Candid Candace: November 2014

PLUS CAFFEINATED CLUB'S CHICAGO LAUNCH; ART VAN CELEBRATES 55TH; CARNIVALE'S INVITE-ONLY HALLOWEEN BASH; CHICAGO STORIES GALA; CHICAGO HUMANITIES FESTIVAL GALA; ART AUCTION FOR SAIC; SOFITEL'S BIG REVEAL; RED JACKET OPTIONAL; GOODMAN'S "TWIST YOUR DICKENS"; JESSICA, HELEN, SHARYL AND ZEMRAH CELEBRATE; CHICAGO HUMANITIES GALA; MARSHALLS' BABY NEWS; NEW WATCH312 VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

All-Star Chef Salute to Charlie Trotter

More than a dozen celebrity chefs came together for one special night in Chicago to honor the life and legacy of renowned Chef Charlie Trotter. "A Toast to Charlie Trotter" benefited the Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation (CTCEF) founded by the late chef in 1999. Chef

Chef/emcee Emeril Lagasse with Rochelle Trotter

Emeril Lagasse served as emcee at this event held at Venue One on November 5. Chefs in attendance, besides Lagasse, included Patrick O’Connell, Washington; David Bouley, NY and Chicago chefs Rick Bayless, Paul Dubroski, Graham Elliot, Gale

Rochelle surrounded by beautiful friends.

Gand, Kevin Hickey, Michael Kornick, Matthias Merges, Tony Montuano, Ryan Pitts, Art Smith and Jacob Neminarz. The chefs prepared dishes

Mayor Emanuel, Rochelle Trotter and Chef Laura Martinez

inspired by Trotter and paired with cocktails created by Chicago’s top mixologists. Wines were selected by some of Trotter’s former Master Sommeliers led by Serafin Alvarado and Larry Stone. Cocktails were also offered from The

Rebecca Jelfo, David Zivan and Margaret O'Connor.

Sportsman’s Club and sweet treats from Sugar Hills Bakery. Guests mixed and mingled amid decor reminiscent of a chic South Beach club with white leather lounges, sparkling lucite cocktail tables and hot sounds from DJ Mother Hubbard, the

Chuck Jordan, Naushab Ahmed and Paul Iacono

same DJ who played at the Trotter's wedding reception. Rochelle Trotter, CTCEF Director, looked stunning in a tomato red and gold "high-low" cocktail dress with beautiful embellishments created by local designer Azzeez Desai Khan (AZZA Atelier). This was the last dress the late chef bought for his wife as a surprise to

Rochelle shows off her Azeeza cocktail dress.

wear to the Service Club of Chicago Gala. Sadly, he passed away two days before the event. Rochelle thought it fitting to wear this dress in his honor at the event since he advocated supporting local talent. Mayor Rahm Emanuel (who grew up with Trotter) and Chef Lagasse offered welcoming remarks. "Charlie Trotter has grabbed hundreds of hands and pulled

Chefs Tony Montuano and Rick Bayless

them through the doors of opportunity. Hundreds of children and chefs' dreams have been made possible because Charlie Trotter had a spirit larger than life and there's no better city to have had him call home than the city of big

Chef Graham Elliot and Matthias Merges with Rochelle Trotter

shoulders," said Emanuel. Chef Lagasse' toast brought laughter from the crowd when he said, "I know Charlie's in a big wine cellar in the sky probably drinking a magnum of Caymus right now, so here's a toast to my dear friend Charlie Trotter." The Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation kicked off a year-long campaign in January

Monika Dixon and friends

2014 with a Chef David Bouley Tribute Dinner in collaboration with the James Beard House in New York City. Since then, special fundraising events have taken place each

Rochelle with Jacob Neminarz (Sugar Hills Bakery)

month across the country. To date, the campaign has raised $50,000 for need-based scholarship programs in culinary arts education. "So many college scholarships are merit-based and a lot of people don't realize my husband was dyslexic and that he struggled to

With WCIU producers Melissa Perez and Nika Clark.

maintain a 2.5 GPA in school so he wanted to expand opportunities for people who have a passion for hospitality, " Rochelle shared. Chef Art Smith added, "Chef Trotter understood how

Cece Gonzales and Melinda Joseph

important it was to learn and, through all of his efforts, he has inspired a nation of talented chefs. There's not a fine dining restaurant in America that doesn't have a Trotter alum." What a great night to honor the legacy of legendary Chef Trotter, who left us way too soon. Hope you enjoy my latest Watch312 video below! (Additional photos by Marcin Cymmer).

Cindy Crawford, Art Van Elslander, Hilary Farr and Nigel Barker

The stars were aligned during the Art Van Furniture Shining Star Event, held at its Logan Square store at 2602 N. Elston Avenue in Chicago. More than 700 guests attended

Dominic DiFrisco and friends

the soiree celebrating the retailer’s 55^th anniversary and first year in The Windy City. During the event, Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture, officially announced Cindy

A $1 mil check for charities from Art Van

Crawford, international supermodel, businesswoman and philanthropist, as the 2015 Art Van Charity Challenge Ambassador. In addition, $1 million in charitable grants will be awarded next year to nonprofit organizations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana

Arthur Samokhina with Cindy Crawford

and Ohio. Art Van style ambassadors Nigel Barker, internationally renowned photographer and celebrity host of The Face on Oxygen Network, and Hilary Farr, international home designer and co-host of Love It or List It on HGTV, were also in attendance for the festivities. Welcome

With Caffeinated Club founder Rocky Mosele and Leah Chavie

to the Windy City Art Van! (Photos by MILA SAMOKHINA)

