Candid Candace

THE LADIES WORE RED FOR BUNKY’S VALENTINE’S DAY TEA

Man about town Bunky Cushing has done it again! He assembled a group of gorgeous, talented and philanthropically bent women for his 16th St. Valentine’s Day Tea. For the first time, the party was held at the Four Seasons since construction is ongoing at the Ritz-Carlton, where the event has been held in the past. Everyone loved the new venue and thought it was one of the best parties ever—which is why Bunky has decided to have the Tea at the Four Seasons indefinitely. No hard feelings though since the two hotels have the same owner. The invitations, as always, were from Tiffany—only the best for Bunky! And when these red and white engraved invites arrive in the mail, you feel very special indeed! They included the instructions, “Ladies, please wear red.” The Four Seasons did a great job and the champagne was flowing…the food displays were works of art and included curried chicken salad in profiteroles, egg salad on brioche buns, French ham, Dijon and Gruyere sandwiches, assorted tea breads (lemon poppy seed, carrot cake and zucchini bread) and traditional scones with Devonshire cream. On every table there were elegant displays of crystal candles of varying heights with multi-colored rose petals scattered around. The floor-to- ceiling windows offered an enchanting scene of falling snow while we were cozy inside. Around 85 attended the Tea this year including Kathy O’Malley Piccone, Maria Pappas, Carrie Hightman, Judge Mary Pat Burns, Cindy Burns, Hazel Barr, Jean Antoniou, Diane Edelman, Deirdre Platt, Helen Melchior, Lee Bauer, Dori Wilson, Carrie Lannon, Liz Sharp, Carlette McMullan, Laura Barnett, Felicia Winiecki, Greg Hyder, Mary Lasky, Toni Canada, Shauna Montgomery, Sherren Leigh, Ivy Gracie, Cathy Bell, Diane Cortino, Graham Kostic, Amalie Drury, Susanna Negovan, Rebecca Besser, Jannie Pearlman, Megan McKinney, Zarada Gowenlock, Whitney Lasky, Ann Wallace, Peggy Martay, Sally Jo Morris, Barbara Samuels, Susan Ellefson, Dr. Stacie McClane, Linda Heister, Shelley Farley, Denise Stefan, Lisa Malkin, Diane Palmer, Melissa Fadim, Susan Grimm, Vicki Hood, Alice Sabl, Dusty Stemer, Jodi McNally, Carol Prins, Lynda Silverman and many more. Bunky’s next event will be the second annual Early Birds & Bookworms Breakfast to benefit the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. This by-invitation-only event will be on Tuesday morning, May 18th, at RL. Alessandra Branca will be the guest speaker and she will be signing her beautiful new book, “New Classic Interiors.”  Eighty-five lucky ladies will be on the invite list…fingers crossed! :) (Photos by Caitlin Saville...click here to view more!)

ABC’s Terry Moran was due to fly in but the Washington, D.C. airport was closed. This didn’t stop resourceful event organizer Sugar Rautbord from having him Skyped in. The Kick-Off Reception was hosted by Sugar, Jim Tyree, Diane and Quintin Primo III at his Capri Capital office in the Hancock to celebrate and bring attention to the Alzheimer’s Action Summit and the seventh annual National Alzheimer’s Gala in Washington on Tuesday, March 9th. Diane Primo is one of the National Committee co-chairs and Terry Moran will be the recipient of the Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award. According to latest reports, the numbers of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease continues to escalate and the need for action is more critical than ever. In just another 40 years, the number of people with Alzheimer’s will more than triple to up to 16 million and the impact on families, the economy, care facilities and medical resources will be overwhelming. Unless we control it, it has been reported, that it will wipe out Medicare and Medicaid in 15 years as the population ages. Terry Moran took the test as a spokesman and disclosed via Skype that he has several of the markers. When he asked his wife if she would take care of him, she responded, “That’s what marriage is all about.” Among the notables in attendance on this snowy night were Jim Tyree, Diane and Quintin Primo III, NBC’s Marion Brooks, Gwendolyn Brooks, Edie, Larry and Ben Soldinger, Jim Stone, Marty and Jack Higgins, Mr. and Mrs. George Vradenburg, Maria and Bill Smithburg, Kathy Schmalen, ABC’s Sylvia Perez and Leah Hope and Chicago Mag’s Richard Babcock among others. The Chicago event benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association will be the 23rd annual Rita Hayworth Gala on Saturday, May 8th, at the Fairmont Hotel. For more info, please call 312-335-5216, visit www.alz.org or e-mail [email protected]. (Photos by Mitch Canoff; more images can be viewed here.)
 
