Category Archives: Attractions in Chicago

Chicago Pinot Noir Festival 2013 at Navy Pier

Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association s...

Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association sign @ Shiloh Hill Vineyard (Photo credit: northbaywanderer)

Russian River

Russian River (Photo credit: SSShupe)

Do you love Pinot Noir? Get itickets for the 6th annual Pinot Days Festival at Navy Pier. Pinot Days is the largest gathering of Pinot Noir producers in the world. Pinot Noir winemakers will be pouring hundreds of exceptional pinots that are stylistically diverse regions like Callifornia’s Russian River Valley and Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Oregon winery Willamette Valley Vineyards

Oregon winery Willamette Valley Vineyards (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2013

WHERE: Navy Pier from 2-5 p.m.

Tickets: $75 at www.pinotdays.com

Vineyard in the California wine region of the ...

Vineyard in the California wine region of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir (Photo credit: naotakem)

Pinot noir grapes have a much darker hue than ...

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Try some Pinot Noir from the Oregon ure 10 Oregon pinot producers in a specially designated area. This will be the largest presence of Oregon pinot producers ever gathered at a California wine festival.

The alluring aroma and seductive color and texture of Pinot Noir makes it one of my favorite wines. This elegant and complex wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes that thrive in a very specific micro-climate with sunny, warm days and cool foggy nights.

These California vines prosper in the well-drained slope of Goldridge loam soil and  enjoy a long Indian summer in the Russian River Valley. The grapes are harvested in the cool pre-dawn darkness to conserve grape flavor and acidity.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the predominant varietals grown in about a 200 square-mile prestigious American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Sonoma County, California called the Russian River Valley. The area is shaded by majestic redwood trees. For more information visit www.pinotdays.com.

Participating Exhibitors- Aberrant Cellars, Alta Maria Vineyards, Ancient Oak Cellars, August West, Banshee Wines, Belle Glos Wines, Benovia Winery, Benziger Family Winery, Bien Nacido Vineyards, Cartograph, Celebrity Cruises, Cornerstone Cellars Oregon, Davis Bynum, Davis Family Vineyards, DeLoach Vineyards, Dutton-Goldfield Winery, East Bank Storage, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Friedeman Wines, Gary Farrell Winery, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Goldeneye Winery, Inman Family Wines, J Vineyards & Winery, Jean-Claude Boisset, Kendric Vineyards, Ketcham Estate, La Follette Wines, La Rochelle Winery, Ladd Cellars, Lauterbach Cellars, Le Cadeau, Le Cadeau Vineyard, Loring Wine Company, MacMurray Ranch, MacPhail Family Wines, MacRostie Winery, Mansfield-Dunne Wines, Miner Family Winery, Morgan Winery, New Zealand Winegrowers, Pali Wine Company, Potash Brothers Market, Ritual, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, Robert John Russo Gallery, Scherrer Winery, Scoperta Imports, Sequana Vineyards, Siduri Wines, Sojourn Cellars, Sokol Blosser Winery, Stoller Vineyards, Testarossa Winery, Thomas Fogarty Winery, Thomas George Estates, Trombetta Family Wines, Waits-Mast Family Cellars, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Wren Hop Vineyards

Vineyards in the California wine region of the...

Vineyards in the California wine region of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Sample over 100 pinot noir wines from every important region, from the Russian River Valley to the Santa Rita Hills, Oregon to the Anderson Valley to the Sonoma Coast. Come to Navy Pier to taste these highly acclaimed wines, meet the gifted and charming winemakers who create them, and experience the passion and romance that the pinot noir industry continues to embody. We call it Serious Fun. Come see for yourself.”

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Chef’s Week Chicago 2013

Loop skyline from the lakefront, Chicago, IL, USA

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Just when you are recovering from the weight that you gained during Restaurant Week, you should start thinking about making reservations for the 5th annual Chef’s Week extravaganza.

It will take place between March 17th and March 22rd when top-notch Chicago restaurants will offer special menus and signature dishes. For more information visit:  www.chicagochefweek.com

for a list of the 2013 participants.

Image representing OpenTable as depicted in Cr...

Image via CrunchBase

Make your reservations ASAP at www.opentable.com or directly at the restaurant’s website.

Set table at the James Beard House, January 2007

Image via Wikipedia

Many noteworthy Executive Chefs will prepare outstanding meals at bargain prices. A three-course prix fixe lunch will set you back $22 and dinner will be $44.

Buon Appetito from your “Foodie Friends” @ www.vino-con-vista.com.

Image that shows the areas used by UNESCO in o...

Image that shows the areas used by UNESCO in order to localize World Heritage Sites. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

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Watch Oscar Night in Chicago 2013: An Evening with the Stars

Date: 02/24/2013
Time: 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Best Actress Academy Award

Image by cliff1066™ via Flickr

On Oscar® night in Chicago, there is only one Red Carpet event that brings the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the Windy City, while raising funds and awareness for Autism Speaks.

