Following recent hotel bar openings like the Roof at the Wit and Elate at Hotel Felix comes Bar Novo, the newly-renovated lobby bar inside the Renaissance Hotel.
Bar Novo adds a sophisticated yet romantic option to the Chicago happy hour scene with its red carpets, dim red lighting, and draping red curtains. The sides of the bar are made up of small dining sections surrounded by cushy chairs and plush lounges, while the main bar area is filled with two long, communal tables- perfect for meeting some new friends.
In addition to the people-watching, you can also spy on the chefs cooking up delicious small plates such as flat breads and Kobe beef sliders at the interactive chef’s station. To wash down your snack, try one of the fresh, hand-crafted cocktails on the menu like the Basil Tangerine Gimlet with Finlandia Tangerine, lime, and basil.
Already a popular favorite of nearby professionals (apparently the folks from Leo Burnett make a daily appearance), Bar Novo manages to combine a club energy with a relaxed vibe to make one new subtle scene.
Bar Novo
1 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
312-372-7200
http://www.barnovo.com
When the Whole Foods Mecca in the Midwest opened in Chicago’s Lincoln Park in May—it’s the third largest store in the world after Kensington, England and Austin, Texas— even Mayor Daley was outside with a speech to pull the community together. And inside, the “Chicago Eats” section celebrated Windy City staples: Taylor Street Italian, Pilsen Taqueria, Wicker Park Subs and more. This holiday season the Whole Foods community is reaching out to us again, along with market locations across the Midwest, to host “Deserving Dinners.”
The sweepstakes, which includes thirty-two participating stores from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Toronto, Missouri, Nebraska, and Indiana, invites people to nominate deserving families from their community to receive a complimentary holiday dinner for four. Two rounds of entries will allow people to nominate their chosen family for Thanksgiving or for Christmas, featuring a holiday feast with all the fixings: 10-12 pound turkey, harvest salad, maple-roasted autumn squash soup, country mashed potatoes, traditional herb stuffing, green beans with roasted shallots and fresh herbs, roasted cinnamon dusted butternut squash, fresh cranberry sage compote, turkey gravy and traditional dinner rolls. Yum!
How do you nominate a deserving family? While entry forms with the rules and regulations are available at in-store kiosks in all Midwest Whole Foods Market locations, you can easily logon to your local store’s website at wholefoodsmarket.com (all entries will be made online anyway; no paper entry forms). But you better hurry if you want to get an entry in for the upcoming holiday. The Thanksgiving sweepstakes is accepting entries until November 13, with Whole Foods announcing the winners from Nov. 16-19. The Christmas sweepstakes will accept entries from Dec. 1-11, with Whole Foods announcing the winners from Dec. 14-18.
Sorry competition junkies; you cannot nominate yourselves. But, perhaps your nominee will win and invite you over for leftovers!
Authenticity Preview Party: 4 Guys, 4 Girls and a Board Game
This Saturday at Dream (1750 North Clark) games will be played, disagreements will be had, the audience will roar and if you’re lucky you might walk away with a cruise vacation. No, Dream is not about to move to a talk show format. The lounge will host a preview party for the growing in popularity relationship board game Authenticity. “We had so much fun we decided to do it again” said game creator Sheila Brown. “But this time we wanted to give the audience an even more realistic look at the board game complete with conversations that follow”.
If you don’t know about the game (www.playauthenticity.com) it’s great for couples, (dating or married) to get to questions that you may not ask in general conversation. The topics range from Sex and Romance, Religion, Family, Finance, Life and Real Life Situations. There are also some fun twists in the game like the “Pick Your Pleasure” Section and every turn around the board requires you to plant a kiss on your partner (helpful if you may not provide the “right” answer for your partner). All in all the game is design to help the relationship win.
