Tag Archives: Lake Michigan

September 16, 2012 · 11:53 am

Park Hyatt Chicago Masters of Food and Wine Culinary Event 2012

Park Hyatt Chicago will host a special Masters of Food and Wine Pasta Event. Participants will learn how to make a variety of pastas with the hotel’s Executive Chef, Ryan Laroche while enjoying hors d’ouvres. Guests will then share a family style meal in the wine cellar with wine pairings for each of the three courses.

For more information, please contact Lynne Bredfeldt at +1.312.239.4011 or lynne.bredfeldt@hyatt.com

Enjoy a glorious Vino Con Vista of Chicago from the NoMI Restaurant on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago at 800 N. Michigan Avenue. From the street, the glass and steel facade shows the floor to ceiling windows. I love the panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the historic Water Tower from this dining room.

English: Detail of the top of Park Tower in Chicago. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: September 22, 2012 at 6:30

www.nomirestaurant.com.

I attended a culinary event at the NoMI Kitchen at Park Hyatt Chicago in March when I learned about goat cheese from artisanal cheese purveyor Judy Solomon. The outstanding event was held in the wine cellar.

For a calendar of all Masters of Food an Wine Events around the world, follow this link: www.mastersfoodandwine.com

English: White House Executive Chef, Cristeta ” Cris” Comerford, background-left in chef’s hat, helps prepare trays of food, in the White House kitchen, in preparations for the official dinner for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

View from the Park Hyatt in Chicago, Illinois, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: View of the restaurant at Park Tower in Chicago, looking out on the Chicago Water Tower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fabulous Park Tower skyscraper , located at 800 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, was completed in 2000. It structure has 70 floors. It was designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Lucien Lagrange Architects. The Park Tower is a mixed use tower; the lower floors of the building are the Park Hyatt Hotel and the upper levels are reserved for luxury condominiums.

Buon Appetito from www.vino-con-vista.com

: Image via Wikipedia

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Filed under Italy Travel Guides, Park Hyatt Chicago Masters of Food and Wine Culinary Event 2012

Tagged as Chicago, Chicago Foodies, Food & Wine, Lake Michigan, Lucien Lagrange Architects, Michigan Avenue, Park Hyatt Chicago Masters of Food and Wine Culinary Event 2012, Park Tower, Water Tower

August 22, 2012 · 3:21 pm

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival 2012

Need to update your wardrobe? Want to score some deals at a designer trunk show in Chicago this weekend? Head over to the The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival. There will be 8 blocks of pure shopping paradise with over 460 stores, 275 restaurants and 60 hotels participating in the event!

Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Wrigley Building, left; Tribune Tower, right (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Enjoy exclusive offers, shopping perks, designer meet-and-greets, celebrity appearances and special culinary events with live music entertainment and runway shows. There will even be a Radio Disney concert.

WHEN: August 24 – September 6, 2012

WHERE: The Magnificent Mile in Chicago on Michigan Avenue

Here’s the Schedule of Events:

1. Attend a outdoor fashion show along North Michigan Avenue featuring the fall’s hottest trends.Friday, August 24 at 12 pm Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue) Get a front row view as The Magnificent Mile’s luxe retail centers, 900 North Michigan Shops, The Shops at North Bridge and Water Tower Place, along with Chicago Magazine,

foot of Magnificent Mile (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Visit the Water Tower Place luxury lounge

Water Tower Place Michigan Ave Chicago, IL (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Friday, August 24 – Thursday, September 6 Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Avenue) Browse daily sales and stay on-trend with style advice from the pros as . Get special offers from select retailers such as American Girl Place and Macy’s, and also enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card. Highlights from the full lineup of events include:

Dress for Success® Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival Kick-Off Celebration with special appearance by The Working Wardrobe’s Kate Jacobsen
Stump the Stylist Fashion Challenge with Haute Closet’s April Francis
What’s Hot and What’s Not: Learn to Predict Trends, So You Can Shop Smarter – Not Harder with International Academy of Design & Technology’s Susan Wade

: Water Tower Place (Photo credit: Bernt Rostad)

3. Attend a free Labor Day outdoor concert

Monday, September 3 at 12 pm John Hancock Center Plaza (875 N. Michigan Avenue) Gather your young groupies for a . Radio Disney presents R5 featuring Ross Lynch, the fastest-rising young band on the pop-rock scene, live for the first time in Chicago.

