Plus: Woody's Winter Warm-Up; Saying good-bye to a wonderful brother-in-law; Black Creativity Gala celebrates 50!; SocialWorks' Black History Month Film Festival; Wish Ball with funnyman Steve Martin; Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons, a match made in culinary heaven; Frances & Friends at Gibson's Italia; Service Club Aux Board hosts brand new event; Chicago Lighthouse raises the stakes for vision; Dr. Sandy's "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show; Hope Through Caring Gala; Randolph Street Market returns with first ever bridal pop-up; After School Matter's Sneaker Ball; CYSO Gala inspired by Paris; Cystic Fibrosis Foundations' Grand Chefs Experience; PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
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More than 800 guests celebrated the opening of RPM Seafood, the sixth restaurant from the RPM team of partners, on Saturday, January 18.
Principals included R.J., Jerrod and Molly Melman (of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises) and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic. Attendees were treated to a sneak preview of the two-level space designed by
award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group before the restaurant officially opened to the public on January 23. With panoramic views of the Chicago River, RPM Seafood is the final phase of the multi-level waterfront project that also
includes RPM Events, a private events venue, and Pizzeria Portofino, the Italian Riviera-inspired casual restaurant. Partygoers sipped cocktails (including Giuilana Rancic’s namesake prosecco) and enjoyed freshly-shucked RPM Prestige
oysters from Washington’s Hama Hama Farm paired with housemade mignonettes made with Casamigos mezcal and tequila; RPM private label caviar featuring Golden Kaluga with all the accoutrements served from a dedicated caviar bar; Alaskan King crab, prawns and more from the raw bar; RPM’s signature 100-day dry-
aged olive beef; plus over-the-top desserts including 14K Chocolate Cake and a chocolate mermaid tail – all from stations scattered throughout the
venue. In addition to Bill and Giuliana Rancic, celebrities in attendance included Empire star Taraji P. Henson, Chicago P.D. producer (and former E.R. regular) Eriq La Salle, Taylor Kinney (who might just be the nicest, most accessible celeb in town), Jesse Lee Soffer,
Torrey DeVitto, Patrick John Flueger and Marina Squerciati. VIPs such as Lettuce Entertain You founder
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, NBC’s Chicago Today hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues and former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte also attended. After the party wrapped at RPM Seafood, guests were invited to continue the festivities at Dance Studio, the new dance club in partnership between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and veteran Los Angeles- based nightlife operators, brothers Fred Grimmel (aka DJ Fred Matters) and Brian Grimmel. Seen at the after-party were Taraji, Squerciati, DeVitto, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, ABC’s Cheryl Scott , FOX’s Lou Canellis, former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and comedian DeRay Davis. Highly recommended! This place has it all--great food and ambiance and cute operators! Congrats!
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Woody's Winter Warm-Up never disappoints. This great fundraiser for the Wood Family Foundation always brings the
fun during the darkest of Chicago's winter and this latest party on January 17 was no exception. Consider this, Taylor Kinney bar-tending along with his fellow Chicago Fire co-star Jesse Spencer, Jim Peterik (dressed like a shiny disco ball) belting out "Eye of the Tiger" while Windy City Live co-host Ryan Chiaverini plays back-up; the Plain White T's lead singer Tom Higgenson singing "Hey There Delilah" with enthusiastic fans singing along and more sports stars and media personalities than you could shake a stick at. And THAT, my friend, was the crazy-exciting scene at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch! Nearly 300 fans turned out to mix and mingle
with sports stars and media personalities, all to benefit Sarah and Kerry Wood's Wood Family Foundation and its Pitch-In Program. This mentoring program supports students in grades 4- 8 in Chicago's North Lawndale and Humboldt Park neighborhoods and helps them develop academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets necessary to
transition to high school successfully. The event also celebrated the 2020 Major League Baseball season and
always falls on opening night of the Cubs Convention. Players who joined in to help "Pitch In" for the kids included Albert Almora Jr., Adbert Alzolay, Daniel Descalso, David Bote, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner and Rowan Wick. Cubs alums Carlos Zambrano, Bob Howry, Mike Fontenot, Dave Otto, Ted Lilly, Geovany Soto and Jon Lieber,
among others, were also in attendance. Throughout the night
media and sports stars popped behind the bar to compete for tips (with all proceeds going to the charity). Spotted handing out libations and mingling with the crowd were actress Bonnie Hunt, Lin Brehmer, Lisa Fielding, Wayne Messmer, Sarah Spain, Tanja Babich, DJ White Shadow (Paul Blair), Israel Idonije, Reed Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Glendon Rusch, Kelly Crull, Ryan Chiaverini and so many others. It was a lovefest for the fans and celebs. Former Cubs pitcher and co-founder of the Foundation, Kerry Wood said, "We're excited to host our 2020 Warm-Up and raise critical funds to support our work in Chicago middle schools. Thanks to the convention weekend, we're able to celebrate with fans from near and far, all in support of our favorite baseball team and the important work our students are doing across the city." (Photos by Knotted Photography)
