Are you looking for funn/cool things to do that are happening around Chicago this weekend? Here’s the roundup of free and interesting events for August 20, 21 and 22:

1. If you were a big fan of comics when you were a kid, the WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO COMIC CON will be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont this weekend with lots of specialty comics for sale. Check out the latest in video games, anime, graphic novels and more. Several Star Trek stars and other prominent comicon celebs will be on hand for meet-and-greets. Aug. 20, noon – 8 pm, Aug. 21, 10 am – 7 pm, Aug. 22, 10 am – 5 om Tickets start at $25 the meet-and-greets are usually more. The address of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont is 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL (847) 692-2222, WizardWorld.com.

2. Summerdance on Saturday and Sunday - It’s free! @Grant Park 601 South Michigan Ave in Chicago, IL. Lesson begins at 4pm, band starts at 5pm and goes until 7pm. Even if you don’t dance this is one of the best Chicago community events I’ve been to. This week we have free East Coast Swing dance lessons by Margot McGraw-Toppen & Riley Wimes, Jr. and live music by Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan, performing Gypsy Swing music and Sunday there is free Bachata and Cha-Cha dance lessons by Latin Rhythms and live music by Orquesta La Inspiracion, performing Old School Salsa music.

3. Free Chicago Movies in the Parks. They have taken this idea from Grant Park and rolled out movies city-wide: August 20 “The Blind Side” (Golden Gate Park, 13000 S. Eberhart Ave.) August 20 “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave.) August 20 “Shrek 2″ (Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd St.) August 21 “The Wiz” (Washington Park – DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl.) August 21 “To Catch a Thief” (Jonquil Playlot Park, 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave.) August 21 “The Blind Side” (Avalon Park, 1215 E. 83rd St.) August 22 “How to Train Your Dragon” (Unity Playlot Park, 2636 N. Kimball Ave.)

4. Ukrainian Days Festival 2010 - Got Perogi? August 21 : 2:30 pm – 10 pm and August 22 : 1:30 pm – 10 pm. Ticket Prices: $5 suggested donation and free for kids under age 13. 773-252-1228 in the Smith Park Neighborhood: West Town 2526 West Grand Avenue in Chicago, IL 60612 312-742-7534.

5. The Gold Coast Art Fair - Nothing is more boring than a fancy condo with no art on the walls. Some great choices by local Chicago artists are available this weekend at the Gold Coast Art Fair. August 20 : 12 pm – 7 pm, August 21 : 10 am – 3 pm and Sunday August 22 : 10 am – 5 pm. Ticket Price: Free! 847-926-4300 amdurproductions.com Located at Butler Field in the Grant Park Neighborhood: Grant Park Museums 400 East Monroe Street in Chicago, IL 60603.

If you can’t find something on this list that suit’s your fancy, check out the Art Institute of Chicago’s new Modern wing, seen in the photo at the top of the post. It’s a cultural icon and worth a trip downtown even from the suburbs.

I will be cleaning my house this weekend, doing yard work and entertaining guests, so have a great weekend and enjoy these outdoor events while it’s still warm and before the kids go back to school!

A few summers ago I was suprised to see a vintage sailing ship docked on the Chicago River at the point where it joins Lake Michigan that looked like it was from the 1700′s. It was the Tall Ships visiting Chicago and they are back this summer with more sailing excursions to offer local Chicagoans a really unique experience. There is one Tall Ship here now that I have seen floating by our office building downtown but be ready for 20 tall ships to arrive at Navy Pier on August 24-29, 2010. This will be a rare vintage sailing event for Chicago.

The ships have come all the way from Canada, Germany and The Netherlands in addition to the ones from the US. You will be able to tour the Tall Ships that weekend in August while they are at Navy Pier (the local tour boats will give up their docks?) and they have several tours and sailing ticket packages available. To tour the Tall Ships the cost is $15-20. To take a 60-90 minute sailing ride on Lake Michigan it costs from $45-55 and a special trip to be on the Tall Ships as they are in the Parade of Sails it is $189.00 per person. (Navy Pier 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago)

It is a bit expensive but it is a once in a lifetime experience, its not like it is easy to maintain these boats and they aren’t very common anymore. You can get a $2 discount with a specially marked Pepsi can and some tickets are available at neighborhood Dominick’s stores at a 35% discount in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at: websales.omniticket.com/cnp

There will also be nightly fireworks shows the weekend the tall sailing ships visit. If your kids like the Pirates of the Caribbean or just Pirates in general they may really enjoy seeing these old navy ships in action.

It is also good to remember that Navy Pier is also where Chicago Architectural Tours, Sea Dog Tours and Shoreline Sight Seeing tours are docked on a daily basis. So when your relatives come to visit and want to see Chicago or the kids need a summer field trip, these can also be fun affordable tours to take on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Parking is easy, there is an enormous parking garage inside Navy Pier Just turn North of the pier and drive along side, large signs direct traffic in to the parking under the buildings. Expect parking to be around $25.

