Candid Candace

FUN-DRAISING AT WORLD FESTIVAL!

The Museum of Contemporary Art is still reeling over the fourth annual Common Threads World Festival event which rocked their house on Monday, March 23rd. It was a success in every way and in these tough economic times, this is really saying something! Over 650 people filling every nook and cranny were treated to flavors from around the world. Forty chefs from all across the country lovingly prepared their specialties for an appreciative crowd of foodies, fashionistas and fun lovers. Chefs included Gale Gand (Tru), David Christophe (NoMi), Mario Santiago (May Street Café), Mindy Segal and Mark Steuer (Hot Chocolate), Giuseppe Tentori (BOKA), Ming Tsai (Blue Ginger), Chris Nugent (Les Nomades), Stephanie Izard (Top Chef Season 4 winner), Kendall Duque (Sepia), Della Gossett (Charlie Trotter’s), Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven), Art Smith (Table 52), Graham Elliot Bowles (Graham Elliot), Michelle Bernstein (Michy’s & Martinez), Malika Ameen (Aigre Doux), John Besh (Restaurant August), Radhika Desai (Top Chef Season 5 contestant), Koren Grieveson (Avec), Steven Harty (Wolfgang Puck Catering), Tyler Florence (Food Network), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith (The Hearty Boys), Jaime Laurita(Madonna’s personal chef), Shelley Young (Chopping Block), Kevin Hickey (Four Seasons) and Suzanne Imaz (Sofitel Water Tower). Photos from top right: Chef Art Smith, Common Threads executive director Linda Novick O'Keefe and Jesus Salguiero; Todd Hatoff of Allen Brothers with Common Threads students; crowd shot at the World Festival; Michelle Bernstein and crew at the VIP reception; me, Linda Novick O'Keefe and Katherine Chez; John and Susan Colletti with Rich and Cynthia Varnes; auctioneer Leslie Hindman, Megan Loewe and Marty Higgins; Chef Graham Elliot Bowles and crew at the VIP reception; auctioneer Leslie Hindman and mistress of ceremonies Gail Simmons; Donna LaPietra and Chuck; Jim Rose and Lakesha Draine; Chef Ming Tsai, Linda Novick O'Keefe and Food Network's Tyler Florence. For more photos from this event, click here.  
 
Upon entering the space, you were greeted by artist Jesus Salguiero’s giant heart paintings of the Common Threads logo; he later donated them all to the chefs who so graciously volunteered their time and efforts for this worthy event. The next thing you saw were some darling Common Threads students (mini-chefs!) in action preparing one of their signature dishes – spring rolls – for guests. As you can see from the photos, they were very proud to show off the skills they had learned in class. For two hours each week over a 12-week session, these students learn basic cooking skills but this program is about so much more than a simple cooking class. Yes, they learn the importance of nutrition but they are also taught about physical well-being and how to connect with each other’s cultures all in the warm comfort of the kitchen. Founded in 2003 by Chef Art Smith and his life partner, Jesus Salguiero, Common Threads provides after-school programming to over 1000 children ages 8-12 who are living in areas of economic deprivation. Programs are taught at 12 sites in Chicago and two in Los Angeles and I’m happy to announce that they just opened a new location in North Miami two weeks ago! In addition to the cooking classes, they also provide etiquette classes twice a year and a summer camp where various chefs donate their time to work with the kids. I learned as much as the kids in the etiquette class; it was both a history lesson and a class on the culture of cuisine! In short, Common Threads ROCKS!! Photos from top right: Top Chef Season 4 winner Stephanie Izard; Take Home Chef Curtis   Stone and Christine Ott; Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Gail Simmons and Chef Ming Tsai; Judd Malkin and Katherine Chez; John Chiu bidding during the live auction; Debra Torres from Table 52; Scott McLellan and Charlie Gitto from RL; Judd Malkin, Marvin Herman, Terry Newman and Mary O'Connor during the live auction; Sheryl Dyer from Van Cleef on stage with Gail Simmons; Patrick Sheahan and Martin Gasphis. For more photos from this event, click here.  