AN EVENING WITH THE STARS – Chicago’s Premiere Oscar party for Autism Speaks at the Intercontinental O’Hare Hotel on Oscar night, February 24th, 2013.
WHEN: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 2013
Join Chicago’s Best’s TED BRUNSON, 190 North’s MARK NILLSON, and OWN Network/ Comedienne Extraordinaire PATTI VASQUEZ host Chicago’s Premiere Oscar party. The only party to benefit those affected by Autism! After raising over $150,000 in 2012 and over $400,000 to date, Chicago’s Premiere Oscar themed fundraiser for Autism Speaks returns in 2013 to the Intercontinental …O’Hare.
English: Inadvertent yet apropos glitch art fr...

English: Inadvertent yet apropos glitch art from Autism Awareness Month. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The An Evening with the Stars is the only Oscar-themed party in Chicago to benefit children and families struggling with Autism, a neurological disorder that affects 1 out of every 110 children. Buy tickets today!

Don’t miss out: visit  http://www.eveningwiththestars.org

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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85th Oscar Viewing Party at the Drake Hotel 2013 in Chicago

When: Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

English: Drake Hotel (Chicago) Entrance

English: Drake Hotel (Chicago) Entrance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60610
English: Horst Burbulla with Oscar

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Lights, Camera, Action! Walk the red carpet for the 85th Oscar Academy Awards at the legendary Drake Hotel on Sunday, February 24th for a 3-course meal and a glass of champagne while watching the awards on a life-size screen!

Cover of "Chicago (Widescreen Edition)"

Cover of Chicago (Widescreen Edition)

“Chicago” cast of the film ‘Chicago,’ which brought  home six Oscars in 2003, are set to have a grand reunion at this year’s Academy  Awards.  Renee  Zellweger, Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah will reunite at  Academy Awards this year.

English: Dresses worn by Renée Zellweger, Cath...

English: Dresses worn by Renée Zellweger, Catherine-Zeta Jones and Queen Latifah in the 2002 movie musical Chicago. Picture taken at the American Museum of the Moving Image. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/chicago-cast-reunite-academy-awards-article-1.1260789#ixzz2LRgitK1o

 

$125 per person includes the 3-course meal, a glass of champagne, luxury goody bag, tax and gratuity. Purchase your tickets at:

http://oscarsatthedrake.eventbrite.com/

Seating is limited and will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Divine Dine and Wine 2013 in Chicago

Chefs from Girl and the Goat in Chicago

Divine dine and Wine 2012 in Chicago

When: Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Venue One at 1044 W. Randolf in Chicago

Divine Dine and Wine 2013 allows you to taste signature dishes created by Chicago’s Award -winning Chefs from Fulton River District, Randolph Street, Fulton Market, Little Italy, West Loop, & Greektown!

Attend the event at

1044 West Randolph Street
Early Bird Tickets $95/$125 after Feb 1.Thursday February, 28 2013 6:00-9:00PM

                    

EVENT DETAILS:
The West Central Association (WCA) is cooking up an evening of great West Central Neighborhood Chefs and Restaurateurs to benefit the mission of the WCA.
Feast on delicious fares prepared by award-winning Chefs & Restaurants from the Hottest Culinary Neighborhoods for the Second Annual Divine Dine & Wine. Enjoy pairings with wines, cocktails & handcrafted beers.
Local celebrities and hosts of Windy City Live, Ryan Chiaverini and Val Warner are special guest this year. Ryan and Val are known for their ease with guests, their warmth and quirky humor. They will be joined by Top Chefs from our neighborhoods – West Loop, Fulton Market, Fulton River District, Randolph Street, Greektown, and Taylor Street.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS:
                       
                      
                     
           
                Three Aces               
                         
MEDIA PARTNERS:
                        

Tickets start at $95 and include food, wine, cocktails and handcrafted beers.

Anne Burrell’s Cookbook signing at Divine dine and Wine 2012

The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce organized an outstanding Food and Wine Event in Chicago last year. There were silent auction items, a raffle and plenty of food and wine.

Macaroons at Le Sardine

Wine Raffle @ Divine Dine and Wine 2012 in Chicago

Silent Auction Items at Divine dine and Wine 2012

I loved the “Summerland” Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County and the wide array of “Divine” Tastings from local restaurants.