I received a rather large envelope in the mail from my super doctor, Dr. Gerald Sobel, the other day. I thought oh-oh, now what test will I need! I opened it and to my delight, there was a children’s book enclosed. It isn’t really a book just for children but rather has a message for every pet lover, young and old. The title is “Annie Bananie: My Forever Home” by Monique Joyce (illustrations by Anne Farley Gaines) and it is so moving and so timely for this throw-away society. It is the true story of Annie, a toy poodle who through no fault of her own has changed homes and names several times in her 16 years. At the age of 14, blind and requiring special food and medicine, she is the voice of older dogs who all too often find themselves hoping for a “forever home.” Often thought of as too old for adoption, older dogs spend their remaining years in animal shelters. Author Monique Joyce is a nutritionist and diabetes educator who works in Chicago with Dr. Sobel. She is the founder of Slam Dunk for Diabetes Basketball Camp, an organization sponsored by the Chicago Bulls. This scholarship camp is free to all children with diabetes, ages 5 to 18 years. “Annie Bananie” is told from Annie’s perspective and offers many life lessons: remain hopeful when things seem hopeless and appreciate the value in all living things…young and old. But most importantly, don’t overlook an older pet for adoption, they can bring you more joy than you know. Save a Senior! I hope you buy this book and inspire others with its life lessons. There will be a “Read-In” on Saturday, Feb. 20th at the Coffee Break Café located at 10307 S. Hale. To order this delightful book, visit www.anniebananiewebsite.com. 
 
If you don’t know David Rothstein, I think you should. First of all, he was recently featured in TCW Magazine this month as one of the top singles…I know why since he is very cute. But his history and his character are what make him stand out from the crowd. He founded David Rothstein Music in 2000. After he toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1994, he started playing with various wedding bands in the Chicago area. He was frustrated over the fact that he could predict every band’s playlist since they were never tailored to the individual. He decided he wanted to change this and has done just that with his talented band. However, the one thing that sets him apart is his charity, Share Your Love. After the wedding is over, he asks the bride if she’d be willing to donate her floral arrangements to hospitals, nursing homes or care centers. At no cost to the bride, he takes the arrangements himself to those less fortunate. All he needs is the bride’s okay and off they go to make someone else’s day! The staff of the facility will distribute the flowers to those most in need the next morning. His first wedding with the program was on June 27th, 2008 and the bride and groom donated 27 arrangements to the Lexington Assisted Living Facility. To date, his couples have donated over 200 flowers. Keep up the good work David…on AND off the dance floor! Call 773-244-1239 or visit his site to learn more.

Do you know what a “Scarfee” is? Designer Julia Saeid created these delightful little scarves in a variety of fabrics, styles and colors. They can be worn in numerous ways to create a cool cowl neck, shawl, hood or a traditional scarf. It is a great way to add a little style (or warmth in this frigid weather!) to an outfit without breaking the bank—they are all under $50. She plans on expanding her line once she finishes up at Columbia College in May. Her ideal client is someone who wears their clothes and doesn’t let their clothes wear them. She plans on doing a complete clothing line in the future—her inspiration was the late Alexander McQueen. We wish her the best…we love Scarfees!!! For more info visit www.etsy.com/shop/juliasaeid or e-mail [email protected].
 
Victory Gardens Theater has another hit play on its hands with “Blue Door.” Playwright Tanya Barfield’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama showcases Bruce Young and Lindsay Smiling as they journey through four generations of black history in one sleepless night. It is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to live with—or escape—the past. It runs through February 28th at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Ave.). For tickets and info, call the box office at 773-871-3000 or e-mail [email protected].

