PLUS BEAUX-ARTS CELEBRATION; SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT COVERGIRLS; DRIVING FASHION FORWARD; CHEF ART'S WORLD FESTIVAL; BUNKY SEES RED AT RITZ TEA; "FAME & PHILANTHROPY": A BEV HILLS BASH WITH JAMES CAMERON; COMMON'S "MASTERPEACE"; FIRE & ICE; SPRING ARRIVES AT RANDOLPH STREET MARKET; THE MAIDS; LAURA'S COVER; BUCCELLATI'S WINE PARTY; GRAND CHEF'S GALA; VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
I love looking at cars, sort of, but I do know that women are the most influential when it comes time to buy a new car for the family. According to Forbes, women influence more than 85 percent of car sales. Additionally, Forbes states that women have full or partial say over a staggering $80 billion worth of spending on cars and now represent 52 percent of new car buyers in the U.S. This is why "Women's Day" at the Chicago Auto Show is a such a stroke of genius! ChicagonistaLive, a live-streamed monthly talk show, hosted by Beth Rosen, MJ Tam, Nancy Loo, David Grotto and Duong Sheahan, presented a fun-filled day of activities aimed at the ladies plus an incredible awards show, Women Driving Excellence, that honored eight inspiring women on February 11. The event debuted last year and was a hit from the start. It attracted mostly women, but this year, it was a very mixed, appreciative crowd who oohed and aahed over the opening performance. Students from St. Therese Chinese Catholic School presented an exciting and colorful Lion & Ribbon dance in celebration of the Chinese New Year that had the crowd snapping away on their I-phones. It was a great start to a sleepy morning and put everyone on notice that this event wasn't your grandma's knitting party. Held on a Nissan sponsored stage, the event began with a welcome from Beth Rosen and MJ Tam. Emcee Anupy Singla (WDE 2013 honoree and darling author of www.IndianasApplePie.com), presented the 2014 honorees. They included Karyn Calabrese (restaurateur/wellness expert/author); Mary Couzin (CEO/founder of Chicago Toy and Game); Jory DesJardins, Elisa Camahort Page and Lisa Stone (www.BlogHer.com founders, which is an AWESOME blog!) ; Susanna Jung (president and CEO of Price Futures Group); Sherren Leigh (CEO/founder Today's Chicago Woman Mag, one of my very favorite mags--so wonderfully Chicago-centric); and Natalie Martinez (NBC Chicago reporter).
Karyn Calabrese spoke first describing herself as a "raw foodist, restaurateur and cookbook author". She said, "Anything you want to do in life, you should be passionate about it. My passions are food, health, taking care of myself.... We're living in such a 'chemicalized' world that you need to wake up and do things differently. If you don't take care of your body, the most magnificent machine, where are you going to live?" Amen, Karyn! Susanna Jung, who said she didn't finish college but is now CEO of Price Futures Group, said, "It's a great opportunity to be a woman in this industry." Mary Couzin (CEO of Chicago Toy and Game Group) said, "I'm a testament that anyone can make a career change and be successful as long as you're willing to work hard." She quoted author Jack London, "You can't wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club." (I loved this!) (Couzin's playCHIC fashion event is NOT to be missed)! NBC reporter Natalie Martinez, a newlywed, spoke next. I adore her and have heard her speak before. She is an incredibly inspirational speaker and if you ever need someone at your event to fire up a crowd, SHE is it! She said she grew up "very poor, food stamp poor." When she asked her mom how she could succeed, she was told, "good grades are money in the bank". Needless to say, she was a straight A student and went on to great things. Her coverage of stories on NBC are always infused with her heartfelt caring and is not to be missed. Elisa Camahort Page accepted the award on behalf of her BlogHer Inc. co-founders, Lisa Stone and Jory DesJardins. She said, "If you're going to have longevity, you need equal parts of dedication and 'workaholism'." She also said, "Money buys freedom and will allow you to walk away from things and situations that suck your soul right out of your body." LOL! She finished with words of wisdom from her mom, "If it's not going to cause death or dismemberment, give it a try!" (I loved this speech and her mom's advice is spot-on!).... After the inspiring words of this year's honorees, fitness guru Andrea Metcalf energized the crowd. She had everyone "stand, stretch and connect." Stars of the hit musical "Phantom of the Opera", Ben Jacoby and Julia Udine, sang tunes from the production. Fans clamored for photos with the dynamic duo after their appearance. They were so cute AND so talented! Miss Lori, a popular, nationally recognized family TV host with a HUGE presence, performed songs of love in honor of Valentine's Day. (Check out her website here!). The Chicago Auto Show's "First Look for Charity" raised more than $2.3 million for 18 local charities. Congrats to ALL!
