It was a bittersweet event this year for Victory Gardens Theater’s “Chicago Stories.” On the one hand, the beautiful Four Seasons grand ballroom was filled with over 350 enthusiastic supporters and, on the other hand, we were all there to say goodbye to much loved retiring Artistic Director, Dennis Zacek. There are normally three celebrity playwrights but, this year, there were only two due to the final play being a fun-loving tribute to Dennis. “Dennis the Musical” was directed by Sandy Shinner and created by Jim Sherman, both members of the VGT Ensemble Group. The other two plays were debuts by first-time playwrights Pam Crutchfield and Howard Tullman. Pam is a passionate and active member of the Chicago arts community and a co-founder of DanceWorks Chicago, a small company devoted to the professional development of young dancers and choreographers. In 2009, Pam received the prestigious Ruth Page Award and has been an ardent supporter for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street 2, River North Chicago Dance Company, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Luna Negra Dance Theater. Naturally, her charming and funny play took place in a Chicago ballet studio and was a political farce set in the dance world. It was written by Pam and Zachary Whittenburg and directed, as always, by Dennis Zacek. It had the crowd in stitches! Howard Tullman, the other celebrity playwright, is president and CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy. Howard was previously the president of Kendall College and is a trustee of WTTW in Chicago and the NY Academy of Art in NY. He is also an adjunct professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management as well as a regular guest lecturer at the Northwestern University School of Law. His list of accomplishments would cover this entire blog. Suffice it to say, he is a real human dynamo with the most amazing art collection I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing! His play, “Friends in Low Places,” covered the political fundraising scene in a very revealing light and was ever so clever. The honoree for the evening, Dennis Zacek, has been the Artistic Director for over 34 years. Under his leadership, Victory Gardens was honored as a recipient of the 2001 Regional Theatre Tony Award. VGT is also the recipient of the Actor’s Equity Association’s (AEA) Spirit Recognition Award which is given to institutions that “have made non-traditional casting a way of life.” And indeed, Dennis’ creative and critical eye has been unerring in steering VGT to the level of artistic success it enjoys today. Along with Executive Director Jan Kallish, they have been instrumental in bringing this wonderful theater company to national recognition and to being a jewel in Chicago’s theater crown. I was so proud to be a co-chair of this event along with Stephanie Pendexter and Anne Marie Peretz. The always amazing Bill Kurtis served as emcee for the evening with his usual aplomb. The committee consisted of Penny Brown, Les Coney, Chaz and Roger Ebert, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Virginia Fitzgerald, Jean Heller, Leslie Hindman, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, Sylvia Margolies, Helen Melchior, Sugar Rautbord and Bonnie and Jim Spurlock. Seen on the scene were Hedwig and Bob Golant, Joyce Chelberg, Maria Cozzi, Ruth and David Kahn, Emmy and Steve Stanley, Pam and Steven Adelman, Brian Ahern, Michael Cleavenger, Sandra Fernbach, Joanna Glass, Barbara Timmer, Catherine Benkaim, Dorothy Whealan, Dr. Fred Zar, Fred Bates, Ellen Benjamin, Deborah and Cody Engle, Virginia Fitzgerald, Bob Friedman, Brenda and James Grusecki, Pat and Mike Koldyke, Sylvia and Larry Margolies, Rhonda Rochambeau, Larry Shulman, Carol Rosofsky and Bud Lifton, Susan and Harry Siegle and Rich Skolly and Kate Feinstein to name a few. The Artistic Director torch will be passed to award winning director/playwright Chay Yew. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him, along with Executive Director Jan Kallish, reach even greater heights in the years to come. (Please click here to see ALL pics by Mila Samokhina.) I am so thrilled the arts community is so vibrant and thriving in Chicago! I attended 98.7 WFMT’s Diamond Jubilee at the Harris Theater recently. It was a veritable feast of artists who performed in honor of this 60th anniversary celebration. Famed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham served as Mistress of Ceremonies for a celebration that included performances by multi-platinum Israeli singer/songwriter/guitarist David Broza, Grammy winning folk star Shawn Colvin, renowned African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock and popular Chicago-based folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong. Also featured were the Chicago Children’s Choir and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. This one-hour bash continued with an elegant dinner prepared by George Jewell Catering at Millennium Park’s Rooftop Terrace. Auction packages included a dinner for 20 at Tiffany & Co., including event coordination and custom invites, a Gourmet Diamond Dinner courtesy of Jewell Catering with wines provided by Terlato, and last but not least, a gorgeous Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger diamond and gold 36-stone platinum bracelet valued at $21,500. Norm Bobin’s lucky wife Virginia proudly wore this home! This event, co-chaired by Renee and Lester Crown, attracted 1,200 guests to the performance and 500 to the Rooftop dinner and raised $1.1 million with all proceeds benefitting and sustaining WFMT and WTTW’s mission and commitment to engage, inspire and educate. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville, please click here.)