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The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) hosted its 37th annual Black Creativity black-tie gala on Saturday,
January 25. The Gala was attended by more than 600 guests who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Black Creativity program.“It’s an honor to be able to continue the tradition of hosting this annual celebration of creativity and achievement,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “Participation and support of the Black Creativity Gala
encourages innovators to continue to follow their curiosity, and
supports the expression of exciting, new perspectives through the arts and sciences.” The gala was co-chaired by Dr. Eric Whitaker, founder and CEO of Zing Health Inc., Dr. Cheryl R. Whitaker, chairwoman/CEO of NextLevel Health Partners, Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd, and Cheryl Harris, senior VP of Sourcing and Procurement Solutions, The Allstate Insurance Company. The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while guests previewed more than 200 original works
of art from African-American student and professional artists. After cocktails, guests sampled food stations from Sodexo inside the Museum’s Rotunda. WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory emceed the evening’s presentation. Live musical
entertainment was featured throughout the night from Chicago Children’s Choir, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Yanna Cello, Rockstar Ev, and Manasseh Croft. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio was also open, providing
guests with a chance to get hands-on and create their own glowing badge. In addition to the Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests were able to explore other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including the Black Creativity: 50 Years exhibit, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story. (Photos by JB Spector, John Wheeler and Jackie Guataquira)
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I hope you can forgive the lateness of my blog this week. The Steinwald and Jordan families lost a great husband,
father, friend, grandpa in Dr. Osmar "Os" Steinwald, my wonderful, accomplished brother-in-law. He passed away on January 17. The Celebration of Life was held at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island on January 25. As we are all well aware, these sad times seem to be the only time families are brought together so, on a happier note, it was a pure delight to see everyone gathered in one place. It was all blue skies and sunshine as guests filed into the charming chapel. He had so many friends, seating had to be placed outside on the lawn. It was a happy coincidence that the church
abutted a gorgeous golf course, which was
one of Os' many passions, having scored not one but TWO holes-in-one during his lifetime! He was a member of both the Knollwood Club and Old Elm in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he lived for many years as a much respected plastic surgeon. At Lake Forest Hospital, he was Chief of the Medical Staff and elected President of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons in the late 1980s. During his later years and into retirement, he volunteered his surgical skills to benefit patients in underdeveloped countries. For 12 years,
he worked through Interplast in countries like Peru, Ecuador, India and Vietnam performing cleft lip and palate surgeries for those less fortunate. More recently, he participated with Volunteers in Medicine in Florida, providing services to uninsured patients in his Florida community. During the celebration, Os' children (Susan Mena, Dr. Paul Steinwald and George Steinwald) delivered powerful, loving eulogies about Os and his love
of family, church and community. He and his wife (my beautiful sis-in-law Nancy Jordan Steinwald) would frequently travel back and forth from their home in Lake Forest to Hobe
Sound where they eventually settled (and Os became a member of the Loblolly Club in 1988). Following the church services, a reception was held at the country club where a nurse who volunteered with Os spoke about his many life-saving surgeries she had witnessed. A friend told the tale of how he even saved her dog's life after a vet had given up on him. As you can see, there was much to celebrate. His love of life and sense of humor are two of the things I will always remember. Also, he was a nut for Christmas, just like me. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP dear Osmar. I know you're making the angels smile.....
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SocialWorks’ 3rd annual Black History Month Film Festival kicked off February 1 at Showplace Icon Theater. All month long, from Saturday, February 1 - Sunday, March 1, SocialWorks will be screening their favorite Black movies like Hollywood Shuffle with Robert Townsend, Set It Off with Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, Akeelah and the Bee, and Oscar Award-Winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. SocialWorks, founded by Grammy-award-winning musician and
humanitarian Chance the Rapper, aims to empower the youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. This year, the month kicked off with a celebration screening on Saturday, February 1. Each ticket to the first film of the festival, Hollywood
Shuffle, comes with access to complimentary SocialWorks Black History Month customizable merchandise plus free popcorn, soft drinks, and cocktails provided by Crown Royal (ages 21+). The final day concludes on Sunday, March 1 highlighting some of the best young indie Chicago and Midwest filmmakers. Included this year are films like Sugar Hill, Brothers from the Suburbs, The CTA project, and Present Tense. Post-screening, guests will enjoy a panel of the young filmmakers on their inspiration, advice, and what’s next, with a special guest moderator. Click here to purchase tickets and, for more info, click here. Ticket prices range from $10.50 - $14.50 for each showing.