I was proud and honored to be a co-chair for this exciting event along with Katherine Chez and Mayari Pritzker. Mistress of ceremonies was the dynamic Gail Simmons from Food & Wine magazine and Bravo’s Top Chef. Common Threads executive director (and my dear friend) Linda Novick O’Keefe pulled it all together with her team which included Nikki Jolly, Jillayne Samatas, Allison Liefer, Mary Ann Weprin, Courtney Treutelaar and Kristin Weiss. It was a formidable undertaking but I am happy to announce that the event surpassed our fundraising goals and netted a whopping $413,000. The live and silent auctions alone brought in $162,500! The live auction was presented by crack auctioneer Leslie Hindman and Tyler Florence, the handsome star of the Food Network. Of the 10 live auction packages, the top prize was a vintage Bambi Airstream trailer designed by White House decorator Michael S. Smith which netted $50,000.  A “backyard BBQ” for 40 prepared by chefs Giuseppe Tentori, Bill Kim, Mindy Segal and Graham Elliot Bowles brought $15,000; there was also a trip to London with an intimate lunch for two at the home of talented chef Nigella Lawson and champagne and canapés with the Naked Chef Jamie Oliver followed by dinner and special wines at Fifteen Restaurant. To top it off, winners also received two FRONT ROW seats to the Madonna concert! This unique package went for $12,000. Another package included a “Top Chef BBQ” for 30 prepared by Stephanie Izard and three other Top Chef contestants that brought $12,000. A private dinner for 10 prepared by Chef Art Smith at the home of celebrated art collectors Marilyn and Larry Fields brought $11,500. And for this evening, the lucky winners will be picked up in a vintage 1960 Phantom V Rolls Royce limousine with their own chauffeur which was graciously donated by friends Deb and John Gross. And the bling for the evening, donated by Van Cleef and Arpels, was a pair of diamond Alhambra earrings valued at over $10,000 which brought $6,500. I think this bid was so high because store manager Sheryl Dyer presented them beautifully onstage and even provided a brief history of their name! What bad economy? It seems to me that people are just choosing their favorite charities and giving them their all. See my interview on this event and my take on the state of philanthropy in Crain’s by Mary Cameron Frey here. Thanks for a great article, Mary! :) Photos from top right: Kasia and Greg Kay; Marianne and Goran Strokirk; Nicole Serr, Patrick Hatton and Amanda Puck; Chili Pepper, Sheryl Dyer and me; Blagica Stefanovski Bottigliero; Diana McCarthy standing beside a beautiful charcoal and watercolor donated by Francine Turk; Samantha Amato and Conley Shirley; Moet champagne bar at the after party; Michelle Bernstein's fabulous pasta dish; Nick and Linda O'Keefe; John and Deb Gross; Eric Unger, Mary Cameron Frey and Andrea Hanis. For more photos from this event, click here.
 
The VIP reception prior to the World Festival introduced guests to a Carnivale atmosphere consisting of Latin American flavors and mojitos and the VIP After Party was held at the James Hotel and featured the Million Dollar Quartet. The after party was jubilant as you can imagine with the success of World Festival: Everyone let down their hair (except for me!) and danced the night away!!! As you can tell by all of the accompanying pics, everyone had a blast! (And speaking of pics, infinite thank yous to Randy Belice Photography on behalf of Chicago magazine for many of the photos you see here.) Happy guests included Terry Newman, Ken Norgan, Manolis Alpogianis, Amanda Puck, Cynthia and Rich Varnes, Susan and John Colletti, Donna LaPietra, Hedwig and Robert Golant, Marianne Strokirk, Mary O’Connor, Carter Kennedy, Sarita Dandamudi, Margaret Rainone, Andrew Gableman, Thomas Konopiots, Michael Haak, Helen Melchior, Christine Ott, Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax, John Haskett, Anthony Michael, Todd Hatoff, Marshall Erb, Chili Pepper, Deb and John Gross, Martin Gapshis, Judd Malkin, John Chiu, Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink, Samantha Amato, Marty Higgins, Channel 7’s Jim Rose, Scott McCLellan, Charlie Gitto, Amanda Puck, Nicole Serr, Patrick Hatton, Kasia and Greg Kay, Lisa Zandee, Margaret O'Connor, Michael O'Meara and many more. Thanks so much to all of you who came and supported this event and for those of you who didn’t, you can mark your calendars NOW for next year!!! If you would like to become involved with Common Threads or if you would like more information about this wonderful organization, please call (312) 752-2692 or visit www.commonthreads.org. Photos from top right: Celeb TV's Kelli Zink and me; Tommy Kane, Amanda Puck, Meredith Miller Elliot and Liza Sweitzer; Gail Simmons and Rahdika Desai; mini-chefs impressing guests at the VIP reception; me addressing the crowd; Jesus Salguiero's heart paintings. For more photos from this event, click here.
 
And, as always, I like to leave you on an upbeat note so please check out this video entitled “Holding Hands” and feel the stresses of the day lift off of your shoulders and a smile creep across your face. See you next time!
 
Love,
Candace :)

SEEN ON THE SCENE

I love Chicago! There is never a dull moment and so many fascinating people, restaurants and parties to attend! And in no time, the Olympics will be here (hopefully!) and everyone will be trying to move to our incredible town! Well, we got here first, thank goodness and here’s what’s been going on….
 
I wrote about Sunda’s opening in a recent blog but hadn’t had a chance to go there yet myself. We went for one of a series of soft openings and who should I see first, but my friend from Bentley-Lamborghini Gold Coast, Jason Neagu! He is Sunda’s manager and also works at the dealership during the day. This is one hard-working and NICE guy! The restaurant is beautiful—very Asian in flavor with lots of dramatic lighting and a great wrap-around bar. The food is very reasonably priced—which is key right now in this economy—and very diverse and tasty. Some of the offerings include honey-ginger braised shortribs, Malay style Chilean seabass, lemongrass beef lollipops, “Devil’s Basket” (wok tossed crispy soft shell crabs with shallot, scallions and garlic), Thai fried chicken and an incredible selection of designer sushi. One of the most popular is “No You Didn’t!  The Ultimate Handroll” (crab, shrimp tempura, salmon, spicy tuna, dynamite)….Whew….There is also a wonderful dessert--deep-fried banana “pie” fritters!! Prices start at $4 for the salted edamame up to $34 for the filet Tobanyaki (pickled wasabi butter, peppers and onions). Photos from top right: Toni Canada, Heather Farley, Jennifer Hamood and Liz Kolosa; Sunda manager Jason Neagu; Iko, a superior server at Sunda; Sunda's Scorpion Roll (softshell crab, tempura shrimp, avocado, asparagus and spicy mayo); me and Billy Dec. For more photos from this event, click here!
 