Thursday, September 6 from 6-8 pm Stores throughout The Magnificent Mile district Hit the town for a fabulous evening filled with chic soirees. Stores throughout the district host fabulous in-store events in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out, the grand finale of the Shopping Festival.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Hot boutiques, glamorous restaurants, posh hotels and favorite local attractions are gifting Shopping Festival guests with the finest VIP treatment. Get your retail therapy on with special offers available exclusively to you. Just a few of the deals include:

Westfield North Bridge (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A shopping package at the new boutique ACME Hotel Company Chicago that pairs an overnight stay with a $50 gift card to The Shops at North Bridge and discount coupon booklet
A shopping package at the Kimpton classic Hotel Monaco that pairs an overnight stay with a welcome amenity, $50 gift card for shopping and cocktails in South Water Kitchen
15% off any products and free hand massages and facials at H2O+
20% off any full price purchase of $200 or more at Juicy Couture
20% off regular priced tickets to The Second City, UP Comedy Club and Second City e.t.c. for performances between August 26-30

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

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Tagged as Chicago, Chicago's Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival 2012, Illinois, John Hancock Center, Lake Michigan, Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue, Pioneer Court, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place, Wrigley Building

August 8, 2012 · 10:33 am

Red Sky Night 2012: Leukemia Cup Regatta at the Columbia Yacht Club

Sunset over Lake Michigan

Red sky at night… (Photo credit: cypheroz)

Attend Red Sky Night 2012 aboard the Abegweit Club Ship at the Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago.

This event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society‘s fight against blood cancers. Enjoy breath-taking views, gourmet food, cocktails and luscious desserts accompanied by live music performed by the North Coast Sextet.

WHEN: Friday, August 24, 2012 @ 6:00 pm

WHERE: The Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago on Lake Michigan There are plenty of interesting auction items.

You can bid on a vacation to one of the most exclusive private resorts in the British Virgin Islands at Mooney Bay Estate on Virgin Gorda.

View of the boulders at The Baths in Virgin Gorda (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Map (rough) GB Virgin Islands, own work composed from various mapreferences (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Driftwood Resorts has graciously donated a 1-week stay for up to 12 guests at Mooney Bay Estate on Virgin Gorda to the Red Sky Night fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For more information visit: redskynight.org (under Live Auction tab) or at mooneybaybvi.com

Sunset at Road Harbour, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

VirginGordaSunset (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is a link to purchase tickets for this incredible event:

https://il.dojiggy.com/registration2/?455721500D750B0405737409001324452459440F7C7E7007087606

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

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Tagged as British Virgin Islands, Chicago, Lake Michigan, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Red Sky Night 2012: Leukemia Cup Regatta at the Columbia Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda

August 5, 2012 · 9:36 am

Edgewater Edge Fest 2012 in Chicago

Edge Fest 2012 in Chicago

Edge Fest 2012 is held in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood close to Lake Michigan’s shoreline. There are plenty of coffee shops, ice cream parlors, stores and ethnic restaurants. Edgewater also offers great beaches, like Hollywood Beach, Osterman Beach and Foster Avenue Beach.

16 Candles Band at Edge Fest 2012 in Chicago

Hollywood Beach looking North to Thorndale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There will be over 40 local artists and live music on 2 stages. Musical entertainment will be provided by: This Must Be The Band, Too White Crew, Sixteen Candles and others.

There will be plenty of opportunities to try some Sizzling Bacon specialties: an Elvis Sandwich, hot dogs wrapped in bacon with cheese, Bacon Kabobs and Bacon Donuts.

Bacon Donuts at Edge Fest 2012

Bacon wrapped Shish Kabob at Edge Fest 2012

Bacon Elvis Sandwich at Edge Fest 2012

Edge Fest is Bacon Fest in Chicago 2012

Bacon Kabob at Edge Fest 2012

There will be Cheeseburgers with bacon, BLT sandwiches and bacon bits on cheese fries.