Schedule:

August 24
(Ticket sales start at Noon)
Parade of Sail
Begins at 4:00 pm

Opening Ceremonies at Navy Pier’s East End Plaza: 5:00 p.m. as the ships make their approach. Festival viewing tickets required.

Tall Ship Viewing
Close of Parade of Sail to 9:00 pm

Fireworks 9:00 pm
August 25-28
10:00 am– 9:00 pm
Festival Grounds open (advance or walk-up ticket purchase required)

Tall Ship Viewing and Tall Ship Dockside Boarding

*Box offices will open at least 1 hour in advance of event opening times

Fireworks 9:00 pm
August 29
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Festival Grounds open (advance or walk-up ticket purchase required)

Tall Ship Viewing and Tall Ship Dockside Boarding

*Box offices will open at least 1 hour in advance of event opening times

Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

The Taste of Chicago starts this weekend and it is going to be a rainy and hot couple of weeks. There are some great music performances planned for free at the Taste of Chicago and there is a new Taste of Chicago iPhone App to help you find the right food within a very crowded festival.

Parking: If you plan to drive in traffic, you can park directly under the event in Millennium Garages for around $23. $5 off coupon here 

Event Dates: Jun 25, 2010 – Jul 4, 2010

Event Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Daily Except Saturday, July 3: 11 am – 7 pm; Sunday, July 4: 11 am – 6 pm Ticket sales end 30 minutes before the Taste of Chicago closes.

Location: Main Entrance Michigan Ave. & Congress Dr. Chicago, IL 60604

Food Tickets: Food and beverages are sold with tickets and the tickets are sold 12 at a time for $8.  Each food vendor has the ticket prices posted on their booth. Over 200 food items are available at the event, and no food item costs more than 12 tickets. Credit Cards are accepted at the ticket booths. An I.D. is required when making a credit card purchase.

Free Music: Rob Thomas is singing on Friday July 2. Lots of others listed here at the end of the post.

Some new changes to this year’s Taste of Chicago are that the restaurants able to  and sell food there have to be located from within Chicago’s city limits. This has turned off a lot of suburban food fans who would have otherwise come out to the Taste of Chicago but since the emphasis is more on city boundaries and not Chicagoland as a whole a lot of suburbanites are planning on staying away. Many of the big well known restaurants and food brands known in Chicago are really located in the surrounding suburbs and they were always included before.

So, that said the mix of restaurants and food will be quite different this year:

• Abundance Bakery 105 East 47th Street Chicago, IL
• Adobo Grill 1601 North Wells Street Chicago, IL
• Bacino’s Pizza of Lincoln Park 2204 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL
• Billy Goat Tavern & Grill 1535 West Madison Avenue (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• BJ’s Market and Bakery 8734 South Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL
• Bobak Sausage Company 5275 South Archer Avenue (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Carbón 300 West 26th Street Chicago, IL
• C’est Si Bon! 643 East 47th Street Chicago, IL
• Chicago Joe’s 2256 West Irving Park Road Chicago, IL
• Churro Factory2214 South Wolcott Avenue Chicago, IL
• Connie’s Pizza 2373 South Archer Avenue Chicago, IL  (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Cubby Bear 1059 West Addison Street Chicago, IL
• Doreen’s Gourmet Pizza 13201 South Baltimore Avenue Chicago, IL
• Eli’s Cheesecake 6701 West Forest Preserve Drive Chicago, IL
• Franco’s Ristorante 300 West 31st Street Chicago, IL
• Garrett Popcorn Shops(ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• The Grill on the Alley 909 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL
• Guey Lon 3968 North Elston Avenue Chicago, IL
• Harold’s Chicken #71 2109 South Wabash Avenue (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Harry Caray’s33 West Kinzie Street Chicago, IL
• Hashbrowns 731 West Maxwell Street Chicago, IL
• Home Run Inn Pizza 4254 West 31st Street (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Iyanze 4623 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL
• JR Dessert Bakery 2841 West Howard Street Chicago, IL
• Kasia’s Deli 2101 West Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL
• La Justicia 3901 West 26th Street Chicago, IL
• Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt 1525 West 79th Street Chicago, IL
• Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse 2942 N. Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL
• Lou Malnati’s Pizza 805 South State Street (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen 1141 S. Jefferson Street (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• The Noodle Vietnamese Cuisine2336 S. Wentworth Avenue Chicago, IL
• Oak Street Beach Café 5700 South Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL
• O’Brien’s 1528 North Wells Street Chicago, IL
• Original Rainbow Cone 9233 S. Western Avenue (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Pegasus Restaurant & Taverna130 South Halsted Street (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Polka Sausage and Deli 8753 Commercial Avenue Chicago, IL
• Reggio’s Pizza1339 S. Halsted Street Chicago, IL
• Ricobene’s 252 W. 26th Street Chicago, IL
• Robinson’s No.1 Ribs 225 S. Canal Street (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Sabor Latino 3810 West North Avenue Chicago, IL
• Shokolad Pastry and Café 2524 West Chicago Avenue
• Star of Siam 11 E. Illinois Street (ChicagoWeekendFun recommends!)
• Summer Noodle & Rice 1123 West Granville Avenue Chicago, IL
• Tamarind 614 S. Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL
• Timothy O’Toole’s Pub 622 North Fairbanks Court Chicago, IL
• Tuscany 1014 W. Taylor Street Chicago, IL
• Tutto Italiano 501 South. Wells Street Chicago, IL
• Vee Vee’s African Cuisine 6232 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL
• Vermilion 10 West Hubbard Street Chicago, IL
• Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dog  Chicago, IL