We also went to The Publican the other evening, which is Donnie Madia’s latest restaurant. Donnie's other restaurants include Blackbird and Avec and they are all sparsely modern in style and atmosphere. The night we went with our friends Nadine and Ira Epstein, the place was packed. The booths are entered through a pair of wooden doors which gives a very intimate feel but also doesn’t allow the serving staff to see when the table needs clearing—a small glitch which I’m sure will be improved upon down the road. The menu includes such tasty items as halibut with pistachios, lemon and mint ($14), Basque fish stew ($21), cassoulet (lamb, pork confit and Toulouse sausage-$16) and pork country ribs with polenta and asparagus ($20). There is also a very diverse oyster selection as well as appetizing sides. There are community tables as well as booths which I think are crying out for votive candles on the tables but then that’s just me, I’m a hopeless romantic. Photos from top right: inside The Publican; Nadine and Ira Epstein; The Publican's Dover sole.

Well, some young ladies have cake for their birthday parties and then other lucky people like Corinne Melchior have one of the major stars of the Joffrey Ballet conduct a dance class for her and her friends. That teacher was the handsome, 6’6”, 27-year-old principal dancer, Fabrice Calmels!! It was an evening of memories as we all diligently listened and tried to learn steps from the master Fabrice. He had unlimited patience and charm and if you haven’t seen him in any of the Joffrey productions, then you’re missing history in the making. Fabrice was born and raised in France where he began ballet training at the age of three. In 1991, he entered the prestigious, 300-year-old Paris Opera School which he says was basically a boarding school that he attended for 10 years. He moved to New York in 1998 and danced with the ABT as well as the Pennsylvania and Boston Ballet companies. The Joffrey Ballet, then under artistic director Gerald Arpino, hired Fabrice the day before 9/11. At this point in time, the Joffrey was stressed and Fabrice got stuck in Paris because of red tape with his visa. Not one to miss an opportunity, he joined the Lido de Paris and shortly thereafter the Joffrey beckoned again and this time he was able to answer the call. Fabrice says, “Dancing is like a personal escape. It’s a way to get away from life’s drama; you’re taken away and you can finally breathe. It’s peaceful--it’s a relief.” And it’s a BIG relief for us that he is here with our very own Joffrey Ballet! What a wonderful birthday party, Corinne!!!! I was honored to be a part of it! Other lucky guests included her loving mother Helen Melchior, Ann Waters (in a darling ballerina outfit), Margie Habermann, Amelia Silva, Christopher Conway, Jonathan Ryan, Ana Ernst and Laura Silva. If you want more Fabrice in your life (and why wouldn’t you?!), be sure to make plans to see Fabrice as Othello in the Joffrey Ballet’s Legends series from April 29th through May 10th. Photos from top left: Corinne Melchior and Fabrice Calmels; Fabrice instructing his "students"; Fabrice as Othello in the Joffrey's upcoming Legends series; Fabrice and Bonnie Letkeman. For more photos of Fabrice, click here!
 
The Baton Show Lounge celebrated its 40th anniversary in grand style on March 18th with a one-of-a-kind celebration. The show was as exciting as ever thanks to the wonderful choreography by Harrison McEldowney. Jim Flint, a native of Peoria, opened the club in March 1969 using beer crates with plywood as a stage.  Now it has become famous across the globe as presenting the best of the best through the years in the art of female impersonation. Janet Jackson said of her first visit, “The first time I went to the Baton in Chicago, I told my female dancers they’re giving so much femininity and we look like boys onstage.” Other celebs who have enjoyed the shows through the years include Joan Crawford, Sammy Davis Jr., Carol Channing, Dinah Shore, Kirk Douglas, Robert Wagner, Stephanie Powers, Lauren Bacall, Shirley MacClaine, Joan Rivers, Madonna, Tim Curry, Chris Farley, Dennis Rodman, Gayle Sayers and Jimmy Connors. There were lots of familiar faces at this invitation-only event including Scot Sauer, John Gerald, Art Friedman, Jimmy Rittenberg, Greg Hyder, Hazel Barr, John Regas, Rodolfo Zavala, Craig Hogan, David Hudspeth, Mercedes (Miss Continental Plus), Kyle Ross, Robbie Ham, Denis Sabol, Eric Gorczya, Cole Stolman and Chrissy Rybarczyk. And another congrats to Baton owner Jim Flint for all that he does for the community (and on his anniversary!). If you haven't been to the Baton Club yet - or have been and want to go again - show times are Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and reservations are required. Photos from top left: Mistress of Ceremonies Ginger Grant with Baton Club owner Jim Flint; Maya Douglas; Rodolfo Zavala, Greg Hyder and Craig Hogan; Maya Douglas; Sherri Payne; Ginger Grant; Scot Sauer and John Gerald; Jimmy Rittenberg and friend; Hazel Barr and John Regas; me and Jim Flint. Click here for more photos from this event and click here for a slideshow!

