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Archive for November, 2009
Give the Gift of Blue Men
Posted on November 27th, 2009 by Paul Mulvihill
Original music, innovative comedy and creative outlets are the forces driving The Blue Man Group in their current show at the Briar Street Theatre.
The Blue Men have the ability to make anyone happy. We saw a Saturday night show and left feeling childlike and giddy. The show is appropriate for all ages, but the Blue Men recommend children under five stay home.
One highlight of the show is the live band set above the Blue Man stage—in the dark. Bedecked in neon scribbles, they rock and roll like brightly colored skeletons.
The all-out music and striking visuals strike a quirky balance with the sometimes unbelievable circus-like tricks and illusions the Blue Men are known for. The diverse audience of old and young, families and couples, bond together during the hour and 45-minute show during which you come to know and love your three…silent…Blue Men.
Colin Hurd is the Blue Man Captain for Chicago and has performed internationally with the Blue Man Group. He says that there is only one way to describe the Blue Man experience, “You have to see it to believe it.”
If the Blue Men were let loose on the city, where would they go? Hurd says they would certainly head to “The Art Institute, and all the museums, anything hands-on, just like they are.”
The Blue Man Group is making it especially easy to give the gift of blue this season with their special holiday savings through Dec. 6: two tickets for only $99! While you wait for the night of the big show, send out a couple Blue Man Takeovers–they make for a great mid-work giggle.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, holiday, live music, theatre
What to do on Thanksgiving Week & Weekend in Chicago
Posted on November 25th, 2009 by Mike Chamernik
It’s one of the biggest party nights of the year, y’all.
Before you chow down on Turkey Day, 312DD‘s serving up the absolute best Black Wednesday bashes in town (plus a few extras for the weekend!):
WEDNESDAY
Since most folks get off early, the line starts forming around 3pm at Butch McGuire‘s, the legendary Division Street bar known for its retro Christmas decorations and flirtatious crowd. This is the only night of the year they’re charging at the door too, so you know it’s good! Pros: Fun, professional crowd. Cons: No drink specials. 3pm-4am. $10.
Methinks they’re starting a new tradition at HUB 51, which has come to be known as a great spot to gather for after-work shenanigans. Deejays Alex Rage spins in HUB, while Will Galvan works the ‘tables in the lower-level SUB 51. Pros: Better food than Butch McGuire’s. Cons: Guest list enforced in SUB 51. 4pm-2am. No cover.
Deejay Mark Fullaflava hosts and spins at this lively affair targeting an upscale urban crowd. It’s held in the second-floor ballroom of the James Hotel, which also houses David Burke’s Primehouse (pictured right). Pros: The music will be amazing, with the latest in hip-hop, house and R&B. Cons: They can get mad shady at the door with the cover price. 9pm-2am.
Longtime sexy River North resto Kiki’s Bistro hosts a complimentary tasting of Twisted Oak Winery from Calaveras County, Calif. They will also be doing by-the-bottle and glass options that’ll go well with a number of small plates, including frog legs, lamb stew, smoked salmon and pommes frites. Pros: Ideal if you’re looking for a low-key night with friends or a significant other. Cons: Seats at the bar typically fill up quickly.
Bar owner Matt “Bird” Lindner—known for his massive afro—celebrates his birthday and 30 years in the biz tonight. It’s going down at his after-hours dance club Le Passage (pictured below), and the first 100 guests get an afro wig. Deejay White Shadow spins. Pros: C’mon now, the free ‘fros! Cons: If you’ve been hangin’ at the bars since early afternoon you might not last too long, this one goes late. 10pm-4am. Cover varies.
Jesse De La Pena‘s Backtrack party celebrates 10 years at Double Door. 
They’re doing it up big with live performances, deejays de la Pena, 33 1/3 and Pumpin Pete spinning hits from the 1980s and 1990s, plus live performances. Pros: Jesse knows how to bring on the dance party, which is sorely needed in this town. Cons: We need to dance until 4am! 8pm-2am. $15.