Watch event below! (Fab fotos courtesy of Mila Samokhina and Travis Haughton)
Nearly 500 guests, including museum directors, art educators, collectors and gallery owners, joined with Union League Club of Chicago members and their guests at the 2014 Beaux-Arts Celebration to honor the lives and contributions of two remarkable Chicago artists, Theaster Gates, and the late Ellen Lanyon, who both made significant contributions to the visual vitality of the city. Thomas Erffmeyer, the Club’s Art Committee chair, and Philip Wicklander, former Club president who inaugurated the Beaux-Arts Celebration in 1998, inducted Gates and the late Lanyon as the newest members of the Union League Club of Chicago’s Distinguished Artists program. Gates, at 40, is the youngest of the Club’s 18 Distinguished Artists and Lanyon, who was 86 when she passed away suddenly late last year, is the oldest member of the group recognized for its contributions furthering Chicago’s reputation as a world-class center of the arts. Lanyon’s brother, Richard, acknowledged the honor accorded to his sister. Gates noted that while many of the Club’s Distinguished Artists have chosen to contribute to the Union League Club’s private art collection, because much of his work is community based and about connecting people, organizations and different communities to one another, that he intends to make a “conceptual gift which will help increase the legacy of Chicago art for future generations.” Inspired by the Union League Club’s commitment to community and reflecting on his own commitment to Chicago’s South Side, Gates’ disclosed that his idea is to link the 75-year-old South Side Community Arts Center (SSCAC), the last surviving WPA era art center in the U.S., with Union League Club of Chicago’s Painting Conservator Elizabeth Wigfield who will restore “Ghetto,” a work in its permanent collection by Jose Williams. Congrats to these two artists who have made Chicago a better place for us all. (Photos by Bob Carl)
The 50th anniversary of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition was unveiled recently and I was thrilled to see Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge, 28, smack dab in the middle with Chrissy Teigen (L),28, and Nina Agdal (R), 21! You see, Lily is following in the footsteps of her equally beautiful, Playboy centerfold mom (February 1976) and my friend, Laura Lyons Aldridge! (Look for Laura in New York Magazine coming soon!) Lily is the beautiful wife of Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside! She is also the first rookie to appear on the cover since Heidi Klum in 1998! (Please vote for her herefor SI's Rookie of the Year!) Recently, she donated four tix and a backstage meet-and-greet for the Kings of Leon's next Chicago concert on March 8 to benefit Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Bear Tie Ball! Beautiful and charitable! (Bid here!) The trio shot the cover in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific clad only in thong bikini bottoms. When Teigen (who is married to R & B star John Legend) was asked how she thought the cover was decided, she said, "I think our butts won it!" Another famous trio to appear on the cover was Kathy Ireland, Elle McPherson and Rachel Hunter in 1994. The first Sports Illustrated appeared in 1954. To see Lily's cute comments about her Playboy centerfold mom, Laura, on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, see below! Congrats to all! Wowza!
In honor of the long standing relationship between Mercedes Benz and fashion, the Autohaus on Edens will be transformed into a dynamic catwalk and fashion hub in conjunction with the annual North Shore fashion event Launch 2014: Driving Fashion Forward. This 3rd event will be held on April 13 and attracts philanthropists, fashion and luxury car enthusiasts. Launch 2014: Driving Fashion Forward is a spring fashion preview that features designs from some of the North Shore’s finest boutiques, a trunk show opportunity for guests and an investment in the fashion industry’s future with an emerging student design competition with Columbia College Chicago. This year the stylish event will benefit the Auxiliary of Highland Park Hospital/Kellogg Cancer Center. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions and Davenport Designs, the runway show will feature 2014 spring fashions from boutiques that will include SoShee, Skändal, Avenue Fashions and Sara Campbell. E-Street and J.McLaughlin will create a new fun fashion segment for men. Guests will wine and dine on cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Morton’s The Steakhouse and indulge in mini spa services from Red Door Spa. Ladies will also have trunk show shopping opportunities from C.D. Peacock, JOSHE, J.McLaughlin,Sara Campbell, Sweet Buddha and Vintage Nest. A live auction will offer one lucky winner a trip for two to the Mercedes Benz New York Fall Fashion Show! The Autohaus on Edens will partner with the Columbia College Chicago Fashion Department to host a competition between senior fashion design students. The lucky winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship to use towards school or launching her own collection courtesy of Northbrook Toyota and Autohaus on Edens.