Outstanding Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara

Outstanding Pulled Pork from Porkchop on Randolf

Incredible Braised Ribs from Carmichael’s

Decadent Dessert from Rosebud

Sweet Treats from Macello

For more information and tickets go to

Polvaro Nero from Italy

Tasty Meatballs from Jefferson Tap & Grill

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Participating Restaurants:

Athena, Avec, Carmichael’s, Carnivale, Davanti, Enoteca, Francesca’s, Haymarket Pub & Brewery, Jefferson Tap, La Sardine, Girl & the Goat, Macello, Meli, N9NE Steakhouse, The Palace Grill, Paramount Room, Piccolo Sogno, Porkchop, Province, Sawtooth, Sepia (Mixologist), The Rosebud, Tuscany and Vivo.

Creamy Pasta at Divine dine and Wine 2012 in Chicago

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Leila Grace Foundation’s 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Dinner in Chicago

Children's Valentine, 1940–1950

Image via Wikipedia

Join the Leila Grace Foundation for it’s 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Fundraiser. Enjoy Italian Food and wine at Quartinos Ristorante.

All donations from the silent auction will benefit the Leila Grace Foundation a 501 c(3) non profit organization that provides education to college students about sexual assault prevention and awareness.

Scan of a Valentine greeting card dated 1909.

Image via Wikipedia

The evening will include antipasti, wine, chocolate gift bags and a silent auction.

Price: $30

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Time: 9pm- 12am

Place: Quartino Ristorante 626 N. State Street Chicago, IL 60610

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Morton Arboretum “Celebrating Chocolate” Festival 2013

Attend the “Celebrating Chocolate Festival” at the Morton Arboretum  www.mortonarb.org

Chocolates

Chocolates (Photo credit: J. Paxon Reyes)

Tastings & Classes:

Chocolate Expo & Market February 2 & 3 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Visitor Center

Just in time for Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl Weekend! See, sample, and discover the perfect gift for your Valentine. Select a delicious gift for your Super Bowl hostess or stock up on sweet treats for your Super Bowl weekend at home. The Expo & Market will present chocolatiers who offer a unique array of chocolate products: truffles, chocolate sauces, preserves, and much, much more! See participating chocolatiers.

Stay & Learn. FREE presentations will be ongoing during both days of the Expo & Market in the Sycamore Room at the Visitor Center.  Tickets are limited. First-come, first-served.

10:00  a.m.:  The History, Mystery, and Magic of Chocolate.  Kathy Bouchard of Chocolat du Bouchard will present the healthy benefits of chocolate.  Enjoy a sample of pure, healthy chocolate.

11:00 a.m.: Chocolate Bean to Bar: Chef Kevin Roblee of Kokku Gourmet will make chocolate from the bean for everyone to taste.

12:30 p.m.: Do You Know Your Candy Bar? Family fun! Take a blind taste test and identify the chocolate bar.

3:00 p.m.: Master the Chocolate Martini

Truffle Making Party February 1 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m Thornhill Education Center Member adult $35 (nonmember adult $40) Learn to make  four varieties of delicious truffles and enjoy wine and light refreshment. Take a gift box of up to six truffles home, a $15 value. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Cooking Class with the Arboretum’s Executive Chef February 9 5:00 p.m.                SOLD OUT! Ginkgo Restaurant Member adult $55 (nonmember adult $60) Join the Arboretum’s executive chef as he demonstrates how to make the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner. Guests will participate in this interactive class. Class fee includes dinner and wine. Tickets are limited. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Mousse au Chocolat: The Ultimate Decadence February 10 Noon, 1:45, & 3:30 p.m. Thornhill Education Center Member adult $32 (nonmember adult $37) Everyone loves the creamy silkiness of chocolate mousse and here is your opportunity to create this timeless dessert in a hands-on class with Chef Laura Valcour of Chefs for a Day. After you make the mousse, fill a heart-shaped chocolate cup using a pastry bag, finish with chocolate decorations. Treat yourself or your Valentine to this decadent dessert. Registrants must be at least 18 years old. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Kid’s Cooking Class: Decorate & Build Your Own Candy House February 10 Noon 12:45 & 1:30 p.m. Visitor Center Member child $15 (nonmember child $20) Construct a small candy house using molded chocolate panels. Use Valentine’s Day and other candy treats to decorate your creation. Ages 6 and up. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Chicago’s Sweet Candy History, Revisited February 16 9:30– 11:00 a.m. Ginkgo Room Member adult $25 (nonmember Adult $30) Enjoy a delicious chocolate-themed brunch as historian and author, Leslie Goddard, shares the sweet history behind tasty treats, like, Frango Mints and Dove Chocolates. Learn why Chicago has called itself the Candy Capital of America since the turn of the century. Leslie Goddard will also be available to sign copies of her new book, Chicago’s Sweet Candy History, after the brunch. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Wine & Chocolate Pairing Class  February 17 5:00 p.m. Ginkgo Room Member adult $22 (nonmember adult $27) Explore the mystical union of wine and chocolate. The experts at Kokku Gourmet will select the finest dark chocolates and pair them with the perfect wine.  In this class, savor the nuances of four wine and chocolate pairings and learn why they complement each other.  Following the pairings, enjoy a glass of wine while you sample from a table of gourmet items featuring chocolate, sweets, and season fruit. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Kid’s Cooking Class: Learn to Make a French Log Cake February 18 (President’s Day-most schools not in session) 11:00 a.m., 12:45 & 2:30 p.m Visitor Center Member child $22 (nonmember child $30) Children will create a decadent chocolate log cake, made of yellow sponge cake filled with chocolate cream and topped with chocolate butter cream. Meringue mushrooms and edible decorations will complete the delicious creation. Participants will earn a Chocoholic Certificate and will take home a chef hat and recipe. Order tickets online CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Beer & Chocolate Pairings February 24 5:00 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant Member adult $35 (nonmember adult $40) Looking for a unique late afternoon date or an outing with friends? Enjoy sweet and savory fare paired with specialty brews from Two Brothers Brewing Company.  Five “small plates” featuring Graham’s Chocolate will be matched with the perfect beer.  The final pairing is a beer ice cream float!

