Monthly Archives: October 2017
Cirque Du Soleil CRYSTAL – on Ice
Cirque du Soleil Fuses Excitement, Breathtaking Artistry and
Unique Creativity with Ice in Crystal – A Breakthrough Ice Experience
Opening in Chicago on Thursday, November 16, 2017- 4 Days ONLY!
Chicago (October 4, 2017) – Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to venture into uncharted territory with its brand-new creation, Crystal by Cirque du Soleil, exploring the artistic attributes of ice for the very first time. Specifically created for arenas, the state-of-the-art production will create a fresh innovative experience, pushing the boundaries once again by combining outstanding skating and sliding, remarkable aesthetics and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. Crystal will perform at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017. Tickets for Crystal start at $30.00.
Crystal, the show’s main character, sets out on an exhilarating quest to fulfill her destiny as she dives into a world of her own imagination. She soars through this surreal world at high speed to become what she was always destined to be: confident, freed, empowered.
Crystal is about looking at things from fresh angles, peeking through the veneer of everyday life, reframing one’s daily reality to see what one might have missed. Sometimes the only way to appreciate things is to look at them sideways. Discovering one’s individuality and uniqueness requires venturing out on thin ice.
Show Schedule: November 16 – 19, 2017
- Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 18 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 19 at 1 p.m.and 5 p.m.
Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.
Forsythe Technology is the Official Sponsor of Crystal in the United States
Tickets cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.
Social Media Facebook: facebook.com/CrystalbyCirqueduSoleil
Twitter: @Cirque, #CRYSTAL
Instagram: @cirquedusoleil, #CRYSTAL
Video https://youtu.be/HXHyPLXEYB4
Sarah and Rachel – Lesbian Vloggers
We recently discovered these lesbian vloggers, who have been creating YouTube content for some time now! They recently relocated to Chicago. They create new vlogs as frequently as possible, plus unscripted comedy, challenges, travel and entrepreneurship videos, and LGBT advice content. Vegetarians and devoted moms to their kitten, Mumford.
Well it looks like you moved here from Iowa? How long have you been here in Chicago?
Yeah! We moved to the city in July and have loved every minute of it so far!
What brought you here?
Besides the appeal of a vibrant city with so much energy and activity, we were attracted to the opportunities to advance our career goals. There’s such a great LGBTQ+ community here that we love and we do a lot of traveling, so it’s a great centrally located hub with a big airport! There are, of course, it’s other perks: deep dish pizza, the amazing Chicago sports teams, and tons of vegan restaurants for us to try out!
How long have you been together?
We have been together for 5 and a half years! It’s been such a crazy ride, but we’ve loved exploring the world and starting a business together. It’s so special that we get to share our relationship online to help so many other people and document the things we do together.
How long have you been doing videos?
We started making videos in March of 2015. At that time we wanted to start a channel as a way to have a creative outlet and a place to practice our cinematography and editing skills, because of our interest in film. As we started to pick up a following, we realized that we really had an opportunity to share some of the difficult experiences we’ve been through with coming out, self acceptance, etc with our audience. We began to share our stories online and have since been able to help literally thousands of people who send us messages and use our channel as a resource for similar struggles. Our videos have led us across the world to countries in Europe and the Caribbean to create travels films, vlogs and attend conventions for YouTube creators. We would love to see one of these conventions come to Chicago someday!
Besides vlogging, do you both do other work in Chicago?
We both have small part time jobs within the city, but what we spend the most of our time doing and what we love the most is our work on YouTube and other social platforms. Being in Chicago has already afforded us some opportunities to attend events and get involved locally using our videos. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow that more and more!
Check them out here!
Also check their podcast “Between The Sheets” that comes out every Wednesday on iTunes and soundcloud!
Andersonville Dessert Crawl Oct 29th
Join My Private Chef
For a Gourmet Trick or Treat Experience
at the Andersonville Dessert Crawl
On Sunday, October 29, from 2pm-5pm Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through the neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
This neighborhood celebrates the festive spirit of fall. It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Chef Christopher Tong, of My Private Chef, the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, will be serving a mouthwatering Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with Nutella Ganache.
Look for him on the PEPPERMINT FOREST ROUTE at one of his favorite wine shops, In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark Street.
This year, you can choose between TWO great routes.Tickets for one route are $25.00 prior to the event. (if available)
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit:
http://www.brownpapertickets.
Participants can pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., starting at 1pm on Sunday, October 29, and and then proceed to the participating restaurants and shops for a tasting-sized portions at each location .
One dollar from each ticket sold goes to benefit Care for Real, Edgewater’s community Food Bank.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
SOFA Art and Design Show 2017 Nov 2-5
The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair in Chicago is the premier gallery-presented art fair dedicated to three-dimensional art and design. On par with Art Basel and TEFAF Maastricht, SOFA is produced by Urban Expositions, a Clarion Events company.