I want to send out HUGE KUDOS my friend and writer extraordinaire, Lucinda Hahn, who wrote the profile on me for Chicago magazine. She has just been tapped by Coastal Living Magazine to be a contributing editor, a position that will have her writing travel stories; her first assignment will be a road trip through the Florida Keys (nice job if you can get it!) but she’s also scouting for photo-friendly coastal homes such as Lake Michigan summer retreats, Palm Beach and the Carolinas. She's also got her eyes peeled for any other unique coastal story ideas:  families with on-the-beach holiday or food traditions, or folks whose work or play relates to the coast in an interesting way. This lifestyle magazine (circulation 600,000) is very food- and eco-oriented so if you think you’ve got a great story or know of a photogenic house, e-mail Lucinda at [email protected]. Congrats Lucinda…oh, the places you’ll go! :)

I hope your Valentine’s Day was special and that you didn’t eat TOO much chocolate! Have a great week and I will return on March 3rd after a little vaca to South Beach! :) Hopefully, the weather will be a little better there!
 
Love,
Candace :)
[email protected]
 
P.S. The Old Town Triangle Center will be presenting “The Teahouse of the August Moon” on Saturday, March 6th, at 3:30 p.m. at 1763 N. North Park Ave. For reservations, please e-mail Shirley Baugher at [email protected]. My son, Charley Jordan, will be appearing in it along with a very talented cast so you KNOW it will be good! :)

P.P.S. Don't forget to check out my profile, "Belle of the Blog," in the March issue of Chicago magazine...it hits newsstands this Thursday. I can't begin to express how excited I am; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed the interview and photo shoot!

 

POTTERY BARN OPENING BENEFITS PARKWAYS FOUNDATION

My husband laughed when I told him I was going to be a host for the Pottery Barn opening last week but he sure wasn’t laughing after he picked me up at 8 p.m. and the place was jammed to the rafters! And even though the night was freezing and windy, it didn’t stop the 400+ crowd from coming to check out this latest Lincoln Park offering. Everywhere you looked in this 15,000-square-foot space, there was something beautiful to buy. The creative displays around the store were works of art themselves. Chef Guy Meikle from Jon Wool’s Finesse Cuisine prepared mouth watering appetizers that were displayed on enticing and unique tabletops around the expansive space. Offerings included lychee martinis, artisan cheeses, roasted veggies, cured meats, sausages, chutneys and chocolate truffles to name just a few. There was even a terrific jazz combo, Stitely, playing throughout the evening. By the time I left, it looked like the party was getting even bigger. A check for $5,000 was presented to the Parkways Foundation which was the beneficiary for the opening party. Seen in the crowd were the Factio Family, Melissa, Henrique and Milla Kerch, Chris Sofka, Kathy Corday, Walter Glass, John DeVine and his son John III, Scott Bobek, Lesley Goodman, Patrick Plante, Stacy Book, Regional Manager Trina Werner, Ryan Beshel, Christina Mighty, Grace Wahler, Bonnie Smith, Emily Fowler, Marissa Rudman, Aisha Murff, Dede Lubeznik, Jordan Shackelford, Colleen Doughery, Zack Napolitano, Kaven Corey, Jill Loeser, Cynthia Dirkisen, Jonathan Johnson, Devon Mosley and Gale Gottlieb among others. Co-hosts for the evening included Stacey Reinking Sather, Jessica LaGrange, Susanna Negovan and moi. See more photos here! 
 
