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Archive for July, 2009
The Missing Piece
Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Stephanie Choporis
It’s hard to believe that Wicker Park’s popular pizza joint Piece, can get any better, with their delicious menu of fresh pizza toppings and easy-going bar crowd, but trust me, there’s more.
To a packed room of pizza-and-beer lovers alike, Piece plays host to karaoke nights every Thursday, starting at 9 p.m. After watching my friend sing “Ice Ice Baby” like a seasoned pro –topped off with choreographed dance moves– I decided that Piece is my latest and greatest hang-out.
If you really feel like you’ve got a handle on the microphone, Piece also offers live band karaoke on Saturday nights, starting at 11 p.m., and these superstars aren’t messing around. If karaoke is more of a spectator sport for you, grab a beer, a slice and sing along to your favorite crowd tunes.
A couple drinks later you may just find yourself up there, on the Piece stage. Go ahead, belt out your favorite 80′s rock tune.
Tags: Beer, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Piece, pizza
Commitment Free
Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Adam Marks
It was Winston himself that once said, “If I could, I would attach diamonds directly to a woman’s skin.” Well, he got close. The new Harry Winston (55 E. Oak Street, 312.705.1820, www.harrywinston.com) Tattoo Collection mimics traditional American tattoo designs, minus the “I heart mom”, in the form of precious gemstone brooches. We’re pretty sure that the lovebirds ink on the sailors back in the 20′s didn’t come in platinum with 520 diamonds.
Designed to be worn together or separately, the three brooches (there’s also a red rose and heart designs) definitely have an easier removal process than the real thing, but still do a fab job of symbolizing spontaneity or marking that once in a lifetime moment.
To read more about shopping on Oak Street, read our guide.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Harry Winston
Going Full Circle
Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Adam Marks
While you feel a tinge of guilt visiting the salon every six to eight weeks in these economic times, The Circle Salon a new full-service hair salon in wicker park with an Eco-friendly focus, is giving you an entirely new reason to feel good about looking fabulous.
The use of Eco-friendly products isn’t the only thing about this salon that would make Mother Nature proud. The plastic containers that hold sprays and gels alike are always recycled, and the hair from that emergency bang trim you just had is donated to earth friendly org Matter Of Trust. While the environment is the key focus, one thing that isn’t “green” at The Circle is the staff. Each of the stylists have extensive training and a proven track record in their field, combining personalized and attentive service, with the latest techniques in cut, color and styling. No waste here – the service menu is only available only via email or on-line.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Circle Salon, salon
Betty Davis Eyes
Posted on July 30th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Heck with messy lash glue sticking to your digits while struggling to apply falsies. Tarte’s Multipleye ($65) is a natural lash enhancer that’ll help your sparse hairs achieve a 152% change in the appearance of lash length. Tarte’s proprietary hydroplant peptide is clinically proven to give the appearance of longer, thicker lashes naturally. Now that’s worth batting an eye over. Available at Sephora and at Sephora inside the Water Tower Place.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Mag Mile, Sephora, Water Tower Place
Fireworks For Adults
Posted on July 29th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Not looking to haul the family entourage over to Navy Pier for a fireworks display (Wed. & Fri. through Labor Day)? Then grab a spouse, date or a group of friends and head to new Terrace at Trump (312.588.8000), located on the 16th – floor of Trump Tower, for a view of the sparkling sky as only “The Donald” could provide.
The 20,000 square foot lounge boasts furniture that is as comfortable as it is classy, Zen-like fountains and of course, the view. A clear glass wall and railing allow you to see Michigan Avenue, the lake, the Tribune building and the Wrigley Clock.
As you’re soaking in the view, you can soak up a rosé wine from sommelier Steven Lee’s selected list, or take a liquid get-away with specialty cocktails such as the Bon Voyage ($14). Tread carefully; this is not your cruise ship concoction. Prepare yourself for a blend of Grand Traverse cherry vodka, fresh sour mix and cayenne pepper – almost as explosive as the fireworks.
Tags: Chicago Accommodations, Chicago Nightlife, Navy Pier, Trump International Hotel & Tower
Harry Potter Enchants Museum Of Science And Industry
Posted on July 29th, 2009 by
Harry, Hogwarts, and more hoopla…Oh my! The new 
Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry has cast quite a spell on Chicagoland. Harry hype across the country has traveled fast; tickets for tours are selling like hotcakes. A few of the authentic artifacts on display include Harry’s own wand, eyeglasses, and Gryffindor school uniforms.