Save the date for Chef Art Smith's upcoming WORLD FESTIVAL! After years in Chicago, this much loved event will be held in Washington, D.C. at the Liaison Capitol Hill on Thursday, April 24, with 20 of the nation's top chefs participating! (For tickets, $150, and more info, click here!) Long may you reign Chef Art and Jesus!
For man-about-town and much loved philanthropist Bunky Cushing, eighty-five ladies in red (and fuchia!) joined him for his 21st Annual Tea at the elegant Ritz- Carlton on February 11. This tea is a celebration and thank-you for all of his ladies (and men) who have supported him in his charitable efforts for the Howard Brown Clinic and Jane Addams Senior Caucus. Author Rose Laws, the infamous Chicago madam, flew up from her home in Sarasota as Bunky's guest of honor and signed her book, "Gold Coast Madam." More than 70 copies were sold to the enthralled crowd that included Dede Lubeznik, Laurie Davis, Rochelle Trotter, Diane Edelman, Kipper Lance, Katherine Harvey, Wendy Wood-Prince and her daughter Lucia, Janet Owen, Gerri Shute, Linda Heister, Susan Colletti, Kathy Piccone, Phyllis Collins, Dori Wilson, Greg Hyder, Vonita Reescer, Mary Pat Burns, Myra Reilly, Donna Bell, The Chicago Tribune has called Bunky “an arbiter of style for the creme de la creme of Chicago society,” and Vogue Magazine has called him “Chicago’s social tugboat.” He has been associated with Ralph Lauren for over 25 years as a consultant, his time with the company taking him to New York, Miami, and finally settling in Chicago in 1990. His weekly column, Squire of Society, is not to be missed! We #Love you Bunky! (Photos by Teresa Potasiak)
For all of my West Coast readers, check out this power-packed by-invite-only event in Beverly Hills on Sunday, March 2nd! James Cameron will host "Fame & Philanthropy", an event benefitting the non-profit organization "The City Project" headquartered in L.A. TCP is dedicated to providing structured education and development programs for underprivileged kids. Guests for this year's event will be welcomed at The Vineyard Beverly Hills, a unique 157 acre majestic mountain top property in Beverly Hills. Beginning at 5 pm, this black tie event will include a dinner menu designed by a surprise celebrity chef, a musical performance by Ne-Yo, a live auction and a conversation with Hollywood mogul and renowned film director James Cameron. Charlize Theron is scheduled to make a guest appearance, wonder if Sean will tag along? (Stay tuned to Candid Candace for post coverage and for more event info, contact [email protected]. For more info about TCP, click here!)
On February 12, an intimate group of guests celebrated the exclusive launch of Remi Canarie at Roam in Old Town. Local designer duo Liz Patelski and Lisa Rigney (aka Remi Canarie) chatted with guests and showcased an NYFW-style presentation of the SS14 collection. Owner Mallory Ulaszek greeted everyone and offered a champagne toast for the new collection, sold exclusively at Roam.
We all love Chicago native/hot hip-hop artist/actor Common for his music but we also love him for his big heart! On Saturday, March 29, he will be hosting "Masterpiece/Masterpeace", an awards gala and fundraiser at the Fairmont to benefit his Common Ground Foundationwhich raises funds to impact youth (ages 13-15) from Chicago's south and west side communities. Through Common's "Dreamers & Believers, Youth Mentoring Program and Summer Camp" kids are exposed to creative arts that offer new opportunities and possibilities. I love an entertainer who gives back and he's one of the BEST so buy your tickets here (or email [email protected] or call 773-295-1915) and help him make Chicago a better place! (To see my fun-filled Watch312.com video from last year's gala with legendary Magic Johnson, see below!)
Mark your calendar now for an unforgettable night of dinner, dancing and entertainment at Advocate Christ Medical Center’s 2014 Salute Gala: Fire & Ice to be held on Saturday, May 3, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown. The event will raise funds to benefit the growth and expansion of the medical center’s Oak Lawn campus and will feature a keynote address from best-selling author and co-host of “The Doctors” Dr. Ian Smith. Smith, a familiar face on television, is a former medical correspondent for NBC and has filed reports for NBC’s Nightly News and The Today Show. He currently serves as the medical contributor for the Rachael Ray Show and a nationally syndicated radio show, HealthWatch. Dawn Hasbrouck of FOX-32 will return as the event’s emcee. The medical center will recognize the physicians of the Heart and Vascular Institute as its 2014 Outstanding Physician Honorees. Chicago attorney Andrew P. Tecson (of Chuhak & Tecson) will be feted as the 2014 Outstanding Community Honoree. (For tickets, $350, and more info contact Margo Cusic, Director of Development, at 708.684.3764 or [email protected] or visit www.advocatehealth.com/salute ).
