NOMI AT PARK HYATT’S RE-OPENING PARTY WAS WORTH THE WAIT

I’ve always loved the outdoor terrace at NoMI in the Park Hyatt Chicago and I’ve also had the good fortune to spend many special occasions at their restaurant which, I think, has the most gorgeous views in the city — although it could be a tie with the views from Chicago Cut’s terrace. In any case, their latest four-month 7th floor renovation has changed NoMI from a special occasion spot to an every-occasion spot and they have done it in grand style. Their recent re-opening party attracted more familiar faces than I’ve seen in one place in a long time and they all had nothing but good things to say about the changes. We all agreed we loved NoMI in the past but feel the new look will see us coming in more often. PR Director Lynne Bredfeldt was beaming like a new mom and happily took everyone on tours to show them the gorgeous new looks in NoMI Kitchen, Lounge, Garden and Spa. And although the spaces are still elegant and glamorous, it has a more casual chic look. Gone are the white tablecloths in the dining room which have been replaced with cool, wenge wood and leather tables. And, not to worry if you were looking for the spectacular Dale Chihuly glass installations that used to command the space in front of the dramatic bank of windows. They are safely ensconced in the cozy, dining/meeting space off to the side and, actually, seem much better suited there. They have been replaced with an artistic, modern white sculpture that snakes along the ceiling like “Wintry Branches” and complements the view rather than competes with it. On this night, every bit of space was packed with 500 admiring friends oohing and aahing over the stylish new look and the fantastic new menu. Attendees sampled Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche’s signature high quality, ingredient driven food from some of the finest artisans and farmers throughout the surrounding region. He said his love of cooking came from his grandfather's garden. He has distinct memories of picking snap peas in his grandpa’s garden in Cape Cod. No wonder he says, “I like to do honest food, which is some of the most difficult food to do. You can’t hide behind whimsical plate presentation.” His menu on this night included Foraged Mushroom and Green Bean Salad, Foie Gras Terrine, Beef Tartar, Uni Avocado Toasts, a selection of oysters and Strip Loin with Roasted Tomatoes among other items that were paired with handcrafted cocktails. The tour of the new NoMI Spa features two elegant private suites with services specializing in customized, aromatherapy treatments while NoMI Garden’s new centerpiece is a 30-foot teak bar! As Chef Ryan LaRoche says, “The kitchen has always been the hearth, the heart, the centre of the home…”  I couldn’t agree more! Welcome back, NoMI! We’ve missed you! Check out their blog for updates at www.comethinkin.com. (Additional photos by Bob Carl.) To see ALL party pics, please click here. 
 
The Service Club of Chicago is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Since 1890, it has continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities through their grant program. Every single dollar they raise goes towards these efforts. So it was no surprise that their latest event, the Spring Luncheon, was a sellout at the Chicago Club with 220 chapeau wearing women. The title of the Spring Luncheon this year was “The Mad Hatter Luncheon” and indeed, there were some madcap selections for headgear but the ladies had a great time admiring each other’s hats as well as the rare collection from Bes-Ben which was on display courtesy of Mary Robak, Bob Feigenheimer and Susanin’s Patrick Kearney. Some of the creations seen on the fashionable heads around town were created by local milliners Loreta Corsetti, Carla Faso and Laura Whitlock. There were also some creative homemade toppers. The “Hatter’s Contest” was judged by Elizabeth Jachomowicz, Mary Robak and Bunky Cushing. Winners included Mamie Walton for “Most Regal Hat,” Cheryl Bollinger for “Most Original” and Rochelle Smith Trotter for “Most Head Turning Hat.” Elizabeth Jachomowicz gave an informative lecture and presentation on the history and fashion of the Bes-Ben collection as well as sharing many stories from this era. In 1919 milliner Benjamin Green-Field (dubbed Chicago’s Mad Hatter) and his sister Bess founded Bes-Ben. It thrived from the '20s through the '70s with many celebs such as Lucille Ball, Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor clamoring his designs. Beginning in 1941, his creations took a whimsical turn with one Chicago socialite receiving a little hat covered with clocks to wear to a charity entitled “Time for Giving.” Not long ago, one of his Independence Day hats, which was covered with flags, firecrackers and stars, broke a record for millinery fetching $18,400 at auction. Bes-Ben’s Michigan Avenue boutique closed in 1978. Congrats to the Service Club for this unique and fun luncheon idea. In particular, congrats to Event Chair Sherry Holson on a job well-done! (To view ALL event pics by John Reilly Photography, please click here.)  For more info on The Service Club of Chicago, please visit www.serviceclubofchicago.org.
 