WHEN: August 4-5, 2012

Sat, 12-10 PM

Sun 12-9 PM

WHERE: 5900 N. Broadway at Thorndale Ave. in Chicago

For some reason I can’t resist the crispy potoato chips or the potato pancakes!

Crispy Potato Chips at Edge Fest 2012

Potato Pancakes at Edge Fest 2012

Excellent BLT w/ Cheese (Photo credit: dane brian)

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

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Tagged as Bacon, Chicago, Edgefest, Edgewater, Edgewater Edge Fest 2012 in Chicago, Lake Michigan

August 2, 2012 · 10:09 am

Taste of the Nation® Chicago 2012

Attend Taste of the Nation® in Chicago and help end childhood hunger!

Share Our Strength (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Enjoy the view frrm Navy Pier‘s Grand Ballroom at Chicago’s premier food & wine event. “The city’s hottest chefs, mixologists and sommeliers will join together under one roof, united around the same cause – the fight to end childhood hunger.” Taste of the Nation will have live entertainment and a silent auction with plenty of unique experiences and interesting items.

Share Our Strength‘s Taste of the Nation provides an opportunity for people to help raise critical funds needed to end childhood hunger in Chicago and across America.

English: A view of Navy Pier from the shoreline in Chicago. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 7-10 pm

WHERE: Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago

Buy your tickets here:

Taste of the Nation – Chicago General Admission 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Sample and savor the culinary creations and craft cocktails of Chicago’s best restaurants, chefs and mixologists, all while enjoying stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Enjoy live entertainment from Chicago’s hottest DJs and bid on fabulous food and wine experiences in our silent auction.

$95.00

Quantity:

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

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July 31, 2012 · 9:25 am

Watch the Sun Set in Chicago on a “Happy Hour” Boat Cruise

If you’re looking for an interesting Vino con Vista evening in Chicago, head over to Navy Pier and board one of the boats for an glamourous cruise on Lake Michigan. You can take a 2.5 “Happy Hour Cruise” on the Kanan Yacht. Sip cocktails and munch on appetizers as you watch the sun set over Chicago’s glorious skyline.

Sunset over Lake Michigan

Boarding begins at 6:00 pm and the boat departs at 6:30. Purchase tickets at http://www.oncruises.com

English: Navy Pier as seen from the convergence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Navy Pier Auditorium. Français : Le Navy Pier réalisé en 1914 sur les plans de Frost. 日本語: グランド・ボールルーム. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There’s plenty of entertainment on board, so you can even bust a move on the dance floor. If you prefer, just sit on the top deck and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

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

Sunset on Lake Michigan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: A view of Navy Pier from the shoreline in Chicago. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lake Michigan Boat Cruise

Chicago Air and Water Show 2012 Yacht Party

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July 29, 2012 · 8:46 am

Glencoe Festival of Art 2012 in Illinois

The Annual Glencoe Festival of Art 2012 takes place in Chicago’s famous North Shore area, just off the Lake Michigan shore.

WHEN: August 4-5, 2012 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WHERE: The Village of Glencoe, Illinois

at Green Bay Road and Park Avenue

Portrait photograph of Frank Lloyd Wright (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Travel to the charming, Frank Lloyd Wright influenced community of Glencoe for a weekend of interesting art. This annual outdoor festival features over 120 fine artists from around the world.

The event also features artist demonstrations and chat booths, live music, great food and children’s activities including an art scavenger hunt.

For more information visit www.glencoefestivalofart.com or

Glencoe Festival of Art Glencoe, Illinois | Aug 4 – Aug 5, 2012

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides and Apps @ http://www.vino-con-vista.com

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival 2012 in Glencoe

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Tagged as Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright, Glencoe, Glencoe Festival of Art 2012 in Illinois, Glencoe Illinois, Lake Michigan, North Shore

July 21, 2012 · 11:41 am

Best Places for Chicago’s 54th Annual Air and Water Show 2012

English: Vapor cone/Prandtl–Glauert singularity. Taken at the 2011 Chicago Air and Water Show. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Make plans to attend The Chicago Air & Water Show. There are some interesting places to watch the show at North Avenue Beach. Try the Castaways Bar and Grill or Sand Bar Beer Garden.