The brave souls joining me on the panel answering questions from the game include: Theresa Carter (Street Team and Thelocaltourist.com), Melinda Joseph (Raymi Productions), Derrick Lane (Art After Dark), Luke Jensen (Luke Jensen & Company Management and Consultations), Tish Murray (actress, model), Michael Hahn (beyondthegoodlife.com), Zondra Hughes (author and editor of N’Digo Magapaper). The event is hosted by Sarah Vargo of Maven. Doors open at 7PM with a pre event reception and the game panel begins at 7:30. Attendees who purchase a copy of the game that night are entered into a drawing for a 6 day cruise vacation for two. Admission to the event is free. For more information call 1-866-533-9884 or email info@220communications.com.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening tonight with author Gary Vaynerchuk here in Chicago to bring the Thunder to our fine city. Gary will be talking about his new book Crush It www.crushitbook.com. Starting at 7PM at the Doubletree Hotel Magnificent Mile 300 E. Ohio Street. The evening includes wine, great food, and then top it off with deliciously decadent dessert from Swirlz Cupcakes. Attendess also go home with their very own copy of Crush It. That’s not all great prize giveaways include a Cruise for two, Gourmet Coffee Basket, Spa Package, Flip-Cams, Some fabulous Hustle gear and DVDS from Chalene Johnson and Powder Blue Productions and tunes supplied by Okyne Media.
Sponsors for tonight’s Bash Include: Kelly Olexa, RealPlayer SP, Lynfred Winery, Terlato Wines, Just Grapes , Mashable, Doubletree Hotels, Squarespace, Pipeline Media Relations, 220 Communications, Bottega del Vino Crystal, Kerrygold Cheese, Chicago Photo Shop, Swirlz Cupcakes , Poudre Coffee, and more.
Donations will also be accepted for “Warm Babies”, a charity to help newborn babies through Kids Hope United.
For more information and to purchase tickets go to
Who knew just $35 could do so much? That’s the incredibly affordable price of a ticket to Dare 2 Dream this Thursday at the House Of Blues. The most important aspect of this event is that a portion of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois. But it’s going to be a great show, too – you’ll see Gavin Rossdale (formerly of Bush) with Lovehammers and Relief opening.
Dare 2 Dream starts early, 5pm…so skip out of work and help out a much-deserving cause while rocking on a Thursday evening in Chicago! Get ticket information HERE and listen to details about the concert here:
Joe Piscopo is flying in to Chicago this afternoon for meetings and promotion associated with his upcoming variety show, The Joynt After Dark. Joe will host the show with comedian Don Novello, also known as Father Guido Sarducci and other guest hosts. The guys have partnered up with long time friend and co-owner of The Joynt, Stan Wozniak to create the scripted-reality variety show, along with producers Jimmy “The Hat”, Ari Golan, Matt Gaven and Jen Knoedl. The multi-talented Mr. Piscopo will host the show with audience and guests through music, song, skits, stand-up, interviews and whatever else pops up! The show is set to shoot this month and the talent search for guests and audience has begun!
Come to audition or come for the party! Tonight, Tuesday, November 3rd The Joynt will host open auditions downstairs in the Retro Room. “Would-be” comics, magicians and other entertainment acts are encouraged to sign up for a time slot beginning at 8:30 in the Grand Bar. In addition to searching for guest talent, The Joynt After Dark is auditioning for the casted audience. Come tell the guys why they need YOUR energy in the room! (Psst: I think they MAY be looking for enthusiasm!)
Auditions will be held from 9-11 pm. First come, basis. Tell your talented friends.
Eric Smith-On location at TEAMiFITLifestyle Center-676 N. LaSalle Street-with Founder, President and Wellness Coach-Amy Leffel.
Speak a little bit about your background-life before TEAMiFIT and how all this happened?
I received my undergraduate degree at Indiana University in Exercise Physiology and Public Health. I worked as a personal trainer and exercise specialist-teaching fitness classes at gyms across the city. Then I went back to school to get my masters degree in Education, where I worked with kids from 1st grade all the way up to 8th. While as a school teacher, I was also teaching fitness classes and working as a personal trainer on the side. So I have about seven years working in fitness. This has been my passion, so doing this doesn’t feel like work.