Eight hundred guests attended the gorgeous Rita Hayworth Gala benefitting the Alzheimer's Associationon Saturday, May 4th. The dramatic Hilton Chicago ballroom, with decor by Tom Kehoe, has never looked better for this 24th annual event. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan was bedecked in a brilliant green gown to match the emeralds that belonged to her grandmother, Volga Hayworth. To date, these galas have raised $60 million with every dollar going to research and caregiver support. June Barnard was Ball Chairman and her foundation matched every gift for the evening. Star FOX anchor Bob Sirott and his wife, Marianne, were the emcees and there were lots of salutes and accolades given to the Alzheimer's Association founder, Jerry Stone. Sandy Zane and Ned Bennett received the Alzheimer's Assn.'s Civic Awards for this year. The glam gala committee included long-time supporter Sugar Rautbord, Brooke and Duncan MacLean, Sharon and Scott Markman, Blythe, David, Linda and Robert Mendelson, Alice and John Sabl, and Sheila McClendon among others. Lynne Jordan and the Shivers kept the crowd on their feet. This event, which raised over $930,000 this year, was founded by Princess Yasmin Aga Kahn in honor of her mother, Rita Hayworth, who died as a result of this disease, with the first gala being held in NY in 1984. Held annually on Mother's Day weekend, this gala celebrates and honors medical research in the treatment, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease, as well as care and support programs for those affected today. (Please click here to see ALL of the party pics by Steve Starr.)
Those BOKA Group boys, Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, sure know how to run a restaurant! Recently, they gave us GT Fish & Oyster (which I love!), at 531 N. Wells, and NOW they have given us another great spot, Perennial Virant at 1800 N. Lincoln Ave. I am so glad this restaurant has reopened and granted, I will miss Chef Ryan Poli (although he has happily moved on and is set to open HIS new restaurant soon, Tavernita, at 151 W. Erie as chef/partner). And I do miss the beautiful birch tree décor that was there previously but, with Perennial’s latest reincarnation the menu continues to tantalize! We went with beloved neighbors, Shirley and Norman Baugher, to a tasting night. We tried everything and everything was fantastic! Chef Paul Virant is planning on using only seasonal ingredients and, on Saturday at the market, they had bought food items from 14 different farmers! Some of the tasty dishes on this night included smoked Rushing Waters trout, crispy Great Lakes whitefish, Gunthorp Farm chicken fricassee, Slagel Family Farm pork shoulder, smoked Dietzler Farm beef ribs and strip steak, Werp Farm lettuces and cream of Klug Farm asparagus soup to name a few. Desserts included Seeling Farms blueberry tarts, Bron’s honey nougat icecream and Templeton’s rye panna cotta. All mouth watering and delicious! Good luck to all! Can’t wait to return! AND I love having this great new spot in my ‘hood, Old Town! :) Ben Sherman will have his hands full with crowd control!