Caffeinated Club made its initial launch into the Chicago market this winter with a campaign that will feature some familiar faces around town! Caffeinated Club is a crisp, clean, clear, lightly flavored soda water with caffeine, the equivalent to a can of cola, about 34 milligrams per serving that is described as "the perfect alternative for health conscious individuals to get the caffeine boost they crave without any sugar, calories or artificial

At photo shoot with photographer Kevin Kuster (L), Lonnie Rodriquez (2nd from R) and friends

sweeteners." The idea for Caffeinated Club was born from entrepreneur Rocky Mosele’s exhaustion and ingenuity. “I wanted a pick-me-up, but I’m not a fan of the sugar and additives in energy drinks, and I don’t always have time for coffee or tea. I thought, “Why doesn’t

Jacob Neminarz and Aaron Smith

my club soda have caffeine in it? Since there wasn’t, I decided to create one,” Mosele said. "There is no other product on the market like it. Caffeinated Club has created a new segment in the beverage industry," he added. Currently launching in the Chicago market, Caffeinated Club will expand into top markets across the nation in 2014 and is owned and operated by Rocky’s Beverages, LLC. (My poster, along with others, will appear on bus stops and billboards around town)! #GetCaffeinated

Go "ALL IN" for Urban Prep Academies' 8th annual "Aces Up! Charity Poker Tournament" on Thursday, November 20th at the Chicago Sports Museum (Water Tower Place, level 7, 835 N. Michigan) beginning at 5 pm. Hosted by UP founder Tim King with Alexi Giannoulias and Richard Roeper, the evening will include an lavish buffet, open bar and a prize

Jonny Immerman (center) with friends

pool valued at over $10K! Just so ya know, I was the last player standing in 2013, so see how easy your chances are? Click here for tix and more info!

One of Chicago’s most exclusive Halloween parties hosted its annual by-invite-only event at Carnivale in Chicago’s West Loop

DJ Sye Young (my FAV) makes magic, as always!

this year. Stephen Lee, co-founder of the infamous West Loop loft party, partnered with nightlife power players, Chicago Scene Magazine and Genuine Entertainment, to create an

Carnivale revelers

upscale and unique Halloween party different from the mainstream nightlife scene. “We’ve hosted this loft party for many years, and it was time to bring a new element into it,” said Lee, an entrepreneur who founded this private Halloween party that has become popular among the Windy City's party scene crowd. “To keep the same energy and excitement we needed a new venue and a bigger group of promoters for a public event. Carnivale is such a dynamic space and with Ted Widen and Ken Monro (Chicago Scene Magazine) and Lonnie Rodriguez and Vincent Anzalone (Genuine Entertainment) on board this was quite the scene.” Carnivale, one of the city’s biggest restaurant venues, hosted the costume-clad guests, who enjoyed five

Jonny Immerman and cute friend

of Chicago’s hottest DJs (including my favorite DJ Sye Young), costumed entertainment and specialty cocktails served at seven full service bars throughout the night. A portion of proceeds benefited Imerman's Angels, a non-profit organization that provides personalized, one-on-one cancer support. “Carnivale is all about bringing big personalities together in stylish and spectacular ways,” said Tim Griffin, general manager of Carnivale. “This is kind of the super-group of upscale party promoters in Chicago, and they all wanted to do something that was a bit different from the typical club party on Halloween. This was a party that people will be talking about for a long time.” (For more information about Carnivale, click here). (Photos courtesy of ChicagoScene.com)

Thanks so much to Alexandra Torissi, a Chicago-based luxury shoe designer, for including me in her debut blog, "In Her Shoes." In her Q & A, she asked probing, funny and whimsical questions that made me laugh and think.

Keri and Phillip Bahar and CHF Humanists of the Year Jeanne & John Rowe

Check her out and follow her "Evolution of Sole" here!

Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) celebrated its 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala on October 21, raising more than $800,000for the organization. The Gala honored John and Jeanne Rowe as

Laura Washington's Q & A with David Brooks

Humanists of the Year, and featured an intimate conversation with political/cultural commentator David Brooks and Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington. Proceeds from the event

Jeffrey Rubenstein, Joan Colmar, Darcy Evon and David Hiller.

advance CHF’s mission to create opportunities for people of all ages to support, enjoy, and explore the humanities. Additionally, proceeds from the event’s paddle raise—which raised more than $100,000—supports CHF’s First Time for a Lifetime education

Susan Crown, Peter and Linda Bynoe

and outreach initiatives. The Gala was co-chaired by Richard J. Franke (CEO Emeritus, Nuveen Investments, Inc.,) Harrison I. Steans, (Exec Committee Chair, Financial Investments Corp.) and Frederick

Steve "Mac" Maclellan and wife Miriam

Waddell (Chairman/CEO, Northern Trust). Each year, the Festival recognizes organizations and individuals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the humanities and a working partnership with CHF and the Rowe's have done this in spades! Through the Rowe Family Charitable Trust, they have

Pamela and Marquis Miller with Cheryl Harris and Brian Booker.

founded the Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy and the Rowe Elementary School and are long-time patrons of the John Paul II parochial school. They have also been substantial contributors to the Field Museum, the Oriental Institute,

Douglas Druick, Elissa Efroymson and Adnaan Hamid

the Chicago History Museum, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Dominican University among many others. “This support will help us engage more children,

Leo Smith and Senator Heather Steans

more students, and inquiring minds around the most important issues and ideas that define us as individuals and communities,” said Phillip Bahar (Exec, Dir. of the Chicago Humanities Festival). (To learn more about this wonderful organization and how you can help, click here). (Photos by Shane Welch Photography).