Amy Got Soul
The initial concept was exercise on location at different outdoor venues across the city. What gave you the idea to get started that way?
I’ve had this vision a long time. April through September every year we hold outside classes. So you’ll have classes happening all around the city…Lincoln Park, West Loop, West Town, River North, Gold Coast, Lake View and South Loop. We also take these classes to the beach. And as the weather cools we bring this more of this action to our space here.
So what makes TEAMiFIT different?
TurboKick
TEAMiFit is a one-stop shop promoting health and wellness! You can come here and get fitness classes for adults and kids. We have Strictly CORE, TurboKick, Zumba, Strength Boxing classes and more…we’ve got all kinds of flava flava-including Power Yoga and Power Pilates. We’ve got specialized workshops like plyometric training focusing on high-intensity movements for high impact. We also have small group personal training called ‘Armed and Dangerous’ for only six people, to work with a personal trainer at a discounted price. And beginning in November we are going to have educational classes ‘Doing Life Together’, where our lifestyle coaches will educate based on personal experience using their expertise to focus on what our members want. Topics will include like how to eat right when working out, how to balance life, how to spend smart over the holidays, educational self-massage, couples massage, etc. The lifestyle coaches will be here to educate and build relationships with our clientele. We’re basically doing life together.
TEAMiFIT
Amy is definitely on the move in Chicago and wants to get your body moving. For additional information and register for classes visit TEAMiFIT online and Facebook. To hear the entire interview, download the audio casts below.
New Orleans is a city full of vibrant music, bold parties, and spiced up cuisine. So it’s no surprise that Pappadeaux is a big, bold, and loud restaurant eager to usher in some fun. Even on a typical Tuesday in October, Pappadeaux was drawing big crowds. Who says you can’t have fun on a Tuesday?
There are times when you dine out purely for the food and other times you go for an experience. The experience side is done right! Right off the bat, the hostess is knowledgeable and eagerly gives you a brief tour of the fresh seafood available that evening. Décor is geared for fun as well, with tall ceilings and monstrous chandeliers in the shape of compasses.
So now that you’re feeling bold and ready to have fun, all that’s left is that party in your mouth! Dishes are boldly seasoned and one could never mistake them as bland, but might some find them over seasoned? The appetizer trio is the first item sampled and it consists of shrimp and crawfish fondue, calamari, and fried alligator. The calamari was a bit chewy, the deep fried alligator could have passed for chicken fingers, but the true oddball was the fondue. Shrimp and crawfish swam in a soupy bath that had cheese melted on top similar to french onion soup.
Speaking of a soup type dish, next up was the gumbo. The flavorful broth was joined by spicy andouille sausage, shrimp, crawfish, and rice. A good gumbo has layers of flavor that work together, while the broth was flavorful, the ingredients didn’t work harmoniously. This gumbo felt as if it was thrown together and not created, as if each ingredient was cooked separately and then put together at the last minute without a chance for the flavors to marry.
First entrée was the Stuffed Shrimp Montage. Large oven baked shrimp are stuffed with crab cake and a parmesan cream sauce. There is no shortage of flavor here! If you’re looking to taste the shrimp, then there is too much flavor. Over seasoned and over sauced, these jumbo shrimp get lost in the flavor shuffle. The parmesan topped lobster is luckily restrained from the over seasoning. The salty characteristics of the parmesan actually work quite well with the very fresh lobster.
A smile is brought to my face when I see the dessert tray. Sweet potato pecan pie was a nice twist to the often too sweet dessert, while toasted pecans added a delicious crunch. Key lime pie is a personal favorite dessert, although this version is very sweet with only a hint of tartness, true key lime should be the opposite.
Entrée prices range from the mid teens to upper forties, so diners have plenty of options. So what does all this add up to? A fun, loud, and bold restaurant that may please the everyday masses, but will leave true foodies with a little too much spice in their mouth.