Lulu’s at the Belle Kay was the sight of a private shopping party hosted by Victoria Lautman of NPR and Chicago magazine's “Writers on Record.” Laurie Davis, LuLu’s owner, finds the most incredible vintage clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry and handbags and is a well-known fixture on the social scene around town. If you haven't visited this jewel at 3862 N. Lincoln then you're missing a shopping experience you won't soon forget! Guests included Carrie Lannon, Victoria Espy Burns, Melissa Weber, Jessica Diamond, Beth Loeb, Michelle Edwards, Lynn Lockwood Murphy, Nina Winston, Julie Shelton, Cioia Diliberto, Erika Bartelstein and Ruth Lednicer. Photos from top right: party host Victoria Lautman; LuLu's owner Laurie Davis with Julie Shelton; Carrie Lannon. For more photos from this event, click here! 
 
I didn’t have the space in my last blog to tell you about the latest TRENDS I spotted in South Beach so here is the “hot” list!
 
1)    Multiple mini bracelets. They can be in any price range but I’ve seen multiples of the enamel ones from Hermes and they’re so chic worn together with a fabulous Eres bathing suit!
2)    Mismatched bikini tops and bottoms— girls by the beach and at the pools were all into mixing and matching and it looked so fresh.
3)    Shortest of shorts! This is a trend that is CERTAINLY not for everyone but then I’m just the reporter!
4)    Man bags—the most popular being the Damier pattern by Louis Vuitton
5)    BIG earrings—for day and night…
6)    Patio dresses during the day. These long, flowing dresses look especially nice worn poolside.
7)    Havaiana flip-flops—a must have in Miami.
8)    Dinosaur Designs bangles—these resin bracelets come in all sizes and colors.
9)    Chrome Hearts silver jewelry on all of the young guys—a great look with a suntan.

...but in my world, I live by the motto “Cheap is the new black!!!” Photos from top left: Rihanna in a mismatched bikini; a LV Damier pattern man bag; Havaianas flip flops; Dinosaur Designs resin bangles.

And now I want to leave you with one of my favorite hostess gift ideas—Caron Powder Puffs! I found them in Paris years ago at the Caron Perfume Store but now you can buy them here. They come in two sizes—small ($45) and large ($75). They are the ultimate in body powder luxury and once you use one, you will never turn back. And they come in the most beautiful pale sherbet-colored shades. They’re available at Phyto Universe. Just heavenly!! :) Photo: Caron Powder Puffs.
 
I hope you’ve enjoyed the latest Candid Candace! Please check in next time and enjoy your week!
 
Love,
Candace :)

FUN AND SUN IN SOUTH BEACH!

Sunny, 82 degrees, pool, ocean, palm trees……it was heavenly! This perfectly describes our trip to South Beach this past week; the weather was gorgeous night and day and we were so happy to be there! There is lots of restaurant news so let’s start with the dining scene: The first night, we went to a new restaurant (for us), Prime Italian. It is the sister restaurant to local favorite Prime 112 and is located directly across the street at 101 Ocean Dr. They serve very large portions with very large prices. Highlights or lowlights were the $140 lobster, $35 spaghetti and (one) meatball and $17 glass of Pinot Grigio. But with the sexy lighting and beautiful people……what more do you want? Photos from top right: Prime Italian; Prime Italian's spaghetti, basil and tomato sauce dish; Prime Italian's kitchen.  
 
The pool at the Sagamore was wonderful, just like we remembered it from last year. However, there seemed to be no security anywhere and even a homeless woman came in for a swim and was offered a towel??!!! I’m not sure we’ll be staying there the next time. Photos from top left: the Sagamore pool; Chuck in front of one of the Sagamore's many art installations. For more photos from our stay at the Sagamore, click here.  
 
The next evening we went back to Prime 112, one of our favorites. The Bentleys, Rolls and Lamborghinis were all parked up front as we pulled up in our Sebring convertible. For $15, the valet buries your car; for $20, he parks your car nearby; and for $25, your car gets parked in front and did I say it’s cash in advance? I think I smell a skunk…. Anyway, the parking situation may be less than desirable but the scene inside and the food make it all worthwhile. The bar is always packed and you don’t mind waiting there because the people watching and celeb spotting is superb. On past visits, we’ve seen Shaq, Pharrell Williams, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. The food is expensive but worth it: it's wonderful American cuisine mixed with comfort food like truffled lobster mac and cheese ($25), braised collard greens with smokey bacon ($13), creamed corn ($13), deviled eggs with white truffle caviar ($18) and Kobe beef sliders ($25). The menu is steak heavy with lots of fish choices as well. An 8-ounce filet is $38, a 16-ounce bone-in filet is $53 and Chilean sea bass is $38. There is seating outside but this is known as Siberia for people who go often. Photos from top left: the always busy bar at Prime 112; two of Prime 112's beautiful hostesses; Prime 112's Brussels sprouts and pancetta; Prime 112's roasted beets with Maytag blue cheese.  