Critically acclaimed and continuously running since 1994, what distinguishes SOFA from other top art events is its focus on three-dimensional artworks that cross the boundaries of fine art, decorative art and design. SOFA is noted for its exceptional presentation, with an elite selection of international dealers presenting for sale one-of-a-kind masterworks in handsome, custom-designed gallery exhibits.
SOFA is held annually in the fall at Chicago’s major destination, Navy Pier, with an average of 80 dealers and 35,000 people attending. Sales at the fair are estimated at 15-20 million dollars per show.
With a strong educational emphasis, SOFA CHICAGO includes an acclaimed lecture series and special exhibits exploring the artworks on view and surveying new trends in the art world. A VIP program includes exclusive events tailored to high-profile gallery clients and collector/museum groups.
SOFA has evolved into a dynamic international marketplace and community – a confluence of perspectives where art, design and people intersect. BUY TICKETS ONLINE!
El Mariachi & Revolucion Owner Passes
Chicago lost a great business man recently, Antonio Estrada, founder of El Mariachi and Revolucion restaurants.
1996. On a quiet section of North Broadway in Chicago, Antonio Estrada opened a cozy, 10-table Mexican restaurant he called El Mariachi. It was, he admits, a risk: the area, several blocks from Wrigley Field in East Lakeview, was then a not-so-nice section of the city.
“The neighborhood wasn’t yet gentrified…three years after I opened, they found dead bodies in a nearby hotel!” Estrada once told me.
Mexican food is a staple in most communities today. But back in 1996, the cuisine was in its infancy in the United States—even in a food-savvy town like Chicago. At first, customers didn’t really comprehend what El Mariachi’s concept—fresh, authentic Mexican food that went beyond tacos and burritos—was all about.
Times have certainly changed—and so has the Estrada family’s business, now comprised of three restaurants under the Mariachi Hospitality Group banner.
Anchored by the flagship El Mariachi Restaurant, still in the original small storefront, the enterprise also includes El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill and Revolución Mexican Steakhouse—all within a five-block stretch of North Broadway populated by restaurants, bars, boutiques and upscale grocery stores.
A native of San Juan Jalisco, near Guadalajara, Antonio Estrada emigrated to the U.S. in 1969. Then just 15 years old, with no restaurant experience under his belt, he landed a part-time job as a bus boy, and then server, at Chicago’s M&M Club. He moved on to the Hilton Hotel, where he was a member of the dining room staff for 20 years. Then, he decided, it was time to venture out on his own with El Mariachi.
“I had to learn to cook—but that was pretty easy for me,” Antonio recalls. The formula was fairly simple: he made recipes; the ones he liked became part of the menu.
Antonio built a reputation for serving authentic Mexican dishes including but not limited to tacos—offerings like carne asada suiza and grilled chicken breast dressed in mole poblano—all presented in a warm, intimate setting where high-quality ingredients and friendly, personal service proved a formula for success.
That formula is at the heart of all Mariachi Hospitality Group operates today.
His sons Jorge (Tony) and Adrian, who were raised in Lakeview and grew up in the business, are key figures in the family enterprise. “How long have I worked in the restaurants? All my life,” Tony laughs. “I was 11 when I was officially added to the schedule.” – and the brothers have been working in the business ever since!
Antonio Estrada was a hard working man and his businesses have made a great impact in Lakeview. He always made time to spend with his family. He always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him! His favorite quote was, “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life it’s about what you INSPIRE others to do.”
He will be greatly missed.
Thanks to writer Kathleen Furore. Her full article can be seen here.
* When El Maricahi Tequila Bar & Restaurant opened in 2004, the painters put an image of Antonio in the ceiling, by the bar, shining down thru the clouds. Next time you stop by, have a Margarita and Salute this awesome man!
Holiday Gifts That Sparkle
The clock is ticking! Seems like as soon as Labor Day passes, you have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah Christmas and New Years! And that time flies by!
It’s NOT TOO EARLY to start thinking about gifts you might give to that special person in your life.
Gregg Helfer Jewelers located in downtown Chicago, has lots of things that sparkle to make your holidays bright! Maybe you are planning a wedding for 2018? It’s not too early to look at rings.
The Helfer family has been importing diamonds and making jewelry for three generations starting with Gregg and Michael’s Grandfather David Helfer. A proud supporter of the gay community for many years, in 2000, after working in the jewelry industry on his own for over 12 years, Gregg continued the family tradition by opening a private office in the historic Maller’s building on Chicago’s Jewelers Row.
Michael Helfer runs the business currently and easy to talk to and work with. He works with clients to find the perfect product at the perfect price for them. Outstanding customer service and great prices make Gregg Helfer Jewelers the go-to jewelers, for all of your wants and needs. Whether you’re an experienced online shopper, or need some additional assistance with custom design or special order, we’re confident you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. They are available six days a week to help you find the piece of jewelry of your dreams.
-
5 S. Wabash, 17th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603 -
312-265-3364
Bewitched Parody Bewildered!
Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents
BEWILDERED
Book by Ron Weaver
Music and Lyrics by Aaron Benham & Ron Weaver
Directed & Choreographed by Brigitte Ditmars
Playing through November 11, 2017 at Stage 773
A parody and reimagining of the beloved ‘60s/‘70s television sitcom Bewitched, this spellbinding throwback is told from the point of view of Gladys Kravitz, the poor, misunderstood neighbor who keeps seeing crazy things at the home of Samantha Stephens, a beautiful witch, and her ‘ordinary family.’ Gladys’ husband Abner has had enough and is about to take drastic measures. Can Gladys prove her visions are real without destroying the Stephens family – or is she doomed to a life of pills and institutions? Gladys finally gets her due in this fun and magical musical parody.
This show is a MUST SEE! Brilliantly written by Ron Weaver! Amazing cast!
BEWILDERED features ensemble members David Cerda as Endora, Caitlin Jackson as Gladys Kravitz, Ed Jones as Uncle Arthur, Michael S. Miller as Mr. Tumer and AJ Wright as Darrin G. The production also features Steve Kimbrough as Larry Tate, Matt Miles as Abner, Elizabeth Morgan as Samantha, Scott Sawa as Darrin S. and Robert Williams as Tabitha/Louise. Rounding out the cast are Kira Gaudynski, Jennifer Ledesma, Travis Monroe Neese and Sarah Taylor as Magic Stage Hands.
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Sunday, October 15 due to Handbag’s Annual Benefit.
Special Halloween Show: Tuesday, October 31 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $34 in advance ($39 at door). Tickets are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org and stage773.com, by calling 773-327-5252, or in person at the Stage 773 box office.
PHOTO – David Cerda as Endora with (front, l to r) Sarah Taylor, Kira Gaudynski and Scott Sawa in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere musical BEWILDERED. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.
About Hell in a Handbag Productions
Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit.
For additional information, visit www.handbagproductions.org.
Benihana Back in Downtown Chicago
BENIHANA is back in downtown Chicago! Bigger and better than ever inside the John Hancock building, 875 North Michigan Avenue.
Benihana, the nation’s leading operator of Japanese-inspired Teppanyaki and Sushi Restaurants, is excited to announce the opening of its newest Benihana Restaurant August 23, on the Concourse level at the foot of the John Hancock Center at 875 North Michigan Avenue (across from the landmark Water Tower)
To celebrate this grand opening, Benihana will donate 10 percent of first-day revenues to nearby Lurie Children’s Hospital and will host patients and their families prior to the opening
“We are thrilled to return to historic downtown Chicago after 10 years,” said Benihana Chief Executive Officer and President Tom Baldwin. “At Benihana, we pride ourselves on ‘Creating Great Guest Memories’ and providing our guests with delicious food, warm and friendly service, and an atmosphere for every occasion and celebration. Our Benihana Restaurant will be a wonderful addition to Chicago, a city truly known for its incredible food scene. Downtown Chicago is the perfect spot for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the Benihana experience.”
Guests can enjoy the iconic Benihana dining experience at any one of 22 Teppanyaki tables. The restaurant also features a contemporary sushi bar, three private dining rooms, an inviting cocktail lounge and outdoor patio seating where guests can indulge in fresh sushi options and vibrant cocktails while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Magnificent Mile. Additionally, guests can enjoy Benihana at home, the office or a special event with our To Go Menu.
Benihana is proud to welcome Chicago’s newest staff members to their family.
Starting August 23, the restaurant will be open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Sunday 10 p.m.). Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservations are available online at Benihana.com or by calling (312) 780-3110.
Guests can enjoy the iconic Benihana dining experience at any one of 22 Teppanyaki tables. The restaurant also features a contemporary sushi bar, three private dining rooms, an inviting cocktail lounge and outdoor patio seating where guests can indulge in fresh sushi options and vibrant cocktails while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Magnificent Mile. Additionally, guests can enjoy Benihana at home, the office or a special event with our To Go Menu.
Benihana is proud to welcome Chicago’s newest staff members to their family.
Starting August 23, the restaurant will be open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Sunday 10 p.m.). Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservations are available online at Benihana.com or by calling (312) 780-3110.
Guests can enjoy the iconic Benihana dining experience at any one of 22 Teppanyaki tables. The restaurant also features a contemporary sushi bar, three private dining rooms, an inviting cocktail lounge and outdoor patio seating where guests can indulge in fresh sushi options and vibrant cocktails while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Magnificent Mile. Additionally, guests can enjoy Benihana at home, the office or a special event with our To Go Menu.
Benihana is proud to welcome Chicago’s newest staff members to their family.
Starting August 23, the restaurant will be open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Sunday 10 p.m.). Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservations are available online at Benihana.com or by calling (312) 780-3110.
About Benihana
Benihana Inc. is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese-inspired Teppanyaki and Sushi restaurants with more than 100 nationwide Benihana, Haru Sushi, RA Sushi and Samurai restaurants.
Additionally, 10 franchised Benihana restaurants are operating throughout the United States, Caribbean, and Central and South America.