The brothers behind McGee‘s, Duffy’s, Durkin’s, Redmond’s, Wrightwood Tap and Maeve host their annual Turkey Trolley Trot. You’ll get domestic drafts, punch, a food buffet and trolley service to all their bars. Pros: A great deal. Cons: Drunk, stumbling folks all over Lincoln Park. 8-11pm. $20.
THURSDAY
House music icon Frankie Knuckles spins his annual Thanksgiving night party at Green Dolphin Street to help you work off all that turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, get ready to dance your ass off. Pros: The best dancers in the city come out to this party. Cons: If you cannot dance, get out of the way. 10pm-4am. $20.
FRIDAY
Tina Turner turns 70 and she’s still working those amazing legs! To celebrate her fabulosity, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club throws its annual bash in her honor with half-price cocktails, 20 percent off entrees and a three-course special menu for $30. Also, female impersonator Traci Ross performs as Ms. Turner. Pros: Drink specials! Cons: Never enough performances.
SATURDAY
The return of Red Dog debuts this weekend at Ohm, as it transforms into the legendary nightclub. This will happen every Saturday, featuring deep-house deejays such as Dennis Ferrer and Gene Farris. Pros: Multiple levels for gitting down. Cons: Only happens once a week. 10pm-4am. $20.
Read more from the 312 Dining Diva on her blog and by following @Audarshia on Twitter.
Tags: Chicago Accommodations, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants
Patrick Swayze Tribute at The Tasting Room
Posted on November 25th, 2009 by Mike Chamernik
Not sure if Patrick Swayze was a big wine fan, but someone over at The Tasting Room is certainly a fan of his because they’ve dedicated a series of flights to the late legendary screen star’s most memorable movies.
Embrace your eccentric side with the To Wong Foo white wine flight (2000 Dom Perignon, Epernay Champagne, Ruinart “Rose” Reims, Champagne and Serveau Fils ‘Blanc de Blancs,’) for $26, head for Spanish reds with Red Dawn (2005 Comenge Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain; 2005 Lanzaga Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain; and 2007 Pazo de Arribi Mencia, Bierzo, Spain) for $19; or indulge in a number of additional red wine flights: Next of Kin ($25), Road House ($30), Point Break ($22), The Outsiders ($16) and Donnie Darko ($14).
These picks sound like they have legs to me!
Follow @Audarshia for more updates on Chicago’s bar scene.
Tags: Chicago Nightlife, West Loop, Wine
Architecture Inspires Gift Ideas
Posted on November 25th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Black Friday is lurking around the corner and many of you probably have that alarm clock set for 4 a.m. But if you’re over marathon shopping sessions, ornery crowds and déjà vu gifting, perhaps it’s time to think outside the box this holiday season.
While the obvious alternative would be internet shopping, we’ve got architecture and design on the brain. We’re not suggesting you start chiseling away at the Willis Tower, but a little help from our friends at the Chicago Architecture Foundation will keep little sis from rolling her eyes at you when she rips open that Snuggie! Here’s a few treasures we spotted: 
**The Chicago Architecture Foundation recently expanded their children’s section to offer a array of creative and design oriented toys – many made entirely from recycled plastic milk jugs. And the Legos? How about the Guggenheim Museum kit!
**Adults will find innovative ideas in the shop’s housewares area, including clever designs for the holiday host. Inside the shop are folding chopping boards, as well as a variety of design-themed serving pieces and kitchen tools.
**Membership in a Bag is new this year and includes a $79 or $99 membership plus a Chicago Architecture Foundation tote-bag filled with gifts worth more than $84.
**The store also offers more traditional holiday items like cards, ornaments and decorations as well as jewelry, ties and an extensive selection of architecture books.
No time to visit? Purchases can also be made online.
Follow @CHIarchitecture and @CP_Chicago for on Twitter for updates on tours, lectures, and other events.