One of my favorite shopping spots is the beautiful mall at Bal Harbour. They have every top designer store imaginable there and I have always found an abundance of cutting edge clothes that I can’t find anywhere else. Maybe it’s the Latin flavor that the store buyers keep in mind when making their choices because the colors are fabulous and always have a sexy edge. They also have one of the best spots in South Florida for lunch — Carpaccio. The Italian food is incredible and the service is perfect. Photos from top left: the beautiful mall at Bal Harbour; is it a shoe or a sculpture?; Oscar de la Renta gown. For more photos from Bal Harbour, click here.    

We all know the sad story surrounding the brutal murder of Gianni Versace on the front steps of his mansion at 1116 Ocean Dr. Tourists have always come here to see the beautiful place that he called home and now for the first time, it is open to the public. There is a wonderful restaurant there called Loftin’s. You can dine on the patio, by the pool, in Versace’s personal dining room (which is completely shell-encrusted) or in the main hall. The night we were there, they were hosting a private party so we dined on the candlelit patio where every table had lovely pale peach roses in crystal vases. They have a six-course tasting menu for $150 and a diverse selection of menu items but I think the most interesting dish was a 7-ounce Blackmore Wagyu strip loin with a shallot marmalade for $175 (which I didn’t have!). Nor did I have the 2005 Chateau Mouton Rothschild for $1,900. I must say though the service was delightful and Dean, our waiter who was a former model, made the evening very memorable for us. The mansion is also available for tours at no charge. You only need a reservation if you have a large party. Photos from top right: Versace's personal shell-encrusted dining room; Loftin's waiter, Dean; Loftin's watercress salad; Loftin's salmon atop Himalayan rock salt; Versace's great room during the private after party.
 
The next afternoon, we went to see the “new” Fontainebleau Hotel and it did NOT disappoint!!!  After a $1 billion renovation, the hotel was unrecognizable and I came here with my mother for 25 years! The hotel has been completely redone—even the pool has been completely reconfigured. It is gorgeous! It has 1,600 rooms, 11 restaurants and a 40,000-square-foot spa. The pool, lobby, restaurants (including Hakkasan, Gotham and Scarpetta) are breathtaking. Look at the photos and see for yourself! Even the staff are adorable….:-) Photos from top left: the Fontainebleau Hotel; the Fontainbleau lobby; an overview of the Fontainebleau pool. For more photos from the Fontainebleau, click here. 

Our next dinner was at Phillippe Chow which is located in the Gansevoort South Hotel (This hotel is getting lots of press lately and one is scheduled for Chicago down the road). The owner, Phillippe Chow, used to work for Mr. Chow in New York and has now opened his own restaurants located in New York, Mexico City and Las Vegas. I must say, having eaten at other Mr. Chow’s that this menu is incredibly similar—some would say copied. It will be very interesting when Mr. Chow opens right next door in the months to come in the soon-to-be-open W Hotel. But I will say that the place is gorgeous with attentive service and unique Chinese food. If you go, order the noodle presentation and you will have a show you won’t believe! The duck was a highlight, too…..The surprise of the night—and there is always one in South Beach—was seeing Jerome “the Bus” Bettis dining at the next table! Keith Richards was spotted at the Gansevoort pool while we were there too…. Photos from top right: Phillippe Chow in the Gansevoort Hotel; Phillippe Chow hostess Stephanie Andron; Jerome "The Bus" Bettis; a view of the Phillippe Chow kitchen. For more photos from Phillippe Chow, click here.
 
And on our final day, we went to our VERY favorite spot for Sunday lunch—La Piaggia!  It was even better than the last time we were there….like St. Tropez in South Beach! Great music, an incredible mix of people and food and wine straight from the South of France. We were so happy to be with our friend and real estate guru, Jeff “Gooch” Gurciullo: He is a legend in South Beach and one of our oldest and dearest friends. If you need any advice on homes or rentals, please e-mail him at jgurciullo@aol.com. La Piaggia owner Robert Pascal, one of the original founders of La Voile Rouge (the hottest beach club in St. Tropez), brings his unique flair and style to this spot on South Point. He even imports the rose wine from his own vineyard in Provence. It is the best I’ve ever tasted—Chateau Barbeiranne 2007, Reserve Robert Pascal, Cotes de Provence. We saw lots of old friends here including Hayley  and Jason Binn from Niche magazine fame. He told me that Michigan Avenue Magazine “is the most successful of all of his magazines.” We also saw one of the top DJs in the world, Jack-ee from the renowned club Les Caves Du Roy in St. Tropez, who I am proud to say had a picture from my 50th birthday party there on his iPhone…..:-))))) I think South Beach is truly the American Riviera and we were very thankful to be there during a cold spell here in Chicago. Thankfully, we have spring in our sights now which makes Chicago the best place in the world to be…… Photos from top right: La Piaggia; manager Alex M., me and La Piaggia owner Robert Pascal; La Piaggia's crudite platter; me, Jason and Hayley Binn and Jeff “Gooch” Gurciullo; Robert Pascal's rose wine Chateau Barbeiranne 2007; La Piaggia's beef carpaccio; St. Tropez Les Caves du Roy DJ Jack-ee; Jo Jo Pariso. For more photos from La Piaggia, click here. 

On a personal note, I want to thank the Playboy editors for quoting my blog in their latest issue! Check out their New Year’s Eve photos and see my quote from Hef that they used on page 10!  
 
