Chappell Confidential

Chicago's rough winter hasn't gotten me down at all. Give me blizzards. Give me rain or sleet. Hell…even give me below freezing temperatures in addition to all the other stuff. No matter the conditions, I will always be out and about to enjoy, to explore, and to toast my favorite city.

I kicked off February with my birthday bash at J Bar inside the James Hotel, one of my absolute fave hotels for its chic, cool, and hip vibe. My good friends over at the James really laid out the red carpet and VIP treatment for my birthday. J Bar hosted a night of delicious appetizers, cocktails, great music and even a bottle of champagne to continue the celebration. I can't thank Andy, J Bar's super cute GM I may add, for making my birthday extra special for myself and forty of my closest friends and family. Andy even wished me a happy birthday over the mic at one point in the night, an awesome surprise. Even our cocktail hostess was great by recommending the St. Germain platter for my group of invitees, a liqueur made from Elderflowers. I highly recommend you have your next celebration or gathering at J Bar inside the James; great service, friendly people, and an energetic atmosphere. Be sure to join the facebook group to enter to win a free party. But the party didn't stop at J Bar!

My friend Jeffery, director of PR and Marketing for Rockit Ranch Productions, and his co-worker Katie was so nice to reach out to me for my birthday as well. They hosted five of my friends and me for dinner and drinks at Rockit in Wrigleyville. For all you boys who enjoy Boystown, it's a short walk from Halsted Street, so be sure to stop in for an appetizer and a drink…or two. Thanks Jeffery and Katie!

Karyn Calabrese of Karyn's Raw and Karyn's Cooked in Lincoln Park invited me to lunch to check out her new restaurant in the West Loop called Karyn's on Green, 130 S. Green Street. Karyn is famous for bringing the raw food movement to Chicago and has appeared on Oprah, been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times and a number of other publications. In fact, while I was there, 190 North was shooting Karyn's new pad for its upcoming show. What a treat! As an avid meat eater, my Wood grilled Portobello steak tasted like the real thing. Meals range from $9 - $15 and I must say that Karyn's on Green should be a definite stop for both vegans and non-vegans.

Of course my nightlife date book wouldn't be complete without a CS party. CS Magazine throws some of the best parties in town; I should know since I'm there half the time. CS Brides, one of Modern Luxury's titles, threw a private cocktail party at River North's newest fine dining restaurant, Epic, 112 West Hubbard Street. The party raised a glass to the people behind Chicago's bridal industry and contributors of the magazine. This was my first time at Epic and won't be my last. With high ceilings and concrete and wood interior design, I felt like I was whisked away to the dining room of a castle. The whole place has an upscale medieval feel to it. Be sure to stop in for dinner or just drinks with friends.

Until next time, stay warm, invest in some good over-sized neckwear, and get those bodies in shape for Spring time!