English: Chicago skyline at sunrise Deutsch: Chicagos Skyline bei Sonnenaufgang Français : Panorama urbain de Chicago au lever du soleil. {| cellspacing=”0″ style=”min-width:40em; color:#000; background:#ddd; border:1px solid #bbb; margin:.1em;” class=”layouttemplate” | style=”width:1.2em;height:1.2em;padding:.2em” | 20px |link=|center | style=”font-size:.85em; padding:.2em; vertical-align:middle” |This image was created with hugin. |} Chicago sunrise 1.jpg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Go to Belmont Harbor, Diversey Harbor, Oak Street beach or Navy Pier.

2. You can get tickets for the Friends of Conservation Air & Water Show Yacht Party. VIP Tickets are $105 and includes express rooftop entry- BUY NOW! The Air & Water Show Yacht Party will benefit the Friends of Conservation Organization. Zonin Wine will be a hosting with plenty of tasty bites from PopChips and the Corner Bakery. Air & Water Show Yacht Party General Admission Tickets are $85.00 and includes a hosted bar and hors’ devours.

When: August 18, 2012 from 1:00pm-5:00pm

Where: Kanan Cruises Navy Pier 600 E Grand, Chicago, IL 60611

Lake Michigan Boat Cruise on the Kanan Yacht

3. Or get tickets for one of the other Spectacular Chicago-area Boat Tours ASAP including:

http://www.seadogcruises.com/Chicago/home

http://www.cruisechicago.com

http://www.mysticbluecruises.com

http://www.mysticbluecruises.com/Chicago/air-water-cruises-navypier

http://www.odysseycruises.com/Chicago/chicago-air-show-cruises

http://www.odysseycruises.com

http://www.spiritofchicago.com/Chicago/air-water-show-cruises

http://www.wendellaboats.com

4. Watch the action from the 94th floor of the Hancock Building at 875 N. Michigan Ave. from the comfort of the John Hancock Observatory while enjoying a drink at the Lavazza Espression Café.

John Hancock Center Observatory (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The John Hancock Observatory provides a 360° view of the city, up to four states and over 80 miles.

English: John Hancock Tower as seen from Willis Tower in Chicago, IL, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my favorite Vino con Vista Spots is on the 95th floor at the Signature Room. When the building was completed in 1968 it was the tallest building in the world outside New York City. “It is currently the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and the sixth-tallest in the United States, after the Willis Tower, the Empire State Building, the Bank of America Tower, the Trump Tower Chicago and the Aon Center.”

5. Check out the rooftop terrace at the J. Parker at Hotel Lincoln or the WET Deck at W Chicago Lakeshore Hotel.

The Lindbergh Beacon atop the Palmolive Building can be clearly seen at night. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your best bet is to hound one of your Chicago high-rise dwelling buddies with a Lake Michigan view to invite you over. Promise to bring plenty of champagne, wine and appetizers. That always works for me.

English: Five tallest skyscrapers of Chicago – 1.Willis Tower, 2.Trump International Hotel & Tower, 3.Aon Center, 4.John Hancock Center, 5.AT&T Corporate Center. Česky: Pět nejvyšších mrakordapů v Chicagu – 1.Willis Tower, 2.Trump International Hotel & Tower, 3.Aon Center, 4.John Hancock Center, 5.AT&T Corporate Center. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chicago from across Lake Michigan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: Saturday, August 18th & Sunday, August 19th
10 am – 3 pm each

Flights come as close as 18 inches (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Chicago Air And Water Show is one of the largest free air shows in the United States. “The Chicago Air And Water Show is an annual event that began in 1959 and attracts over 2 Million aviation spectators every year. The annual event takes place over Chicago’s Lake Michigan and features various aviation acts raging from military aircraft to corporate sponsored aerobatic teams.

A North American F-100D Super Sabre from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Dayton, Ohio (USA). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been astounding audiences since 1946 with their gravity-defying flights and supersonic maneuvers in their F/A-18 Hornets.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – MAY 29: U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly over graduation ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Academy May 29, 2012 in Annapolis, Maryland. U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta is the commencement speaker for the 1099 graduates of the class of 2012. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

My favorite part of the Chicago Air Show is the jets flying in formation.

