PLUS CHICAGO MEN'S FASHION AWARDS; RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE COCKTAIL PARTY; ARMANDO AND JOEY'S "WRITE" NIGHT; CHICAGO GOES RED WITH WOMEN IN MEDIA; THE CRYSTAL PAW GALA FOR HEARTLAND; THE JOFFREY BALLET'S WB HOSTS GISELLE LUNCHEON; JOE WANTS TO READ TO THE KIDS; IMERMAN'S WINGS OF HOPE GALA; DESIGNS ON A CURE; STEVE'S NEW STREET; THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE'S "BEADY" EXHIBIT; SAH AWARDS FOR ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE; DR. STREICHER'S SNEAK PEEK; I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY WENDT THERE; HEARTWARMING STUFF AND SO MUCH MORE!
As I was busily making plans for a little trip to South Beach, Chuck casually said, "Honey, you know it's hurricane season, right?" I blithely ignored his comment and made plans to go there at the end of August, beginning of September. Well, in all my life, I have never been luckier with my vacation plans! We arrived
in Miami Beach on August 30 after a two day road-trip filled with beautiful sunsets, junk food and small town fun. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, and it stayed that way until we left on Sept. 4. When we were returning and halfway through
Florida, the reports started coming in about Hurricane Irma. I couldn't believe my ears. One more day there and we would've likely
been stuck. I'm so sorry about all the damage done there and pray those peoples' lives return to normal soon. During our trip, we experienced so many new restaurants! Our last vaca there was in January and it's incredible how quickly new places pop up. We had a great meal with
beautiful ambiance at Tatel, a new hotspot owned by Enrique Inglesias, Rafael Nadal and San Antonio Spurs player Pau Gasol. It's located in the Ritz-Carlton (1669 Collins) and has a ceiling filled
with videos of moving clouds that made you feel like you were dining under the stars. A surprise edition was the talented singer who drifted in and out of the room at unexpected moments. We loved it! Our first night there, we arrived late so just popped down Lincoln Road with Rooney for a bite at YUCA (Young Urban Cuban American), 501 Lincoln Road. It's usually very
festive, with Latin dancing and music but we arrived too late for the party! Another night, we walked down Collins to Byblos in the Shorecrest (1545 Collins). In my mind's eye, there is only one Byblos and that's the hotel in St. Tropez, but we were delightfully surprised by the cozy ambiance and the
darling outdoor patio. The food was Mediterranean-inspired and good--I liked the place more for the decor than the food though. We stayed at the Loew's (1601 Collins) where we've been for our last two trips. I love the pet-friendly atmosphere and the grounds are magnificent. It's also a place I frequented with my mom before she passed so it holds very fond memories for me. We always plan a trip to Bal Harbour when we're there and this trip was no different, although I
hated tearing myself away from the pool (which is a story I'll get to in a minute). We ate at our fav, Carpaccio, and Chuck, being a former pond owner, loved watching the gigantic koi as I shopped (errrr, window-shopped). I must admit, it's not the same there now that Hermes and Louis Vuitton have decamped for the Design District but there's still enough stuff there to keep me interested. Now, back to the Loew's and that "pool situation." This was the only thing I disliked about our stay....every morning, we had to get up earlier and earlier to reserve decent lounge chairs.
It got to be ridiculous. On the last day, I got up at 6:30 am but at least we got what we wanted! LOL but WTF? Anyway, a friend of ours has long suggested we visit Seaspice but, since our favorite beach club spot previously had always been La Piaggia, we figured why travel to the river. Well, La Piaggia is no longer open due to zoning disputes between the owner, Robert Pascal (an original owner of La Voile Rouge in St. Tropez), and the city, so we did wind up driving to Seaspice on Labor Day eve. It's a
delightful spot at 422 W. North River Drive that, on this day, was filled with chic Europeans and big boat owners. We met Cartier's Christiano Marchesini who was there with a table of friends right out of central casting. Rooney loved it and so did we! Another cool spot we tried was 3 month-old Upland at 49 Collins Avenue. The decor was charming with rows
and rows of jars of peaches softly lit from above and the food was terrific. I would say the most dramatic dining spot was Juvia, an indoor/outdoor eatery owned by restaurateurs Jonas Alexandra Millan of Bonito in St. Barth, at the 1111 Building on Lincoln Road. It's on the top floor of a parking garage with wrap-around views of Miami Beach and, later in
the evening, a DJ. The food, a mix of French, Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, was delish too! However, none of these places match the beauty of the Faena Hotel District and it's myriad restaurants--that place remains my favorite and still has me gasping for breath. We did manage to spend the day in the Design District but was rather underwhelmed. Even though all the big names are
there-- Hermes, Marni, LV, Dior, Cartier, Burberry, Louboutin, Fendi, Armani, Celine, Harry Winston, Givenchy, Gucci, Lanvin, Max Mara, Rag & Bone, Piaget, Pucci, Prada and more--it seemed like a ghost town. As Chuck put it, "I feel like I'm in Westworld." It was a little surreal as you could hear your own footsteps wherever you walked. The highlight was lunch at Michael's Genuine (130 NE 40th St.), a stalwart among the new upstarts. I didn't have time to hit some other spots on my wish list like DOA ((2000 Collins), Le Sirenuse Miami (9011 Collins) or La Petite Maison (1300 Brickell) so these will have to wait for another day. Our
way back home was a delight--we love roadtrips almost as much as the Griswolds. There's nothing like breezing along, windows down, listening to country-western music. I will never forget meeting one of Ricky Nelson's handsome sons at a Playboy Playmate meet-and-greet. He told me, "Whatever you eat on a road-trip, really doesn't count." I took his comment to heart as we pulled into Parker's Drive-In somewhere in Tennessee.