The Joffrey Ballet celebrated the end of its season with a wonderfully fun closing night party at the JW Marriott recently. The ballroom was transformed into shades of Joffrey blue and looked exquisite with the multiple chandeliers so creatively lit! Congrats to “Starry Night” event chairs Laura Silva and Annie Wallis. There were raffle prizes, fun Joffrey-based auction packages, great nibbles and a hot DJ. The Joffrey Auxiliary Board includes Coco Meers, Ben Strobel, Amanda Ciborowski, Rachel Eisenhauer, Callie Michels, Bradley Parks and Nico Rodriguez. The event was a celebration and thank-you to the amazing dancers and the hard working artistic staff. Just can’t wait to see what next season brings! To view more photos from this fun evening, click here! Well, that’s this week’s lowdown on some of Chicago highlights! Have a great Memorial Day weekend! I am taking my birthday week off and will “see” you all on May 31st! :)
P.S. Huge congrats to Macy’s at the Water Tower for their gorgeous renovation! The official unveiling of their multi-million dollar redo was worth every penny! They now have a new state-of-the-art cosmetics department as well as one of the largest handbag departments in the city!! And it is soooo beautiful! Kudos! To view ALL event pics, please click here.
THIS IS A SPOILER ALERT!!! If you are one of the few people living in caves who haven’t heard about Oprah’s “Surprise Spectacular Show” then read no further!
Chuck and I were lucky to be invited to what can only be called “The Greatest Show on Earth!” If a bomb, God forbid, would’ve hit the United Center Tuesday night, there would be no more stars left in the world. Every major celeb on the planet was there to pay homage to the most famous woman in the world – Oprah Winfrey.
When we first arrived, we couldn’t believe our eyes at the lines snaking out blocks and blocks in every direction from the United Center. But, surprisingly, everyone was in great spirits, joking and making new friends as the lines inched along towards Mecca, the doors that would allow you access to the most talked about event in town, Oprah’s second- and third-to-last shows of her 25-year span of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” On May 25th, her final show will be taped in her studio for the last time. Too sad for words…some people in the audience had never missed a show and had literally grown into adulthood with her. It must be especially sad for these people. There was even a proposal on stage between a cute firefighter and his girlfriend, Jenna. Oprah’s “prompters” were working the crowd almost from the moment you entered the building. All dressed in black with boundless enthusiasm, they gave shout-outs to people they saw in the crowd. “Hey, Mayor Daley, did you get the night off?” ‘Da Mayor was seated with Maggie and Nora Daley Conroy and another friend or family member (I couldn’t tell who) and never took his arm off of the back of Maggie’s chair. Carson Kressley was in the audience as well as Chef Art Smith (who made brunch for friends and family at his Table 52 the following day), who was wearing a chic straw hat, white shirt and thin black tie. He’s lost 118 lbs. to date and looks fantastic! The United Center was electric in anticipation of what was to come and there was much dancing onstage and off as the crowd along the stage started doing the Hustle simultaneously to one of the songs. The prompters told us to follow the instructions streaming along the walls at the appropriate time. This show would ALL be a complete surprise to Oprah who was tucked safely away in a sound-proof room. Previously before the show, along with our ticket info, we were given the opportunity to buy a book or books for Oprah’s “First Book” program. This would be a big surprise for her as well and when the time came, we were all instructed to hold our books up which were placed under our chairs, to her tearful delight. This time the gift was for Oprah with love from the 25,000+ audience and it was a very special moment for everyone. And then the lights dimmed, the countdown for TV began, the music was cued and out came Oprah. She was dressed in the most elegant purple gown with exquisite beading along the waist and neckline with her hair in an elegant slicked back high-styled ponytail. Her diamond chandelier earrings had the largest center diamond stone I may have ever seen. At first glance, it looked like a cluster of diamonds and then you realized the entire center part was one massive stone…only in Oprah’s world! Wow! And then, shortly after O appeared, Tom Hanks walked onstage to wild applause and said, “Today you are surrounded by nothing but love. More than 40 million people have tuned in every week and pulling off this show must’ve seemed like a “‘Mission Impossible.’” Guess who came on next? Tom Cruise!!!! Tom said, “You have been called Glenda the Good Witch and you have always had the power…” With this, Jackie Evancho (“America’s Got Talent”) appeared at the end of the loooooong runway-type stage singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” She continued along the runway to the