Yes, you heard it right! Not only is Brandon Marshall a world class football player, but he's also a remarkable playwright! Marshall was one of three local notables tapped to write a ten minute play for the Victory Gardens Theater's annual Chicago Stories Gala. Victory Gardens

Marcelle McVay and Dennis Zacek

Founding Manager Marcelle McVay and Grubhub co-founder Mike Evans rounded out the fun-filled evening of playwrights with their own unique stories. Marshall's play was directed by Lisa Portes, head of directing at DePaulUniversity's Theater School. She said, "Brandon's play does not address his personal story. It does

Brandon and Michi Marshall

address the damage done by dysfunctional families and the need to break the cycle." A rousing round of applause followed the performance of his play, "Love of the Healing Kind." Brandon took the stage with his darling wife Michi. "I told Michi a couple of years ago that I've always

Penny Brown and Jeff Rappin

wanted to create something that could possibly be on Broadway and you guys gave us this opportunity to create something that's thought-provoking, not only for the guests but also for us. I think we need to really continue to tap into the creative side," he said. Besides having this dramatic play to celebrate, the Marshall's are expecting twins in December! Awwwwwww! (Victory Gardens Theater raised nearly $350,000 at its 2014 Chicago

Chicago Children's Choir performance

Stories Gala to support its work and mission).

Chicago Children’s Choir celebrated its 58th anniversary with nearly 600 guests and raised over $830,000 at the annual Red Jacket Optional Gala at Morgan Manufacturing. The Choir will use the funds

Kevin Boehm, Theo Epstein and Benjamin Weprin

to continue its mission of peacefully uniting children through education, musical expression and excellence. The gala was co‐chaired by Robert and Rose Fealy, new Chicago Children’s Choir Board President and President of the Duchossois Group, and John and Christina Hatherly, long‐time supporters and last year’s honorees. This year, the Choir honored Meeghan and Michael Nemeroff.

Honorees Michael and Meeghan Nemeroff

Nemeroff, President and CEO of Vedder Price, has been a tremendous leader as Chicago Children’s Choir Board president for the past four years. During Michael’s tenure more than 1,000 children were added to Chicago Children’s Choir programming. Nearly 200 of the Voice of Chicago and Neighborhood Choir singers performed, plus special guests Nicole Cabell, Milo + Otis, the Q Brothers and CCC Alumni. “It was an unforgettable evening, celebrating 58 years of Chicago Children’s Choir, which is dedicated to shaping the next generation of compassionate thinkers, innovators, leaders and world citizens,”

Pat Quinn, Josephine Lee (Pres/Artistic Dir. CCC), Amy Rule and Bob Fealy

said Josephine Lee, Chicago Children’s Choir President and Artistic Director. High‐profile philanthropic and civic leaders were in attendance including former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Ms. Amy Rule, former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz (Boka Group), Benjamin Weprin (AJ Capital Partners and Soho House Chicago), fashion designer Azeeza Khan, and artist Hebru Brantley. The event was preceded by a

Brian Moynihan, Walter Massey, Mayor Emanuel and Tim Maloney

cocktail hour and concluded with Champagne & Sweets, with desserts donated by Sugar Hills Bakery. DJ Matt Roan, Ambassadors Board Chair, continued the celebration through midnight. Congrats to all!

An over-the-top art auction hosted by Bank of America raised BIG money for the School of the Art Institute Chicago (SAIC) recently.

Lichenstein's "Sweet Dreams Baby!" hits the auction block

The auction featured works from 10 artists including Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Paschke, Jacob Lawrence, Claes Oldenburg and others and raised $1.2 million! One hundred percent of the proceeds went to SAIC. The biggest item sold was Lichtenstein's "Sweet Dreams Baby!" that sold for $145,000! The

Dr. Walter Massey addresses the crowd

proceeds will go toward scholarships for Chicago-area high school students. Various VIPs in attendance included Mayor Emanuel, BofA CEO Brian Moynihan and Illinois President Tim Maloney, among others. Congrats SAIC!

The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit organization focused on

Davey and Susie Johnson

vision-saving research, hosted its biennial Visions Ball in Chicago at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago recently. Over $860,000 was raised to benefit innovative research toward preventions, treatments and cures for sight robbing retinal diseases. Rob Stafford (NBC5) served as emcee. Former

Jim Peterik and Mike Reno of World Stage entertain

Chicago Cubs player and National Baseball League coach Davey Johnson was presented with the Foundation’s Visionary Award for his accomplishments and support of the fight

Matthew and Cassie Lawton

against blindness. Musician and songwriter Jim Peterik, the lead singer of the 1980’s band Survivor, entertained guests along with his band World Stage at this event co-chaired by Nancy and Dale Pollak and Cassandra and Matthew Lawton. Ira Schulman served as honorary chair. Congrats to all!

Sofitel Chicago will present “REVEALED,” a compelling

Chagall photographed by his friend Izis

photo exhibit that takes an intimate look at the world’s greatest modern artists at work from November 20 thru January 21 at the hotel, 20 E. Chestnut. Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso, curated the exhibit, hand-selecting the 30 photographs

Sofitel Chicago

from the collection of Paris Match, the famous French weekly magazine. Among the prized photographs are a black-and-white image of Pablo Picasso eyeing a Dalmatian longing to climb upon his lap; Salvador Dalí seen sitting in an animal exhibit at the Paris Zoo; Jeff Koons styling a BMW for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other fascinating images depicting Rene Magritte, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Francis Bacon and more. Showcased throughout the lobby and bar spaces, the exhibit is open to the public and free to attend. Don't miss it

The Chinese American Service League’s (CASL) will celebrate its 35^th Anniversary year on Friday, December 5, at the Zhou B Art Center. Emceed by Judy Hsu (ABC-7) and Nancy Loo (WGN-9), the evening will include samplings from more than 20 Chicago-area Asian restaurants as well as live entertainment: dance performances by CASL kids and Indian dances performed by Northwestern University students. For tickets and more info, click here.