Tags: Chicago Architecture Foundation, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Creative Holiday Gifts Chicago, Gift Ideas
Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops
Posted on November 25th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Consumer surveys show that the economy still has a hold of our wallets, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped shopping! In fact, it’s places like The 900 Shops that keep us in the holiday spirit – and without going broke! The Michigan Avenue mall has put together a list of specials, events and in-store promotions to take the hassle out of holiday shopping; they’ve even added a few amenities to assist with your sanity. Here’s the scoop:
Special Parking Rate & Complimentary Coat Check
From Nov. 22 – Dec. 24, you can receive a special parking rate of $10 when you spend $50 or more at The 900 Shops! Take your receipt to the Concierge Desk on Level 6 to receive this special rate; Sunday-Thursday only.
In order to make your holiday shopping less bulky, The 900 Shops has a coat check service on Level 6–no purchase required!
More Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops
Magnificent Mondays at The 900 Shops: There’s a gift waiting for everyone on Mondays! The first 500 shoppers who spend over $150 at The 900 Shops will receive a $20 gift card!
Visit with Santa at The 900 Shops: Visit Santa on his throne, surrounded by custom holiday décor and a 40-foot tree glowing in the background! Each child who visits Santa will receive a special gift.
Weekly Holiday Promotions at The 900 Shops
The 900 Shops will be offering more store specials and promotions each week with a particular theme in mind. Take a look at the lineup, but keep checking our blog for weekly highlights at The 900 Shops and other hot spots around town that are offering holiday savings and cheer!
Follow @the900shops and @CP_Chicago for updates, or let us know what you find while shopping at our Facebook page.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Discount, Downtown Chicago, Holiday Shopping Chicago, The 900 Shops
Meet Queen Latifah at Macy’s on State Street!
Posted on November 23rd, 2009 by Adam Marks
Want your picture taken with the Queen? Queen Latifah, that is! It seems as though Macy’s is always rolling out the Red Carpet for a celebrity; it was just recently that Robin Thicke and Fifty Cent paid a visit. But in honor of her new fragrance “Queen,” Queen Latifah will be snapping and posing for photos at Macy’s on State Street on Saturday, Nov. 28 – and not for Cover Girl! 
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to meet the Queen and take home a photo of the two of you! What’s the catch? The first 300 customers to make a $134 purchase of the special three-piece Queen by Queen Latifah fragrance set will get the exclusive opportunity to have their photo taken with her.
The event starts at 3PM, but it’s suggested that you stop by or put in a call (312-781-5445) to reserve a fragrance set ahead of time so that you’re guaranteed a spot!
Let us know about your time at the event! Send CP a message on Facebook or @CP_Chicago on Twitter.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Downtown Chicago, Macy's on State Street, Queen Latifah
Holiday Fashion Deals and Events
Posted on November 23rd, 2009 by Adam Marks
Almost as important as the gifts you need to purchase is how you’re going to look when you’re passing them out! And let’s not forget all of those parties you’ll be attending in-between copious shopping trips. Lucky for all of us, there’s plenty of shopping-related events and sales that will keep you from turning into a Scrooge this season!
1. Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops
Part of Holiday Happenings at The 900 Shops, the week of November 23-29 is all about fashion and several of the stores are offering a creative incentive to get you to pop on in.
Mark Shale is offering complimentary alterations on a purchase of premium denim merchandise, plus complimentary shipping on all purchases. At Gucci, celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF on November 24th from 6pm-8pm. Enjoy cocktails and a special 10% savings on all merchandise, excluding the items from the Campaign to Benefit UNICEF.
2. Black Friday at Macy’s and Water Tower Place
The early bird gets the worm at Macy’s on State Street and in Water Tower Place on Black Friday! Doors will fly open to eager shoppers at the ripe hour of 5AM, when more than 250 “morning specials” will be offered until 1PM.
3. Pick Up a “Lone Soldier” at Fix!
Newly opened Fix Boutique has an equally new way to celebrate Black Friday – and beyond. The men’s and women’s West Loop hot spot will kick off their “Lone Soldier” promotion at 11AM on Friday. Guests who come into the store and purchase the last remaining piece (or “lone soldier”) of any given style will receive 20% off of the item. After that Friday, those items will remain on sale for 15% off!