main stage where she was met by Josh Groban who continued the “Wizard of Oz” medley…and then Patti LaBelle entered the mix and the stadium erupted. After this moving song, Tom Hanks introduced a “hard-working mother of four” – MADONNA! Madge introduced the first audience participation segment that included both sides of the stadium holding up white cards. A projection of women across the world was shown on the cards which served as a giant video screen and told the story of hope Oprah has spread throughout the world. Madge said that Oprah is the only living woman in the world that she is inspired by. Dakota Fanning then introduced Oprah’s “Youngest Ultimate Viewers.” All of the little kids formed a circle around O and she shook their little hands…so touching. Oprah had a man following her around whose sole function was simply to supply her with Kleenex when she reached out her hand and she needed a LOT of it on this night! Next onstage, was the stunningly gorgeous Beyonce who performed in a little short black tux with red high, high heels. Her dance troupe of 12 beautiful women performed her latest single “Run the World (Girls)” twice because there was some technical problem but BOTH times, it was very high energy and had the crowd on their feet cheering and clapping. Tom Hanks remarked, “I don’t know what Beyonce was recruiting for, but I’m signing up!” Oprah said, “And did you see those quads?!” Beyonce sure DID look awesome! Next, John Legend appeared onscreen from New Orleans at a school that was rebuilt by Target. In honor of Oprah’s 25 years, Target has pledged to rebuild 25 libraries across the country. While we waited for a commercial break, busy bee workers raised a huge structure to the top of the ceiling for the next segment which opened with Diane Sawyer. She told Oprah that she knew she was inspired by the huge oak trees (on her Santa Barbara estate) and that 25,000 oak trees will be planted across the nation to inspire others. Oprah said to the audience, “Everybody gets a tree!” Halle Berry, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes took to the stage and honored extraordinary viewers including a mother to 29 foster children who was in the audience. They all looked so glamorous and then Rascal Flatts performed to a montage showing the many people whose lives Oprah has touched including an Afghan woman who was inspired to be her country’s first talk show host as well as soldiers serving in Iraq.
There was a short break and then the taping for the second show began. It opened with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith who said, “It’s great to be in the house that Michael Jordan built!” And with that, the familiar opening Bulls’ introduction was heard and the lights flashed like the days of old in the stadium and that familiar announcer’s voice was heard, “And now, at guard, 6’6” from North Carolina…” and the crowd just lost it. Michael Jordan got the biggest, most thunderous roar for the night and even Oprah kept mentioning him throughout the rest of the show with awe and surprise. And, as if this all weren’t enough, Jamie Foxx arose from the audience as a surprise, singing “Isn’t She Lovely.” He walked slowly to the stage, greeted O and then the stage opened up to reveal Stevie Wonder finishing the song with Foxx. It was an OH-MY-GOODNESS moment for sure! Wonder sang a new song he had begun for his mother but finished in honor of Oprah. More tissue please! Then we all needed some comic relief and it appeared in the form of none other than Jerry Seinfeld! He is so darn funny! His opening line was, “What is this all about here? How much can one person take?” He had the audience in stitches and continued on with a shtick about how his wife and women in general notice “tones” in men’s voices…as in “I don’t like your tone!” He was so funny, as always! A clever song and dance number starring Rosie O’Donnell came next with Oprah's discoveries appearing onstage: Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and Nate Berkus. Simon Cowell also made an appearance (a forgettable one and seemingly the weakest link in the show in my opinion…). Next, Oprah’s best friend, Gayle King, and Maria Shriver (who looked so very thin) came out and talked about their love for Oprah. (I can’t imagine how much courage it must’ve taken for Maria to appear after the nasty revelations about the "Sperminator"). On the stage screen the number of students who have gone to school because of Oprah flashed in big, blue letters: 64,688! The audience had all been given glow rings and the instructions said to turn them on now. The march of the Morehouse College Men – 415 strong – began to snake through the crowd up onto the stage all holding lights of their own. The stadium was one giant, glittering candle as these hard-working, successful and courageous men filed onto the stage and around Oprah. She was doing the “ugly cry” now and so was the rest of the crowd. Kristin Chenoweth sang them onto the stage. It was a very touching moment and, at the end of the segment, they all wanted to give Oprah a hug as the show went to commercial