Pilot Light, a chef driven nonprofit working with Chicago Public School children to empower them to have a healthy relationship with food, will welcome friends and supporters to its 2^nd annual fundraiser, Feed Your Mind. The event will take place on Friday, December 5, 2014 at Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center.

Chefs Jason Hammel and Ryan Poli at Pilot Light CPS program

Pilot Light chefs and founders, Matthias Merges, Paul Kahan, Jason Hammel and Justin Large are joined by a dozen other chefs for an interactive night of cooking demonstrations and signature tastings from some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Enjoy cocktails by mixologists Billy Sunday and The Violet Hour, live entertainment and an incredible culinary-focused live and silent auction while enjoying the festivities. The evening’s emcee is Ji Suk Yi from Windy City

Nick Mlade, Giuseppe and Agata Zappani and Margaret Guzek

Live. For tickets and more info, click here!

Landmarks Illinois, the state’s leading advocate for the preservation of historic sites and buildings, named three Chicago buildings as recipients of the 2014 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards on Saturday, November 1. The Wrigley

Sebastian Rut and Patrycja Kwiatkowska

Building, the Indian Boundary Park Field House and The Fortnightly Club of Chicago along with longtime preservation advocates Walker and Carolyn Johnson and an additional five venues from elsewhere in Illinois, were honored at a special ceremony on November 1 at the InterContinental

Clint and Stephanie Heinold

Hotel. 275 guests attended the ceremony, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and celebrating this year’s Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards recipients and their historic contributions to Chicago architecture. The nine winners received a Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award—which includes $500 and

Krista Gnatt and Anne Sullivan

a distinctive trophy: a meticulous, miniature scale model of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan’s Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room. #KeepingChicagoGreat

It was great to share a delightful lunch with PR

With Dionne Williams and Stella Foster at Fig & Olive

guru Dionne Williams and columnist extraordinaire, Stella Foster, at Fig & Olive recently. They both rock the world of Chicago and celebrity with their insights and connections. If you miss Stella like I do, follow her fabulous blog here! YEAH, she said it!

If you haven't experienced the one and only ZEMRAH in concert, do yourself a favor and don't miss her Holiday Show at the Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. in Chicago opening Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 pm. Her uplifting spirit will transport you to a kinder, gentler time. #LoveHer

Congrats and good luck to Jessica Zweig, who will be leaving Cheeky Chicago to launch her own website, JessicaZweig.com, in December 2014. Her new website will be filled with content, video and educational online programs, providing insights, tools and stories for the entrepreneurial woman looking to be her own boss and build her brand. Jessica will offer marketing and branding consulting services for lifestyle brands and

Helen Melchior with Joes "Pepe" Conforme and Ken Norgan

corporate businesses, one-on-one coaching, plus opportunities for speaking and live workshops. LOVE YOU JESSICA and wish you the BEST!

Loving birthday wishes to dear friend Helen Melchior! She changed the landscape of philanthropy, not only for The Joffrey Ballet, but for all the worthy

Sharyl Mackey cuts her cake as her loving husband Mike looks on

organizations she supports. Happy Birthday Helpful Helen!

More birthday wishes are in order for another dear friend, Sharyl Mackey! As soon as we saw the entrance to Avenues Ballroom at the Peninsula, we knew we were in for a very special celebration. Flanked by giant white ostrich feathers in silver urns, the entryway was just the

Entrance to the party at Avenues Ballroom/Peninsula

beginning of a surprise-laden birthday party that also included a huge ice sculpture of a Louboutin stiletto that poured martinis out of its toe! Crystal chandeliers, limitless delicious food offerings and an elegant mirrored bar added to this festive atmosphere. More than 100

Vonita Reescer, Sheryl Dyer, Sheila O'Grady, Yvette Cusack, Sharyl Mackey and Jean Antoniou

of Sharyl's closest pals were in attendance at this soiree to toast her milestone 40th birthday. Ken Arlen's "Front of House" band kept the crowd on its feet

Greg Hyder with the icy Louboutin "martini" shoe

all night long (this was the same group that played for Mackeys' wedding reception. Awwwww)! The birthday cake kept to the "stiletto" theme with another darling sugary shoe perched on top. It was a fun-filled night of friendship and celebration for our dear Sharyl Mackey! Happy birthday SM!!!

Yu Suzuki, Audrey Billings, Scott Shimizu, Rose Le Tran, Jillian Jocson, Janelle Villas

The romantic and richly textured tale of East versus West, THE KING AND I, opened at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, on October 29, and will run through January 4, 2015. Nick

Darling kids in the "King and I"!

Bowling (Juno and The Normal Heart at Timeline Theatre) makes his Marriott Theatre directorial debut with a fresh take on this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, merging history and romance with today’s

Rose Le Tran, Monique Haley, Yu Suzuki

social and political issues. THE KING AND I takes audiences on an uplifting journey of the power of education as characters transform from instructor to students themselves, learning from one another in the process. In consultation with the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts

Joseph Anthony Foronda, Jasmine Ejan, W. Blaine Brown at the opening of “The King and I”

Institute of Chicago, Bowling and Choreographer Tommy Rapley will explore ancient Siamese customs, dance and traditions, and bring them to life on stage.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Illinois Chapter, will host its 35th annual Dream

Gala on Saturday, December 13, at McCormick Place! FOREIGNER will be the featured headliner! For ticket and more info, click here!