In the fourth year of installment, Fashion Focus Chicago once again lit up the runway with the latest couture fashions this past weekend at Millennium Park. A gathering of the City’s upscale fashionistas and industry insiders, this was a collection of creative intellectuals on the scene-to push the envelope of Chicago’s fashion industry. A call to all in the know that although we are in the Midwest-far away from the East and West coasts, the Windy City is here-determined to make an imprint in the marketplace, and we will do so with our own sense of style and flair.
Fashion in Focus
Within minutes of arriving I was graced with the presence of Melissa Gamble- Chairwoman of the Mayor’s Fashion Council, Jason Felger-Executive Vice President of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, Alice Berry-Chicago Native-designer and Fashion Council member and the one and only Mayor Daley who launched the Council and subsequently Fashion Focus Chicago to establish the city as a fashion destination.
Most impressive was the fact that these collections debuted the next rising stars of top students from Chicago’s fashion design schools: Columbia College Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, Academy Chicago and the School of the Art Institute Chicago.
Dress Code 2009
From the looks presented on the runway this evening, the goal of establishing a fashion mecca here is well in sight! To learn more and score event tickets visit Fashion Focus Chicago.
They say green is the new black, but what the devil is a Nutrition Stylist? Debra Ward is a River North designer with a unique holistic approach to style. Her company DWD doesn’t just design clothing, but also bodies from the inside out. While some designers ensconce their clients in layers of diaphanous fabrics, DWD believes as within so without -viewing the person as a complete being. After 25 years in the business, Ward has evolved from her role as Wardrobe Consultant to Nutritional Stylist and now offers Nutritional Coaching in addition to chic urban style.
“We provide a nutritional plan based on fashion desires so you get an ideal body to go with the style. You get Little Black Dress meals, and Wrapped Sweater soups to maintain that body. It’s smart, sexy and healthy.” Says Debra.
You get the complete package: whole mind, whole food and whole body. DWD is Located at 501 N. Wells near Illinois.
I cannot think of a better time of the year for a Victoria’s Secret Grand Opening than during the week of Chicago’s 2009 Fashion Focus. And, in what better location than downtown’s Magnificent Mile? But you know what would be even better, given the spirit of Halloween? If an angel flew in from up above—wings and all—to celebrate with guests. Wait a minute. That did happen! Well, almost.
While Victoria’s Secret Angel, Supermodel Marisa Miller, wasn’t wearing her wings, but instead, a pair of tight black jeans, platform heels and a pink t-shirt with the words, “Victoria’s Secret Chicago,” it still felt like our prayers—whatever they may be—were answered. Despite the wet weather, both men and women lined-up around Michigan Avenue anxiously awaiting autographs, and decked out with the pink VS striped umbrellas the store provided.
At first, I was taken aback, annoyed even. Not just by the angry crowds, ‘He told us to wait out there, so why do they get to wait in here?’, but by the bodyguards wearing earpieces. ‘Surely Obama is not back for fashion week, and surely Marisa does not think she’s the president, does she?’ I thought. But, the moment Marisa floated out, everyone—myself included—praised the lord (or maybe cursed him).
Her nose was so perfect and tiny, her forearms so skinny and toned; even her dirty-blonde hair looked like a halo rose high above her head (someone must have handed her ten of those umbrellas this morning). The women wished they’d worn heels today and the men wished they’d either worn heels too or done 500 crunches. At least some of us remembered to wear our Body-By-Victoria’s Secret push-up bras (shhhh…it’s a secret).
As Marisa sat down to sign autographs and we all did back flips with each of her hair flips, there was too much Grand Opening action to ignore. Make-up artists not only painted faces but gave cheekbone consultations, sales women handed out gift cards in excess of $500, and orange juice in champagne glasses danced around waitresses’ heads. Hmmm…perhaps they were really mimosas – I never got my hands on one so I can’t be sure.
To continue the spirit of the season, the place was decorated like a scantily-clad Halloween—but better. Golden wings in the sky, flying bras, tassels, fringes, and translucent corsets. I even spotted baggy mom pajamas for the evening’s end; a perfect opposition to transition from hours of suffocating breast-pushing and stomach-squeezing.
