Chicago Spa Week
Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by Rebecca Taras
If the economy has you cutting back on trips to the spa, grab your calendar, settle in behind your computer and get ready for Spa Week 2010, taking place September 13-19 at some of Chicago’s favorite places to get buffed, brushed and rubbed. We’re letting you know about Spa Week a bit early because as the saying goes; you snooze, you lose.
We’re talking about $50 treatments that would normally cost close to $200 in some cases, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try out something new. “Based on the overwhelming demand from spas and consumers alike, we are excited to welcome hundreds of more spas in more cities into the Spa Week family for the upcoming Fall Event,” said Cheryl Reid, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spa Week Media, LTD. “Since 2004, participating spas have experienced first-hand the power of the Spa Week brand. The expanded reach affords them the ability to acquire new and loyal customers and grow their business for the long term.”
Our plan of action? To try as many services as we can cram into seven days! With high-end offerings like the Peninsula Spa by ESPA, we have a feeling we know which appointments will be filing up first…..
For a list of participating spas, visit spaweek.com
Tags: Chicago Spa Week, Chicago Spas, Facials Chicago, Manicures Chicago, Massages Chicago, Spa Deals Chicago
Morton’s Celebrity Server Dinner
Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by Rebecca Taras
Counting the days until Monday night football? We have another event for you to pencil in your planner, and while it involves the Chicago Bears, it has nothing to do with a playing field or television set.
On Monday, September 20, see your favorite Bears players in aprons instead of jerseys at Morton’s Celebrity Server Night with Charles Tillman and Friends at Morton’s famed Wacker Place location. You’ll have a chance to mingle with Tillman and some of his teammates during a reception and silent auction before setting into a hearty four course dinner that includes Morton’s favorites such as tuna tartare, mini crab cakes, double cut filet mignon and rich New York Cheesecake. During dinner—Tillman will be helping with server duties— bid on items from a live auction, entertainment for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, which provides opportunities and resources to over one million Chicago-area children and their families who are in need.
Tickets are priced at $250 per guest. For further information, please contact Jessica Geisinger at 312.201.0464 or jessica_geisinger@mortons.com.
Tags: Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears, Chicago Steak House, Morton's, steakhouse
September 1: So many jazz clubs, so little time
Posted on September 1st, 2010 by Neil Tesser
The Chicago Jazz Festival gets underway Thursday afternoon and sails into full swing Friday. But the festival expands into a five-day event if you count the annual Jazz Club Tour. And you should: for $30, participants get unlimited transportation to more than a dozen Chicago nightspots, which waive the cover charge for you to check out the venues and the jazz artists playing that night.
Organized by the Jazz Institute of Chicago more than t
wo decades ago, the Jazz Club Tour extends from 6 p.m. till midnight Wednesday, September 1, and from the Green Mill (4800 north) to Red Pepper’s Masquerade Lounge (a blues-and-comedy club at 8700 south). Patrons purchase an identifying Club Tour button at any of the clubs, which gets you into the clubs and onto the four bus routes run by Chicago Trolley Co. And the bus rides themselves provide enough camaraderie to almost justify the evening on their own.
Among the artists playing tonight are gypsy jazzers Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan (at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway); quartets led by trombonist Russ Phillips and saxist Scott Burns (Andy’s, 11 E. Hubbard); saxman Eric Schneider with pianist Willie Pickens’s trio (Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct.); on-the-edge bands led by saxist Edwin Daugherty and trumpeter Corey Wilkes (Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak); and the post-fusion groups Prosaic and Crawl (at Reggie’s Music Joint, 2109 S. State).
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, live music
Art “Popping Up” Throughout the Loop
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Chicago Loop Alliance
Contributed by Dillon Goodson
Chicago Loop Alliance’s (CLA) Pop-Up Art Loop initiative transforms vacant storefronts in the Loop into vibrant public art galleries featuring Chicago’s diverse and talented artists.
This Thursday, September 2nd, take advantage of First Thursdays Gallery Walk – a free, self-guided tour of the many new art venues throughout the Loop neighborhood. Enjoy complimentary refreshments at any of the walk-in galleries from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Your appreciation of art can get you perks! Pick up a passport at any walk-in gallery; get it stamped at all six walk-in locations and receive a special offer. This month’s passport partner — Berghoff Restaurant & Bar — is providing a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any appetizer to those with fully stamped passports.