Don't miss Randolph Street Market’s "SPRING FLING", coming March 29-30, my favorite Chicago market with a treasure trove of goods for every taste! It might still be freezing, but Randolph Street Market is thinking spring and, to prove it, is encouraging shoppers to don their finest Easter bonnets to gain free entry. There will be hidden Easter Eggs containing Market Bucks, season passes, sweet treats, Chicago food vendors, free downtown furniture delivery, a Fotio Photobooth, a re-upholstery station, 75+ dealers, and, for the first time, the Market will feature a Letterpress class with Tandem Felix Letterpress for a one hour DIY letterpress postcard making lesson on both days. For $25, you can shop the Market and take part in this DIY lover’s dream! New webseries, American Dealers, will also be on site Sunday mixing and mingling. (For more info, call (312) 666-1200 or [email protected] or randolphstreetmarket.com)
Chicago’s culinary scene was out in force for the 2013 Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence which were presented at the 17th Annual Grand Chefs Gala at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Over 900 guests attended the “St. Tropez” themed gala, enjoying signature hors d’oeuvres prepared and presented by the city’s finest chefs. The event also paid tribute to the late Chef Jean Banchet, who passed away last November. By the end of the evening, $550,000 net was raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (the largest sum ever raised at the event) and its mission to find a cure for CF. An exciting live auction featured a private home tour and cooking demonstrations with Chicago celebrity Chef Rick Bayless, as well as a trip to the French Riviera with stays in St. Tropez and Monaco. Other hot items included excursions to Switzerland and the Canadian Rockies, while local packages included autographed Blackhawk memorabilia and cooking experiences with some of Chicago’s top chefs. The 2013 Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence Winners include: Rising Chef of the Year: Thai Dang, Embeya; Rising Pastry Chef of the Year: Thomas Raquel, Acadia; Best Chef-de-Cuisine: Nicholas Romero, Grace; Best Sommelier: Valerie Cao, Grace; Best Mixologist: Paul McGee, Three Dots and a Dash; Best Restaurant Service: Grace; Best Restaurant Design: Embeya; Best New Restaurant: Fat Rice;Pastry Chef of the Year: Leigh Omilinsky, Café des Architectes; Chef of the Year: Curtis Duffy, Grace; Restaurant of the Year: Grace; People’s Choice Award: Patricio Sandoval, Mercadito. Congrats to ALL!
The Equality Illinois 2014 Justice for All Gala held its most successful fundraiser to date on February 8 with a record crowd of 1,400 who were on hand to celebrate the passage of Illinois' marriage equality bill. Chaired by Col. Jennifer Pritzker, the event honored U.S. Senator Mark Kirk and filmmaker Lana Wachowksi with the 2014 Freedom Award. Other special guests included Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, representatives from the Chicago Urban League and State Farm, plus so many more. Funds raised from the gala and throughout the year will fund the programs and advocacy of Equality Illinois as they continue the fight to bring full equality to #lgbt Illinoisans. (Photos by Mystic Images Photography)
Congrats are also in order for another hometown favorite, dynamic speaker/author Laura Schwartz, who is looking radiant on the cover of this month's "Smart Meetings Magazine". Congrats beautiful!!
I attended a lovely fundraiser for attorney Pat Spratt at the elegant E. Lake Shore Drive home of Mitch Serrano and Dr. Mark Fritsch. Pat is running for Circuit Court Judge. I met her through my dear friend Bonnie Spurlock and admired her charitable efforts on behalf of PAWS Chicago and I think she would make a great judge! Please remember her in the voting box, #155. (For more info, click here).
I don't know if this NY apartment is your taste but it sure is mine! Boaz Mazor, longtime associate of Oscar de la Renta, shared his home in David Patrick Columbia's New York Social Diary and I flipped. It's a dream space, decorated completely by Mazor and filled with meaningful treasures. Read/see the whole story here!
Italian jeweler Buccellati opened the doors of its beautiful flagship store on Oak Street for a wine pairing event hosted by Julie Latsko, John McGovern, Patrick Wood-Prince and Toni Canada of the Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute of Chicago. Guests who braved the Arctic blast warmed up with steak tartare with quail egg, foie gras Torchon with fig jam & pistachio, smoked Hamachi with cocoa caviar, sweet pea panna cotta with white asparagus and truffle, ahi tuna on lotus root chip, beef tenderloin Tellicherry, and crisp ravioli with truffled new potatoes along with fine Italian wines from Ermacora, Malvira and Ocone served in exquisite Buccellati ice buckets and decanters. This was a pre-event to the 5th Annual Uncorked: A Case for Wine hosted by the Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute and co-chaired by Lauren Grundhofer Peterson, Frank Ponterio and Phoebe DePree on February 22 at The Casino Club of Chicago.