It started out innocently enough with a phone call from former Tribune society scribe, Lucinda Hahn. “Hi Candace, remember me? I will be writing a story about you for Chicago magazine.” It came out of the blue from her editor, Dick Babcock. He approached her about the story and she said “This would be great since I sort of already know her.” In fact, being at many of the same parties together for a while, she was right…we did sorta know each other. Well, by the time the story was finished she became, as DeNiro said, “In my circle of trust.” She followed me everywhere—even came to my house for Christmas (but by then she had come as a friend). I must say it really was a bit unnerving to have someone watching you and writing down God Knows What about your various conversations and encounters. Not to mention, she also delved into my past—all the way back to junior high school!  Let’s just say she now knows more about me than my mother ever did! First, she joined me at the World of Chocolate event benefitting the Aids Foundation (I was a judge), then we went to my event for Common Threads which was a launch party for their first cookbook at the Omni (I was the host), after this, we went to Jerry Kleiner’s Icon Theater opening. It seems she called and talked to almost everyone who ever knew me or, in some cases, who barely knew me…and then the photos! Fortunately, I am a saver (much to my husband’s chagrin) but happily, to Lucinda the reporter. She asked for and got all of my past modeling photos, my seven covers for Playboy (I had always thought I had four but thanks to the crack Chicago magazine fact checker, SHE told me I had seven!), family photos, house photos and even garden photos! For all of the information she collected about me, I believe we could do a book or two together. A photo shoot was arranged to accompany the article…I had some trepidations about this since I am sort of a control freak: I even suggested using a photog who had already shot me and I was comfortable with but once I met Erika Dufour (remember this name, she is AMAZING), I knew I was in good hands. She had assembled the best team I’ve seen in a long time…especially the makeup artist, Sharon Casey, who may be the best in the business. She applied false lashes and even knew how to make my “snake lips” look much fuller without looking fake. After we shot for awhile, we all viewed the pics on the computer. Erika’s cropping is genius and she could make anyone look like a movie star! Megan Lovejoy was the art director on the shoot and in the end, we all put on big necklaces and shot our own pic together. It was so much fun and it was great being in front of a camera again…especially Erika’s. Look for the March fashion issue of Chicago magazine which will be on the stands mid-February. :) Click here for more photos!
 
I can’t wait to try out The Southern restaurant which opened February 5th! This is the revamped Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave.) which was such a beautiful space with great food but now I hear it is EVEN better! As Executive Chef Cary Taylor said, “It is everything that Chaise never was but deep down inside always wanted to be.” They will feature food from the Deep South but with a more metropolitan edge. Some of their tasty treats include pulled pork, poutine (hand cut fries, cheese curds and tasso ham with gravy), fried green tomatoes, Johnnycakes with chow-chow, mac ‘n cheese, oyster roast, rosemary black eyed peas, Charleston-style crab cakes, braised pork shank, grilled shrimp with grits and so much more. Dessert includes Mississippi mud and carrot cake! It’s all very reasonably priced. Owner Jim Lasky said, “The Southern is more Savannah genteel than honky tonk.” Chef Taylor will continue to buy from Green City Market as well as local farms. I can’t wait to try it!!! Good luck Jim and Cary! What great menu ideas! (And are these photos making your mouth water as much as mine?!)
 
So many wonderful restaurants have opened recently—what recession?! I celebrated Cindy Burns’ birthday with a group of friends at Karyn’s on Green. Located at 130 S. Green in the old Butter space, this restaurant is starkly gorgeous. The view through the two-story windows alone is worth the visit. It’s a wonderful mix of raw and cooked with menu items by Chef Brian Bowden such as “crispy chicken legs” made with sweet potato hash, Swiss chard and Kentucky Bourbon BBQ sauce. There is also penne marinara made with whole wheat noodles and San Marzano tomato sauce. Appetizers include eggplant cannelloni made with ratatouille, rosemary cream, charred eggplant puree and olive oil. Their crab cakes – made with sautéed spinach and mustard sauce – were definitely a standout menu item. Friends toasting Cindy included Sheryl Dyer, Simona Groza Garcia, Laura and Martha Wallace, Judge Mary Pat Burns, Dr. Stacie McClane and Jean Antoniou. We love you Cindy…can’t wait to celebrate the next one with you!
 
Epic Restaurant hasn’t been open long at 112 W. Hubbard but you’d never guess it because they have the food and service down to a science. It was our first time there and when we first walked in, I thought it was a sports bar. I counted at least four screens and the room looked a little bleak. However, after we went to the second floor for dinner, all of these impressions changed…the food is four star and then some. And I can’t say enough about the service from the doorman on up…it was simply wonderful. Executive Chef Stephen Wambach has created a dining delight. Owner Steve Tavaso has a sure winner on his hands!
 
TCW magazine is hosting a party on Friday, March 12th to celebrate 40 of Chicago’s Hottest Singles! The party will be at Enclave (220 W. Chicago) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will be hosted by two of my favorite friends, Tsi-tsi Felix and Kelli Zink. Tickets are $60 and benefit Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation. This foundation supports organizations with operating budgets of less than $500,000 to provide essential programs and services for women and children. Sexy singles this year include Fabrice Calmels, Lynne Bredfeldt, Laura Schwartz, Patrick O’Herlihy, Jennifer Connor, Jason Ream, David Rothstein, Jackie Kim, Corri McFadden, Brooke Skinner, Arnie Becker, Edgartt  Melton, Patrick Brown, Monika Lotter and many others! An advance RSVP is required; check out www.TCWMag.com or call 312-951-7600 x171 for more info.
 
