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Archive for May, 2010
Sable’s Exquisite Bar
Posted on May 29th, 2010 by
Do you watch Mad Men? I do. In fact, I’ve been catching up and watching early seasons in rapid succession. This leaves me with a constant hankering for whiskey and wood-paneled bars. Sable Kitchen & Bar hits the spot. Think Mad Men in the 21st Century.
The star of the Sable show is Mike Ryan, the man behind the epic novel of a drink menu. His drinks are inventive and extremely well-executed. Highlights include the War Of The Roses (gin, pimms, and grapefruit bitters), the Versailles (pronounced Ver-SAILS, mixing bourbon, black cherry jam, apple cider, and lemon juice), and the Yoino Buta “Drunken Pig” (Japanese whiskey, bacon bitters, lemon, and bacon-brown sugar syrup).
The food at Sable is creative and beautifully served, but the best dishes are the small-plate appetizers. Get a baby beet salad (and I don’t usually like beets) to share. There’s a beautifully light goat cheese rolled in crushed pistachios to complement the flavors, and the result is creamy and rich. No matter what the circumstance, you simply cannot leave without ordering the sweet corn crème brûlée. This dish is rich, but balances the sweet/salty divide with confidence. It can be appetizer or dessert, and frankly, I wanted to eat three more.
In my opinion, Sable is best experienced with an extended stay in the bar, slowly exploring the drink menu and nibbling small bites along the way. The atmosphere is very hip, the noise level manageable, and the drinks just can’t be missed.
Sable is located in the Hotel Palomar at 505 N. State Street.
Tags: Chicago Bars, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Downtown Chicago
Chicago Shakespeare Theater welcomes South African actor/writer, Omphile Molusi
Posted on May 28th, 2010 by Annie Kelly
Chicago is justifiably proud of its local theater companies, from the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Victory Gardens to the Neo-Futurists, Congo Square, and Teatro Vista. And while there’s never a shortage of home-grown shows to see, Chicagoans also enjoy the opportunity to experience companies from elsewhere, thanks to such efforts as Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s World Stage Series. Over the past ten years, Chicago Shakes has hosted an impressive roster of out-of-towners, including La Comedie-Francaise, Theatre des Bouffes du Nord, England’s Ambassador Theatre Group, Il Piccolo Teatro di Milano, and the Maly Drama Theatre from St. Petersberg, Russia. Next up is “Itsoseng”, written and performed by South African actor Omphile Molusi. Itsoseng is the name of Molusi’s hometown (or rather, “township”) and this one-man show examines the failures of the post-Apartheid years and one citizen’s struggle to sustain himself amid personal and national despair. June 9-20. Tickets: $28-$38. Call 312.595.5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com
This post was sponsored by the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. http://www.imax.com/chicago/
Party On: “Fuerza Bruta” invites the audience to share stage
Posted on May 27th, 2010 by Annie Kelly
Young people (for the most part) mobbed the stage of the Auditorium Theatre Tuesday night for the opening of “Fuerza Bruta”, the spectacle fashioned by Argentinian director Diqui James. The show, a stream of visual non sequitors ( a man running on a conveyor belt, dancers breaking through walls that explode in a shower of confetti, women hurling themselves through a pool of water suspended over the crowd) is theater for 
those who aren’t thrilled by plays, an energetic scene for those whose club days are behind them. Propelled by an incessant techno-ethno beat (and the alternately aggressive and joyful grunts and yelps of the performers), “Fuera Bruta” is a kind of theatrical wild child — loud, unruly, and answerable to no one. Tickets: $50-80, available at the Auditorium (50 E. Congress Parkway, all Broadway in Chicago locations (24 and 151 W. Randolph, 18 W. Monroe), by phone at 800.775.2000 and at all Ticketmaster locations.
This post was sponsored by the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. http://www.imax.com/chicago/
Run, Don’t Walk to Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps”
Posted on May 24th, 2010 by Annie Kelly
If you ever had any doubt that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, hightail it to the Bank of America Theatre this week and see “Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps,” a wonderfully unabashed mash note to the master’s great 1935 thriller. Though executed with a great sense of humor (a smidgen of self-referentiality, a lot of the music hall’s ‘You Sir-Me Sir?-Yes Sir rhythms, and archly-used snippets of the music Bernard Hermann composed for Hitchcock’s 1950s films), this whiz of a show celebrates rather than swipes at the director’s deeply-ingrained aesthetic. Performed by an astonishingly talented cast — Ted Deasy, Claire Brownell, Eric Hissom, and Scott Parkinson (each playing multiple roles), this smart and fun loving piece is pure entertainment. And that’s not always easy to find. Plays through May 30. Tickets: $20-$70. Available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices (24 and 151 W. Randolph, 18 W. Monroe), by phone at 800.774.2000 and at all Ticketmaster locations.