But, as with all of Victoria’s Secrets, the experience is never quite complete without the creepy guy. Typically, he’s someone else’s boyfriend sitting in the only chair that happens to be right outside YOUR dressing room. It was my cue to leave when I asked creepy guy, ‘Here with the wife, ha?’ and he naively responded with, ‘Yea. Shopping with my wife and daughter.’ Gross. I’ve never ever gone underwear shopping with my dad. Not even while running errands at Wal-Mart as he’s in the automotive section.
Although the spirit of this holiday was over for me, I long to use my gift card another day, but mostly, for smaller forearms and a nose that does not move left to right while making facial expressions.
If you are accustomed to the factory assembly line get ‘em in and crank ‘em out philosophy of the average manicure joint then you are in for a treat at Spa Emilia on 21 West Elm. After 21 years they have developed a reputation for the best manicures and pedicures in Chicago bar-none. On any given day you may find yourself seated next to some of the city’s most successful and savvy businesswomen. Anyone from Christy Hefner to our nations current Social Secretary, Desiree Rogers to the founder of the original White party. Even HARPO Studio’s books a weekly spa day with them.
Partners Grace Sniezynski and Elizabeth Gilewicz are endearing and committed to providing unparalled customer service. You will be greeted at the door with a cup of organic herbal tea whose bright fresh green color is surreal. (Even the premium tea leaves are a customized mix by wellness gurus DWD and cannot be store bought.) “We want customers to have a lovely, pampering experience … an escape from their stressful lives. So every manicure and pedicure includes a fabulous massage to relax them and improve blood circulation,” says Grace. “Our staff is mostly European. The difference is more extensive training than the usual one year in the U.S. To protect our business, we are very selective about who we hire. They must take pride in what they do.” Spa Emilia is a Gold coast neighborhood jewel that no woman should miss.
Tomorrow night, singer/songwriter Jen Porter and Chicago inde label, Stonecutter Records are throwing a release party for her 4th original studio album, “Closer to the Surface”. She’ll perform the entire album with a 7-piece band.
Her style is expansive and universal, though best described within rock/folk rock and adult contem- porary genres. You can’t help but love her power house voice, rhythmic piano and mellow, acoustic guitar.
The mortality rate for women with low to moderate income suffering from breast cancer remains alarmingly high. As a result, minority women are disproportionately affected. Understanding breast health and proper screening saves women’s lives.
To help raise awareness, Dance Pink presents a sultry evening of sizzling Latin dance music on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Rumba, 351 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, Illinois tickets are $35 in Advance and $50 at the door. Dance Pink will benefit A Silver Lining Foundation.
The event features a Salsa lesson, fabulous raffle prizes including the grand prize a 6 day Cruise Vacation and an opportunity to dance with Chicago’s top instructors. Advance tickets are available for $35 which includes a buffet from 6:00-8:00 and one free drink. Tickets are $50 at the door. Complimentary cocktail and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6-8pm.
Dance Pink: Tonight 6PM - 9PM Rumba 351 West Hubbard
The mission of Dance Pink is to raise awareness about the higher-risk and less positive outcomes of breast cancer among low-income and uninsured women and to raise funds to increase access to early detection and affordable screening.
Rhonda Bell, a Breast Cancer survivor who attributes her surviving the ordeal to her access to excellent health care, first held the event in 2007 with great success. This year promises to be even better in terms of support and attention.
I plan on attending Dance Pink tonight in support of all the friends and love ones who have suffered at the hands of this dreaded disease. I hope you’ll come out to support the event tonight. For advance tickets visit the web site www.dancepink.org.
No doubt, Chicago is jam packed with incredible musicians. We are so lucky.
Here’s a talented lady who I’ve been fortunate to see perform at several shows and she completely blew me away every time - her voice, her personality, her charisma – wow, she’s got the whole package going on! Be sure to catch Jen Porter this Thursday at Martyr’s as she celebrates the release of her new CD “Closer To The Surface“, recorded right here in Chicago. It might just be one of your last opportunities to catch her in such an intimate setting…with any luck it won’t be too long until she’s touring the world promoting this CD!
Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team Last season, the Chicago Bulls experienced a dramatically positive growth spurt. A team that actually lost at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the early part of the season grew together and gelled enough to qualify for the postseason. And in those playoffs, they gave the defending World Champion Boston Celtics all they could handle in a physical seven-game series that featured more overtime sessions than any other series in NBA history. It was probably the most exciting playoff series that the professional hardwood has ever seen, but a first round exit is still a first round exit, so 2008-09 was not exactly the most memorable season in Bulls history. But after building some positive momentum last season, what will the Bulls do with it now?
Their sophomore Head Coach Vinny Del Negro is as good a clue as any. Here are some of the highlights of what he’s told the media this preseason
About taking it to the next level…
“The 2nd half of last year I think we started to come into our own a little bit, kind of me feeling the guys out, them feeling me out how we’re gonna play. Now there’s a familiarity…now we just have to improve, you have to put the work in on the practice court and hopefully execute in games.”
On how little you can read into the Bulls 5-2 preseason record…
“Every time you’re keeping score, you always want to win, but sometimes there’s a lot of young players out there and that usually dictates some mistakes and the flow of the game can get changed a little bit when you’re trying to conserve some guys’ minutes, so the rotations aren’t down and that throws guys into different positions sometimes.”
On Tyrus Thomas, and his convalescence…
“He needs to get back in shape, he’s been out a little bit, and get the flow back offensively, defensively, be our shot blocker back there, and make open 15 footers. If he runs the court with his athleticism and gets after it defensively, it’ll give us a big boost. He knows what he needs to do, he just needs to go out and do it consistently.”
On improving the team’s much maligned defense…
“We have to find a way to get stops at key times, but also we need to rebound better defensively. Some times we’re getting key stops, but not getting that basketball, hopefully with a little more size the rebounding numbers will get better.”
The subject on everyone’s mind, the health of Derrick Rose…
“He needs to get back. It is a day-to-day thing. He’s been doing some running and he’s been on the bike. We may have him in shooting drills, but not full-contact drills…It is possible he will not be ready for the opener against San Antonio. I hope he practices tomorrow but it is really day-to-day.
There’s something funny going on in River North on Tuesday, October 20th. Sarah Vargo ofMaven and Fred Farris of Key Management have teamed up with The Joynt to host Stand Up Against Cancer which benefits local charity Imerman Angels. The party and the awareness are going down at 650 N. Dearborn (@ Erie) and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate all the good things that are happening under Johnny Imerman’s inspiration!
The show starts at 6:30 and features a laundry list of talented comedians along with headliner Kira Soltanovich, from Girls Behaving Badly and The Phony Phone Booth on The Jay Leno Show. Have you seen this bit? It’s hilarious! What WON’T people do for a free picture?!?! You can find the clips here or check it out in this week’s edition of The SAUCE, hosted by Yours Truly, below. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door with limited seating.
Desiree, NBC Chicago Street Team If you didn’t make it to the Meals on Wheels 2009 Celebrity Chef Ball Friday night, then too bad so sad. The real celebrities of the evening were the guests; my girlfriends and I felt honored as the best chefs of Chicago’s premier restaurants cooked for a cause while serving us their sexiest dishes and delicious desserts. Celebrity chef hosts included Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven), Stephanie Izard (Drunken Goat) and Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno). The annual event, held at Macy’s on State Street, benefits Meals on Wheels “to ensure Chicago’s seniors and disabled population retain a lifestyle of independence and dignity.”
While tickets to the Chef’s Table sold out before Friday night, most guests came afterward for four hours of the fabulous Chef Tasting Party. Cocktails, gambling and music ensued on the seventh floor of Macy’s, and I spotted dresses and suits covered in guacamole, pork rib and lobster bisque soup before the night’s end. Favorites dribbling down my dress included the pequeno peppers stuffed with goat cheese from Tizi Melloul, butternut squash ravioli from Socca, sushi from Sunda, and ceviche from Adobo Grill.