I want to give a BIG shout out to gorgeous model Shaya Ali! She’s just returned from South Africa where she was modeling for Trigger Agency. I can see these kids were thrilled to have her there!!!!
 
More congrats and kudos are in order for PR whiz extraordinaire, Lynne Bredfeldt! OMG, is there an honor that she HASN’T won?! The Rising Star Award was her most recent accolade and now the Park Hyatt Hotel has gotten very smart and very lucky by hiring her to be their public relations director! She is a one-woman PR band and any organization or account she’s handled have realized great exposure and success with their events. I am so proud and happy for my friend!!! Good luck Lynne…there is no limit to your success!
 
Vocalist and personality Nan Mason’s last performance at the Pump Room was very moving but all of her fans will be happy to know that she will be performing at the Drake Hotel for a Valentine special entitled “An Evening of Love Songs, Splendor and Dancing.” It will be a one-night performance on Saturday, February 13th from 9 p.m. through 12:30 a.m. For more info please call 312-932-4619. The party continues…
 
Just for fun I asked my Facebook friends what they did for Super Bowl Sunday and here’s some of their answers: Jen Knoedl (The Sauce) read a good book; entertainer to the stars Steve Kemble made chocolate-dipped strawberries and painted white icing lines on them to look like footballs and presented them as hostess gifts (he made us all look bad…); singer Lynne Jordan was traveling back from the Baltic region; Maralyn Owen was at Jillian and Ed’s (of “The Bachelorette” fame) housewarming party; South Beach-based interior designer Agustin Fernandez was “looking forward to the Hoosier/Cajun exodus on Monday”; Myra Reilly and Jack Perno were working on photo shoots…but my favorite comment came from Carlos Escabedo who made “making a ham, greens, smashed sweet potatoes and skillet cornbread, watched movies and was comfy and cozy.” Now there’s a man with a plan! And of course, congrats to the Saints on their very first Super Bowl win and to the Colts for an overall fantastic season!
 
Love,
Candace :)
[email protected] 

 

P.S. Fashion Columbia’s 2010 Kick-Off Reception will be held on Thursday, February 11th, at the Blackstone Hotel (636 S. Michigan Ave.) from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. This special VIP event celebrates Fashion Columbia’s fashion show and spring luncheon which will be on May 11th at the Chicago Public Library. Please call 312-369-7420 for more details.

JOFFREY GALA KICK-OFF PARTY AT PARK 52

The Joffrey Gala is right around the corner – April 23rd to be exact! – and to celebrate the co-chairs put together an incredible Kick-Off Party at Park 52 Restaurant in Hyde Park. Yolanda and Jason Tyler and Anne and Burt Kaplan are the co-chairs for this year’s Gala which is being held in Union Station for the first time. Park 52 was an amazing experience after we finally found our way there…no fault of the restaurant, we just had bad directions. When you see it for the first time, it looks like a charming inn in historic Harper Court. Along with Jerry Kleiner, owner Marc Brooks has made this Hyde Park restaurant the go-to place, not only for its ambience but for the awesome food and service as well. On this particular evening, the restaurant had been reserved for the Joffrey. The place was packed, as everyone wanted to see this exciting hotspot. The creative co-chairs had even hired Gentlemen of Leisure to perform and entertain and they really rocked the house. They had the crowd, including the Joffrey dancers, up on their feet and dancing to every song. They even formed a conga line that snaked around the restaurant and everyone joined in. The dancers raved about the orchestra and they certainly are in the know about things like this! The food, prepared by master Chef Alan Njike, is contemporary American bistro fare and they have an open kitchen with a special chef’s table that allows diners to view the careful preparation that goes into each dining experience. Happy partygoers included Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Executive Director Christopher Conway, Harriet and Irwin Ross, Frances Elliot, Lisa Malkin, Marisa Bryce, Sarah and Ted Tetzlaff, Marilyn Slattery, Millie Cruzat, Helen Melchior, Julie Johnson, Grace Barry, Liza Brooks, WB President Christine Ott, Wendy Ellis Somes (Cinderella Director and Supervisor), Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Linda O’Bannon, Chris Long, dancers April Daley, Mauro Villanueva, Jonathan Dummar, Valerie Robin and Brian Gephart among many others. The Chicago Tribune’s Phil Vettel had this to say: “This buzz-worthy restaurant should be on your to-do list.” Just like the Joffrey Gala on April 23rd! Click here for more photos!
 