This post was sponsored by the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. http://www.imax.com/chicago/
Beauty Ateliers: Mobile Skincare and Wellness
Posted on May 23rd, 2010 by Adam Marks
Photo courtesy of Todd V. Taras
Planning a girls getaway? No budget for entertaining your clients at the spa? Don’t fret, there’s a new service in town that’s bringing beauty to your doorstep – including your hotel room, office, or event space.
With more than twenty years of global experience in the beauty industry (including the opening spa director at the new Elysian Hotel), French native Fabienne Lindholm knows a thing or two about looking good—and she’s ready to share her secrets. Her new venture, Beauty Ateliers, “teaches wellness through beauty,” but not in the environs of the treatment room. That’s right, she brings her “workshop” (as in ateliers – hence the name) directly to you and your friends, family or co-workers.
What can you expect from a workshop experience? Lindholm provides a customized consultation utilizing a high-tech Image Pro Skin Care Analysis System and you’re encouraged to bring their own products and questions to the table. You’ll have the opportunity to test out various skin care products from cleansers and exfoliators, to masks and a nifty LED light device that stimulates collagen and kills bacteria. And if you’re sick of the same old hum-drum get-together, a Beauty Ateliers workshop is the perfect excuse to get together with the girls for a casual night in—or entertain those clients in lieu of a pricey excursion to the spa. Some other ideas are:
Birthday: anti-aging, preventative care
Pre-Wedding: problem skin, healthy glow
Post-Pregnancy: melasma, hormonal conditions
Teen: skin care education, acne
Office: dry air, stress
Cost of Services:
Consultation, two or more – $35 per person
Consultation, one on one – $50
Facial Peel – Additional $35 per person
While there is no obligation to purchase any of the professional product lines (think Carita, Decleor) Lindholm retails on her website, any orders taken the day of the workshop are at a 15% discount. And the website isn’t just about great products. It’s also a portal for industry tips and trends and local health and beauty professionals.
For more information, visit beautyateliers.com
Tags: bachelorette party chicago, beauty ateliers, bridal shower chicago, budget skin care, budget skincare, Carita, Decleor, entertaing clients, Fabienne Lindholm, mobile beauty services, skin care, skincare, The Elysian
Conrad Hilton: Movies on the Terrace
Posted on May 23rd, 2010 by Adam Marks
While we’re all a little bummed that Movies in the Park has been canceled this summer, but The Terrace at the Conrad is doing their best to keep one of our favorite summer pastimes alive.
“Movies on the Terrace” launches on May 30 at dusk, continuing every Sunday thru September 26. This season, the screening experience has been elevated with the installation of a surround-sound system and custom, 110-inch Stewart Film Screen utilized by the likes of Paramount, MGM, NASA and AMC theatres. The Terrace will present classic and new Chicago-centric films this summer including The Breakfast Club, The Dark Night, Chicago, Public Enemies, Uncle Buck, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Risky Business, Wicker Park and many more.
Upgrade your traditional popcorn, soda and candy experience with Latin-inspired bites from Executive Chef John Doggett such as Ceviche de Tigre, Chimichurri Steak Salad, Jerk Chicken, Spaniard’s Burger and the Cuban sandwich. A more interactive option would be the Haute Teppan menu, a do-it-yourself table-side grilling experience offering regional influences from America, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Enjoy a cocktail or two while keeping that beach bod you worked so hard to get by Memorial Day. The Spa Spirit cocktail menu adds a nutritional punch to the otherwise syrupy sweet concoctions that show up this time of year. The cocktails are antioxidant-rich, low sugar and incorporate low carbohydrate ingredients like Yuzu, Tibetan goji berry, honey dew, green tea and ginseng blended with suju, a low calorie Asian vodka. Of course, if you have an”I’m on vacation” mentality, signature cocktails, various Sangrias and Martinis are also available.
For more information or the complete movie schedule, please call 312 377 0979 or visit terraceatconrad.com
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Tags: alfresco dining chicago, conrad hotel chicago, movies on the terrace, outdoor dining, outdoor movies, outdoor terrace chicago, the conrad hilton
Shedd Aquarium Offers Two-For One Admission
Posted on May 23rd, 2010 by Adam Marks
In this economy, it can get expensive to treat the entire fam to a day at a museum – not including the fact that mouths have to be fed too. The Shedd Aquarium has created a “win-win” situation that puts a few extra dollars in your pocket and helps them with a very important task: naming the new beluga whale calf!
The Shedd Aquarium is offering a FREE Shedd Pass with the purchase of one adult Shedd Pass everyday from now through June 13, so guests can have the chance to see the baby beluga in person before they help pick a name. The aquarium will then begin the naming process for the newest member of Shedd’s Oceanarium family, the male beluga whale calf born Dec. 14 last year.
“The calf is five months old, and he is starting to show his unique personality and traits,” said Ken Ramirez, Shedd’s vice president of animal collections and training. “Just like doting parents, the entire Shedd family is always eager to share their observations about the calf with the people of Chicago and beyond. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to the public to have a hand in such an important milestone for Shedd.”