Under the Good Deed category, THE MAIDS, a residential cleaning franchise serving Dupage County and owned by Mike Rosen of Chicago, recently partnered with the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation. This Texas-based, non-profit organization is dedicated to providing complimentary cleaning services to women undergoing cancer treatment. MAIDS has volunteered to donate cleaning services to cancer patients in Lombard, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Addison, Glendale Heights and Villa Park. Each patient may receive up to four months of complimentary cleaning services from THE MAIDS. “As a local business owner, I continually look for ways to give back to the communities I serve and Cleaning for a Reason is a wonderful opportunity that directly impacts the lives of so many community members in a positive way,” explained Rosen. “I understand how cancer treatment can change a person’s quality of life, making tasks once so easy, quite difficult.” To apply for, or recommend someone for THE MAIDS’ free professional cleaning services for women undergoing cancer treatment, please contact The Cleaning for a Reason Foundation at 877-337-3348 or visit www.cleaningforareason.org. (Love this......)
Don't forget to check out my weekly "Candid Candace" column in Sunday's Chicago Tribune! Click here for my recent event coverage! And, if you want, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Chicago Now and my internet show, "Candid Candace Chicago" on Watch312.com!
Well, that's all for this week....Hope you found an event here you can wrap your heart around and I hope you're surviving our wintry days! Keep in mind how beautiful Chicago looks in the spring!
BLUE SKY INNOVATION LAUNCH; STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION HONORS; MICHIGAN AVENUE MAG COVER PARTY; THE DINNER PARTY; NATALIE'S BIG DAY; TICKLED PINK FOR BRIGHT PINK: JONNY'S BLUE & WHITE PARTY; HOPE THROUGH CARING; NINA AND BOB'S FLOWER SHOW; VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
The Qatar Airways plane had to be de-iced four times before our departure to Doha, the exciting capital city of Qatar, which is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. I remember when they announced the opening of this direct route from Chicago to Doha and I was thrilled to be included as one of Qatar Airways Ambassadors when they first introduced this flight. They hosted a grand gala on April 11 at the Field Museum and everyone who was anyone was in attendance. The program included a performance by Jennifer Hudson and an eloquent welcome speech by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.
I was beyond impressed and dreamed of a trip to this exotic city that is experiencing a growth explosion thanks to its recently discovered natural gas reserves. My dream came true when we left for Doha on January 26, Boeing 777 business class, which we came to realize is like our first class. With a menu created by Michelin starred Chef Tom Aikens(who specializes in French cuisine), Chef Ramzi Choueiri (Middle-Eastern fare), legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Japanese cuisine) and Vineet Bhatia, a Michelin starred Indian chef.
I knew this trip was going to be something very special and, boy, was it ever! The seats fully reclined into a bed, and a massaging one at that! The flight attendants were chic, attentive and anxious to please. The 14 hour trip seemed to fly by with all of the attention....I have two cute sets of pajamas as well as awesome toiletries courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo. When we finally touched down, we were greeted by Liz Walsh, PR manager Doha International Airport, and Yasmin Ahmad, PR Qatar Airways. They made us feel like visiting royalty. We felt the same way when we reached the Ritz-Carlton, Doha, with a lineup of staff waiting outside that included Hoss Vetry (general manager), Mohamed Ahmed Rabie (guest services director), Hanny Gunawan (PR director) and Gregory Laguesse (PR assistant manager). It was wonderful to see how proud they are of this beautiful five-star property! The first thing you noticed upon entering the elegant marble-filled lobby was the chandelier, the largest in the Middle East. Made in Austria, it features more than 2,300 Swarovski crystals and is awe-inspiring. The hotel boasts 8
restaurants, a 235-slip marina, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts, two indoor tennis courts and so much more! Our room overlooked the dramatic skyline of Doha which was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. The buildings seemed to change in ways that were seemingly impossible. And at 5 am, I was awakened by the most haunting sound, the first call to prayer. It was so beautiful that I had to step out onto the terrace to experience it even though jet lag was at full strength. Five times a day, just like church bells on a Sunday morning, one hears the call to prayer, which is made by a male caller from a mosque, calling the faithful to stop activity and pray. The call to prayer can be heard everywhere, including shopping malls and even inside cabs on the radio. Men and women pray separately and it's Islam law to have a mosque within walking distance of all Muslim people so, wherever you are, you will hear the call. I knew of the custom, having heard it on our trips to Morocco, but I never get tired of it. It's so calming, much like meditation because it makes you stop and take a breath. The following day, we toured the Hamad International Airport near Aspire Park which will accommodate more than 30 million annually when it's completed (sometime soon they told us). This state-of-the-art hub will include a hotel, a swimming pool, squash courts, 72 luxury shops, mind boggling children's play areas, spas, game areas and fine dining (including a homemade chocolate bar and multiple juice stands) to name a few. It will also be able to accommodate the world's largest aircraft, the A380. The Emir has his own terminal, of course, which will accommodate the Royal Family and visiting dignitaries. When we were there, they were testing the fire alarm announcement and it felt like something out of a Tom Cruise disaster film.