This weekend 40th birthday parties ruled! Two friends celebrated their big 4-0 in grand style. Dr. Stacie McClane’s birthday party was held at the LaSalle Power Company. Her longtime friend, Kate Covington, created a Southern atmosphere complete with Spanish moss hanging from the ceiling to celebrate and honor Stacie’s roots. The invite was darling as well…at the top, there were two quotes: Stacie - “We are NOT having a party.” Kate - “Oh YES we are!” All of her many friends turned out to celebrate with her.  Spotted in the crowd were Cindy and Marty Burns, Felicia and Kurt Winiecki, Peggy and Bill Martay, Tina and Jeff Weller, Bonnie and Jack Ricard, Sheryl Dyer, Jean Antoniou, Sherrill and John Bodine, Honorable Mary Pat Burns, Toni and Rick Canada, Alexander and Colleen Coxe, Yvette Cusack, Tracy DiBuono, Elizabeth and Tom Ging, Terry and Susan Grimm, Simona and Dennis Garcia, Sherry and Rick Holson, Sharyl and Mike Mackey, Honorable Allen and Linda Masters, Pat and Edward Maxwell, Dr. Kurt Olsen, Vonita Reescer and Dick Miller, Connie and Katherine Saville, Dr. Diane Gerber and Howard Siegel, Lynda Silverman, Dr. Shari Goldman Snow, Linda and Bill Varney, Dr. Florence Mussat, Laura Wallace, Martha and Tom Wallace, Ellen Wesley and Marc Well among others. The cutest part of the evening came when seven friends (Tracey DiBuono, Sheryl Dyer, Cindy Burns, Yvette Cusack, Peggy Martay, Jean Antoniou and Laura Wallace) “sang” to Stacie wearing lab coats, gloves, syringes and boas! What a fun tribute to a wonderful lady! Happy birthday Stacie! (Additional pics by Caitlin Saville here!)
 
My next party was at the Victoria’s Secret store for NBC’s Julee White’s 40th, “Bringing Sexy Back.” I don’t think sexy ever left in Julee’s case though. She was stunning in red, as the invite requested and even had her mom and dad there. Around 200 people celebrated this milestone amid the sexy lingerie. It was a lot of fun and everyone was there: Brenda Sexton, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Jon and Andrew Landan, Jim Friedman, Charlene Gorzela, Paul Iacono, Rhonda Sanderson, Alan Sax,  Garrett Popcorn’s Scott Schroeder, Julie Darling, Ben Soldinger, Grace Yum, Lisa Aprati, Brenda Arelano, D.C. Crenshaw, Bull’s Linton Johnson, Mike Foster, Heather Brazil, Ben Randle, Corinne Melchior, Garcy Kumar, Mora Girgis, John Shannon, Lucinda Hahn, Kevin and Kimberly Kline, Anastasia Yanyuchenko, Joel Barnes, Deborah Chapman and Tony Robinson, Andrea Schwartz, NBC’s Marion Brooks, Connie, Katherine and Caitlin Saville and Carolyn Chambless among many others. The after party was at Underground. I didn’t make it… :( View more images here!
 
Saturday night was the end of an era, the last dance, the last call for the Pump Room. I learned about it through a Facebook friend, Maralyn Owen; if it weren't for her, I wouldn’t have even known about it. Quite frankly, I think a lot more people would’ve shown up if it had been more widely publicized. In any case, it was still crowded with friends and well wishers who all came out to share memories and stories of times past in this historic space. Nan Mason was in her glory on stage with her handsome husband, Terry Higgins, singing for the last time. The chandeliers twinkled as brightly as they always have since its beginning in 1938. I’ve heard that the bar will remain open and the dining room will be available for special events. Last June, Crain’s had reported that NY hotelier, Ian Schrager, was in talks about purchasing the hotel but there hasn’t been any word to confirm or deny this. I do know that Nan Mason won’t be there anymore so this will really be the end of the Pump Room as we know it! She has legions of fans just waiting for her next move…maybe it will be to The Drake? Who knows??? For more photos, click here! 
 