Thanks for checking in again and I hope your St. Patrick’s Day was as green as you had hoped it to be! And as usual, I'll leave you with a truly beautiful sight: Check out this Miami sunset! 
 
Love,
Candace :)

CONGRATULATIONS HEARTLAND ALLIANCE!

I attended the Art Against Aids benefit at the River East Art Center on Thursday, February 26th. I attended because of my friend Aaron Baker but I left with a much broader reason for being there: This event supports the 120-year-old institution Heartland Alliance, which strives and succeeds in helping people living in poverty or danger to improve their lives with a focus on supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The honorary co-chairs for this event were Aaron Baker and Princess Kasune Zulu. Aaron is the curator and business development director for Playboy’s Corporate Art Collection. Princess Kasune started her HIV/AIDS activism work in 1997 in her native country, Zambia. After losing both parents to AIDS and testing positive herself, Zulu embarked on a campaign to fight the global AIDS epidemic. Through a nationally-syndicated radio series entitled “Positive Living,” she became a household name and the program received honors from the U.S. Embassy in Zambia for excellence in broadcasting. She has also been lauded by the United Nations Secretary General, former President George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and numerous ambassadors from countries around the world. Steven Zick, vice president and head of office for Christie’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Chicago, conducted the live auction which included works by Sarah Bierman, Richard Lane, Maggie Meiners, Rebecca May, Mel Odom along with a signed lithograph by Ed Paschke. Sara Lee sponsored the event and it was hosted by the Junior Board of the Heartland Alliance. The event attracted over 400 people and raised approximately $100,000. Photos from top right: Art Against Aids benefit at the River East Art Center; honorary co-chair Aaron Baker, Brian Smuts, Eric Han and Steven Zick; honorary co-chair Princess Kasune Zulu and me; Rob LoPrete and David Germaine; Veronica Zepeda; photographer Steve Starr. 
 
Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner seems to be very quiet lately but don’t be fooled. He has three new – well, sort of new – restaurants on the horizon. First of all, he’s retooling Room 21 into an Italian restaurant which will be called Via Ventuno because feels he needs to offer people a less expensive alternative from the old Room 21 in this economy. His spacious outdoor courtyard will be the perfect spot for a pizza oven and the restaurant will be opening in the next three months. He is also opening a new Italian restaurant in Hinsdale which will open the third week in April at 8 First St. But “the most interesting restaurant he’s ever done” (no name yet) will be opening in May at 1419 N. Wells St. (which coincidentally, is my husband’s old building—what a small world!) It will be like an old-time circa 1940s private club except it will be open to the public with “affordable elegance.” Welcome to the ‘hood, Jerry!!!!! I can’t wait…. Photos: Jerry Kleiner; inside Room 21.

Well, it’s about time someone shows some respect for shorter people in the modeling world…Kate Moss (5’7”) can’t be the only one!! Tyra Banks has made a BIG decision for next season’s “America’s Next Top Model” because she is only casting girls 5’ 7” and UNDER! The casting director explains: “Since the show started, we’ve always had girls under 5’ 7” asking and begging, quite frankly, Tyra to please give them a chance,” she says. “I mean, she would get stopped in the street, in restaurants, anywhere, by girls asking how they can do it being as short as they are. We’ve been thinking about it for a while now what a great opportunity to give these girls. The show is all about opportunity—Kate Moss is a prime example.” Although according to Sunny D’s web comment, this isn’t so. “This is just the latest in a long line of gimmicks from Tyra/ANTM. Not one of these girls have gone on to have successful modeling careers. This show routinely casts aspirants who don’t meet the industry standards; then tortures them by making them do tongue-twisters in Catalan, submerge themselves in ice water, shave their heads, jump double-dutch in the nude, and countless other inane stunts that have nothing to do with fashion modeling.” I think Sunny D has Tyra’s number. And since I was called a short 5’ 7” by the world famous model/agent Wilhelmina, I can relate in my own little own way….:-) Maybe getting TV time is enough for these girls….I sure hope so. Photos from top right: Tyra Bank (photo from Getty Images); fashion icon (and "short" model) Kate Moss; ANTM Cycle 3 winner Eva Pigford (currently the shortest "Top Model" winner at 5' 6.5").
 
For more news on the fashion front….congratulations to local designer Sam Kori George for winning the Oscar Design Challenge! George walked the red carpet with model Lauren Gish who was wearing his creation and watched her carry statuettes during the recent Academy Awards. His winning dress was shown at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and may well be in the Chicago History Museum by now. George says, “It would be an honor to donate it to the museum and have it on view there.” Chicago seems to be becoming a real fashion hotspot with all of the media attention that began when First Lady Michelle Obama began wearing Maria Pinto designs (Pinto was also in the running for the Oscar Design Challenge). Recently, W Magazine devoted a two-page spread to local designers and partners, Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters of Creatures of the Wind designs. They debuted their fall 2008 collection that was inspired by “creepy ‘60s communes.” Don’t be scared off, though: They are both highly creative alums of the famed School of the Art Institute. Move over New York because Chicago is ready for its close-up! Photos from top left: Sam Kori George with model Lauren Gish; Maria Pinto and Michelle Obama; Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters.