The Second City and Gilda’s Club Chicago celebrated a once in a lifetime evening at the comedy institution’s iconic Mainstage theater during a star-studded benefit, “I Can’t Believe They Wendt There: The Roast of George Wendt.” More than 230 guests dined, drank and donated while being entertained by a raucous panel of roasters and special guests that
concluded with a surprise appearance by Chris Rock. The evening raised over $200,000 for Gilda's Club and The Second City's Alumni Fund and contained poignant reminders of the mission behind the entertainment. Longtime
Second City teacher and performer, Rachael Mason, spoke of the Alumni Fund’s assistance with medical bills after emergency surgery, and Kelly Beeman, wife of beloved Second City teacher Judy Fabjance who recently lost her cancer battle, spoke of the support and resources she and her family were fortunate to find through both the honored charities. After a red-carpet lineup featuring the night’s performers, the
evening began in Second City’s 1959 Kitchen & Bar with a VIP cocktail reception and backstage tour, where members of the evening’s talent were on hand to mingle with guests. Just after 7pm, the show kicked off with a song performed by David Rasche
followed by a welcome from Roastmaster Jason Sudeikis. After that, all bets were off and the evening unfolded into an almost four-hour night of side-splitting laughter, music, living legends and surprises. In addition to “Man of the Hour” George Wendt, appearances by Bob Odenkirk, Julia Sweeney, David Koechner,
Jeff Tweedy, Tim Kazurinsky, Joel Murray, Keegan-Michael Key, Betty Thomas and Robert Smigel brought down the house, as did Wendt’s wife of almost 40 years, Bernadette Birkett. Additional highlights included a video montage from A-list friends including Paul
Rudd, Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Rob Riggle, Olivia Wilde, Ed O’Neill and J.K. Simmons. Retired Cubs ace Ryan Dempster held court as Harry Caray, and Wendt’s “Cheers” co-star Ted Danson appeared via a special video message. In the name of charity, the evening’s auctioneers David Koechner
and Pat Finn brought out a revived panel of the iconic SNL “Super Fans,” and one lucky audience member became an honorary Swerski family member, mustache, sunglasses, and all. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy serenaded attendees with a rendition of “California Stars,” performed seat-side
for the winning bidders. Closing in on hour four, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog took the podium, only to be upstaged by a surprise appearance by Chris Rock who pledged an additional $10,000 towards fundraising efforts. After 11 pm, the entire cast rushed the stage for a rousing redemption of “The Goodnight Song” as the audience was sent out into the night. (Photos by Alina Tsvor)
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum celebrated Chicago’s best-dressed men at the second annual Chicago Men’s Fashion Awards on August 7. Event co-chairs Quenten Schumacher, Peggy Martay, David Mordini and Karen Zupko welcomed over 190 attendees for an evening full of fun
and fashion at The Gentleman’s Cooperative, one of the city’s most sought-after casual menswear stores. Some of Chicago’s best-dressed men were honored by The Costume Council with awards recognizing their style within their respective professions and
included: Michigan Avenue EIC J.P Anderson for Advertising; Christopher Kent for Architecture and Design; Joshua Blake Carter for Entertainment; Henry Ford Jones for Financial Services, Arthur Hon for Hospitality, Eddie Gordon Jr. for Law, Ben Toledo for Retail. Alex Jovanovich, founder of Dermacare
won for Healthcare; Marco Foster for Tech, Adam Robbins for Sports. John Philp Thompson, though not on hand to collect his award personally, was named Overall Best Dressed. George Kotsiopoulos, former host
of E! Fashion police, was in attendance as the celebrity guest judge and the evening’s honorary guest, Chicago architect Helmut Jahn, was recognized for his contributions to the costume collection of the Chicago History Museum. Congrats to all!