Blagica, NBC Chicago Street Team
As I went through my singledom in Chicago, I used to glance at pregnant women and wonder what it’d be like when the day came that I was preggers. Would people do what I did and observe oncoming CTA passengers for possible expectant mothers – and give up my seat in an instant? Would people hold doors for me as I used to do? Would folks at the grocery store offer to carry my bags to the car as other pregnant women before me? Would strangers judge me for drinking or eating something that they don’t’ think I should?
I hit my 28-week mark in a few days. Here are my observations to date – some may surprise you, as they did me.
Public Transportation
Believe it not, the majority of people do not offer up their seat to me. Of course, I’m fine on my feet (most days), but when I hop on the #3 or #4 in the morning, the people that are sitting in the very front (which is reserved for folks with needs or pregnant ladies) don’t usually glance up to see if someone else needs the seat. At this point, I wonder, ‘Do I ask to sit down’? It’s an odd predicament to be in. The seat is for me, yet I feel weird that I have to ask to sit down. For crying out loud, I once hopped on the bus and saw a mother carrying her child standing at the front of the bus. I had to yelp over to the sitters and ask something to give up her seat.
Takeaway: Folks, when riding the CTA, take a peek to see who is stepping in to your train/bus. They may need the seat more than you.
Grocery Store
The Whole Foods and Dominick’s in the South Loop always offer to help me to my car. Nice.
Takeaway: Jewel, you need to add this policy at the register.
Eat & Drink
I attended the Windy City Wine Festival with the hubby and was carrying around an EMPTY wine glass – this was something we all received when entering the grounds. I wasn’t even drinking wine and women all around me continued to snicker and talk about me. It was horrible. Absolutely horrible. I went to the check-in of the festival and requested a bracelet to show everyone that I was a ‘designated driver’.
Takeaway: Treat others how you’d like to be treated. By the way, later in your pregnancy, a glass of wine week isn’t a bad thing.
Random Comments
I am always amazed by the amount of people that ask me ‘When are you due – you like you are about to pop’! Some random guy at an Au Bon Pain said something to this effect a few weeks back and I just stood there with my mouth agape. There is something about being pregnant that brings out the inquisitive nature in folks, I guess?
Takeaway: Would you like it if I leaned over to you and said, ‘Wow, you look like you are piling in the Portillo’s eh?’
Overall, people have been nice with doors and giving me space to move, but the natural human element of staring and wondering remains.
Anyone have interesting experiences of their own? Do tell!
If you’re a fan of rock music then you must be very familiar with the legendary guitar riff’s of Rik Emmett. He was part of the amazing power trio Triumph, providing killer licks in great songs like “Fight The Good Fight”, “Lay It On The Line”, etc. Here’s an opportunity to catch him in an intimate environment and also help out a great cause, Pizza’s 4 Patriots:
Wow, what killer line-up. As it turns out, several of those artists have appeared in my podcast Cara’s Basement:
The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is returning this December 12 to Congress Theater. The lineup is all set, except for one spot. The Last Banjo Standing contest is open through Thursday for a chance to open for Dr. Dog, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Majors Junction, How Far To Austin, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and many more.
They’re keeping this a local affair, so competing bands must be from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, or Minnesota. Submit two tracks and then beginning October 16 send all your fans to vote daily.
Enough with the afternoon mall trips and hours spent watching college football. Baseball is long gone and I’m pretty sure the laundry can wait another day so why not do something fresh and fun like catching a rugby game provided by the Chicago Lions RFC. Oh and you get to help raise a little money while you’re at it too.
The Chicago Lions Rugby Football Club and the Chicago Hope Academy High School have joined forces for the second annual “Lions for Hope” benefit on October 24th. The festivities begin with a duel between the Chicago Lions D1 squad and the undefeated D1 Pearl City, followed by a black tie (optional) banquet at 6 PM at the clubhouse building located at 2433 West Roosevelt Road, just west of Western Avenue.