And lastly, more theater news! I hope you can join me on opening night, Friday December 5, at the Goodman Theatre, when I appear in a cameo for The Second City production of "Twist Your Dickens"! This hilarious send-up of Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol", is sure to put you in a holiday mood! Hope I don't break a leg! (The play will run from 12/5 to 12/28 with other local notables popping in for cameos, too).

Love,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. I hope you're enjoying Candid Candace in the Chicago Tribune's Sunday Life & Style section as well as online! In case you missed it, here's THE PAGES from our last two events, the Chicago Public Library Foundation's Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner and Victory Gardens Theater's "Chicago Stories" Gala! :-)

BRUNO'S 60TH; BEAR TIE BALL KICK-OFF PARTY; BRANDON HOSTS 1ST LIMELIGHT; BLACK & TAN THEATER'S SUPPER CLUB; PLAYCHIC 2014; EXPO CHICAGO'S OPENING NIGHT; MAC & MIA; BOKA'S MOMOTARO; A MODEL YOU SHOULD KNOW; BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR JAN AND MICHAELA; MONTE CARLO DREAMS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Ralph Senst (Redmoon Board President), Sarah Beardsley, Chris Randolph, Karen Zelden.

This Halloween, Redmoon’s wildly popular costume party Boneshaker returned for its fifth annual spectacular event. Redmoon transformed its massive Pilsen headquarters (2120 S. Jefferson Street) into an otherworldly playground for 1,000 revelers with interactive experiences, inventive machines, creative food and cocktails, and dancing to beats from DJs on three different dance floors. Boneshaker was coordinated and produced by the 18-member Young Engineers of Spectacle (Y.E.S.) Committee, Redmoon’s young professionals’ board. This

Costumed guests

year, the event was directed by Kasey Foster, with Will Bishop and Alex Balestrieri under the conceptual direction of Redmoon Producing Artistic Director Frank Maugeri.

Redmoon’s Boneshaker 2014 offered a multitude of multisensory delights including: An outdoor Fire Garden featuring Fire

The darling Schulman Family (Eli's Cheesecake Company)

Buoys, a sculptural arrangement of flaming devices that debuted in the Great Chicago Fire Festival on the Chicago River; The Fire Candelabras, two massive, 18-foot-tall candelabras with 10 wood-burning fire pots; and, The Sonic Boom DJ device with skyward-shooting flames; Redmoon’s Celestial Swing, an eerie mausoleum on the outside with a peaceful, ethereal swing inside and The UFO Carousel where guests climbed inside one of three gigantic flying saucers and spun off into space alongside a DJ and snacks provided by Spin Spun. A team of three

Redmoon's Fired Up Game

wild DJs atop Redmoon’s signature DJ devices kept the event moving all night long. There were two specially featured, interactive experiences that included “The Devil’s Confessional,” an intimate, surreal writing room where guests could pour out their deepest secrets to a fiendish confessor, who then gave them a diabolic penance task to perform

1,000 guests at Boneshaker 2014!

with the room at large. Guests also enjoyed Redmoon’s “Cartoon Adventure,” a mini movie theater where guests donned headphones and viewed five original short animated films by Laura Heit, Joseph Hodgson, Franck Aubrey, Hannes Vartianien, Pekka Veikkolainen, Selina Wagner and PES. Graceful acrobats of Aerial Dance Chicago performed overhead, descending on silks to deliver sweet treats (that included fabulous Eli's Cheesecakes!) to the earth-bound revelers. Redmoon premiered its newest food service device, too, this night-- The Pastry Wheel, which whimsically paired the iconic image of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair Ferris Wheel with urban pedal power, serving cupcakes, brownies and other enticing sweets. Performers roamed the venue serving

Flame Blower

delightful treats and beverages, including signature Redmoon mechanical marvels such as The Floating Trays, The Libation Machine, The Monkey Butlers and The Fish Bubble Man. Guests entered Redmoon’s haunted sideshow-like series of rooms known as “The Devil’s in the Details,” which held eerie, humorous and sensual experiences including: “The Chocolate Bar,” a delectable room of dip-able treats “The Bedroom Swat-a-Fly,” a larger-than-life human fly swatting game and“The Cinematic Cemetery” film studio, where guests could star in their own scary movie. “Satan’s

Costumed partygoers

Cackle Shack,” where Matt Demon, voted “Hell’s Most Humorous Devil” 1998, entertained the audience with his killer stand-up routine. By spinning a wheel to determine a nominal additional fee, which could range from $5 to $10 to a silly physical act, guests gained access to four other experiences: A chance to play “Fired Up,” Redmoon’s newest carnival game where guests shot a target and were rewarded with a cool surprise; “Heck’s Kitchen,” a cooking class with the Devil where guests participated in making Deviled Eggs; A specialty Cigar and Mezcal-Tasting Salon, where an expert cigar-roller created unique take-aways to sample along with Métl Reserva Especial Mezcal in the outdoor Fire Garden. Visitors brave enough to enter
“The Nest” ascended into a frightening attic maze, an adventure into a vampire nest inspired by Bram Stoker’s gothic tale of Dracula, “The Nest” created an eerie, mystical and enigmatic world that’s chilling without resorting to horror or gore, instead playing on the sounds, shadows and experience of encountering the supernatural in everyday life. To say this place was Disneyworld on steroids is an understatement! Partygoers didn't know which way to look or go first! Additional food and beverages throughout the evening were provided by Lagunitas Brewing Company, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Spin-Spun All Natural Cotton Candy, Home Run Inn Pizza, Skinny Pop and Eli’s Cheesecake. I love everything Redmoon Theatre company does and am so happy to have them here in Chicago creating endless worlds of magic, especially the free experiences they provide in underserved communities! Keep up the GREAT work Redmoon! (Additional photos by AL ZAYED) (For more info and to stay on top of their upcoming events, click here!)