I always have the same disclaimers about the food at the Taste of Chicago. Feel free to indulge but these are not foods I recommend eating on a regular basis. About 95% of them are high calorie high fat foods (fried chicken, ribs, sausages, pizza, burgers, sweets) and would be a poor addition to your diet on a weekly basis. The whole purpose of the Taste is for these companies to market to you and then you eat their food more regularly if you like it. Don’t fall into that trap. A day of indulgence is ok, regular weeknight meals are better off being salads in the long run.

** Edited June 24 – Humana Health Insurance Company emailed me to say that they have a program highlighting healthier choices at the Tase of Chicago, likley because I highlighted that there are almost no healthy choices at the Taste. They say that their qualification of entrees for this program are that they are under 450 calories and 500 mg sodium. (no fat limit???) 450 calories? for a sample of food? If someone is on a 1,200 calorie diet, that isn’t really a lot of help. You get a snack for dinner and thats it. Maybe that is what was intended by nature, but people won’t like it. An entire dinner should be under 500 calories (for most shorter women like me) and it still should be satisfying, so samples should be 200 calories or less.

The Taste of Chicago is an indulgence and pretending its anything else is just not very honest. You can look at their menu recommendations at humana.com/tasteofchicago if you are still interested. I understand why companies that are paying for your health coverage want you to make smarter choices, but I think the food companies and restaurants need to partner with them to actually make some healthy and appealing menu options that are available 24/7/365 of else something like this isn’t really going to work.

Taste of Chicago Petrillo Bandshell Free Music Schedule:

• Friday, June 25, 2010 – Rob Base, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Salt-n-Pepa Bell Biv Devoe 5:30 pm
• Saturday, June 26, 2010 – Gavin Rossdale Band From TV (opening act) 5:30 pm
• Sunday, June 27, 2010 – Emily Osment Allstar Weekend (opening act) 3:00 pm
• Tuesday, June 29, 2010 – Los Lobos Los Lonely Boys (co-headliner) 5:30 pm
• Wednesday, June 30, 2010 Mat Kearney Brett Dennen (opening act) 5:30 pm
• Thursday, July 1, 2010 -Trey Songz Teairra Mari (opening act) 5:30 pm
• Friday, July 2, 2010 – Rob Thomas 5:30 pm
• Saturday, July 3, 2010 – Steve Miller Band 3:00 pm
• Sunday, July 4, 2010 – Robert Randolph and The Family Band special guest Carney (opening)

So, we’re off to the Taste and I hope you have a great time and wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella!

The Chicago Auto Show opens this weekend! This is one of my favorite yearly events in Chicago and it is cheap, convenient and fun for the whole family. McCormick Place will host the Chicago Auto Show from Friday February 12 through Sunday February 21st. Tickets are $11 at the door, ($7 for seniors and $7 for kids) no need to buy them in advance, although free tickets from a dealer are always good too. Parking is usually $20 and you can park in one of the lots by Soldier Field or South of McCormick Place off Lake Shore Dr. Expect to do a lot of walking, wear some comfortable shoes for a hike and pack light.

There are 2 main reasons to visit the Chicago Auto Show:

1. You are a car fan and that many cars in one place at the Chicago Auto Show gets you pretty excited.  (you possibly want to lick one to claim it) You go to get the inside scoop on what concepts are coming out and all the specs on your favorite sports cars, trucks or imports are. Keeping up on what is new is what you do.

2. You will be shopping for a car in the next 2-3 years. This is you, me and everyone else. I think everyone should visit the Chicago Auto Show to scope out new car models because you can’t always make good decisions on what kind of car to buy when you need one, if you haven’t formed any opinions about what is available.

All too often people find out their car needs significant work and they decide to sell it or trade it in instead of paying thousands of dollars. Then you are tossed into a quick decision about what to buy. If you buy new, that limits the choices but raises the price. If you buy used cars (like me) you need to have an eye on some cars you saw at the Chicago Auto Show a few years ago that you can find used and in good condition.