break. Oprah said, “Y’all trying to break me down and you’ve done it.” Maya Angelou was up next and read a very moving original poem she had written about Oprah and how her name was so empowering. She was accompanied on the piano by Alicia Keys! OMG! After this moving moment, another break for commercial and Oprah says to the crowd, “Holdin’ up with the shoes y’all!” It was so cute…she had killer heels on and stood for most of the evening! O’s longtime beau, Stedman Graham, spoke next and said, “I love you for making a difference in my life.” She seemed very surprised that Stedman appeared…apparently the limelight is not his thing. And finally the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin sang her version of “Amazing Grace” to the Queen of Hearts, Oprah. Thoughtfully, tissue boxes had been placed next to everyone’s seat in the stadium and we were using them now for sure! Will, Jada and Oprah all held hands and then the final star appeared to the screams of the crowd: USHER!! Oprah said, “It feels like the rapture.” I couldn’t have agreed more…
It seems to be fashion guru Ikram Goldman’s year or at least month for sure! It began with her Legend of Fashion Award from the School of the Art Institute. The silver Tiffany star-designed honor was given to her at “The Walk 2011” fashion show, held for the first time, in Millennium Park. This year’s event was the largest in its 77-year history and seemed to draw the largest crowd as well. Over 250 garments were shown by 97 student designers during the four shows presented on Thursday, May 5th. There was a dress rehearsal at 9 AM and fashion shows at noon and 3 PM in the lead-up to the main benefit show which began at 7 PM. The evening sponsors included lead corporate sponsor, Swarovski, and members of the MacLean family, Margaret, Barry and Mary Ann. At the beginning of the show, awards were presented to Jacqueline Kim (who won a one-year paid internship with Proenza Schouler), Erin Pianetto (who won a one-year internship with Jenna Lyons and the design team at J.Crew), Alena Savinova (one of my favorites, won a $30K scholarship from an anonymous donor who was sitting in the audience) and Macie Francis (who won a $25K scholarship donated by Ikram and hubby Josh Goldman). Ana Leon won a full scholarship donated by Swarovski and Liz Patelski was a $25K winner for the Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship. This year’s chairs were Marilyn Fields and Greg Cameron along with co-chairs Denise Gardner and Kate Neisser. SAIC President Walter Massey said, “THE WALK is among the premier cultural events in the city, and it directly supports student scholarships.” The fashionable crowd was so excited and filled with anticipation for the evening’s event and they were not disappointed. This was the best WALK yet, in my opinion, and each group of Factor models who came down the runway received oohs and aahs and wild applause. Cameras were flashing everywhere among the well-heeled crowd and the room was electric. The weather was electric too for a brief while with lightning flashes and thunder adding to the excitement. The designs were edgy and architectural and ranged from shades of grey, white and black to brilliant colors that popped on the runway. There was even a male model in a pink garter belt and high heels. I wasn’t sure what statement this outfit was making?! Anyway, there was certainly something for everyone. Friend Nancy Bauer’s designing daughter, Amanda, showed beautiful silks in shades of poppy and lemon yellow. After the dramatic finale, it was time for Ikram’s award. Long-time friend and NY Times Style Magazine Editor, Sally Singer, presented the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award to a woman responsible for making this city a more fashionable place to live, Ikram Goldman. Singer said, “It’s her mission to make the streets of the city as dramatic, jaw dropping and visually alive as possible. She does this joyfully and democratically with the work of designers large and small.” Indeed, some of the best dressed women in town are her clients including Desiree Rogers, Mellody Hobson and Linda Johnson Rice to name a few. As we all know, First Lady Michelle was a fan and client as well. After Ikram accepted the award, she dedicated it to her mentor, the late Ultimo founder, Joan Weinstein. She tearfully said, “Joan was larger than life…She created a beautiful and captivating world around her and invited you to enjoy it with her. Were it not for Joan, I would not be here today to accept this award and so I would like to dedicate this award to my friend and mentor Joan.” The after-party on the Harris rooftop, with décor by Event Creative, was one of the more dramatically elegant rooms I’ve seen. There were twinkling candles encased in crystal everywhere you looked with gorgeous rectangles of light swathed in colored cloth hanging from the ceiling. The DJ played, some danced, ALL had a fantastic evening to support student scholarships for SAIC. What in the world will they do next year?! (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville, please click here!)