You never know who you’re going to run into! My friend, Rhonda Sanderson got the chance to meet former President Bill Clinton recently in San Diego where he was keynote speaker at the International Franchise Association’s 49th Annual Convention. Rhonda is a key player in the IFA, having served on the Board of Directors in 2002 and serving the franchise community with her Chicago-based PR firm, Sanderson & Associates since 1984. Congratulations on your great career and your wonderful philanthropic support of PAWS, Joffrey Ballet, Common Threads and many other worthy organizations. Photo: Rhonda Sanderson and former President Bill Clinton at the IFA Convention.

I also want to thank Michigan Avenue Magazine for their wonderful coverage of my winter CandidCandace blog launch party sponsored by Dismero. If you haven’t seen a copy yet, here's a preview (just click the photo to enlarge). Thanks so much for being so supportive, Mich Mag! :)
 
Well, we’re off to South Beach tomorrow so my next blog will be bringing you all of the sights of Miami including fashion, restaurant and hotel trends!
 
Thanks again for checking in! I am now going to leave you to be enchanted by the darling little being that is known as Kingsford.
 
Love,
Candace :)

SPROUSE IS IN THE HOUSE!

Even the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the joyful attendees at Louis Vuitton’s tribute to designer Stephen Sprouse Thursday night at their store on Michigan Avenue. Louis Vuitton’s creative director Marc Jacobs first tapped Sprouse to design a graffiti bag in 2001 and he’s come back to him again this season and upped the ante. The bags are a riot of color in shocking chartreuse, day-glo lime and South Beach orange. Even the windows and outdoor walls were plastered in these vibrant colors to celebrate this new line for Louis Vuitton. You could see the store for blocks away on this gloomy night filled with beautiful people and brilliantly-colored bags. Even the trays the servers held were colored in this bright graffiti print. A portion of the evening’s sales benefited student scholarships for the Department of Fashion Design at the School of the Art Institute. LV’s vice president of Midwest stores Michelle Catucci hosted the event along with store manager Tessa Gillenwater. Lucky guests included Graham Kostic, Susanna Homan Negovan, Toni Canada, Gregg Zgonena, Janice Barns Davis, Gwendolyn Butler, Julie Selakovich, Sven Asmus, Myra and John Reilly, Amanda Puck, Margaret O’Connor and hot Curtis Stone of “Take Home Chef” who was in town for a taping on Oprah. Photos from top right: Suzanne Beiling holding the new Sprouse collection handbags; Louis Vuitton par nuit; Julie Selakovich, Amanda Puck, Graham Kostic and Toni Canada; Margaret O'Connor, "Take Home Chef" Curtis Stone and Louis Vuitton manager Tessa Gillenwater; me holding an original Sprouse handbag from 2001 with Joon Ma; Jesus Salguiero, Susanna Negovan and Bessie Tsionis; Gregg Zgonega and Susan Frank; Janice Barnes David and Gwendolyn Butler. For more photos from this event, click HERE. 

Shelley MacArthur definitely did Sinatra HER way for the party benefiting the Joffrey Ballet on Friday night, February 20th, in the Empire Room of the Palmer House wowing all of the beautiful Chicago movers and shakers in attendance. The fantastic song and dance number with Joffrey artistic director Ashley Wheater brought the house down! There were even darling girls dressed like Sinatra with pork-pie hats waiting to direct you up to the cocktail reception. The Palmer House has never looked better after its mega-makeover and there are lots of hot events coming up here including the Joffrey Ballet’s ever exciting “Couture & Cocktails” in September! The Empire Room was aglow just like the lovely chanteuse who changed from a beautiful white cocktail pantsuit to a gorgeous nude evening gown. Shelley was wearing stunning jewelry from Van Cleef and Arpels valued at over $620,000 including a ring, earrings and necklace from the show-stopping Clelia Collection. Guests included Renee Crown, Linda Johnson Rice, Hayes MacArthur, Jeanouche Wopinski, Dori Wilson, Amelia and Alejandro Silva with their darling son Alex Jr. and his new wife Laura, Maureen and EB Smith, Helen Hall Melchior, Kristina and Michael McGrath with her beautiful twin, Cheryl Larson, Sheryl Dyer, Paul Rehder, Leslie and Robert Zentner, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, Jan Melk, Michel Desjardins, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Melinda Jakovich, Kathleen and Dennis Klaeser, Scott Bobek, Anne and Ed Burke, Grace Barry, Christina Gidwitz, Joy Germont, Marty Higgins, Joe Ahern, Tony Rossi, Susanna Negovan, Pierre Desy, Felicia and Kurt Winiecki, D’Ary Frank, Diane Hollowell, Sara Crown Starr and her husband Jamie, Elsa Tullas, Vonita Reescer, Richard Miller and many more. The after party was held in the chic Potter’s Lounge with music by DJ White Shadow. Photos from top left: Ashley Wheater and Shelley MacArthur; Rebecca Besser, Whitney Laskey, Renee Crown, Shauna Montgomery and Marty Higgins; me and Helen Melchior; Susanna Homan Negovan, Sheryl Dyer, Paul Rehder and me; Michel Desjardins, Jan Melk, Melinda Jakovich and Pierre Desy; Shelley doing it her way.
 