The 54th annual show will take place above the and waterfront August 18-19, 2012 from 10am-3pm each day, with North Avenue Beach as the center point. The U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs will “jump out of an aircraft 12,500 feet above the earth’s surface, racing to the beach at speeds exceeding 120 mph before making a perfect landing.”

The weekend’s headliners include: the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs. “Daredevil pilots performing their aerial stunts include Sean D. Tucker and Team Oracle in the Oracle Challenger, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team in their WWII North American Advanced Trainer, Lima Lima Flight Team in the BeechT-34 Mentor, The Firebirds in their Walter Extra 300 S and Chuck Aaron in the Red Bull Helicopter.”

English: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team is the Air Force’s premier demonstration team. The Thunderbirds operate the Lockheed/Martin F-16 C model. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is also a water-skiing and boat-jumping element to the annual event. You don’t have to be an aviation guru to enjoy the show. The Chicago lakefront offers plenty of fun events during this annual beach-front extravaganza.

United States Air Force ThunderBirds (Photo credit: AdolfGalland)

WHEN: August 18-19, 2012 in Chicago.

Chicago Air Show.com is a proud sponsor of the U.S. Armed Forces.

You can watch the show from the beach or attend a Yacht Party.

English: Chicago, Ill. (Aug. 22, 2004) – The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the “Blue Angels,” delta formation performs the loop break crossover maneuver over Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show. The Blue Angels fly the F/A-18A Hornet, performing approximately 30 maneuvers during the aerial demonstration lasting over an hour. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Ryan J. Courtade (RELEASED) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lake Michigan Boat Cruise on the Kanan Yacht

Air Show… (Photo credit: naathas)

View of downtown Chicago, seen from the Sears Tower. The tall, black building in the center of the image is the John Hancock Center, and Lake Michigan is in the background. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

Chicago’s Iconic Water Tower (vinoconvistablog.me)
Three Upcoming Air and Water Shows on the Shores of Lake Michigan (jaunted.com)

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Tagged as Airshow, Blue Angel, Blue Angels, Chicago, Chicago Air & Water Show, Chicago Air and Water Show 2012, Chicago Air and Water Show 2012 Yacht Party, Empire State Building, John Hancock Tower, Lake Michigan, Lima Lima Flight Team, National Museum of the United States Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, United States Air Force ThunderBirds, United States Navy, Willis Tower

June 27, 2012 · 2:34 pm

National Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City, Michigan

Savor the flavor of cherries at The National Cherry Festival in Lake Michigan’s picturesque Traverse City, Michigan. Stay at the Park Place Hotel if you want to walk to the Festival!

Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City Michigan

Official logo of Traverse City, Michigan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: July 7-14, 2012

English: View from above Traverse City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

National Geographic says “Traverse City is one of the best summer trips for 2012.” The magazine calls it one of the “biggest little beach towns on the “Third Coast” with a gorgeous Great Lakes coastline.

Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City Michigan

State Theater – Traverse City (Photo credit: ktylerconk)

State Theater in Traverse City during Traverse City Film Festival (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are more than 150 events including “Farm to Fork” at the Park Place Hotel on July 13th. Traverse City is headquarters to the “Largest Cherry Growing Region in the World!” If you know me you know that I love cherries!! You will have an opportunity to buy plenty of Cherry Products at the Festival.

Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City Michigan

Some events are packed with the luscious flavors of cherries. Check out the Traverse City State Theater while you’re there.

English: Inflatable movie screen at the Traverse City Film Festival (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The renovated State Theatre is located on East Front Street in downtown Traverse City and was originally built in 1918.

This annual festival is located along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. For a fabulous Cherry Vino con Vista, go to the top of the Park Place Hotel for a panoramic view of the Bay.

If you stay on the East Bay, rent a jet ski and cruise through the crystal clear water. THen head over to the peninsula for a winery tour. I liked Chateau Chantal. Have some sparking champagne called “Tonight.”

Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City Michigan

The Festival has been named in USA Todays top ten festivals for several years running. Order a V-Pass for access to the entertainment.