About this time of the year, we all start yearning for some fun in the sun. I just happened to have lunch with a fellow Joffrey friend, Dana Hokins and when the conversation got around to, “So what do you do for a living?” her answer surprised me. She said very humbly, “Oh, I’m just an innkeeper.” As it turned out her grandparents, Bernice and Myron Hokins, found this little spot in the British Virgin Islands in the summer of 1964 and wound up buying it in 1973. It is now a world class resort called the Bitter End Yacht Club. It is located on the island of Virgin Gorda and situated on 75 acres of land 12 miles from Tortola, 30 miles from St. Thomas and 75 miles from Puerto Rico. The property is only accessible by water and is the last island outpost before the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Top of the line sailboats, skiffs, windsurfers and other equipment, along with room excursion boats and exciting day trips have been added over the years to make Bitter End an experience that visitors won’t soon forget. All of the activities that Dana participated in with her family when she was young are offered to this day—snorkeling, beach combing, sailing, scuba diving, fishing and many others. The villas and bungalows are decorated in beautiful island style and there is a fresh water pool and spa among many other amenities…I wish I were there right now! Venture further into paradise here!
 
I want to congratulate my longtime friend Robert Gonzales on his incredible new opportunity in the world of fashion! Robert is the go-to florist around town and has been ever since Oprah picked him for her floral needs several years ago. After this, many celebs followed suit including Jennifer Hudson, Shania Twain, President Obama and Barbara Walters to name a few. I came to know about his amazing floral design skills when Chilli Pepper had ordered a birthday arrangement from him for me a few years ago. When it had to be brought into Gibson’s by TWO men, I knew this guy could definitely do DRAMA! But besides being so grand, it was also the most gorgeous and creative floral arrangement I had ever seen. And when I finally got to meet him, forget about it! Besides his obvious skills, he is also a longtime body builder and one of the cutest guys you’ll ever see. I am not a bit surprised that his talents are now in demand on the fashion scene. World-renowned photographer, Mike Ruiz, tapped him for this photo shoot with Vanessa Williams for the cover of Rouge magazine. As you can see from the pics, Robert was more than up to the task. Now he is on the wish list of every art director, designer and photographer who want to create exciting new images using exotic flowers for their ad campaigns and runway shows. I am so proud and happy for this big dreamer from Venezuela who at the age of 14 knew exactly what he wanted!! We will be hearing a LOT more from Robert Gonzalez! Congrats RG! We’re all rooting for you!!! (Pics by Mike Ruiz and hair and makeup by Roberto Morelli) See more of Robert's amazing creations here and on his web site, www.robertogchicago.com. He can also be reached at robertogchicago@gmailcom.
 
Didn’t you love the Grammy Awards? I thought it was the best I’ve seen in a long time…you couldn’t beat the opening performance featuring Lady Gaga and Elton John…OMG! And a special congrats to the Kings of Leon for winning Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Record of the Year! My girlfriend Laura Lyons Aldridge’s daughter, Lily Aldridge, is dating the band’s lead singer, Caleb Folowill. She was the gorgeous girl in the white gown he kissed upon winning! I am so proud and happy for them all!!! 
 
Well, I am running out of room but not out of news so stay tuned for next week’s Candid Candace! 
 
Love always,
Candace
[email protected]
 
P.S. Don’t forget the “Chefs and the City: A Stroll Through the Gallery” event on Tuesday, February 9th! This event benefits Vital Bridges and helps provide nourishing food to low-income people with AIDS. The party will be at Primitive (located at 130 N. Jefferson) from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres prepared by the West Loop’s finest restaurants and chefs including Blackbird, Avec, Meiji, Sepia and Province. Sponsors include Effen and RL Restaurant. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at www.vitalbridges.org. Hope you can join me! :)

P.S. #2 Get well wishes to Alan Carley and Happy 10th Anniversary to Beth Silverman!!!