I know there were lots of fabulous Oscar parties around town but none had more visual delights and enthusiasm than the party benefiting the Center on Halsted last Sunday night! The Red Carpet reception began at 6 p.m. with interviews and paparazzi shooting the well dressed guests. The Oscar telecast began at 7 p.m. and was shown on two jumbo screens. Gorgeous showgirls showed you the way to the gym which had been transformed into the most elegant Oscar-worthy space with fabulous floral design by Daniel Simonelli of the Palmer House. Food was served in tiny Chinese takeout boxes with chopsticks along with many other appetizer choices by Wendy Pashman of The Entertaining Company. The fabulous event photographer Steve Starr captured all of the excitement and many of his photos are seen here and in the gallery. I was honored to be on the benefit committee for this sold-out affair along with Greg Hyder, Wayne Harth, Jean Antoniou, David Brandt, Mike Demetria, Quenten Schumacher, Matt O’Malley, Missy Vitale, Brooke Skinner, Jim Smith, Patrick Sheehan, Ann Beteta, Hazel Barr, John Gustafson, Jessica Harless, Jim Karagianes, Michael Knisely, Gil Minor, Bill Naples, Paul Ropski, Amy Wimer, Henry Artalejo, Sheryl Dyer, Susan Ellefson, Kenny Huang, Jeremy Dobbie, Patrick Harms, Joe Schroeder, Ryan Viloria and Ann Wangard. And a special thanks to event sponsors Snow Queen Vodka (Michael Perry Ladin) and to Van Cleef & Arpels (Sheryl Dyer) who donated the gorgeous vintage Alhambra cuff links for a raffle prize. Everyone's heart and soul was in this event and it was obvious by the wonderful turnout, auction donations and enthusiasm that everyone showed for this wonderful and worthy event. I thank everyone on behalf of the organization and benefit committee. EVERYONE was a star at this party!!! Photos from top left: Oscars showgirl; Jeff Corney, Greg Hyder and Amalie Drury; Sheryl Dyer, me, Jean Antoniou and Nicole Jacob; Missy Vitale, Rebecca Rose, Barkley Payne and Brooke Skinner; John Bourgeois and D'Manda Donation; Fireman, Elizabeth Crane and David Brandt; Alan Sax and Sheryl Dyer; Michael Perry Ladin, me and Chuck; Ken Norgan and Mike Noonan; David Brandt with Jean and Andy Antoniou; Tom Kehoe and Wayne Harth; me, Paul Rehder and Nicole Jacob. For more Center on Halsted Oscar party coverage, click here and for my friend David Aminzadeh's L.A. Oscar photos, click this link.

Well, hold onto your hats: Billy Dec is opening up a new restaurant that promises to blow the doors off of Asian dining as we know it now!  Sunda is due to open in River North at 110 W. Illinois St. on Monday, March 9th. It was developed by partners Dec, Brad Young and Arturo Gomez with their director of culinary operations James Gottwald and consultant Paul Lee after two years of exhaustive research all over Asia. Chef Rodelio Aglibot looks to Japan, China and Southeast Asia for his inspiration with specialties like the Food Buddha’s Crispy Rice with Toppings (hand-cut spicy tuna, seared Kobe beef tartare and spicy shrimp tempura), crab-crusted Ahi tuna with Japanese hot mustard soy glaze, Malay-style Chilean sea bass with coriander and many other mouth-watering selections including a full assortment of sushi. If the restaurant is as good as this video then we’re in for a real treat!! Click here and preview the Sunda concept for yourself. Photo: Billy Dec.

And thanks to all of you who I hounded into voting for me in the Chicago’s Best Blogs contest!!! It worked: I thought they were choosing one but they chose just over 100 blogs in the city and CandidCandace.com is one of them…woooo hoooooo!!! Thanks again to all who voted!!! 
 
I also want to send out a big CONGRATULATIONS to my friends Jim and Mary Lasky!!! They were recently awarded the “Golden Spoon” by the Chicago Free Press for their hot restaurant/lounge Chaise Lounge at 1840 W. North Ave. Check it out!!! Photos: Jim and Mary Lasky; the beautiful interior of the Laskys' Chaise Lounge.

Good luck to my friend Susan Griff Gohl on her upcoming equestrian competition season in Wellington, Florida! Horses have been her life and passion since she was three years old and now her nine-year-old granddaughter is following suit. Here she is shown on Enigma in a Grand Prix Dressage class, after which they enjoyed dinner in Palm Beach with Ann Gerber and Bernie Kaplan, Cookie Cohen, Averill and Buddy Leviton and Mamie and Julius Walton. Ahhhhhh….the good life! Photo: Susan Griff Gohl astride Enigma. 

If you missed my debut on 24/7, not to worry because here it is!!! Thanks to Catie Keogh and Marcus Riley for letting “the kid stay in the picture!” I had such fun meeting the other incredible members of the NBC Street Team; they rock!!!! :)

That’s all for this week! Don’t forget to make plans to attend Common Threads World Festival on March 23rd at the MCA!! It’s an event you won’t want to miss! And now here’s something to put a smile on all of my animal loving friends' faces! 

See you next time!

Love, Candace :)