On Friday, July 13th, you can see Grand Funk Railroad at the Bay Side Music Stage. While you are in town, try your luck at the Turtle Creek Casino. Check with your hotel for the shuttle schedule to the casino.

Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City Michigan

Map of Michigan highlighting Grand Traverse County.svg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s the Schedule:
http://www.cherryfestival.org/2012-event-schedule
. Get your hotel room and tickets ASAP because this is one of the busiest weekend on the sun-drenched shores of Traverse City Michigan!

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

Author Evanovich at Cherry Fest event (record-eagle.com)
Cold Snap Threatens Michigan Cherry Orchards (detroit.cbslocal.com)
BATA to offer free festival shuttles (record-eagle.com)

BATA to offer free festival shuttles (record-eagle.com)

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Tagged as Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, Michigan, National Cherry Festival, National Cherry Festival 2012 in Traverse City, State Theatre, Traverse City, Traverse City Film Festival, Traverse City Michigan

June 22, 2012 · 11:22 am

Filini Bar and Restaurant in “Aqua” is the New Kid on the Block in Chicago

Filini on Columbus in Chicago

I love Filini! The two-story Italian Filini Restaurant is a relative new-comer to the Chicago Restaurant Scene. The restaurant in located on Columbus Drive inside the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel.

Here’s are a few of the items that I enjoyed:

Antipasto: Zuppetta made with Wild mushroom soup, celeriac and crouton or

“Winter style caprese made with Buffalo milk mozzarella with baked pomodorini, yellow peppers, frisse and balsamic

Orecchiette at Filini

Secondi: Orecchiette made with home made pasta, lamb sausage, garlic, olive oil, broccolini, sundried tomatoe, pecorino crema or

Salmerino made with roasted artic char, thyme roaster parsnip, carrots, leeks and olivata sauce

Dolci: Sorbetto of lemon pudding, fruit compote and wild berry sorbet

Sorbetto at Filini

Filini at 221 N. Columbus in Chicago

Filini has an extensive wine collection. Try some Gavi with lunch.

Gavi at Filini

Filini on Columbus in Chicago

To view the full menu visit:

www.filinichicago.com.

Call 312-477-0123 for reservations.

The elegant Filini is located at 221 North Columbus Drive in the new Radisson Blu Hotel. The “Aqua“ Building is the structure with the wavy balconies. The high-rise is across from the Fairmont and near the Aon Building. The Building’s nautical theme represents the wave-like forms of the balconies and the tower’s proximity to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

The distinctive landmark skyscraper-hotel opened in November of 2011. Aqua is an 86 story mixed-use (residential & commercial) skyscraper in the Lakeshore East (east of Michigan Avenue) neighborhood in downtown Chicago. The lower floors house the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel; the only one in the US. I love the artwork on the way to the ballroom.

3-D Artwork at the Hotel

Artwork at the Hotel

Image via Wikipedia

The building was designed by a team led by Jeanne Gang. This incredible Skyscraper is the tallest in the world to have a woman as the lead architect.

It was designed by Loewenberg Architects and Studio/Gang/Architects at a cost of $475,000,000.

Inside the structure, Chef Christopher Fantoni has developed an intersting authentic Italian menu for Filini.

Felini

The menu includes the following categories: Affettati E Formaggi, Antipasti, Bruschette, Risotto E Paste, Secondi, Contorni, Piatti Del Giorno (Osso Bucco Milanese on Sundays) and Dolci. Order the Torta alla Ricotta, the Cioccolatissimo or the Filini Tiramisu.

Dolci at Filini

Filini on Columbus in Chicago

Filini in ChicagoChef Christopher Fontoni has prepared a Special three-course lunch and dinner menu for Restaurant Week 2012.Call 312-477-0234 for reservations. Filini Restaurant and Bar in Chicago

On their regular menu, I love the grilled 20 ounce “Fiorentina”; A Porterhouse steak served with spinach, potatoes and garlic. Try the Gnocchi with a braised oxtail/vegetable ragu and perorino fondata. For dessert have some Filini Tiramisu sith mascarpone crema, marsala wine and expresso or the Budino al Panettone; a woarm bread pudding with vanilla gelato. Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.comRead the “Related Articles” for more Restaurant Week options.