Category Archives: Chicago

April 4, 2013 · 8:37 am

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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March 18, 2013 · 10:16 am

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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March 16, 2013 · 12:56 pm

Happy Saint Patick’s Day 2013

This is a photograph of the Chicago River dyed...

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Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick‘s Day. Saint Patrick’s Day has been observed for more than 1000 years. It is observed on March 17th, the date of Patrick’s death. He is generally recognized as the patron saint of Ireland. Legend credits St. Patrick with banishing snakes from the island and chasing them into the sea.

Chicago River is dyed Green for Saint Patrick’s Day

For a city that has been run by the Daley Dynasty for most of my lifetime, you have to understand the importance of the Parade to the residents of Chicago. It is so important, that we have two annual St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago. Everyone wears green. We even dye the river green, our fountains sprew green water and we drink green beer.

Chicago’s Green Fountain for St. Patrick’s Day

We always crown a queen.  The St. Patrick’s Day Queen and her Court ride a majestic float the day of the parade.

In Chicago we begin the day by dying the Chicago River Green at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday March 16th. This interesting tradition of One  “the dyeing of the Chicago River a nearly radioactive looking Kelly green” has been around for 51 years. Here’s what happened:

“A couple of plumbers discovered the orange dye they used to detect leaks and illegal discharges of sewage into the Chicago River turned the water that Irish Kelly Green. They told the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 110 business manager Stephen Bailey, who then asked around and ultimately received permission to try and dye the river green.”

“The Plumbers Local union is charged with dyeing the river green every year. They first used 100 pounds of the vegetable dye, which kept the river green for about a week. Today, 40 pounds of vegetable dye is mixed into the river using motorboats, which is enough to keep the river a Shamrock green for about four-to-five hours, after which the river reverts back to its murky, polluted green.”

The best place to view the green river spectacle is from the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the West side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. When the river flows Kelly green, it’s time to start the parade.

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at Balbo and Columbus at noon. This spectacular event is attended by thousands of people and features a colorful array of floats. The parade proceeds north on Columbus Drive and ends up in front of Buckingham Fountain where the viewing stand awaits.  Everyone is encouraged to wear green to engender the luck of the Irish. There’s plenty of parties at local bars after the parade.

Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day in Chicago

 

About a  week after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the city will host the Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle. This 8K race  kicks off the city’s running and racing season.

This is a photograph of the Chicago River dyed...

This is a photograph of the Chicago River dyed green for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. On the left is Wacker Drive, where it changes from three to two levels. Crossing the river is Michigan Avenue’s double-decker bridge. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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February 18, 2013 · 11:26 am

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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November 25, 2012 · 11:48 am

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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November 23, 2012 · 10:05 am

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...

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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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November 8, 2012 · 11:18 am

Chicago RAWards Semi-Finals Showcase 2012

Attend the RAWARDS on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 7 p.m. to midnight.

WHERE: Double Door – 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

 Cocktail Attire

RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization that hand-selects and spotlights independent creatives in several areas: visual art, film, fashion, music, hair & makeup artistry, photography, models and performing art.

“RAW’s mission is to provide up-and-coming artists of all creative realms with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 22 artistic communities nationwide through monthly showcase events.”

At the end of every RAW season, the organization hosts an annual Indie Arts Award Show. It is called: RAWards. All eligible artists compete for the title of best in their craft (Art, Fashion, Accessories, Music, Film, Photography, Performing Art, Hair & Makeup).

For more information visit www.rawartists.org

HOW DOES RAW WORK?

RAW Directors hand-pick and spotlight local artistic talent in film, fashion, music, visual art, hair & makeup artistry, and performance art. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing one-night circus of creativity. These showcases occur once a month in each city location (54 showcases a month). Our RAW season runs from February-October and comes to an extravagant end with our indie arts awards show RAWards in Hollywood (Read more on RAWards below).

What can you expect when attending a RAW Showcase? You’ll experience an independent film (usually a short, webisode or music video), a fashion show from an up-and-coming local designer, a musical performance, an art gallery featuring several independent visual artists and photographers, and performance art (comedy/dance/fire dancers, you name it…). You’ll get a little taste of everything. Combine all this creativity with drinks, fun, and good company! To partake in the experience, RSVP ($10/ticket) to any of our 54 monthly, city showcases by clicking on the city tab at the top of the homepage!

“RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists.
We’re a community made up of creative individuals across the nation.
Our mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.
We welcome all genres of art including independent film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art, hairstylists, makeup artists and more.
We encourage the creative success of the many visionaries and storytellers of our generation.
RAW currently operates in 54 cities across the United States & Australia and counting …”

 

 

ONLINE COMMUNITY

http://www.RAWartists.org is designed to showcase our RAW artists online. RAWartists.org hosts a plethora of online profiles — exclusive to our hand-picked RAW artists. RAWartists.org is open to the public to view, however, the site profiles and perks are reserved for only selected RAW artists. RAW artists can connect with other RAW artists, post videos and music, promote upcoming projects, and track their success. We also host what we call our RAWk Wall, where art gets down to business. This portion of the site consists of exclusive art-to-business opportunities for our RAW artists to partake in.

RAWards

RAW’s Annual Indie Awards Show

At the end of season (October), we host our annual RAWards Show. During a two month-process, we ask the community, a panel of judges and the nation-at-large to vote for their top five favorite artists of the year in film, fashion, music, art, photography, performing art, accessories, hair and makeup. RAW takes that popular vote and narrows down nominees in each city location. We then ask the community to place a live vote (complete with a ballot) at a special City Semi-Final nominee showcase in November. One winner from every city, in every category is chosen by the community (e.g. RAW:Denver, Fashion Designer of the Year). One winner from every city in every category goes on to be judged by the RAW panel of industry professionals in each field. The scores are based on criteria in skill, creativty, wow factor and professionalism. The winners are announced online in December, and honored with their awards at our annual RAWards Show in Hollywood, CA (mid-January). The winners receive big career-boosting prizes like distribution, store placement, studio time, gallery placement and consultations with industry executives and professionals. It’s truly an awesome event with performances and highlights from the RAW season.

 

Each artist is given the opportunity to compete for career-building prizes such as gallery placement, boutique placement, big consultations and RAW’s Golden Ticket. To learn more about RAWards, the judges, the prize packages and see the nominees – visit: www.RAWartists.org/rawards2011

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

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October 29, 2012 · 6:00 am

SOFA Chicago 2012 at Navy Pier

Navy Pier

Image via Wikipedia

Attend the 19th annual SOFA CHICAGO 2012, the critically acclaimed International Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair in Chicago at historic Navy Pier  at 600 E. Grand Avenue.  SOFA CHICAGO is the largest and longest continually running art fair in Chicago.

WHEN: November 2-4, 2012; opening night preview November 1.

Day Date Hours Cost  
Thursday Nov. 1 7 pm to 9 pm $50 Purchase Tickets >
Friday Nov. 2 11 am to 7 pm $15 Purchase Tickets >
Saturday Nov. 3 11 am to 7 pm $15 Purchase Tickets >
Sunday Nov. 4 Noon to 6 pm $15 Purchase Tickets >

One general admission ticket of $15 admits visitors to the fair, related lecture series, special exhibits and events. $25 three-day passes and discounted student, senior and group tickets are also available.

The public is also invited to the Opening Night Preview, Thursday, Nov. 1, 7 to 9 p.m. Preview tickets are $50.

SOFA Chicago

SOFA Chicago (Photo credit: Steve Rhodes)

Navy Pier as seen from a sight-seeing boat

Navy Pier as seen from a sight-seeing boat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For more information visit www.sofaexpo.com

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

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October 19, 2012 · 9:28 am

Chicago Restaurant Association Chef’s Table 2012 at Union Station

Chicago River

Image by Frank Kehren via Flickr

The 35th Annual Chicago Restaurateurs for Education Event is “From the Chef’s Table.” This premier Foodie event will feature some of Chicago’s top restaurants and executive chefs.

WHEN: Friday, November 9th, 2012

WHERE: Union Station in Chicago at 500 W. Jackson

Chicago Chef's Table

Chicago Chef’s Table

To buy your tickets online please click here.

Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois.

The foodservice industry in Illinois produces $19.2 billion in annual sales and is the largest private sector employer in the State. The Association’s events provide networking opportunities for members and raise funds for their Educational Foundation Scholarship Initiative. This organization also sponsors The Chicago Gourmet.

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

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October 15, 2012 · 9:48 am

Chicago’s La Casa Norte Aniversary Gala 2012 at the River East Arts Center

The 10th annual Chicago ”Esperanza Gala” will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012 at the River East Arts Center from

 6-10 p.m. at 435 E. Illinois Street.

Gala 2012 Banner

La Casa Norte will celebrate their 10th anniversary. “La Casa Norte’s mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. They provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.”

National and local leaders in the business, civic, government, policy, and philanthropic communities will gather to support the event. Proceeds from the event support La Casa Norte’s desire to serve youth and families confronting homelessness.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit  www.lacasanorte.org 

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

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