Where The Action Is

As a native to Chicago, I'm a fan of this city even in the winter months when the tourists are gone and Michigan Ave. is sprinkled with snow to the summer time when the city comes alive with street festivals and lakefront getaways. However, what I'm most enamored by with Chicago is its progressive pool of talent. From the events I cover to the people who make it happen, Chicago is a fantastic playground for innovation and action.

This past month, I've had the privilege to co-chair the Joffrey Auxiliary Board's Blue Masquerade Ball at the Joffrey Tower with fellow co-chairs Camille Britton and John Walcher. I'm happy to report that we raised over $20,000 in support of the Joffrey and its programs. And it was so great having Cyon Flare and her fantastic energy flowing through the event. I also very honored to be featured in DeVonte Mean's lifestyle blog, Flyylife.com. Check out the article here.



So rather it was raising a glass at Lambda Legal's Suitsupply event or popping bottles at Underground's opening, I'm just happy to be in this city and a part of all the action!

Lambda Legal's Chicago Leadership Council welcomed the LGBT community's jet set of young professionals, budding philanthropists, and supporters for a summer soiree that celebrated just that, the work and ambitions of young professionals. Already in its second year and known for its tailored upscale approach to men's suiting, gentleman's mainstay Suitsupply 945 N. Rush St., opened its outdoor rooftop terrace for the event where guests enjoyed specialty cocktails by Sidetrack and light noshes provided by Chicago Gourmet to You. In particular, the summer bash came just on the heels of the historic Supreme Court decisions on Prop 8 and DOMA, so even more reason to celebrate! Suitsupply's founder and owner Fokke de Jong event flew in to make a special appearance and toast Lambda Legal on their continued hard work and success in LGBT legislative issues and rights. Lambda Legal Leadership Council's Chair Chris Mullins was pleased with how the event turned out.

"The party was amazing. The amount of support we received from the community and our sponsors were overwhelming. Everyone who was there is helping with our battles for equality here in Illinois," said Mullins.

A huge congrats to Lambda Legal and their Leadership Council of dedicated members on a great event! I'm looking forward to what this group has planned next!

Guess who's back? And it's bigger and badder than ever before! The Underground celebrated its long-awaited return with a special VIP preview party for tastemakers and influencers in the city on July 19. Chicago's favorite little bomb shelter nigh club is not so little anymore and has expanded to include a lounge area as well as a more high-energy club space. While the lounge, set just beyond the glass display of the working boiler room, offers patrons a world-class mixology and champagne bar complemented with an oversized DJ booth with a private VIP table, the club portion brings the newly renovated space full circle. Equipped with a 40-foot high-definition digital video wall, the elevated DJ booth is flanked by two platforms set with VIP booths and tables for those looking for a more digital and music infused nightlife experience. Updates to the club's sound and lighting are sure to envelope scenesters into the overall digital ambience. With renovations that whisk patrons away to a more fluid nightlife approach with either the lounge's more intimate feel or the club's bolder and cutting-edge space, Underground has yet again raised the bar for other clubs in River North. The club officially opens to the public on August 1 with a live Dj set by Dj Rock City as well as a special guest. So keep a look out!

Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, hosted a special, private tasting for invitees to sample items from all seven of the dining options housed inside the casino, which include: Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House, Cube, Canopy, Lotus, Flipt, Mian, and Coffee Spot. The culinary tour featured face-time with selected chefs, food and wine pairings, and concluded with a dessert bar. No matter the restaurant, fine table dining or my personal obsession White Castle, I always order a hamburger. So, my favorite was Flipt's beer and hamburger pairing. Not sure if swiping five burgers counts as a sampling, probably more of a meal or several meals, but I do highly suggest trying Flipt's hamburgers and adding a beer for good measure. You don't have to be a gambler to enjoy any pick of Rivers Casino top dining destinations, so a definite must on any of your foodie adventures. However, the night really begun when the Casino provided each guest with some free play to try out on the casino floor. And yours truly won big baby! Well, maybe not quite enough to quit my day job, but I did leave $120 richer.

So, until next update, get in on some of your own action!