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Make-A-Wish Illinois will feature entertainer Steve Martin at its annual Wish Ball on Saturday, May 16 at Navy Pier. One of the most well-known talents in entertainment, Martin has earned an Academy Award, five Grammy awards, an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honors. For children with critical illnesses, the
journey to hope and strength begins with a life-changing wish experience. In addition to entertainment by Steve Martin, nearly 1,000 guests will share in moments conveying the spark of hope that ignites the way for wish families and hear first-hand how wishes change lives. Tickets are $675 per person or $6,750 per table of ten. Premium tables can be reserved for $13,500. Tickets are available online here or by calling 312.602.WISH (9474).
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Award-winning Chef Jose Andres is set to partner with the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group! The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) and Riverside Investment and Development announced that Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, together with Chicago’s own Gibsons Restaurant Group, has signed a 17,200-square-foot lease at 110 North Wacker Drive, the new trophy-class office tower in downtown Chicago. The group will be opening a veritable dining destination with multiple concepts, including a fine dining restaurant and an elevated cocktail
bar experience, as well as providing catering for the building’s 10,000-square-foot event space. This joint venture represents an unprecedented pairing of Gibsons Restaurant Group’s Lombardo family with the two-Michelin star Chef Andrés, combining the culinary ingenuity of his ThinkFoodGroup with the local operational expertise of the Gibsons team. “We are thrilled to partner with José Andrés, his ThinkFoodGroup, and the Gibsons Restaurant Group as we continue to set a new standard for development
and see overwhelming market and tenant demand at 110 North Wacker Drive,” said Paul Layne, CEO of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “The Gibsons team has been setting the standard for steakhouses in Chicago for decades and José Andrés is an award-winning chef as well as an incredible humanitarian—together the team will bring an array of exceptional new culinary experiences to one of the best cities for food in the country.” “The opportunity to partner with Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup in our home city in a sensational new building on the river is exciting, and we think it's a natural, complementary partnership that will result in fantastic new dining experiences for Chicagoans," said Steve Lombardo of Gibsons Restaurant Group. I just can't wait! Congrats to all!
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Congrats to the Service Club of Chicago's Auxiliary Board which hosted its first "New Year, New Me Tea" at the Drake Hotel on Sunday, January 12. Filled to the brim with
supporters, the corner room (formerly the Oak Terrace), was awash in sunlight and excitement for this first annual event thrown by the next generation of Service Club members. I was proud to participate in a panel discussion led by Craig Hogan with Andrea Stryker, Felicia Davis and Rochelle Trotter. All of these women (and
Craig) had such
incredibly inspiring stories to share. The event was designed to empower young women and allow them to learn from successful Chicago-based businesswomen. Members and guests mingled over mimosas, shopped a fabulous silent auction and started off the year with a lot of camaraderie. Congrats to Andrea Antoniou, Aux Board President, and SC president Sherrill Bodine on a wonderful afternoon!
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Join the Chicago Lighthouse on Thursday, February 27 at Gibson's Steakhouse for "Raising the Stakes for Vision: 4th annual Poker & Casino Night," an evening filled with poker, the chance to win $20,000 in prizes, including Chicago hotel packages, Blackhawks tickets and memorabilia, gift cards to top restaurants including Gibson's, and a three-night stay at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas--in addition to a $10,000 seat at the WSOP seat in Las Vegas! For tickets, more info, click here!
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On Saturday, January 11, one of our town's most popular gals-about-town, Frances Renk, hosted a
party for 53 of her nearest and dearest at Gibson's Italia. Even though it was snowing sideways, there were no no-shows. Everyone wanted to celebrate with Frances and see familiar faces at this elegant winter/holiday luncheon. Champagne was flowing, loving toasts were presented and everyone went home with delicious goodies. There was lots of food, lots of giggles and lots of bubbles. Thanks for including yours truly dear Frances! (The fab black and white group photo is by Lori Allen Photo Design)
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I hope you can join us on Wednesday, March 4 for Dr. Sandy Goldberg's annual "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show/luncheon at the Peninsula to benefit her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will feature elegant designs by Mark Roscoe, Tamra Ellingson, Sylwia Designs, Mira Couture, Ricorso, Ann Everett Designs and Elda de la Rosa. The returning emcee is Micah Materre, a longtime supporter of the charity. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, the event will raise critical funds to provide equal access to cost-free breast health testing. (For tix/more info, click here!)