Congrats to beloved restaurateur Bruno Abate, who celebrated his 60th birthday with a blow-out bash at

Birthday boy Bruno Abate with longtime friend Roe Conn

his fabulous Wicker Park restaurant TOCCO (1266 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Many remember his cutting edge Italian Restaurant, Follia, in the Fulton Market area. He was the first to showcase young up-and-coming designers' creations in his

Lavish buffet at Tocco

restaurant. Everyone has followed him to his new restaurant location in Wicker Park and will, quite frankly, follow him anywhere! With a kind, giving heart he serves up the best Italian around and he is also one of the most

Joaquin and Jennifer Brieva

dapper men I know. The food and wine flowed as well as the bonhomie. He asked that, in lieu of gifts, guests make a donation to Recipe for Change and the John Howard Association of Illinois, who works to achieve a fair, humane and cost-effective criminal justice system by

Sonya Jackson and Dee Robinson Reed

promoting adult and juvenile prison reform. Bruno's work with prisoners is well known. As a matter of fact, on this night, with a $100 donation, attendees could purchase a panettone, a type of sweet bread, from the Due Palazzi Prison in Padua, Italy. Love you Bruno and all of your good

Rich and Noren Ungaretti

work, too! (For more info about Tocco (a must-visit), click here!)

A festive Latin-themed party kicked off the Bear Tie Ball’s upcoming gala, Latin Nights, which will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2105. Hosted by

Kathleen Courtney with Rishi and Kavi Pandya

Gayle Anthony, at her Paris Ceramics showroom located in LuxeHome at the Merchandise Mart, approximately 125 people turned out to support the kick-off. Latin music played in the background while guests sipped cocktails and sampled the soft tacos, shredded pork with pineapple

Co-chairs Nina Mariano and Paul Iacono

and other dishes donated by Big Star. Volunteers opened the raffle tickets sales for the Cha-Cha Ching raffle (titled by co-chair Paul Iacono) which will run through February 28. Only 500 tickets will be sold and one lucky winner, who will be announced at the Ball, will receive a cash prize of $10,000! Midway through the evening

Tiffany Scurto Marshall, Russ and Tracy Scurto and Paul Iacono.

Kathleen Casey, Founder and CEO of the Foundation introduced the gala co-chairs, Nina Mariano and Paul Iacono, both passionate supporters of the cause. Kavi Pandya, the Bear Hug Ambassador attended with his family. Retired Chicago Bear Anthony Adams who co-hosts the show, “Inside the Bears,” will be the

Lawrence Lee and Jessica Altieri

emcee for the gala. The annual Bear Tie Ball gala is in its 22^nd year and is the signature fundraiser for the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. (Photos by MILA SAMOKHINA) For more info and to purchase tickets, please click here!

The Midwest Regional Office of the U.S.

Co-chair Susan Schmidt with this year’s honoree Francie Comer, who co-Founded the Comer Foundation and the Comer Children’s Hospital with her late husband, Lands’ End founder Gary Comer.

Fund for UNICEF hosted its 4th annual Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon to honor two individuals for their outstanding work on behalf of children. This year’s award recipients were Francie

Sue Duncan (2014 UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Award recipient) w/ daughter Sarah Duncan, and co-chair Susan Schmidt.

Comer, widow of Lands’ End founder Gary Comer and co-Founder of the Comer Family Foundation, and Sue Duncan, Founder and Chairman of

Dolores Kohl, 2013 UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Award recipient

the Sue Duncan Children’s Center. Comer and Duncan join an impressive group of past Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon honorees including last year’s recipients Ann Lurie, President of Lurie

Jennifer Mesterharm, Kim Cornell, Natalie Slotnick, Kristin Parker and Sheilah Burnham

Holdings and of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation and Dolores Kohl, President and CEO of the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation and the Founder of

Hilary Scott , Nelly Ingraham, Barron Segar and Beth McCostlin

The Kohl Children’s Museum. The luncheon, which was held at The Ritz-Carlton, featured a new video on The Eliminate Project, UNICEF’s global campaign in partnership with Kiwanis

Cara E. Yar Khan, and Casey Marsh

International which aims to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease that steals the lives of nearly 60,000 newborns and a significant number of women each year in 24 countries. This year’s co-chairs were Susan Schmitt and

Desiree Rogers

Susan Sholl. Committee members included Renu Advani, Kapila Anand, Amy Brown, Nika Feeney, Mary Lou Giustini, Jonni Hegenderfer, Sara McKiltrick, Laura Myntti, David Otte, Ashley Prasad, Hilary Scott, Wendy Serrino and Jennifer Zaugh. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and

Mark Ishaug, Val Warner, Michi and Brandon Marshall

sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. For more info, click here.