This year all the buzz at the Chicago Auto Show 2010 will be about how Toyota spins their recall and quality issues into a selling proposition. I am always interested in what new Hybrids and Alternative Fuel (Electric) cars are coming out and what new ideas they are working on. Concept cars are fun, but rarely do any of them make it to the road, and if they do, it probably wasn’t one of the amazing ones. My husband is a big Honda fan so I am sure he will want to find out what the honda dealers in chicagoland have that is new this year too.

I would really like my next car to be a 5 door full-size sedan that is flexible and sporty (with a little luxury also) and get better gas mileage than I do now (25 mpg avg). I am wondering how much more the hybrid and electric vehicle market evolves to get the average MPG people have on the road to 35-45 mpg.

I have my eye on the Honda CrossTour although it almost looks like an SUV and I recently realized that people with kids in carseats can’t use a 5 door because it requires you to flip down the rear seats in order to get big stuff in the car. (no wonder people bought gas guzzling SUVs) I really prefer a car that isn’t so high off the ground and looks like it might go do a lap on the Nurbergring, yet it also hauls a big TV or carpet home from the store. Yes, I do want everything. (who doesn’t?)

I am also curious to see what GM & Ford have on tap this year. I am impressed by the improvements that FORD has made in their car quality over the last decade and I think they have a lot of very fuel efficient stylish cars available. The Fusion is a really nice car, I wish they made a sport turbo hatchback version. There is also the triumphant return of the Buick Regal GS in a concept and a 3 part rollout of that model with different engine options in the next 2 years. (including a turbo 4 cl with 230 hp) Thank you China for giving Buick a lifeline and some hot new designs!

You may be wondering why I am always talking about sport hatchbacks. Well, Europe lives in them and we will too when we get even higher gas prices and if they luxe them up a bit. I have a Saab9-3 SE with a turbo 4 cylinder and 5 doors. The back seats fold down and it hauls everything. It has a sport button for improved performance. It gets ok gas mileage. It has leather heated seats, alloy wheels and a burl-wood dash. It breaks down more often than I would like, but 4 out of 5 ain’t bad? (3 major issues in 6 years)

Maybe Saab Spyker will be back with the sport luxury 5-door that Europe and America are longing for even though they don’t know it yet?

What is best about the Chicago Auto Showis that if you really need to buy a car soon, there are no sales people there to pressure you into anything, and if you do go to a dealer during the next week, they will most likely have some kind of promotional sale that will save you a couple thousand dollars off a new car.

The recap: The word on the street is that the 2010 Chicago Auto Show is really small this year. Lacking the bevy of GM brands that have gone belly up and several other car companies that are no-shows because of budget cuts, things are much less interesting.

Many people do not know that you can see New York’s Broadway shows here in Chicago! Including many Tony Award winners. A number of new musicals and theater shows are coming to Chicago in 2010 that shouldn’t be missed. Here is a list of the theater I think should not be missed while it has a short run in Chicago this year: 

Billy Elliot The Musical: This is the best feel good musical with dance that you will see this year in Chicago. Check out the uplifting against-all-odds story that all the critics have been raving about at the Ford Center for Performing Arts/Oriental Theater 24 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL on March 18 through 2010. Hopefully Billy Elliot will be here for a long run since Chicago likes uplifting musicals and supports them for a long time (like Wicked).

Dreamgirls: This is a musical turned into an Oscar Winning Movie turned into a Musical again. Why? Because the music is so moving it can go between stage and screen so easily. See it live to experience the drama yourself at the Cadillac Palace Theater 151 W Randolph Street in Chicago, IL. January 19-31, 2010. Tickets are $18-$85 each and selling out fast.

August Osage County: I saw this show in preview performances a few years ago before all the awards came in. I was floored by the roller coaster ride and yet I think most people identify with a family spinning out of control because we hold ours together by threads some days. Yet nobody has a life this messed up. Experience the extremes that family can bring at the Cadillac Palace Theater 151 W Randolph Street Chicago, IL from February 2-14, 2010  Tickets are $25-$80.

An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin: At the Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W Randolph Street Chicago, Illinois on March 2-7, 2010 Tickets are from $18-$90 each. Both of these powerful broadway singers have a lot to offer. This is a rare show where they just get to sing their favorites and talk to the audience about them. What an intimate view into the well known music of Broadway shows.

Chicago Broadway Theatre Tickets can be purchased Online through box offices or reseller sites.

Michael Buble’ is coming to Chicago with his “Crazy Love” tour on March 27, 2010. He will be performing in the enormous All State Arena. If you want to get tickets close enough to actually see him on stage, the Michael Buble’ fan club site always has preferred fan club seats available in advance of when regular tickets go on sale. (no they don’t all wear matching jackets) If you miss that opportunity to buy the tickets closest to the stage, then there are the regular tickets available through Ticketmaster where you can sign up for alerts about each artist and get alerted when they have new concert tickets available, although this time the Ticketmaster alerts were 2 days later than the fan club email.