Lunch was at The Torch, which is the city's tallest building and is nothing like we'd ever seen before. We were given a tour by Claudia Olaru, the Torch's assistant communications director. She showed us their rooms which all had dramatic, digitally controlled lighting panels with your choice of more than 10 colors and spectacular views of the city. The pool jutted out away from the building on the 23rd floor and was a marvel of design engineering. We ate at the appropriately named Flying Carpet Restaurant which felt like something right out of Arabian Nights. We were completely hooked. That afternoon, we visited the private art collection of Sheikh Al Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani at his museum. The artifacts come from around the world with a focus on Middle Eastern and Islamic history. The Museum also has an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars and I was amused to see that the Sheikh had a lot of interest in American models. I saw rare Model T Fords, Pierce Arrows, Desotos and a couple of Indy 500 Pace Cars. That night we enjoyed an elegant trip to the St. Regis via Rolls Royce to enjoy Gordon Ramsey's new restaurant and some Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha, the only other official outpost of JALC outside of New York. The next day, a tour of Souq Waqif put us on sensory overload. We smelled exotic spices and saw the camel, bird and horse markets, my favorite was the Falcon Souq. This Souq is home to everything falcon, from hoods and training materials to the birds themselves. When we walked into the first showroom, we saw these elegant birds all resting on their perches. Most were hooded, as they’re highly trained and dangerous but they're oh-so beautiful. We could look, but not touch since these falcons can cost more than a high end sports car, and are much more than a pet. In fact, on Qatar Airways, falcons must have a seat booked for them in business class, along with their keeper because they are so highly valued! It was an amazing experience and I could've stayed in this Souq all day just watching these magnificent birds and the Arabs who were inspecting them for hunting and the high-profile competition that occurs regularly in this part of the world. (That weekend, the Souq hosted a Spring Festival that attracted more than 50,000 visitors)! We lunched at Al Bandar restaurant which had views overlooking the area. As we dined we could hear the lion-like low roars from the camels nearby. A table of burqa-clad women were smoking hookahs while, at another table, a beautiful group of young local women were taking selfies and smoking hookahs, too. It was pretty surreal and we loved it.
That afternoon, we moved to another Ritz-Carlton property, Sharq Village & Spa. This secluded retreat is set up like a village with a unique desert castle design. Spread out along almost a quarter mile of coastline property, it features a 15,000 sq. ft. infinity pool and extensive 70,000 sq. ft. spa center, Six Senses. Rooms at Sharq Village feature oriental décor, wood accents and canopy beds. They include a private balcony overlooking the resort village or Doha Bay. We swam in the beautiful pool and enjoyed massages and pedicures in the spa before dinner at the Islamic Art Museum.
The Alain Ducasse restaurant, IDAM, was breathtaking in all areas of the senses. The French Mediterranean cuisine with an Arabic twist was prepared to perfection by executive Chef Romain Meder and head pastry Chef Olivier Lannes. Even though only "mocktails" were served, the glittering skyline and food presentations more than made up for a glass of wine or two (or three)....:-) We even tasted "camel"...which didn't taste like chicken (LOL!) but rather a sort of tasty, gamey pot roast. (It's braised for 7 days). We even had a tour of the pristine kitchen which took the experience to a whole new level. (The Museum was designed by I.M. Pei who came out of his retirement in his 90's to work on this project! The building even excels his other masterpiece, the Louvre Pyramid).
The following day, we were told to expect some excitement in the desert with a day of "dune bashing" planned. Well, anything that has "bashing" in its description is something that I'm a little leery of but off we went anyway.....five of us with Chuck riding shotgun with our driver Amir. Amir told us he "loved to drive fast" which sort of made the hair on my neck stand up but I was committed to experiencing this trip that I'd already heard so much about. The desert is just what you would expect, miles and miles of white sand with no horizons in sight, but as you got further out near the GulfCoast, the dunes started to look like mini-mountains. As Amir careened up and down them sideways throwing sand all over the Toyota Land Cruiser, we all squealed with delight. Clearly, he had done this a jillion ties before and, even though it seemed dangerous, I felt like we were in good hands. It was beyond thrilling! When we first arrived, Amir had to adjust the tire pressure for better traction. While we waited, I took a ride on a camel. This was my second camel ride, but I hope it won't be my last. The rocking motion as this noble animal rises into the sky is so much fun and as we headed out on the sands, my mind went back to the times of the nomads who actually depended on these animals for their livelihoods. It was a humbling experience.