Over 525 of Chicago’s most fashionable and philanthropic joined together for the inaugural Limelight event which took place at new West Loop hotspot, Morgan

Micah Krohn, Nati Berenguer, Mark Ishaug

Manufacturing. Hosted by the Brandon Marshall Foundation and Thresholds, the largest provider of mental health services in Illinois, the night aimed to end the stigma associated with mental illness while raising

Scott Newman, Lauren Mittrick, Jillian and Ryan Mundy

funds for two incredible causes. As guests mixed and mingled in their finest lime green attire (the official color of mental health awareness) they enjoyed small bites from Food for

Julia Ellis, Commissioner John Fritchey

Thought, cocktails, sweet treats from Glazed and Infused and dancing. Emceed by Windy City Live host Val Warner, the evening also featured a moving video on mental health and remarks from Brandon Marshall and his wife Michi, as well as Thresholds CEO Mark Ishaug. The evening raised over $400,000 for Thresholds and The Brandon Marshall Foundation. Love this! Congrats to all!

Nearly 200 partygoers headed to Chicago’s Soho

Theo Epstein, Joe Shenton and Marie Tillman

House to toast the hottest new children’s clothing service, Mac & Mia. Created by Marie Tillman and her husband Joe Shenton (parents of five!), the service offers a stylish solution for busy moms and dads craving convenience and

Marie Tillman and Kathleen Henson

fashionable choices when shopping for their kids. The Mac & Mia experience literally delivers stylish and consciously-crafted pieces, handpicked by style experts, to customers’ doorsteps. All items are personally selected to match a child’s (ages newborn through six) particular style profile, helping to create some of the most

Mac & Mia clothing display

coveted kiddie closets around. And, it’s easy. Parents sign up online, create a profile for their little one based on what type of items they desire, and then they get a box full of handpicked (and socially responsible) clothing. At the event, boutique-worthy threads were elegantly displayed on mini-me mannequins

Joe Shenton, Sharon Schneider and Marie Tillman

throughout the room. From classic coats to chic baby accessories, fashion-forward parents were in kiddie clothes heaven. The business savvy duo behind this booming business, founders Tillman and Shenton, are offering a solution for other parents and families like them. Tillman (widely known for her work with The Pat Tillman Foundation) and Shenton greeted friends and fellow parents, thanking everyone for their support to help launch the brand. The fete also brought out some well-known Chicago faces including Theo Epstein (Cubs’GM), Heiji Choy Black (Chicago Magazine), Patrick Murphy (MSNBC anchor of “Taking the Hill”), Sharon Schneider (founder of Moxie Jean) among many others.

While kids play dress up, grown-ups playCHIC! The 3^rd annual playCHIC Fashion

playCHIC 2013

Show hosted by producer, actress and inventor of Balderdash, Laura Robinson, will be held on Thursday, November 20 at Chicago’s Alhambra Palace. The evening will feature a night of fashion and fun in conjunction with the 2014 Chicago Toy and Game Fair with festivities beginning with a cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m. that will continue with a playfully-chic runway show. PlayCHIC is an innovative, glamorous

playCHIC 2013

event that pairs renowned haute couture designers with familiar toy and game brands to create play-inspired looks that set the catwalk ablaze with fun, fierce fashion. Expect looks from popular brands such as Rainbow Loom and Mayfair Games plus designs from Project Runway alum, beloved Peach Carr! (See the cool video below and for tickets and more info, click here!)

Tony Karman (pres./director EXPO Chicago), Madeleine Grynsztejn (MCA Chicago's Pritzker Director), Michelle T. Boone (Commissioner of Cultural Affairs), and Mac MacLellan (Northern Trust Exec. VP Wealth Mngmt.)

The third annual EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Modern and Contemporary Art, opened to more than 3,500 people during Vernissage, the opening night event benefiting the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago. Besides some of the city’s top business, civic and

Adam Fields and Jennifer Halegua

cultural leaders in attendance, Navy Pier’s Festival Hall was filled with stars of film, sports and, of course, the art world, too. “It is incredible to see the overwhelming support of Chicago’s cultural, civic and business leaders along with our galleries, artists and institutions for the third

Nicole Berry, EXPO Chicago Deputy Dir., and King Harris, MCA Board Chair

annual opening of EXPO CHICAGO and the MCA’s Vernissage,” said President and Director of the exposition, Tony Karman. The event featured a preview of 140 of the world's leading galleries from 17 countries and 43 cities! This event always brings out the most creative types and I love attending. The "art" walking the floor is almost as

Attila Gyulai and Chef Michael Kornick

exciting as the art on the walls and it always brings out star power, too! Seen on the scene: Director George Lucas, actor David Schwimmer, 15-time NBA All-Star and curator Shaquille O’Neal, musician Bryan Ferry, MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn, MCA

Virginia Shore and artist Nick Cave

Curators Michael Darling and Naomi Beckwith, Art Institute of Chicago Curator James Rondeau, noted collectors Alice Walton, Nancy and Bob Magoon, Rod Lubeznik and Susan Goodman, MK Pritzker, Commissioner Michelle Boone,

Kathy Brock and Doug Regan

Helen and Sam Zell, Michael and Cari Sacks, Helyn Goldenberg and Michael Alpers, Neil Bluhm, Grazka Taylor, Paul Kasmin, Jack and Sandra Guthman, Leslie Hindman, Nancy Lerner and David Frej, artists Glenn Kaino, José Lerma, Michael Rakowitz, Jessica Stockholder, Corbin Walker, Carlos Rolon (DZINE), Rashid Johnson, Nick

Maureen Schulman and Steve Koch, Chicago Deputy Mayor

Cave, and art advisors, Andy Augenblick, Amy Cappellazzo, Andrea Feldman Falcione, Candace Worth, Lowell Petit and Todd Levin. The celebratory evening, co-chaired by MCA Women’s Board members Janet Anixter, Marlene Breslow-Blitstein and Linda

Dan Dallas, Marianne Deson and Carl Hammer

Meyer, began with a special patron reception that featured food by some of Chicago’s top restaurants including Ada Street, Carnivale, Coco Pazzo, Eli’s Cheescake, Embeya, Gemini Bistro/Rustic House and Hannah’s Bretzel. (Photos by Dan Rest, Mitch Canoff and James Prinz). EXPO CHICAGO will return to Navy Pier Sept.17-20, 2015. For more information about EXPO CHICAGO and EXPO ART WEEK, visit www.expochicago.com.