By now you may think I am the most obsessed Michael Buble’ fan ever because I track these things, but surprisingly I am not an uber fan. I have been listening to Michael Buble’s music though since the first album he released, which I think was in 2002 yet I see the dates in iTunes only date back to 2003. I initially was drawn to his singing because it had such a vintage quality yet was more modern in style when I saw him on a late night talk show singing Sway. I enjoyed swing dancing at the time and it Michael Buble’s music became an instant fave with the swing dance groups back then.

I’ve seen Michael Buble’ in concert twice in Chicago and both shows were very very good. In fact, the first one was so good that I dragged everyone I knew to the second. This was back at the Cadillac Palace Theater in maybe 2005? The first time I saw him was in a tiny tiny retro style club (the Black Orchid?) that doesn’t exist anymore in piper’s alley. (Now I think that space is used for Tony & Tina’s wedding?) There were maybe 100 people there, seated at dinner tables in rows, enjoying his music. Like many performers in their early days, Michael Buble’ was very down to earth and talked with the people sitting in the front of the room a lot and told stories about his grandfather influencing him in finding this music. I was in the very back trying to show my appreciation for the singing by quietly dancing with Tom Walsh (aka sharkbite), and the organizers politely stopped us. (thank god) The singing is what blew me away though, he has good a voice in person as he did on the CD. That doesn’t always happen at concerts. By the time he was at the Caddilac Palace he had a full band backing him up, fancy backdrop and choreography.

Over time all performers evolve and Michael Buble’ has gone from a gawky young guy with a smooth voice to a full blown crooning mega star. He has been Top-40-popular in his home country (Canada) for many years and its nice to see him fill huge stadiums in the USA now too. I am surprised though that the American audience has adopted this retro crooner and his flirtatious ways as a mainstream popular artist. I was also a fan of Harry Connick Jr, who has a similar start in vintage styled Frank Sinatra songs and he never was fully accepted by the mainstream. (he also started acting and stopped singing after a few years)

The swing fad had its time, but Michael Buble’ seems to have crossover appeal because he has begun writing and releasing his own original work instead of just revamping the classics. (although we still enjoy the classics). His music that is released to radio stations is not vintage at all and just a good love song. The current popular hit is “I haven’t met you yet”.  It also doesn’t help that Michael Buble’ is shameless in his flirting with every cute single girl within a mile radius of the concert. There have been a lot of reports of him taking full advantage of that, so its not a wonder why his relationships don’t last long.

The truth is, his career will last longer if he is single. Every woman in America will loose interest the minute he gets engaged and the audience is usually 75% female. He opened the Chicago Caddilac Palace show with a line like: I’d like to thank all the men in the audience for coming. And as thanks, I am going to get you laid tonight. (meaning the date they brought will be so swooning by the end that its pretty much a flawless romantic mood setter).  And except for some awkward dancing, Michael Buble’ put on an awesome show that night.

So, for as long as Michael Buble’ is single, he is sexy, and he will keep packing stadiums to hear him sing. I think the concert on March 27 will be a blast and should not be missed. Get your tickets before the good seats sell out.

Hah, Gawker.com had a similar take on Michael’s popularity back in October.

The L decked out for Christmas with lights and lots of decorations.

Adapted from all the listings I have collected this is the 25 best things to do in Chicago this Christmas. Take note, many of these Christmas activities are free and fun for the whole family. Whether it is a showing of the Nutcracker, Christmas Caroling, shopping at ChristkindleMarket, seeing A Christmas Carol or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer show, seeing Winter Wonderfest or Zoolights, there is plenty to plan your weekend with this holiday season. As always call the phone numbers listed for more information, addresses an times. If you plan on attending these holiday events in Chicago please take public transportation on your way there to minimize traffic and avoid the cost of parking downtown ($25+). Chicagoweekendfun.com wishes everyone the warmest and most fun holiday season yet!

 A BREAKFAST WITH SANTA- Fun for kids! This breakfast with santa features a special appearance by Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and if you bring a handmade ornament you can enter to win prized. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the Walter and Connie Payton foundation. United Club at Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus, (312)235-7162. December 5th @ 10 AM. $50, $25 best for kids 3-12, An RSVP is required.

THE 11TH ANNUAL BUCKTOWN HOLIDAY ARTSHOW - All kinds of local art at many price levels including photography, jewelry, watercolors and more. The creativity in the art is beyond what you can find in a big box store for christmas. Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 North Oakley St, (312)742-7554. December 12th and 13th, 11am to5pm, $2 entry fee.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT THE CLOUD GATE (the bean) – Join groups of carolers for a weekly sing-along @ Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph St, (312)742-1168. Fridays through December 18th @ 6pm. Free!

The Music Box Theater

The 14TH ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKET @ DALEY PLAZA – This outdoor German market on Daley Plaza offers vendors selling authentic German food, drinks and handmade goods like ornaments and clothing. Some favorites are Beer, Potato pancakes and Christmas Ornaments. Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington St, (312)494-2175. November 25th through December 24th. Free!

68TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD/14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT Museum of Science and Industry – A tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry, see where Christmas is celebrated around the world with Christmas trees, music, dancing and some exhibits of other winter holidays, including Diwali, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. At the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, (773)684-1414. November 20th through January 3rd. Free with general Museum of Science and Industry admission of $9-$13.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Theater – The classic tale of mean ol’ Ebenezer Scrooge turned around by the Goodman Theater. See what Christmas is really supposed to be about and bring the whole family. At the Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn St, (312)443-3800. Now Showing from November 20th through December 31st. Tickets are $25-$74, or $10 for students.

The 26TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG AND DOUBLE FEATURE MOVIES – Come see two favorite classic Christmas Movies and sing some carols too —“It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas”— at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport Ave, (773)871-6604. December 18th through December 24th. Tickets are $16 for the double feature, or $11 for the single.

Christmas HOLIDAY FLOWER SHOW – Garfield Park Conservatory has more holiday flowers than you can dream of. Fields of poinsettias and other holiday plants are in their vast and amazing greenhouses for viewing. Come see this horticultual treasure in Chicago. The Garfield Conservatory, 300 North Central Park, (312)746-5100. Open November 28th through January 10th. Free, but donations appreciated.

MILLENNIUM PARK ICE SKATING – We have already written about the fun of skating downtown among the skyline, but I will say it again, grab your skates and head over to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink on Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park. The 2009-2010 season runs from November 20th through March 14th. (also fun around Valentine’s day)

The Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River

THE JOFFREY BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER – The exclusive Joffrey Ballet “The Nutcracker” is only here for two weeks. Don’t miss the amazing ballet dance troupe performing this Christmas classic at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress, call for more info (800)982-2787. December 11th through December 27th. Tickets are $25-$100.

RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR HOLIDAY SALE – 150 local, national and international artists show their unique creations Come browse the handmade jewelry, clothing and comics, among a plethora of other goodies. Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk, (773)227-2707. Dec 5 and Dec 6, 11am-7pm. Free.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER – The classic tale of Rudolph in a funny, family-friendly retelling of said story. The Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, (773)561-4665. Nov 27-Dec 18. $15, $10 for kids under 12.

SANTA’S HOUSE & Photos With SANTA – Sit on Jolly Ol’ St. Nick’s lap, tell him what you want for Christmas and get a picture. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, (312)744-3315. Nov 26-Dec 24. Free.

SONGS OF GOOD CHEER – Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich and musicians head a caroling party at the Old Town School of Folkmusic. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 North Lincoln, (773)728-6000. December 18-December 19 @ 7:30 pm, and December 20 @ 5 pm. Tickets are $36-$40.

Macy's (Marshall Field's) on State Street all decked out

32ND ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS MOTORCYCLE PARADE – This annual event is beneficial to the greater community with thousands of motorcycle riders delivering toys of all kinds so they can be donated to families in need. You can donate toys at any of the many stops along the routes. Dan Ryan Woods, 8300 South Western Avenue, (708)771-1062. December 6th @ 9:30 am. Free, toy donation required (no stuffed animals please).

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS HOME TOURS – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park home, decked out for the holidays, and learn about the Wright family’s Christmas celebrations. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park, (708)848-1976. December 12th and December 19th at 9am-11am. Free!

WELCOME YULE! – A holiday concert featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, as well as the Welcome Yule! Children’s and Dance Ensemble. Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue, (312)294-3000. December 18th through December 23rd. Tickets: $20-$98.

WINTER WONDERFEST NAVY PIER – Keeping the tradition of elaborate holiday tourist traps alive, Navy Pier transforms itself into a winter wonderland complete with a skating rink, inflatable games and a bungee run. Santa and his elves will be on hand every day ‘til Christmas to listen to kid’s holiday wishes. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, (312)595-PIER. Dec 4-Jan 3. $16-$19.

WONDERLAND EXPRESS MODEL TRAINS – Eighty model trains travel through Chicago landmarks, waterfalls and holiday trees in this 10,000-square-foot exhibit, tiny trains wind through more than 80 miniature Chicago landmarks, waterfalls, holiday trees and more. New on the map this year is Barack Obama’s Hyde Park home and Michelle Obama’s childhood home. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. Nov 27-Jan 3. $6-$10.

ZOOLIGHTS @ LINCOLN PARK ZOO – More than two million lights add beautiful holiday cheer to the Lincoln Park Zoo. The activities include visits with Santa, kid’s activities and ice carving demonstrations. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 North Cannon, (312)742-2000. November 27th through January 3rd. Free!

All the stores near us with some kind of Black Friday Sale going on after Thanksgiving.

The buzz about Black Friday Ads and Sales has grown from being just an inside retail industry term a few years ago to a regularly used term that ends up on posters and fliers sent to the public weeks before the day after Thanksgiving actually arrives.

The change may have to do with the recession and how badly retailers have been doing in the last few years and it may also be a factor in the “new economy” where people have scaled back shopping to a level where they know how much things can be discounted and they just wait to shop for gifts at Christmas until they are 70% off.

