rock” script signed by Tina Fey for $485. There were also items donated from all of the major Chicago sports teams (a Denis Savard jersey and Blackhawks tickets went for $3,600) as well as an “Oprah Experience.” Steve Martin donated a signed banjo ($5,400) and Elton John and Billy Joel donated a signed t-shirt. The MTV Music Awards donated a package that included two VIP tickets, airfare courtesy of Southwest Airlines and an overnight stay at the W Hotel plus other perks. This one-of-a-kind package raised $4,000. There was even a fundraising poster signed by President Obama, the band Wilco and Otis Clay that brought $6,000. There was something for all of the music loving fans and their support showed—the event raised over $200,000.  Seen in the crowd were Rock for Kids were Jr. Board President Kira Shalowitz, Adam Fried, Bob Sunderland, Luke Smith, Cookie Taylor (Koko’s daughter), Dr. Joel Shalowitz, Eric Jostock, Jeff Brown, Vince Bicicchi, legendary rock photographer Paul Natkin, Mary Martell, Betsy Ko, Kathy Schmalen, Beth Silverman, Vaida Diburtye, Melissa and Michelle Reed and Tara Shanahan to name a few. (Additional photos by J.B. Spector.)  Click here to view more photos!
 
The first ever Snow Ball was a big hit at the Knickerbocker Hotel. This event arrived just in time for Christmas since there were over 40 vendors who participated in this delightful, packed evening including Lili of Trieste, Gruen Galleries, Akira, Battaglia, Claudia Kleiner Malabar Collection, Elda de la Rosa Couture, Diva Girls, 5p1t, Lara Miller, Sophia Ferero Design and Christopher Augmon to name a few. Event organizer Rose Mandel seemed very pleased with her hard work that included fashion shows as well as gift ideas. The event was free and attracted over 600 guests who mixed and mingled among the holiday bazaar. The host committee was a Who’s Who in Chicago and included Kathy O’Malley, Lynne Jordan, Lee Casty, Hazel Barr, Fabrice Calmels, Jim Levin, BJ Murray, Steve Starr, Debbie and Don Yoshida, Shelley Howard, Elizabeth Bertucci, Richard Dayhoff, Leticia Herrera, Jen Knoedl, Corinne Melchior, Arabel Rosales, Barbara Samuels, Bradley Young, Dorothy Whealan and Stan Wozniak among others. The Knickerbocker lobby set the tone for the evening with their massive, gorgeous tree…..when you stepped into the ballroom, the room was abuzz with the sounds of laughter and twinkling candles from the holiday booths. Cameras were everywhere and the crowd was ready. Jen Knoedl wore a little Santa costume, albeit a chic one! Mary Kay DeMaio held court near the front and Steve Starr was everywhere snapping away. I saw friends I haven’t seen in years. It was a little like a Rush Street reunion! Seen in the crowd were Sally and Kerry Shorr, David Leonardis, John Walcher, Paul Iacono, Trevian Kutti, Rachel Schwanz, LeAnita Brooks, Carolyn Drake, Ward Nipper, Joanna Ammons, Phil Burnstine, Calvin Parks, Sergio Ugartechea, Monika Dixon, Joanna Pluta, Eva Pawlus, Chris Mahlmann, Andrea Plecko, Elysse and Chico Giovanni, Justin Jacobson, Latesha Lipscomb, Bonni and Chuck Gross, Aisha Murff and Rebecca Zemons among others. It was such a success that Rose Mandel plans on bringing it back again next holiday season so mark it on your calendars now! (Photos by Steve Starr and Rush Zimmerman.) See more images here!
 
The Sofitel Hotel was the site for the chic holiday party organized by handsome man-about-town Paul Iacono. James Beard Award winner Chef Martial Noguier outdid himself with the gorgeous displays of food that included dim sum and sushi stations, spicy crab cakes, beef carpaccio, mini burgers and risotto as well as beautiful assorted pastries and desserts. Paul greeted every guest at the door with a hug and smile and everyone was in a holiday mood. The snowy scene outside the windows made the event even more special. Friends mixed and mingled and photog Kat Carolan was there to capture it all. Guest Jerry Kleiner was talking up his latest project – the redo of the Icon Theatre on Roosevelt Road that he is doing with Judy Neidermaier and Dean Kerasotes – which opens Wed., Dec. 16th. The clever invite was a film strip with the info written on it. (We’ll all be going over after the Common Threads book launch party at the Omni on this same evening.)  Paul is such a well loved person around town that it’s no surprise that his party was packed with well-wishers.  Lucky friends in attendance this evening included Marisa Molinaro, Maria Pappas, Todd Hatoff, Marshall Erb, Trevian Kutti, John Walcher, Shery Dyer, Hazel and Warren Barr, Ben Soldinger, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Lynn and John McMahan, Brenda Sexton, John Regas, Rhonda Sanderson, Helen Melchior, Samantha Amato, Keith Shirley, John Amato, Andrew Mann, Frank Paul, Peter Kamberos, Rachel Schwanz, Todd Buffington, Richard Foreside, Don Poder, Michael Grimes, Ann-Marie and Jim Hanson, Susan and Michael Ciapciak, Gary Bahl, Pat Lauderdale, Winnie Moran, Alfonso Costa, Scott Schafer, Natalie Hummert, Jim Nutter, Phil Burgess, Cadey and Andrew Hershoff and Eavenson Horter among others. Paul’s goodie bags were a perfect ending to a perfect evening: DVDs of “The Polar Express” and “A Christmas Carol” plus assorted holiday candies!! We love you Paul! Merry Christmas! (Photos by Kat Karolan.)  Click here for more photos!
 