Still trying to understand the concept of rugby in Chicago? I totally understand. It’s hard to fathom any team beyond Da Bears/Da Cubbies/Da White Sox in our beloved city. The Chicago Lions Rugby Football Club is not the weird, red-headed step child of the Detroit Lions nor are they are a semi-professional 40+ softball league. The Lions have been around since 1964 and is a founding member of the USA Rugby Super League. They are the premier rugby union club in the Midwest and have reached the Rugby Super League and National 7’s playoffs nine times over the last decade (including the National 7’s Championship in 2007).
The event serves not only as a fundraiser, but a celebration of a partnership between the Chicago Hope Academy and the Chicago Lions RFC. The Chicago Hope Academy started its first rugby team coached and supported by Lions players last year. The young men and women who attend the coed, non-denominational college and life preparatory school were exposed not only to the sport of rugby, but to a positive and supportive mentoring relationship between them and the Lions players.
The banquet gives the public a chance to meet the Lions players, as well as Chicago Hope students, teachers, supporters, family and friends, as well as an opportunity to donate to two extremely encouraging local organizations.
Tickets to the event can be purchased for $100 (guests of players, teachers and staff are $50) online (Chicago Lions website and/or Evite) or by contacting Hope Academy President and Founder Bob Muzikowski (312-781-2739), as well as Chicago Lions RFC President Keith Brown (312-952-1028).
For more information about the game and/or event, make sure to visit www.chicagolions.com or www.chicagohopeacademy.com.
Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team This not quite safe at work video, captured by John Tsarouchas of Palestra.net/ESPN UWIRE is a MUST WATCH! Fitz gets candid in describing the offensive line, which has not been very good at run-blocking or pass-blocking this season. (Other than pass and though, they’ve been just fine!) And they were especially bad again in Saturday’s win over Miami of Ohio. NU is 4-2, but in order for them to finish with a winning record, they’ll need to get their running game going, and the OL to play much better down the stretch against tougher competition. Hearing this Ozzie Guillenesque, not for the kiddies gem makes listening to 1,000 “we’re just focusing on what we do” and “we’re just focusing on our next game, not looking ahead” type cliches worth the while.
New Partnership! Nude Hippo has been a player in the Chicago media scene for more than 10 years. Now the brand and the personalities are an exclusive part of the NBC Chicago Street Team. Watch Nude Hippo videos on this blog and on the brand new nbcchicago.com Emmy Winners! The NBC Chicago Street Team was recognized by the National Association of Television, Arts and Sciences with an Emmy for its coverage of Looptopia. Click here for more information and to watch the video that helped secure the nomination.
Lindsay Saewitz, NBC Chicago Street Team 
dim red lighting, and draping red curtains. The sides of the bar are made up of small dining sections surrounded by cushy chairs and plush lounges, while the main bar area is filled with two long, communal tables- perfect for meeting some new friends.
Desiree, NBC Chicago Street Team
Glenn Murray, NBC5 Street Team
e of a ticket to Dare 2 Dream this Thursday at the 
Hungry Z, NBCChicago Street Team
In the fourth year of installment, Fashion Focus Chicago once again lit up the runway with the latest couture fashions this past weekend at Millennium Park. A gathering of the City’s upscale fashionistas and industry insiders, this was a collection of creative intellectuals on the scene-to push the envelope of Chicago’s fashion industry. A call to all in the know that although we are in the Midwest-far away from the East and West coasts, the Windy City is here-determined to make an imprint in the marketplace, and we will do so with our own sense of style and flair.
by April Lawson
Wrapped Sweater 
soups to maintain that body. It’s smart, sexy and healthy.” Says Debra.
s and a nose that does not move left to right while making facial expressions.
by April Lawson
Jeff Baraka, NBC Chicago Street Team
Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team
population retain a lifestyle of independence and dignity.”
Palmer House Hilton, 
Blagica, NBC Chicago Street Team
Rikki Greenberg, NBC5 Street Team
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