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The Les Turner/ ALS Foundation will host its annual "Hope Through Caring Gala" on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. Emceed by Dina Bair, the event will support the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine which advances research and care in pursuit of life-enhancing treatments. For tickets and more info, click here!
SAVE-THE-DATE for After School Matters' Sneaker Ball set for Saturday, May 2! Enjoy bites from some of Chicago's top restaurants, live entertainment, raffles, prizes and more! The nonprofit provides after-school and summer programs for high school teens. Click here for all the details!
The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras will celebrate its annual gala on Feb. 8 at the Four Seasons. The event's theme is inspired by the enduring Gershwin classic, “An American in Paris,” and the music of this legendary city of lights. As the organization's largest fundraising event of the year, the gala supports world-class music education for young people from across the Chicago region. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, live auction, and performances from members of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Kaiso Steel Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and Preparatory Strings. (Info and tickets here!)
The Grand Chefs Experience, hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, comes to the Field Museum on Saturday, February 8. This one-of-a-kind experience begins on the Upper Level of this historic museum and features over 35 Chefs Tasting stations. Each station includes a signature hors d'oeuvre and the chance to grab a quick word with the mastermind behind it. Once the Chefs Tasting concludes, guests move down to the Main Hall to dine with the world’s largest dinosaur... Maximo! While enjoying dinner, partygoers will hear from an honored CF Fighter, have a chance to win some fantastic live auction items and support continued scientific advancements during Bid for a Cure. The celebration continues with live music, dancing, custom curated cocktails, desserts and late-night bites during Nightcap, the Grand Chefs Experience’s swanky after party. Throughout the evening, food will be abundant, libations will be flowing and your support will bring them one step closer to a CURE. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
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Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board, Animal Magnetism will take place on Friday, March 13 at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. This event welcomes 600+ of Chicago’s urban professionals, animal lovers, and canine companions! Guests will enjoy a night of food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, a spectacular silent auction, and much more! Pups at the party can enjoy their own dog buffet or receive personal pampering in the designated Dog Spa! This pet-friendly celebration is critical in raising funds that provide the operational support PAWS Chicago needs to continue saving thousands of homeless pets around the world each year. Several homeless, adoptable pets rescued by PAWS Chicago will be debuted at the event and guests interested in adopting them will have the first opportunity to give them a forever home! (For tickets, more info, click here!)
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Randolph Street Market, my favorite, returns, February 7-9 with "My Heart's Desire," a sweet Valentine's Day theme. This market will feature a first ever Bridal Pop-Up! Locate wedding dress designers, cake decorators, caterers, florists, photographers and more! Plus, shop an amazingly curated selection of antiques, vintage, global and handmade goods to wear, decorate, party and share with loved ones: past, present and future. Grab some love punch at the Single Collectors Mingle on Saturday afternoon at the Market Bar and meet some potential flea marketing friends at the least and a best friend for life at best. It’s gonna be a total loveFEST! (For tickets, more info, click here)
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Special thanks to the Huffington Post, who was interested in sharing my (ongoing) Playboy story! Read it, see more pics here.
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Chuck, Rooney and I finally got a chance to take a little vacay
to sunny Florida, Palm Beach and SoBe. It's amazing how quickly you relax when you can see palm trees. Can't wait to share the details and, hopefully, bring a little sunshine your way through the telling. One thing I don't want to forget to tell you about though is the new Swifty's pop-up restaurant at the Colony Hotel! It's a must-visit! Its handsome owner/founder Robert Caravaggi is still at the helm, dashing as ever, overseeing a room filled with the creme de la creme of PB (and us). Lol! More exciting details to come in the next edition!
That's all for now! Thanks for your patience this month and I'll be back on track with postings now!
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. On Jupiter Island, Fla., (and, I'm sure, wherever these darling creatures are found) street lights are turned off for sea turtles. Females instinctively seek out dark places to lay eggs and bright lights can deter them from coming ashore. Also, hatchlings are attracted by moonlight reflecting off the ocean and know to head out to sea, but they can become confused by island lighting and head inland instead. So, now you know. :-)