Visitors are able to tour through Hagrid’s hut, enter the Quidditch area to toss their very own “Quaffle,” and encounter creatures like Buckbeak and a colossal Acrimantula spider. This exhibit is a must-see for every Potter-head.
Hurry in to see Harry, this exhibit is only on display until Sept. 27. If you try and purchase tickets on the spot at the museum, there really is no chance getting into the exhibit, so purchase the $26 tickets ahead of time.
Make a day of it! Before you visit the special exhibit, go see the new movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in IMAX showing in the museum’s massive Omnimax Theater. This five-story domed theater shows adventures larger than life. Purchasing your tickets for this showing ahead of time is encouraged. Click here to reserve your tickets now!
Get Your Glam On
Posted on July 29th, 2009 by Adam Marks
In conjunction with the annual Glamorama event, Macy’s Customers will have the opportunity to shop, save and support a great cause by purchasing a Glam Pass. Available in all Macy’s stores July 23 -August 23 for only $10, the Glam Pass highlights the season’s hottest trends, includes a 15-20% off a day of shopping pass and coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more for another day. A portion of the proceeds from the Glam Pass benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
For more information about Macy’s Glamorama 2009, read our Glamorama guide.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Glamorama, Macy's
New Fusion
Posted on July 28th, 2009 by admin
Chicago’s multitude of Italian restaurants are a well-known attribute, just as the many Chinese, Japanese, Thai and other Asian regional cuisines are favorites in the city. The inevitable evolution has led to a coupling of the two, Italian-Asian fusion restaurant Italiasia (the “s” sounds like “see,” not “Asia”).
There is no need to feel cornered into trying out a cultural combination, Italiasia’s menu has several options deriving from only one hemisphere, such as the antipasto plate of cured Italian meats and cheeses, bucatini with meatballs, spring rolls, and grilled chicken teryaki. But it’s the fusion plates that have created the buzz for Italiasia. Unique choices like hoisin chicken pizza, veal osso buco, and the signature item lobster risotto bring Italian and Asian influences to a tasteful point.
You’re probably not going to stumble across Italiasia when venturing downtown, unless of course you happen to be staying at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, but Italiasia’s yin-yang combination of flavors deserves to be sought out.
Tags: Asian, Chicago Restaurants, fusion, Holiday Inn, Italian, Italiasia
Eye Of The Beholder
Posted on July 25th, 2009 by Elizabeth Pierson
Olafur Eliasson’s “Take Your Time” is the feature exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art this summer. Eliasson’s unique, often life-sized works provide large-scale sensory engagement. Appearing differently depending on your position, 3-D pseudo-prismatic rings and globe invite you to “go inside reality” and experience a different perspective with every movement.
One of Eliasson’s earliest works is housed alone in a hushed black box and consists of a spotlight shining diagonally through a mist in the room’s center. If you observe from a particular angle, though, you can glimpse a rainbow created by water, light, and light’s reflection upon the eye. So, the observer is fundamental to the art not only in its appreciation, but in its very existence as well.
Because of the subjective nature of every piece, each viewing, even by the same person, is unique. Take advantage of the free tours offered daily and see over 15 years of Eliasson’s mind-bending art as many times as you like before the exhibit closes on September 13.
Check out some of the Museum Guides on ConciergePreferred.com.
Windy City Tequila
Posted on July 25th, 2009 by admin
Waking up slow from last night’s celebrations? If not, then maybe you weren’t aware of National Tequila Day on July 24.
Whether enjoying a bottle from the store or at the bar, Mexico’s favorite liquor might as well be the U.S. national liquor during the bright, sunny days of summer.
Available in stores, Tres Generaciones brews tequila of all varieties, from low-brow bottles best fitting a college party to the Super Premium triple-distilled tequila. It begins in the olden days of Don Cenobio Sauza, who learned the secrets of the trade while living in the town of Tequila, and carries the tradition today.
Finding a good spot to enjoy tequila is slightly more difficult than picking out a local liquor store, only if you don’t know about these Chicago favorites:
Salud Tequila Lounge is a “tequila-school” starting spot in Bucktown, preparing tequila tastings sessions and dinners. For cuisine to match the high-quality drinks, Zocalo serves up traditional and modernized Mexican with live music on weekends nights. Agave Bar and Grill treats all tequila afficianados and amateurs alike with 150 different types of the agave-based spirit. As part of the Rick Bayless restaurant family, Frontera Grill has an excellent menu to pair with killer margaritas, on rocks or not.
Tags: Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Frontera Grill, Salud, spirits, Zocalo
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