The 4th annual Imerman Angels Wings of Hope Gala welcomed over 200 guests to the Four Seasons Hotel on September 9 and raised more than $300,000 benefiting Imerman Angels’ mission
to provide free personalized connections that enable one-one-one support among cancer
fighters, survivors and caregivers. The special evening was hosted by Ryan Chiaverini, co-host of ABC 7’s Windy City LIVE, and included a seated dinner, remarks from Imerman Angels co-founders Jonny Imerman and John May, and CEO Ben Bornstein, plus
an impressive live auction hosted by David Goodman. The honorees for this year's event included Outcome Health, who received the 2017 Angel Award for Outstanding Medical Service within the cancer
community and for their ongoing support and dedication in advancing Imerman Angels’ mission. The 2017 Wings of Hope Award for Community Outreach was presented to @properties, who recently selected Imerman Angels as the recipient
of their 2017 “@gives back” program, a Community Fund that provides an outlet for agents, employees and colleagues to make a positive impact on dozens of communities and thousands of lives throughout Chicagoland. (For more info on this wonderful non-profit, click here).
It was such an exciting morning in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 8 when Rush Street was officially
renamed honorary "Steve Lombardo Way"!! The honor couldn't have gone to a more deserving guy (and family!) I've known Steve since the Sweet Water days when everyone in town would mix and mingle at his beautiful oval mahogany bar. Through the years, we have watched in wonder as he, his partners, staff and family have
expanded their empire to grand and exciting proportions! Now I can't imagine this city without the world renowned Gibson's, Hugo's, Lux Bar, Quartino's and more! I just can't wait to see where they take us next! I think we're in for a long, fun-filled, delicious ride! Thanks for all you and yours do for Chicago, Steve! (Love and congrats to his right hand/partner, Kathy O'Malley Piccone and daughter Liz Lombardo Stark too!)
Armando Vasquez and Joey Mondelli have always been known for great food and restaurants, scintillating conversations and tequila shots but now, they are being recognized for something entirely different! To celebrate La Scarola, their white hot restaurant at 721 W.
Grand that locals and celebs alike adore, a brand new book honors "The Walls of La Scarola"! Filled with 250 photos of local notables and celebs and RECIPES, the book is a must-have! Come join us at the restaurant for a book launch on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6 to 9 pm. Joey and Armando will be on hand taking photos and signing books as guests mix, mingle, enjoy
wine and hors d'oeuvres and BUY THE BOOK for $28.95! Armando describes the book as "a love letter to the family, friends and famous guests
who have dined with us throughout the years." I can't wait for my copy! And who knows, you might be IN IT! Come join us and see! (Armando's LINE Clothing T-shirts, made from his tabletop etchings in the restaurant, are available HERE too and, for a limited time, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Florida hurricane victims.)
The 7th annual Ronald McDonald House Cocktail Party will be held on Thursday, October 5 at Cochon Volant, 100 W. Monroe. At a recent WB meeting concerning the planning of this event, I had the pleasure of returning to the House on Grand for a visit. Coincidentally, a long time friend and his family were there
preparing for yet another surgery. Many of you might remember him, Maxx Herrick, the most popular Ronald McDonald House Ambassador and someone who was instrumental in the building of this House that supports
Lurie Children's Hospital. He and his family tirelessly attended any and all fundraising benefits to raise awareness for this House that now serves so many. I met Maxx (spelled with 2 "x's" because he's X-tra special) and his family in
the summer of 2012 when he was 8. He was a real pistol who loved wearing jaunty hats, anything Star Wars related, dancing and ice cream and he has one of the most inspiring
families I've ever met. He was born with a heart abnormality that required open heart surgery and, at the age of 2 1/2, he had to have a heart transplant. He
developed cancer from the effects of anti-rejection medications. He's been battling it ever since, but here he is now, at age 15, looking as jaunty and handsome as ever! I hope you can all join us on Thurs. Oct. 5 to support the House as it provides care and comfort for special guests like Maxx and his family! (Tickets and details here). (To hear his story, see heartwarming video here).