The two-for-one “Meet-the-Beluga-Calf” coupon can be found on Shedd Aquarium’s website at sheddaquarium.org. The Shedd Pass will allow guests to see the new beluga calf in the Oceanarium playing and swimming with mom, Puiji (poo-EE-jee). Guests can also explore the new Polar Play Zone, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef exhibits and Waters of the World.
Visit Shedd’s FTP site for photos of the calf and video of his birth:
Type in the password: belugacalf1
For more information, please call 312-939-2438 or visit sheddaquarium.org
Tags: beluga calf shedd, Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Museums, museum ticket deals, Shedd Aquarium
Shoreline Offers a Fresh Lineup
Posted on May 23rd, 2010 by
We all know that architectural boat tours are some of the best ways to see the city, but Shoreline Cruises is taking it a step further.
To kick off the season of lovely weather, Shoreline is hosting a special event on Friday, May 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with performances by the Chicago cast of Million Dollar Quartet. You’ll be serenaded and crooned at with all your favorite tunes! Drawings will be held for free tickets to the show, and to sweeten the deal, Shoreline is offering a free child’s ticket with every purchased adult Skyline Tour all day.
But the fun will continue. New cruises are being added to the lineup with various themes. The Live on the Lake cruises will feature live music, and Rock the Boat cruises will let you chill out with great recorded tracks after dark.
The Chicago in the Movies tours will point out the various landmarks used in Hollywood hits old and new, and Friday night Brew Cruises will include locally-crafted beers from four great brew pubs.
Fear not, your favorite architecture and evening cruises will still be available!
For more details including ticket information, departure times and locations, visit Shoreline’s website.
Tags: Architecture Boat Tours, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Downtown Chicago, Family Friendly, outdoors
Pilsen Fine Dining
Posted on May 22nd, 2010 by
Continuing my education in all things culinary in Chi-town, some friends brought me to Nightwood, a delightful outpost for good, fresh food.
The decor is rustic but cozy, and any restaurant with an open kitchen makes me pretty happy. Sadly, I couldn’t see much from where we sat, but it does create a certain vibe.
Okay…enough small talk, I need to discuss this food. Nightwood chefs base their menus on what they get at the markets that morning. That’s right, it’s different every day. There are certain staples, but new items pop up all the time. You can see their daily menu on their webpage.
To my delight, they had a fiddlehead appetizer last night. I don’t know if you are familiar with these scrumptious little ferns, but they have a very short season and I absolutely can’t resist them. Nightwood served them lightly sauteed with garlic and doused with lemon—perfectly crunchy and acidic, and a great start to the meal.
On to the entrees. My patient friends let me eat off of their plates, so I can comment on three of the offerings. I had the walleye served with a light and creamy green garlic aioli on a bed of braised escarole. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the portion was more than ample. The whole trout was also amazing, served on a bed of black beans that I had trouble resisting. One of the stars, though, was the half chicken. It had a smoky flavor that made it unique and rich, almost like a fine scotch. I know it sounds weird, but it’s the truth.
Speaking of scotch, the bar menu is creative and fun. They offer drinks like a PB&J (peanut butter infused tequila with framboise), a brilliant old fashioned (mine sported a rhubarb garnish), and a variety of other combinations designed to suit your particular palate.
One of the quirkiest aspects of the service is the choice of either still or sparkling water with no extra charge! I’m so used to still (I’d rather spend my money on food and booze than water) it didn’t even occur to me to get sparkling, but the option is nice.
Service was the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive. We sat for more than 2 hours without feeling rushed, but our glasses were never empty.
All in all, Nightwood is a fantastic asset to the sometimes overlooked Pilsen neighborhood. It’s close to downtown, and offers a great dining experience. I have a feeling I’ll be back.
Tags: Chicago Restaurants, Farm to Table Dining, Pilsen Restaurants
Bloomingdale’s and Giuliana Rancic Host Trop50 Swim Event
Posted on May 21st, 2010 by Adam Marks
Photo courtesy of E!
The temps are going to be warming up this weekend, so it’s the perfect time to head on over to Bloomingdale’s and pick out that new swim suit! Join E! News anchor, author, star of Style Network’s Giuliana & Bill Giuliana Rancic for the Tropicana Trop50 event on Saturday, May 22 from 1PM to 2:30PM.
Mingle with Rancic while enjoying Tropicana’s new Trop50 beverage, which tastes as delish as real juice, but with 50 percent less sugar and calories and sans artificial sweeteners – you have to stay in shape for that suit, right? A live DJ will keep you energized as you browse through the hottest new swimwear of the season! The first 50 guests to purchase a swimsuit during the event will receive a $10 electronic gift card to use toward their swimwear purchase.
Please rsvp by calling 312.440.4515
Tags: bathing suit, Bloomingdale's, E! News, Giuliana Rancic, swim suit shopping chicago, Trop50
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