And the party continued on for Ikram at her fantastic 10th anniversary party on Saturday, May 7th. Hundreds of fashionable friends were invited to this private party at a former Hudson car dealership at 2222 S. Michigan. The invite alone was an indication of the creative excitement to come! The old fashioned red View Master arrived in a little box and you had to view the event details on the little slide disc inside. Too clever for words! Ikram, as you know, is the style guru who advised First Lady Michelle Obama and the woman with the hottest and most exclusive boutique in town. She dresses not only the A list but the A+ list too including Linda Johnson Rice and Desiree Rogers to name two of the most fashionable women about town. When we first arrived at the party, there was a line waiting outside. Now, only for Ikram would Chicagoans wait in ANY line so this was a real testimony to the level of excitement people had for this exclusive event as well as the respect and love they have for her. It was truly one of the most gorgeous parties with the absolutely most fashionable people. Guests were wearing outfits and designers that, in any other venue, would not have been appreciated but, at this party where the watchword was FASHION, it was de rigueur. The massive red draperies greeted you at the entryway and every guest was ushered in front of the bank of paparazzi in front of a wall of gilded frames filled with red roses. SAIC's Nick Cave performed in a wild fur costume with a painted, sequined face with two other models dressed like him. They looked like something from prehistoric times and the crowd went wild. There was also a performance by First Aid Kit, which is a favorite of Ikram. (It is a Swedish folk duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg and they were wonderful.) Famed DJ Jesse de la Pena played tunes that Ikram loved since she sang and danced onstage with her adoring hubby Josh and fashionable friends for a great segment of the party. (DJ Kim Hastreiter AKA OMG played early in the evening.) There was also a magic show where George Lucas appeared out of a big box with Ikram’s name on the front. Everyone who was anyone was there and my head was spinning like a top. When we did finally leave, due to sheer exhaustion, there were adorable Chicago Hot Dog Carts lining the way to the exit. Oh, what a night... (BTW, the fantastic decor was by, who else, Tom Kehoe!) Ikram’s new mega-boutique is scheduled to open at 15 E. Huron (between State and Wabash in the old Suntory/Gaslight Club location) in mid 2011. With over 16,000 square feet, it will also include men’s apparel as well as an in-store café. I can’t wait to see what magic she weaves next! :) (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)
Excitement builds in the lead-up to the opening of TOPSHOP/TOPMAN, coming to Michigan Avenue (corner of Pearson and Michigan) in early September! I had the pleasure of meeting Topshop/Topman founder, Sir Philip Green, at a private dinner for 60 people at the elegant Henri Restaurant recently. He is a charming man and, coincidentally, Chuck and I had met him last year in St. Tropez at Club 55. He was charming Harvey Weinstein’s and Ryan Seacrest’s table and then stopped by ours. He asked me at the dinner if “we were being naughty” and I replied that EVERYONE is naughty in St. Tropez! His staff was at the dinner too and they were equally charming. I know this store will be a huge hit when it arrives and I can’t wait to see it! The proposed plan will include a 35,000-square-foot sales floor with a DJ booth and will include collections from Glamrock, Unique, Psychobilly, Thrift and Bavaria among others. I had never been to Henri, at 18 S. Michigan, but you can bet I will return. This jewel box of a restaurant has the most amazing views of the city as well as a fantastic menu. On this night, we enjoyed a tasting menu that included foie gras, Prince Edward Island mussels, a spring vegetable tart, honey glazed duck breast, a 14-oz. rib eye, house-made pappardelle, Dover sole, crème brulee, chocolate tart and a mille feuille with vanilla cream in a crisp pastry with raspberries. Each course was accompanied by a marvelous selection of wines. This feast was enjoyed by David Shepherd (Managing Director of Topman), Gordon Richardson (Design Director for Topman), Karen Bonser (Design Director for Topshop), Jason Griffiths (Topman Marketing Director), Chicago Mag’s Rich Gamble and Fashion Editor Stacey Jones, Mich Mag’s Susanna Negovan, Leslie Hindman’s vintage clothing specialist Abigail Rutherford, CS Mag’s Samantha Saifer, Nora Daley Conroy and CS Men’s Book publisher Amy Wimer to name a few. Kate Moss was the face for Topshop during the last three years and I understand a search is on for a new “face” for this fashion forward British institution. I suggested an over 50 woman with slicked back hair, perhaps? :) I will be waiting