Order tickets online or CALL 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m VISIT The Visitor Center, daily during regular hours

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Watch the 2013 Golden Globe Awards at Cityscape Bar in Chicago

Signs for the Golden Globe Awards.

Image via Wikipedia

Make plans to view the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards at Cityscape Bar in Chicago on Sunday, January 13, 2013 beginning at 7 PM on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza.

At this amazing viewing party get a panoramic vista of Chicago! This year’s hosts are Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Guests at Cityscape Bar’s viewing party will be able to sip an array of themed cocktails for just $8 each in a luxurious setting while enjoying the show. Themed cocktails include The Golden Globe Martini and The Nominee. The Golden Globe Martini is made with X-Rated Passion Fruit, American Harvest Vodka, Pineapple Puree garnished with an Orange and Cherry. And the Nominee Martini is made using Cruzan Rum, Peach Schnapps, Lime Juice, Grenadine and a splash of Sierra Mist. If you get hungry while watching the awards, ItaliAsia Restaurant is located adjacent to Cityscape Bar offering up unique foods with flavors from Italy and Pan Asia creating a rare palate of East meets West.

WHEN: Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM

COCKTAILS:

The World's Drinks And How To Mix Them

Image via Wikipedia

The Golden Globe Martini, $6
X-Rated Passion Fruit, Ocean Organic Vodka, pineapple puree, served in a martini glass with a candied orange peel

The Nominee, $6
Bacardi, Mathilde Peach Liqueur, lime juice, splash of 7UP, served in a Collins glass with a lime

WHERE: Cityscape Bar
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza – 15th Floor
350 W. Mart Center Drive
Chicago, IL 60654
312.836.5000
http://www.cityscapebar.com/

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Chicago Peppermint Bash 2012

LPYP 6th Annual Peppermint Bash

WHEN: Friday, November 30th, 2012 from 6-8 pm.

WHERE: O’Malley’s Liquor Kitchen at 3551 N. Sheffield in Chicago

Make a dash to the 6th Annual Lincoln Park Young Professionals Peppermint Bash.

 www.ticketweb.com

Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

English: From top left: Downtown Chicago, the ...

English: From top left: Downtown Chicago, the Willis Tower, the Chicago Theater, the Chicago “L”, Navy Pier, the Field Museum, and Millenium Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 2012 in Chicago

Attend Zoo Lights 2012 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago where you can visit Santa in the Kolver Lion House, watch arctic artists carve ice sculptures and make complimentary crafts in the Helen Brach Primate House. You’ll love the ”family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds.”

Stop at the Landmark Cafe for spiced wine or hot cocoa.

 When: Starts November 23, 2012

Then ZooLights shine each Friday–Sunday until December 26, at which point the lights will stay on nightly until January 6. (Santa heads back to the North Pole after December 23, however.)

Ursus maritimus English: A polar bear swimming...

Image via Wikipedia

5-9 p.m. Free!

Zoolights

Zoolights (Photo credit: CaZaTo Ma)


 

ZooLights

ZooLights (Photo credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

Don’t miss all the fun things to see and do including:

• Visits with Santa in the wildest spot in town

• Animals from around the world

• Live ice carving

• Holiday crafts

• Delicious food, hot spiced wine and unique holiday shopping

Click here to download ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One Program (2.15MB PDF)

Mobile enabled ZooLights site-New this year!
Visit http://www.lpzoo.org on an internet enabled device while you’re at ZooLights to view the program.

A photo I took of a lion at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Image via Wikipedia

ZooLights Coat Drive 

If you have spare winter wear, please donate it to help those in need. Collection boxes are placed throughout the zoo and donations are accepted throughout ZooLights.

Entrance of Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL

Entrance of Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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