Sure you’re shopping for others, but with these savings, you’ll have enough left over to grab a gift for yourself as well!
Tags: Black Friday, Chicago Shopping, Shopping Events Chicago
Pre-Parade Entertainment at Mag Mile Lights Festival
Posted on November 21st, 2009 by Cecilia Ehlenbach
If you were anywhere near the Mag Mile pre-parade, you know that the 2009 Lights Festival is so much more than a parade!
Big names like Mitchel Musso of “Hannah Montana” fame and Chicago’s own Plain White T’s (they’re from Villa Park!) rocked the crowd on Michigan Ave.–both excited to be performing at such a widespread and high-energy event in Chicago (@pwts & @mitchelmusso on Twitter).
Between catching live music, some festival-goers made quick stops at the 900 Shops and Water Tower Place for some holiday shopping, enjoyed cooking demonstrations by the chefs from the Signature Room at the 95th (cookie decorating, bread pudding, & more!), and sampled some of Chicago’s finest chocolate.
The littlest Lights Festival attendees were excited to meet the one-and-only Mr. Cheesecake of Eli’s Cheesecake and, straight from the North Pole, Santa Claus and his lovely wife.
As the parade begins, however, it’s all about finding a good spot to watch! Here at the Chicago Travel Blog, we were lucky enough to secure a spot on one of the floats:
“We’re here on Oak and Dearborn getting ready to go in the Michigan Ave. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade, it’s so exciting! We’re aboard the National Concierge Association float–and make sure everyone tunes in and waves to us on the float! Happy holidays!” Follow @CP_Chicago on Twitter for updates from the float!
Chicago Chocolate-Magnificent!
Posted on November 21st, 2009 by Paul Mulvihill
Festivities began bright and early at 11:00 a.m. this morning for the 2009 Lights Festival on the Magnificent Mile. The streets and sidewalks of downtown Chicago are filling in with excited families and friends, getting ready for the main event with–what else?–chocolate.
With two iconic brands–Hershey’s Chicago and Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop–so close by, festival-goers are warming up with some hot cocoa and a holiday-inspired sugar rush.
Both of chocolate havens face the Old Chicago Water Tower–you just can’t beat that location. The 3,600-square foot home to Hershey’s Chicago boasts a pretty tempting selection of all of your favorites, plus freshly baked cupcakes, cookies, and more.
Just across the way you’ll find Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop and Soda Fountain, home to those coveted squares in every variety, plus rich cocoa and plenty of seasonal picks. Ghirardelli is also home to a straight-from-the-50′s soda fountain!
We’ll be posting more updates from the Mag Mile Lights Fest–stay tuned and follow @CP_Chicago on Twitter!
Tags: Hershey's, holiday, Mag Mile, Water Tower Water Works
$29 Spa Services at Halo Spa for Men in Gold Coast
Posted on November 20th, 2009 by Adam Marks
Whether you have kids, or are simply a kid at heart, the Magnificient Mile Lights Festival brings excitement and holiday spirit. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds associated with this holiday tradition (and you happen to be male), head on over to Halo Spa in the Gold Coast for a respite far away from Santa.
Halo is offering men $29 signature spa services with a seasonal twist (think pumpkin facials and cinnamon massages). Get a jump start on your holiday shopping with a Halo gift card that gives you an incentive to come back and get spruced up for the holidays: buy a $50 card, get $20 free; buy a $100 card and get $50 free. We leave it up to you to decide if you’ll be keeping that extra coin for yourself.
Oh, and in case your a spa-phobic, you better get over it - and fast. The $29 spa services are only valid Friday the 20th thru Saturday the 21st.
Follow Halo (@halochicago) and let us (@CP_Chicago) know how your visit went!
Tags: Chicago Men's Spa, Chicago Shoppping, Chicago Spa Deals, Discount
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