Nearly 150 guests traveled back in time to the golden age of Chicago's Bohemian

AFT Artistic Director Andrew Volkoff and Rashida KhanBey

society at About Face Theatre's 2nd annual Black and Tan Supper Club at the InterContinental Chicago on the Mag Mile. The magical soiree raised over $45,000 for About Face Theatre programming, including its ground-breaking and acclaimed Youth Theatre, which provides a safe space where youth can create community and use theatre as a means of activism and empowerment.

AFT Board Member Christopher Schmidt and Andy Lai

Greeted by “cigarette girls,” guests arrived at the hotel decked out in formal and 1930's attire, sipped classic cocktails and enjoyed fine dining. Virtual non-stop entertainment included a

Anthony D’Amato, Kerry DeMatteis and Dan Fontaine

striptease by Tila Von Twirl and a 1930's jazz set by Big Red and the Pansies (aka Meghan Murphy, AFT Artistic Associate John Francisco, Charlotte Rivard-Hoster and Matt Carroll). The evening wouldn’t have been complete without a police raid by

Ted Grady and Dr. Ross Slotten

Chicago’s best tap-dancing men in blue. The Black and Tan Supper Club was co-chaired by Rob Abernathy and Becky Huinker. About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain

Patricia Ewert, Event Co-Chair and AFT Board Member Becky Huinker and Mary Morten

audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world. The Black and Tan Supper Club took its inspiration this year from the 1930's cultural phenomenon know as the “Pansy Craze,” when gay social clubs

AFT Board Member Erik Burns and AFT Artistic Associate Mitchell Fain

flourished in neighborhoods like Towertown on the north side and Bronzeville and Woodlawn on the south side. During prohibition, gays, lesbians and other “non-conformists” flocked to these clubs known for their glamorous fashion, provocative performers, drag balls

Lynn Katsulis and Liz Lassner

and rousing music. (Photos by Timmy Samuel). (Major sponsors included InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Sidetrack, MDR Creative and Angel's Envy).

We finally got a chance to visit Momotaro, the Boka Restaurant Group's latest entry,

Boka wonder boys Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz

and it was FABULOUS, as expected! Besides great food, the ambience makes you feel like you're on vacation somewhere exotic. This Japanese eatery located at 820 W. Lake Street has it all! Owners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz gave us a tour and the details were remarkable. On the walls leading to the restrooms, it took seven artists a week to laboriously ink in squiggly lines as a design element. It was beautiful.

MOMOTARO decor

Their Japanese-born sushi Chef Jeff Ramsey, boasts a Michelin star (four years in a row for his work at Tapas Molecular Bar in Tokyo). Their executive Chef Mark Hellyar is a St. Louis born culinary rock star with creativity to spare! And don't even get me started on their late night dining option! In short, this restaurant should definitely go on your hit list!

WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" celebrated its 5th anniversary last week! I love this show that's uplifting, positive and features the BEST of Chicago! Congrats to Executive Producer Rob Morhaim, co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman, producers Rudy Segovia (who just finished the NY Marathon for charity!) and Chris DeRose and cute floor manager Nika Clark! Tune into the U for their fabulous extended show from 6 to 9 am Monday thru Friday! :-)

On the fashion front, keep your eyes peeled for hot, new Columbian model, David Granados! His new website is coming shortly and I think he's one to know! You can follow him on Twitter here! He's registered with Red Models NYC. Good luck David!

One of the most elegant places we've ever visited in our travels has been Monte Carlo. With its impeccably clean streets and no crime, this Riviera hotspot is one of our favorites. I follow @VisitMonaco on Twitter just for eye-candy from this

Hotel De Paris Le Louis XV Restaurant by Alain Ducasse

beautiful principality of Monaco. We stayed at the Hotel de Paris and had one of the most memorable dinners ever in the too-beautiful-for-words Le Louis XV Restaurant of Alain Ducasse. The late Prince Rainier

Enjoying Monte Carlo

and Princess Grace of Monaco celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in its private wine cellar, one of the largest and oldest in the world. Celebs dot every corner with many in residence there due to their no income tax stance. Next year, Monaco will host the 2015 BLUE Ocean Film Fest and, if you get a chance, GO!

Hope you were successful with your candidates in the recent midterm elections. I also hope you didn't get pukey like I did watching Nik Wallenda break even more world records. Crazy, right? (If you were living in a cave and missed it, here's a video). Life in the Windy City is certainly never dull! :-)

“The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”--Abraham Lincolon

On this day of honoring our heroes and she-roes, I would like to thank and acknowledge Walmart, Starbucks and Amazon. These companies top the list for hiring our veterans. #HireOurHeroes

(Please disregard the ArtVan image sent out in the mailer this week. This event will appear in next week's issue. Sorry!)

Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Two beloved ladies recently celebrated their birthdays together at RL Restaurant with friends! Congrats to Michaela Parrillo and Jan Flanagan on their special day! And here's to 100 more! Love you both!