In addition, CLA is honored to launch a new gallery featuring works from nationally renowned artist Ed Paschke at the Pop-Up gallery at 240 S. State St. A native of Chicago, Paschke’s art has appeared in museums across the world, in cities including New York and Paris. This new gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through October 29.
For more information on the First Thursdays Gallery Walk and for a complete listing of galleries, visit PopUpArtLoop.com.
Tags: Berghoff, Chicago Loop Alliance, ed paschke, first thursdays gallery walk, pop-up art loop
32nd Chicago Jazz Festival: music on the lakeshore, fans on Cloud 9
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Neil Tesser
The longest-running admission-free jazz festival in the country, the Chicago Jazz Festival launches its 32nd edition on the lakefront 
this week. It features the mix of local stars and national names – including vocalists Kurt Elling and Rene Marie, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, smooth-jazz hero Nick Colionne, pianists Ramsey Lewis and Brad Mehldau, saxophonist Henry Threadgill, and flutist-composer Nicole Mitchell (this year’s artist-in-residence) – that has made the event an adventurous jewel in the city’s culture crown.
This year’s festival gets underway Thursday at noon with afternoon programming at the city’s gleaming Pritzker Pavilion, followed by Friday’s split-venue schedule: six afternoon sets at the Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph and Michigan), followed by a full slate at Pritzker that evening. There’s even jazz that’s technically not part of the festival, when the piano icon Ahmad Jamal – who came to prominence in Chicago in the late 1950s – performs with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra on Thursday evening at Pritzker. (The Jamal concert is presented through the Made In Chicago series at Millennium Park.)
On Saturday, the Jazz Festival returns to its traditional stomping grounds in Grant Park, with four stages, a midway filled with diversions and comestibles, and an art show leading from Jackson Blvd. to Buckingham Fountain. This year marks the return of the “Young Lions” stage, dedicated to high-school and college bands, and the debut of a new “smooth-jazz” stage. It all adds up to 18 different performances Saturday and again Sunday, warmed by typically gorgeous late-summer weather (that’s the forecast), and splayed against unbeatable backdrops – the lake by day, the skyline by night. You’d be hard-pressed to think of a better way to mark the unofficial beginning of autumn (Labor Day weekend).
The Chicago Jazz Festival, presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and programmed in its entirety by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, takes place September 2-5, from noon till 9:30 each day, at numerous locations. All programs are free of charge. The complete schedule can be accessed here.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Downtown Chicago, Family Friendly, Grant Park, Millennium Park
Eclipse Theatre Company Concludes 2010 Arthur Miller Season With A Bang
Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Marisol Massini
Eclipse Theatre Company now presents A Memory of Two Mondays by Arthur Miller at the Greenhouse Theatre Center in Lincoln Park. Running from September 2nd to October 17th, A Memory of Two Mondays was directed by ensemble member Steven Fedoruk and will be the final production of the Arthur Miller series.
The drama takes place in 1930s Brooklyn and highlights the struggles of a warehouse worker and his desire for a college education. Miller uses some of his own personal experiences to explore the challenges of make a living and pursuing your dreams.
The Greenhouse Theatre Center is the home to some of Chicago’s off-loop theatre companies and is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 773-404-7336. Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend, come out to Lincoln Park for this excellent performance!
Tags: a memory of two mondays, arthur miller, eclipse theatre company, Lincoln Park, plays, theatre
Old Town Delight
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Adam Marks
I’m still new in town, and though I’ve been exploring the city all year, I am constantly finding myself discovering new neighborhoods. Each nook and cranny in this city has something to offer, and my newest discovery is Old Town. I recognize that by definition, Old Town isn’t new, but hey, it is to me.
For my evening out, my friends and I selected Old Town Social, a great bar/restaurant that is full of surprises. From the street it doesn’t look like too much, but when you enter, you realize how enormous the space is. The handsome furniture and unique eating areas make it comfortable and interesting. I was ushered to my table in a front lounge area. Surrounding us were beautiful chairs sitting in front of a fireplace, beautiful antique cabinetry, and other tables far enough away that we could easily have a conversation. After ordering some drinks and appetizers, we dug into the menu. Traditional bar food with a twist is my best description. The spicy duck wings needed little coaxing to fall off the bone. The chopped salad was fresh and crunch. The duck-fat potato chips were light and crunchy. The brisket sandwich (with onion rings embedded within) was to die for, but the big trump of the night was a fresh tagliatelle. Who knew bars made fresh pasta?