I think the Black Friday Sales and Discounting has shed light on just how overpriced a lot of merchandise really is and how much things can still be marked down when they are made in China, and a company still makes a profit at 70% off.

Whether you plan on going to Oak Brook Mall, Yorktown Mall, Woodfield Mall, Fox Valley Mall or Old Orchard and Stratford Square Malls, there is a lot to know about before you drive over.

That all said here is what I have been seeing from some of the retailers online and in email:  (I will post more as I see them)

• ING Direct: has a special deal page (for affiliate retailers I am assuming, not their bank products) they are setting up for 24 hours only at IngDirect.com/BlackFriday from 12 midnight Thursday to 11:59 pm Friday.  It will have a variety of one day deals but they don’t say what they are beforehand. You just have to check it out and see. Maybe buy.
• Kohl’s is opening at 4AM: Besides the fact that this is insane to get up for a sale, Kohl’s usually has large discounts available, but if you do go to Kohl’s during the regular day, expect it to be crowded. Buy Now.
• Ann Taylor Loft:30% + Free Shipping, this isn’t much from a place that marks up merchandise o ridiculous levels. Wait.
• IKEA:Sales on certain key items and doorbuster deal types used as bait. If you really need these 1/2 price items then its worth it, you can’t really go there expecting to browse on a day like Black Friday.  Maybe buy.
• Old Navy:They have low prices to begin with so 25% off is even better. You always get a lot of bang for your buck there. Plus every few weeks everything in the store is new, so if you like something, Buy Now.
• Jcrew:20% off and free shipping. This is weak from a company that makes stuff cheap and then brands as luxury and charges $200 for a sweater. ( like Anthropologie and Ann Taylor)  Wait.  
• Department Stores like Macy’s and Sears: These stores always have great deals on specific items but not on everything. Check other stores online in the store to compare with your smartphone. Maybe Buy.
• WalMart and Amazon.com are having a $9 price war over books and DVDS. You win either way but think about where you really want to send your money if things are really the same price. What kind of company do you want to support?  Some WalMart stores will be open 24 hours on this day, like Amazon is open 24 hours a day online.
• Target – Best Buy for Electronics: Usually Best Buy offers the better items for sale but Target will discount bait items that will be super cheap, and not likley the exact model you want. Be careful of buying the cheapest TV or Stereo when they may be lacking features you need.

In regards to the Ads and Sales offers out there for this year’s Black Friday Sales in Chicagoland. I am seeing a few trends:

1. A lot of small bait like 20%-30% off in stores and online, plus free shipping.This is nice, and preferred over no sale but is not what really makes up a black Friday deal. 

2. Emails offering different sales than the stores and the websites. Each marketing channel sometimes has different pricing depending on who they think is the most likely to buy. The less likely they think you are to buy, the bigger the discount they will offer.

Sign up for the store emails to compare with the websites and the stores on Black Friday 2009, an iPhone will help compare prices when you’re in the store on Black Friday 2009. If you do see the best deals are online you may want to see the items in person first so going to the store is still a good idea. Remember the downsides to shopping online: Not Seeing the real merchandise in person before buying, difficulty returning it and no trying it on. Every store photographs and photoshops products to look better online than in person.

3. Coupon codes are being given out in the emails from retailers rather than sent out secretly to certain chosen people on direct mail lists. They are also running cupon codes all over their own website and on banner ads.You can get a black Friday coupon code just about anywhere now. Why are stores doing that? Because it gets you to purchase right now thinking its a good deal, and then most people forget the coupon code unless they write it down on a piece of paper when they are browsing. The coupon codes are never added automatically to the order.

4. A lot of people are tired of this Black Friday frenzy and are skipping out altogether. We have lives and families and can’t get up at 3am for a sale. That has spurned a lot of online black Friday sales available all day and a lot of people just not buying gifts at all. I think the people who have always been most attracted to Black Friday Sales have been the discount shoppers and the families that have to buy toys for the kids. Toys are most likely to be used as bait to get you into big-box stores because people who have kids need those to be more affordable. If you don’t have kids, wait out this season until the dust clears and there will be better sales near Christmas.

And lastly, the National Retail Federationestimates that people will spend 12% more because they are more optimistic about the economy than last year, but there are a lot of reasons that we aren’t out of the woods yet, so caution might be the best policy.

The Tony Award Winning Musical Theater Show Jersey Boys will be leaving Chicago and the LaSalle Bank Theater in 2010. The last block of tickets are on sale now for the first week in January, and selling quickly. I can’t stress enough that if you have not seen this musical, you should soon because there is nothing else like it. The true behind the scenes story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is more dramatic than anything someone could write and the amazing songs tell a lot of the story.