Chefs & the City recently hosted a Kick-Off Party at the brand new Tzar Lounge, located at 215 W. Ontario, for their upcoming main event set for July 15th at the Ritz Carlton. As always, with this fun-loving charity, the crowd came out in droves. The venue was really cool too with a faux fireplace in one of the booths and a long runway type structure running through the middle with dramatic lighting. Honorary chairs for this event are Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes and moi. Chef Chair is RL’s cute Ryan Pitts. There was a sneak peak fashion show by Mark Shale (Maria Pinto is their new Creative Director) but the main event will be at the Ritz-Carlton on Friday, July 15th, so mark your calendars! This 7th annual Chefs & the City will begin at 7 PM with an exclusive VIP After-Party all benefitting Vital Bridges. With over 30 restaurants participating, grand raffle prizes plus a world class fashion show presented by Mark Shale’s Maria Pinto, this party will be bigger and better than ever so get your tickets while you can by calling 773.271.5117 or visiting www.vitalbridges.org.) Get your forks ready for this wonderful cause! :) Click here for more pics.
 
Our star chefs of Chicago are very busy these days doing so many wonderful things for charity. Yet another example was the 17th Annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers that attracted over 675 guests. This heart-warming event raised $450,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Emcee, WMAQ-Channel 5 anchor Allison Rosati, presided over a program that included past St. Jude patient Marget Graham, who spoke eloquently about her early physical battles with childhood cancer and eventual triumph. She is now 35, happily married and expecting twins! St. Jude CEO Rick Shadyac also spoke lovingly about his association with the charity. Chicago Cubs' Tom Ricketts was the honorary chair and honorary chef was Levy Restaurants’ Executive Chef David Burns. Participating restaurants included Coco Pazzo, Mercadito, Melting Pot, Mon Ami Gabi, Wildfire, Prosecco, Dinotto Ristorante, Shula’s Steakhouse and Piccolo Sogno among others. Congrats to co-chairs Joe Bisceglia and Joe Shaker on a job well done! Since 1994, this event has raised nearly $6 million for St.Jude’s. (To see how you can help and for more info, please visit www.stjude.org.) 
 
The Center on Halsted’s annual fundraiser, Human First, starred funny girl Wanda Sykes along with versatile singer/actress, Linda Eder at the Harris Theater. For past galas, there have been sit-down dinners and dancing but this comedy and entertainment format seemed to suit the crowd of 1500 just fine. Gala co-chairs Kip Helverson, Jo Minow and David Blowers along with the Center’s staff and Board presented the 2011 Human First Award to Abby O’Neil, her husband Carroll Joynes and David Helverson. The 2011 Community Spirit Award was shared by the Chicago History Museum and Exelon. The Center’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. They have been doing an outstanding job since 1973. Congrats to Center CEO Modesto Tico Valle. If you would like to know more, please visit www.centeronhalsted.org or call 773.661.0788. For more pics, click here.
 
My month-long May birthday was filled with fun! It’s the good times with friends that make the aging process painless and when Helen Melchior offered to plan a little party for me, I jumped at the chance. She even made a memory album on her Mac all by herself which impressed everyone! I was happy to share the evening with Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Cindy Burns, Charley and Chuck, Lauren Dobies, Mary Ann Melchior, Chris Long, Nicki and Nicholas Patrick, Samantha Amato, Paul Iacono, Rhonda Sanderson and Tara Klecka. Helen made her signature guacamole and even served fabulous M Burgers, which I’d never had before but sure will again! It was a memory-making evening and one I will never forget. The following day, Chuck and I went on an adventure to Michigan with the dogs, Mickey and Rooney. Little did we know they despise the great outdoors but we found out soon enough. They cried in the car, they cried in the yard, they cried at the dog-friendly Gordon Beach Inn and, finally, they cried at the wonderful dinner party thrown by Kip Helverson and his partner, Neal Steiner. I guess I won’t wait by the mailbox for another invitation but hope springs eternal. Check out more pics here.
 
Enjoy summer in the city, coming soon I hope! And in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this week’s lowdown on Chicago’s highlights!
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. On June 25th, please join me for the 9th Annual Tasting Stars premier champagne fundraising event benefitting A Silver Lining Foundation’s free mammography program. The event will be from 7 - 11 PM at DIRTT, located at 325 N. Wells St. Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining, has planned an evening filled with Entertaining Co. hors d’oeuvres, Terry’s Toffee, The Capital Grille Martini Bar, Pops for Champagne and cheese pairings by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. For tickets and more info, please visit www.tastingstars.org.

Comments

[earn degree online]

Congratulations ! to The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago because of they successfully completed and celebrated its 15th anniversary of its performance program.

[web design dublin]

It is a nice restaurant of NoMI in the Park Hyatt Chicago. I always visited this restaurant when I am going to Chicago. It is a nice reopening party and there are many familiar faces at one place.