It is also crucial to point out that with the exception of the pasta special, all of the above dishes were under $10. Pretty impressive given the quality of the ingredients.
Pair these delightful bites with amazing drinks, and you can see how I was won over. The sweet tea lemonade (while it is girlishly pink) made my evening. Their beer and wine list is also extensive, so there really is something for everyone.
As we left our lovely dining nook, my friends and I were absolutely amazed at the transformation of the main space of the restaurant. What was relatively quiet when we walked in for dinner was now a hip, happening bar. Jam packed wall-to-wall with well-dressed ladies and gents, it caught us completely off guard. While the crowd wasn’t really my favorite scene (personal preference only!), we were absolutely undisturbed, and really unaware of this noise while eating. Kudos to Old Town Social for breaking up their great space so well so that a perfect evening can truly be had by all.
Old Town Social is located at 455 W. North Avenue at the corner of Cleveland. Nearest el is the Sedgwick stop on the brown line.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Lincoln Park, Old Town
Celebrate Labor Day at the Peninsula
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Rebecca Taras
Labor Day means we have to say good-bye to the beaches, pools and long days and get ready for school and— dare we say—another Chicago winter. Even if you sat around all summer, you may as well go out with a bang.
The Peninsula Chicago is offering special Stars and Stripes room rates September 1-8, so if you’ve ever dreamed of staying at this luxe property, take advantage of these rates before they disappear with the final days of summer!
Superior Room: $385 (33 percent savings off normal rates)
Deluxe Room: $499 (30 percent savings off normal rates)
Boasting four award-winning restaurants and the tranquil Peninsula Spa by ESPA, you won’t even have to leave the hotel (read: crowds). In fact, treat yourself to the Spa Day Special at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, which includes a choice of a one-hour Aromatherapy Massage, one-hour Intensive Facial, or one-hour Body Envelopment, plus day use of the spa and fitness facilities including yoga and fitness classes, and lunch by the pool for $175. The end of summer just may turn out to be our favorite part.
Advance reservations are required and additional taxes apply. This offer is subject to availability, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other programs, packages or promotions. For reservations, call 312.573.6620.
Tags: Chicago Hotels, Chicago Luxury Hotels, Labor Day Weekend, Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Spa
Geja’s Café Presents the Hess Collection Winemaker Dinner
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by Anne Rakowiecki
On Monday, September 13th, Geja’s Café at 340 W. Armitage invites guests to enjoy a fondue dinner paired with the best of the Hess Collection Wines. The Hess Collection portfolio is comprised of Mount Veeder Estate wines, Napa Valley Single Vineyard Estate wines and Hess Select wines. This Hess Collection Winemaker Dinner is part of Geja’s ongoing popular 2010 Winemaker Dinner Series and will be a special event featuring a representative on hand to provide commentary and answer questions about the various wines. The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. with a lively discussion of the evening’s wines. The four-course dinner includes Geja’s house salad, cheese fondue, beef tenderloin, chicken and jumbo shrimp, and flaming chocolate fondue for dessert. Each course will be paired with carefully-selected, all-you-can-drink wine. Cost for the dinner is $50 per person, which includes the wines, dinner, tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, so be sure to call 773-281-9101 to reserve your spot, or visit Geja’s website for more information.
Tags: geja's cafe, Wine Dinner, wine tasting
Go Crazy for Mussels!
Posted on August 26th, 2010 by Anne Rakowiecki
The Chicago Original Restaurants are offering unique menu items during the 6th Annual Mussel Festival to celebrate the peak of mussel season on Friday, September 17th to Thursday, September 30th. This year, independent restaurants such as Yoshi’s and Jack’s on Halsted will participate along with restaurants across the city and suburbs. All participating restaurants will present creative and delicious recipes along with their regular menus. Some restaurants that will be presenting at the Mussel Festival are El Neuvo Mexicano, Trattoria Roma, Sweets and Savories, Cyrano’s Café and Wine Bar, Le Titi de Paris, Oceanique, Bella Bacino’s and many more. Visit the Chicago Originals website to find gift certificates for participating restaurants for 50% off regular prices, or for more information about the Festival, call 773-301-9615. Bon Appetit!
Tags: food events, mussel festival, restaurant events
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The Chicago Travel Blog covers all things of interest for the visitor to Chicago, whether here for work or pleasure. Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, transportation, and entertainment & attractions are what you’ll find out about here. Use it to pre-plan your visit to the Windy City.
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