One of my favorite reads in the city is Michael Sneed’s annual Thanksgiving gratitude column in the Sun-Times. I love reading about all of the things she’s thankful for, from the simple (the sound of crickets at night) to the sublime (a Christmas cassoulet and her mothers’ turkey stuffing with her cracked gravy boat that still sits on the table). I was inspired to ask celebs around town and some of my favorite people two questions: What was the best gift they ever gave during the holidays and what are they most grateful for this holiday season. When I posted these questions on Facebook, I got a multitude of responses. Everyone seems particularly grateful for so much this year; bad times cause you to sit back and reflect on the positive things in life. Read their thoughtful answers…and just maybe you’ll find some good gift ideas, too:
 
Chef Art Smith, recently back from South Africa where he cooked for the kids at the Oprah Winfrey Girls Leadership Academy, said, “My favorite gift for me is always food, because it’s always appreciated and being a chef people love getting it….either I make a delicious cake or dinner and people love it. This holiday season I am thankful for friends in my life who have supported me in my effort to wellness. This will be my first healthy holiday…I am 70 pounds lighter!” 
 
Artistic Director for the Joffrey Ballet Ashley Wheater said, “The best present I ever gave was flying home from Australia as a surprise to my family for the holidays. I am most grateful that I will have my mother and partner here with me for the holidays and that my family is healthy.”
 
World-renowned designer Nate Berkus has a lot going on – in addition to his thriving business, he hosts "The Nate Berkus Show" on XM's Oprah & Friends channel and Harpo Productions is currently developing a syndicated daytime talk show (hosted by Berkus) to debut next fall – but always makes the time to give back. He says, “The best Christmas present I ever gave was an olive green Hermes Birkin bag to my mother as a surprise. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my brother, sister-in-law and niece who moved to Chicago this year.”
 
My favorite auctioneer, Leslie Hindman, will be hiking in Nepal over the holidays! The best gift she said she’s ever given was for her friend Joe Glossberg: Joe was a huge fan of sax legend Stan Getz and through sheer chutzpah she got him to come to Joe’s wedding. They all became friends and even attended the Jazz Festival together so she says intangible gifts are the best. She also said, “I am pretty much grateful for everything…amazing friends, a great, healthy family. I’m healthy, I have a great company and I love my people. I live in Chicago which is such a wonderful city…my life isn’t without frustrations but it’s better than most. For these things, I feel very blessed.”
 
Darling movie critic around town, Richard Roeper said, “Not to be too corny, but the best gift I’ve ever given is the chance to host my entire family for Christmas at home the last few years. Nothing makes me happier! As for what I’m most thankful for this holiday season: Someone close to me was dealing with serious health problems the last couple of years, but is now 100-percent healthy.”
 
Billy Dec’s best gift he’s ever given is of the philanthropic kind; he loves giving back and will be doing charity work with the Chicago Bears, United Airlines and Clara’s House. He goes on to say, “After losing my father a couple of months ago, and with everything going on in the world, I am most grateful for the family that I have with me, both personal and work.”
 
My Facebook friend, Kathryn Defts, is thankful to be living in Chicago. “Great people, restaurants, theaters, museums, parks and zoos—so much a livable city!” Myra Reilly agrees: “I am grateful to be living in the best city in the USA! Who would want to live anywhere else?”
 
Philanthropist Julie Lampert says, “I personally feel extremely blessed to have such wonderful friends who add so much to my life and also understand the importance of philanthropy and giving back.”
 
Beautiful jazz singer Erin McDougald is thankful for being able to do what she loves for a living. And to wrap things up, Playboy Playmate Louann Fernald (June 1979) had this to say: “I am thankful we live in this great country where we take so many things and freedoms for granted…like running water, safe neighborhoods, equality for women, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of association, right to due process, and so thankful there are so many young men and women in our armed services who are willing to sacrifice everything so that we can continue to take all of these things for granted….thank you Armed Services and God Bless America!” (Well said, Louann!!!!)
 
On this note, I will leave you to reflect on all of the things you are grateful for. Besides the health of my family and friends, I am grateful to be able to write this blog and connect with all of you. It’s amazing how something this small can change a life. I look at things so much differently now and am more appreciative of all that I see. 
 
My friend, photographer Teresa Potasiak, took this shot in her backyard….I think it’s a wonderful message for any time of year! (For more info on this talented photographer, you can e-mail her at [email protected].) Hope you’re enjoying this wonderful holiday season in Chicago!
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]
 
P.S. The Palmer House is hosting the “100 Women for Breast Cancer Event” on Tuesday, December 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Lockwood Restaurant. This evening will honor women with breast cancer and its survivors. Admission is free and proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the American Cancer Society. For more info, call 310-203-1489 or e-mail [email protected].