TOPSHOP! (To view ALL dinner photos, many by Jack Edinger, please click here.) Irreverent funny girl Chelsea Handler wowed the crowd with her one-night-only show at the Chicago Theatre recently as part of the “Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me Tour.” Earlier in the day, she hosted a delightful brunch at Mercat a la Planxa along with Bon Appetit magazine. The event was to introduce Belvedere Bloody Mary vodka (Chelsea’s favorite) to Chicago and from the looks on the happy faces of the guests that included stars of Chicago’s food and media scene, I think it was a hit! Claire Smith, Head Spirit Creator for Belvedere, created this unique vodka and during the course of the delicious three course meal prepared by Chef Jose Garces, it was served in several different ways. My favorite was “Belvedere’s Mary Me Honey” which consisted of Belvedere Bloody Mary, grapefruit juice, honey, lemon juice and orange bitters. Chelsea was there with her “Chelsea Lately” co-stars Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf and Heather McDonald who were also appearing with her on this latest tour. (It was so cute: During the course of the meal, she kept getting up to check on her friends who were seated at another table). Handler’s fourth book, “Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me” is a collection of stories by her friends and family about the ridiculous lies Handler has told them over the years. Her 19-date stand-up tour will include book signings in each city as well, of course! I never miss her show, “Chelsea Lately,” which is consistently the highest rated program on the E! Network. Click here to purchase Chelsea’s latest book! (To view ALL brunch pics, please click here.) I miss Brenda Sexton, prez of Chicago Link Productions, and was so happy to have her back in town for one of her famous “Girls Night Out” parties! This event was a film premiere for “Something Borrowed” starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski and Colin Egglesfield. One hundred seventy-five glam ladies gathered for the movie which was followed by a swanky after-party at AJA, the chic, urban Asian café at The Dana Hotel where, to everyone’s delight, Chicago native and hunky star of the film, Colin Egglesfield, conducted a Q & A with Brenda. He also happily took pics with the group that included Dori Wilson, Stephanie Storkel, Linda Usher, Julee White, Adair Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Mickey Norton, ABC’s Sylvia Perez, NBC fitness expert Andrea Metcalf, National Van Lines CEO Maureen Beal who was also one of the evening’s sponsors along with Corri McFadden, founder of E- Drop Off who was title sponsor for the event. AJA Restaurant served sumptuous appetizers in addition to a tenderloin station and a sushi station, and included crab rangoon, vegetable spring rolls, sesame chicken and pulled pork sliders. My kind of dishes for sure! Hope to see Brenda back in town more often! She always has the best events! :) For more pics, please click here! And now I would like to congratulate my friend/photographer, Mila Samokhina. She is an artist who wears many hats and through her hard work, passion and formidable skills, succeeds at them all. She has degrees in engineering, gemology, jewelry design and graphic design in the U.S. and Russia. Her photography skills are in demand from leading publications in Chicago and beyond (including Candid Candace, of course!) and she has exhibited her photos and artwork around the city appearing in many exhibitions. She has also been a guest speaker in the popular “Artist of the Month” lecture series at Adlai E. Stevenson High School of Fine Arts as well as being a Board member and Official Photographer (Historian) for the Women’s Jewelry Association of the Midwest. Her latest award, The President’s Award, has recently been bestowed on her by President Ruth Thuston, of this organization, as well. In the past, she has been honored with the “Entrepeneur of the Year” award and has been nominated with the “Award of Excellence.” In a word, Mila Samokhina is remarkable! Thanks for all you do for everyone Mila and CONGRATULATIONS! I’m sure you might have already seen this fantastic video entitled “The Most Interesting Thing.” It’s one of the cutest dog videos around and was recently shown on “Good Morning America” too BUT, just in case you haven’t seen this, then please take a look. It will make you laugh out loud!
And that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights! Love, Candace [email protected] P.S. I am so proud to be included as one of CS Magazine’s and Chiquita’s “25 Women Who are Crushing It.” This promotion launches Chiquita’s Crushed Fruit Snack (aka Crushie), which is a delicious high-powered, low-calorie fruit drink! Blueberry/banana is my fav! Congrats to the 24 other “Crushin’ It” girls and I will see you at the Banana Breakfast on May 19th!