The Joffrey Ballet Women's Board will celebrate the much-anticipated Joffrey premiere of the romantic ballet Giselle with an elegant luncheon and cultural conversation surrounding the production on Monday, October 2, at the Loew's Hotel. For tickets, $200, and more info, click here!
Save the date! Join Navy Pier as it embarks on its second century of being the "people's pier"! It will host its first gala, themed "A Celebration ExPIERience" on November 7 to benefit free programs at the Pier. The event will honor Polk Brothers Foundation and will be co-
chaired by Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin, Virginia and Norman Bobins, Joan and Bill Brodsky and Yvone and Devon Bruce. (For tickets, and details, click here!)
The Junior League of Chicago (JLC) celebrated its 21st annual Summer Soiree at Revel Fulton Market with a Mad Men-themed party. Guests were sent back in time to the
glamorous world of ‘60s Manhattan with Mad Men-inspired drinks and appetizers and music by the Ryan Phillips Band. This year, the JLC highlighted its partnership with Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food on the
weekends for elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry. Guests decorated cards and wrote messages to students involved with Blessings in a Backpack, and
proceeds from the event benefit all Junior League of Chicago community programs, impacting women and at-risk children. The JLC is an
organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Since 1912, it has been building a better Chicago with projects that focus on at-risk families, especially women and children.
The Women’s Board of the Adler Planetarium hosted their biggest fundraising event of the year, the 2017 Celestial Ball: Solar Flare, on Sept. 9. The annual black-tie gala raised more than $1.5 million for
educational programming that engages people in doing science and inspires young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). President of the WB, Linda Gerstman and ball co- chairs Erika Lautman Bartelstein and Elisa Primavera-Bailey, along with dinner chairs Scott Swanson and Pradip Patiath, welcomed over 600 guests to the event. A highlight of the fall gala season, the Celestial Ball featured an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction, a seated dinner and a highlight, exclusive hands-on science demonstrations from Adler’s teen
“Science Sommeliers." During the event, the 2017 Corporate Partner Award was presented to Dover and accepted by its president/CEO by Bob Livingston. With Dover’s generous support, Adler’s youth programs have reached thousands of Chicago’s young people over the past two years through engineering challenges in Operation Airlift, exploring space at Astro-Overnights and practicing STEM and professional
skills in Adler Teen Leaders Advancing STEM (ATLAS) programs.
Designs on a Cure, in partnership with the Sixth Floor Showrooms at Chicago’s fabulous Merchandise Mart and
the Van Andel Institute (VAI), hosted a chic cocktail party/fundraiser on September 7 with the hoi polloi of Chicago's design elite. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with gorgeous showrooms, delicious cocktails, light bites and access to meet and mingle with the leadership of VAI, an independent biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving health and
enhancing lives. Proceeds from the evening supported VAI’s cancer and Parkinson’s disease research, as well as the Institute’s cutting-edge science education initiatives. Woot! Woot!
Join The Golden Triangle as they present REVEALING MARDI GRAS INDIANS:
BEADED ART OF A HIDDEN CULTURE, an exhibition of bright, bold and ornately feathered costumes, from October 19 thru December 31 at 330 N. Clark St. The never-before-seen show will feature 14 exhibits ranging from full costumes to beaded fragments that depict the story of the Mardi Gras Indians, which stemmed from an alliance between American Indians and African Americans as both groups struggled for freedom during colonization. So cool! Love and congrats Doug Van Tress!
The Society of Architectural Historians will present the SAH Awards for Architectural Excellence at its 8th Annual Awards Gala on November 17, at The Racquet Club of Chicago. SAH will honor retired Lt. Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker, founder and president of the TAWANI Foundation; architect Ralph Johnson, FAIA, Global Design Director at Perkins + Will; and architects Sharon Johnston, FAIA, and Mark Lee, founders and principals of architecture firm Johnston Marklee. TAWANI Foundation is also the presenting sponsor of the annual
awards gala. Co-chairing this year’s SAH Awards Gala are Aric Lasher, FAIA, director of design, HBRA Architects and Julie Michiels, AIA, associate principal and senior project designer, Perkins + Will. A cocktail reception and silent auction will precede the awards ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, attendees may take a self-guided tour of The Racquet Club of Chicago, a private club housed in a classical revival building designed by Andrew Rebori (1923). Tickets for the gala are $175 and available here. Congrats to all the deserving honorees!
Meet my friend Joe Brown, an author, a friend to all children and also the father of the best makeup guru around, Bobbi Brown! His latest literary success is a series of children's books called THE FLIGHTS OF MARCEAU and, for the past 12 years, has been reading his books and discussing writing and imagination with 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes at many schools, both public and private, all over America and beyond. He has appeared on TV doing readings and has been interviewed on the Today Show about the fascinating characters in his books---Marceau and his best friend Majesty the eagle.