The Al Shaqab Royal Stables were on our agenda for the afternoon. I don't have words to describe the vastness of these stables owned by the Emir and his family. At 1 million square meters (which is more than 600 miles), it's the largest equestrian facility in the world. It houses 450-475 prize winning Arabian horses including two world champions plus Marwan Al Shaqab, the highest achieving Arabian horse in the history of the breed with 3 World Championships to his name. We saw the Riding Academy (which is open to the public for a nominal fee), the Royal viewing box, the dressage stables, the indoor/outdoor arenas, the breeding and show center, the show jumping stables, the veterinary clinic, the horse's swimming pool, jacuzzis and more. It was mind blowing....
We left with great regret the following day. The people of this delightful city were so friendly and so quick to help if you had questions. The hospitality at the hotels and restaurants was nonpareil. The building explosion keeps the skyline constantly changing. Education City, which is a passion of the former Emir's beautiful wife Sheikha Mozah, is now being built. It will house more than 40 of the leading universities from around the world including Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Cornell Medical, Texas A & M and more. Clearly, this is a city on the move and we were so honored to be there for its exciting beginnings.
The Chicago Tribune hosted an exciting launch party for Blue Sky Innovation, its premium website and newsletter aimed at the growing community of innovation-minded professionals in the Chicago area on January 29. The party, held at River East hotspot Cicchetti, was packed with supporters who came out to hear about this new exciting venture from Tribune Media Group that officially launched on October 16 with United Airlines as its exclusive presenting sponsor. Chicago Tribune editor Gerould (Gerry) Kern and VP/Associate editor Joycelyn Winnecke welcomed the crowd and shared their enthusiasm for this latest venture. "As we move beyond the Great Recession, a new economy is emerging in Chicago. It is being created inside Chicago’s business incubators, by small-business entrepreneurs, in large companies that are reinventing themselves, in university research centers and other public and private ventures. Conveying the vitality, energy and drama of Chicago in the 21st century is one of our most important goals at the Chicago Tribune. Today the Tribune launches Blue Sky Innovation, a new premium digital site to keep you up to speed with this scene and serve the needs of innovation-minded professionals across the Chicago area," said Kern. Blue Sky will be offered on www.ChicagoTribune.com with a sampling of its content appearing in the Chicago Tribune print edition in the Monday business section. Its first Innovator's Series will feature a conversation with entrepreneur/investor Mark Cuban and Blue Sky reporter James Janega on March 6 at the Merchandise Mart. (click here for tickets). (Party photos by Megan Bearder, www.MeganBearder.com )
Have you experienced the The Dinner Party yet? If not, you are missing something very special! The Dinner Party is a completely new and different kind of show, and the brain child of fabulous host Elysabeth Alfano. On the show, Alfano invites three national or Chicago celebs and a known chef to a dinner party. Over food, wine, chocolate, Twitter and a few impromptu performances, the unscripted conversations flow! Filmed live and streaming live, the audience is a part of the party and live filming at Chicago City Winery. In addition to the live show, audience members enjoy large tastings of the chef’s appetizer and entrées, a wine pairing from City Winery, and Vosges Chocolate. Audience members twitter in questions for the stage guests making this one big, interactive dinner party. And as you know, the best conversations happen over dinner. An original option for Valentine’s Day! Join the next Dinner Party on February 17th with Chef Tim Graham of Travelle, Lookingglass Artistic Director, Andy White, Improviser Susan Messing, architect Jordan Mozer and host Elysabeth Alfano. Anna Fermin is the opening act and, in addition to the great food provided Chef Graham and Vosges Chocolate have a special Valentine’s Day treat for all who attends!! (For tickets and more info, click here!)
Every year I look forward to the Stanley Paul Foundation event. Established in 1990, this foundation has awarded more than a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships for tuition to college students studying Fashion Design in honor of Stanley's beloved sister RaeleneMittelman, who loved fashion and had a strong wish to assist in the education of its students. On Wednesday, April 23 at The Casino, the tables will be turned and the maestro himself will be honored! Stanley Paul is a fitting choice since 2014 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Foundation as well as the 50th anniversary of Stanley's musical impact on Chicago. Here's looking at you kid! I can't wait to toast YOU and all you do for so many! (For tickets and more info, contact the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. at [email protected] ).