He has read for Tutoring Chicago, United Way, Cabrini Green and WITS Chicago in the inner city schools and has been honored by The Chicago Public Library Foundation at the 2012 Carl Sandburg Awards Dinner and by the Italian American Human Relations Foundation . He never charges for his visits and donates a hard cover book to each student as well as the entire collection (9 books) to the schools' libraries. If you know of a worthy organization that would benefit from a visit by this much loved, philanthropic friend
of mine, please contact him at www.theflightsofmarceau.com or email at [email protected]. The kids will thank you!
Huge congrats to my friend Dr. Lauren Streicher! She hosted a packed sneak preview for her Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause at
Northwestern recently. As at all her events, the evening combined fun with information. She and her good friend Christie Hefner
discussed the challenges of bringing a taboo topic into the doctor’s office and Megon McDonough and the Sex Rx Band (comprised of doctors and nurses from the center) entertained the guests with their rendition of Love the One You're With. Kenmare Catering provided aphrodisiac food
including four varieties of amazing oysters and the Sex Rx cocktail kept partygoers fueled for fun. Opening in October, the Center will be the first of its kind and bring together a collaborative team of physicians, advanced practice nurses, therapists and physical therapists who will work with specialists from every branch of medicine. It will be comprised of three programs for menopause, sexual medicine and vulvovaginal disorders. For more info or to make an appt., click here! And awayyyy we goooo!
Woof! Woof! The Crystal Paw Gala will be held on Sat., October 21 to benefit Heartland Animal Shelter (dogs & cats)! For tickets and more deets, click here: The event will be held at Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield, Ill. (And besides loving animals, this event is personal too since good friend Mimi Goodwin is a supporter!)
Talk about an inspiring, power-filled afternoon! I was honored to be included at the inaugural Chicago Goes Red with Women in Media Luncheon held on Cindy's Rooftop and organized by the one and only Judy Hsu (ABC-7)! The intimate conversation touched on topics related to health, technology and social issues and included
media powerhouses like Amy Carr and Heidi Stevens (Chicago Tribune), Sherren Leigh (founder of TCW Mag), Diana Palomar (director of community affairs for WLS-TV), Maudlyne
Iherjirika (Sun-Times), Laura Washington (Sun-Times), Micah Materre (WGN-Ch. 9 anchor) and Julie Mann (WBBM radio) among others. Karen Larimer, president American Heart Assn. Chicago, shared info about cause and prevention of heart
disease, the number one killer of women. She encouraged us all to know our "numbers" (blood pressure,
cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI [body mass index]) which can indicate your risk. Sadly, we learned of the health inequities and disparities that exist in our city--even where you live affects your health! The good news is that we can change
all of these risks, since statistics show that 80% of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. To learn more about heart disease/stroke and the steps you can take to protect yourself, click here.
A special thanks to friend Michael Kutza, founder of the Chicago International Film Festival! He gifted me with the film premiere poster from Playboy's Amazon documentary, "American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story." And, thanks to him, I also introduced the film and Cooper Hefner, Playboy's
chief creative officer, at the premiere at AMC River East on March 21 of this year. I can't thank you enough Michael for, not only what you do for me, but for all the fabulousness you bring to Chicago and the world
beyond. You are the keeper of all film knowledge and we are lucky to have you in the Windy City! (To see the complete (fabulous) schedule of the upcoming Film Festival's selections beginning October 12, click here!)
Well, another jam-packed edition of Candid Candace and I hope you enjoyed it! It never ceases to amaze me about all the wonderful and exciting things that people and
non-profits are doing in and for our great city! I'm thrilled to be able to share the news and shine a light on all the positivity the world has to offer. Have a great fall and remember, please share your news and events with me at [email protected]. And, if not a subscriber, please click here and join all the fun!
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]
P.S. And, of course, something to leave you with a smile.....
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Posted by: Oliver | July 27, 2021 at 08:12 AM
What a fun-filled edition and so many events covered! Always love reading your columns.Love your smiles even more...hope all is well with you and glad you made it out of Florida in time! Rooney is soooo photogenic like his "mom" <3
Posted by: Laura (Laurie) Ogren RDH | September 22, 2017 at 04:48 PM
Another great and fun-filled edition, Candace! And I especially enjoyed the literary tour of South Beach. Can't wait to get back over there and try out some of the newer places.
Posted by: Diana Palomar | September 22, 2017 at 03:36 PM