Arthur Murray presents "Dancing with Chicago Celebrities" on March 7 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. This 9th annual "Pink Carpet Premiere" raises funds for the fight against breast cancer. All net proceeds will be donated to the Northwestern Memorial Foundation. The star-studded line-up will include Ravi Baichwal (ABC 7), Aly Bockler (WCIU's "You & Me This Morning"), Daniella Guzman (NBC-5), and Reid Simpso, former NFL player. (For tickets and more info, click here)!
Michigan Avenue Magazine scored another cover coup with beautiful "True Detective" star Michelle Monaghan appearing on front of their winter issue! The party, held at Rockit Bar & Grill, was hosted by Mich Mag's president/publisher Dan Uslan and editor-in-chief JP Anderson. Belvedere Vodka cocktails were flowing as the guest mixed and mingled with the beautiful covergirl. The event was also supported by Bob Loquercio Auto Group. Congrats to all!
Join the party at Howells & Hood on February 22nd for Mingle for Myeloma hosted by MMRF Chicago Young Professional's Group. The evening will include cocktails (courtesy of Wirtz Beverage Group) and hors d'oeuvres plus a silent auction. All proceeds from this event go to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The MMRF strives to find new treatments, and ultimately a cure for a rare and fatal blood cancer called multiple myeloma. My dear friend Misty Callahan recently lost her mom to MM so I hope you will come out to help fight this deadly disease that affects so many loved ones. Admission tickets, $55, will be available online until 2/15. After, price will increase to $65. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door, $75, the night of the event. (Info and tix here)!
Just what we all need right NOW! The Chicago Flower & Garden Show will celebrate spring with its "Evening in Bloom" opening event on Friday, March 14 inside Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Nina and Bob Mariano will co-chair the evening that will include musical entertainment, cocktails, tastings and sweet treats. The show, themed "Do Green. Do Good", will benefit several local nonprofits. (For more info, visit www.chicagoflower.com)
NBC 5's Natalie Martinez recently married her long-time sweetheart, Flavio Fama, in the Florida Keys with 50 of their closest friends in attendance. They honeymooned in Key West. These lovebirds met in the Turks & Caicos in 2002 and their first date was at a friend's wedding in Costa Rica! Long may you love Natalie and Flavio! (Cue the music and release the doves!)
This one is for my friends down south....the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow will begin on Wednesday February 26 at America's Center & Edward Jones Dome (701 Convention Center Plaza). Duck Dynasty's John Godwin will join the show on Saturday, March 1; craft beer tastings from Anchors & Ales will be on Friday, February 28, kayak and paddleboard indoors at Paddler's Party Cove; take scuba diving lessons in the "Be a Diver" pool; learn the latest techniques in fishing at the Outdoor Classroom; let the kids loose in Kids' Cove and, last but not least, enjoy the new and antique and classic boats on display. The show runs through Sunday, March 2. (www.StLouisBoatShow.com)
The "Hope Through Caring" Award Dinner will benefit the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Saturday, March 15, at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Randy Green, president First Bank of Highland Park, will serve as chairperson and the event will honor Harvey Gaffen, president of the board for the Les Turner ALS Foundation. The evening will include a silent and live auction plus a Judith Ripka jewelry bar.
This year, "Tickled Pink" will partner with "Bright Pink" for a fun-filled evening of fundraising! Tickled Pink was founded in 2005 by Jodi Fyfe in honor of her cousin Carrie who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 35. Bright Pink, founded by Lindsay Avner, is the only national non-profit focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. Join these two powerhouses on Friday, February 28 at Block 37, 108 N. State, from 7- 12 pm. (For tickets, $125, and more info click here!)
The second annual Blue & White 2014 Party will be held on Thursday, March 6, to benefit Imerman's Angels! Join founder Jonny Imerman and his "Angel Mentors" as they celebrate another great year of providing free one-on-one support to cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers at John Barleycorn, 149 W. Kinzie St. from 7-10 pm. (Tickets are only $60!)
Thanks so much to WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" for having me on this week to share my top event pics! I also got a chance to share some of my Doha, Qatar, trip highlights! It was truly a PARTEEE on this day since Amanda Puck, Matt Roan, Michi Marshall and Fabio Viviani were also on the show! Love this entertaining show and its beautiful co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow!
And, last but not least, a huge birthday hug to Beth Silverman, founder/owner of The Silverman Group! Friends and fans gathered at the LillStreet Loft to celebrate with her on her 50th birthday!! Love you Beth!
I have lots more news but you would probably need a pot of coffee to continue reading! Please join me next week when I'll share more of the 411 on 312 with news of the movers, shakers and just plain cool!