I saw this show during its preview run back two and a half years ago. My life was completely in flux then but the show and the actors that play the Four Seasons drew me into their performance so much that I bought tickets to give to family as Christmas gifts that year so everyone else could go see it. Most of the people there were baby boomers when I saw the show (it probably has even more meaning since they remember the songs from their own lives growing up) but I thought it appealed to younger generations as well with the reality of the struggles the singers faced and the behind the scenes look at the group over the years. And I think they re-aranged the music even better than the originals with better technology this time around. (Usually Broadway ruins original music like in the Swing era, but I was pleasantly surprised here)

I am sorry to see the Jersey Boys go and sorry I could not go see the Broadway show again. It was an incredibly moving show and one I won’t soon forget. If you want to get tickets to these last few shows before they leave the Theater District in Chicago, check out Ticketmaster today.

The Chicago Gourmet Festival 2009 is going to be a huge foodie event in Chicago. On Saturday September 26th and Sunday September 27th in Millennium Park (age 21 and up because there is a lot of wine!) there will be many opportunities to revel in being a foodie and try out new wines with some of the top gourmet food in Chicago. (see schedule below) This is the ultimate event for someone who really likes to be on the cutting edge for cooking/entertaining with friends and wants to learn from the expert presentations. The Chicago Gourmet Festival does get crowded though and sometimes there is more wine than food, which is not always a good combination.

So, my advice for attending the Chicago Gourmet Festival is take the CTA public transportation, get there early before they run out of food and bring a notepad to take notes if you hear something you really want to make at home. You can also purchase cook books at chef signings which is cool but expensive. The neatest part is to get to see some of these accomplished chefs work in person in their demonstrations and possibly taste some new gourmet flavors and wines.

Tickets are $120for general admission from 11 am – 5 pm for one day. (Saturday or Sunday)Tickets for 2 days are $240. Tickets for Grand Cru tastings are $175 in addition to the admission fees. Its not cheap, but it is rare that you can get access to an event like this open to the public, so for the people who love gourmet food and the exclusivity of the famous presenters it is probably worth it for the unique experience. Then again they probably assume that if you’re cooking gourmet food all the time, you can probably afford it. (I’m not sure that is true anymore in this economy though) They have an elaborate buy tickets online system and you print them directly off the internet so there is no waiting for tickets in the mail. Print this page for the complete schedule to take with you the day of the Chicago Gourmet Festival. AMEX card holders get a special 15% discount.

The events and demonstrations and book signings are listed below with the schedule for the 2009 Chicago Gourmet event:

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26:

Listings by Time Title Host and Location
11:30am – 12:00pm Perfect Pairings Ted Allen, Food and Wine Ambassador for
Robert Mondavi Private Selections wines Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
12:30pm – 1:00pm Mexico Meets the Sea Rick Bayless,Frontera Grill/Topolobampo
Paul Bartolotta, BARTOLOTTA Ristorante di Mare Marcus Samuelsson, C-House Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
1:30pm – 2:00pm Peaches & Pork Mindy Segal, Hot Chocolate Bill Kim, Urban Belly
Stephanie Izard, The Drunken Goat Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
2:30pm – 3:00pm Signatures of Santa Margherita Fabio Vivani, Bravo’s Top Chef and Cafe Firenze
Anthony Terlato, Terlato Wines International Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
3:30pm – 4:00pm Fish with Flair John Hogan, Tavern at the Park/Keefer’s Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia
Thierry Rautureau, Rover’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
4:30pm – 5:00pm The Artistry of Seafood & Salt Jose Garces, Mercat a la Planxa Jimmy Sneed, SugarToad
Ken Vedrinski, Trattoria Lucca Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
5:15pm – 5:45pm Prime Cuts Klaus Fritsch, Morton’s The Steakhouse
Rock Harper, Chefrock Inc. Jay Pritzker Pavilion Main Stage
12:00pm – 12:30pm Seasonal Cuisine Bruce Sherman, North Pond Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
1:00pm – 1:30pm Upgrading Your Pantry: Must Have Pantry Items From “Wine Bar Food” Tony and Cathy Mantuano, Spiaggia Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
2:00pm – 2:30pm Spice Up Thai Food Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
3:00pm – 3:30pm Demystifying Whole Fish Cookery Paul Bartolotta, BARTOLOTTA Ristorante di Mare Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
4:00pm – 4:30pm The Multi Uses of Mojo Randy Zweiban, Province Gourmet Pavilion Culinary Stage
5:00pm – 5:30pm Two Countries, Two Traditions, One Plate Carlos Gaytan, Mexique Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage

WINE SEMINARS
Time Title Host Location
11:45am – 12:30pm Exploring Champagne Fernando Beteta, Master Sommelier Choral Room
1:00pm – 1:45pm Understanding the Difference between Great Wines and Good Wines William Terlato, President Terlato Wines International Choral Room
2:15pm – 3:00pm Franciscan Estates Bordeaux Style Blending Fred Dame, Master Sommelier Choral Room
3:30pm – 4:15pm American Tradition Since 1795 Fred Noe, Master Distiller
Beam Global Choral Room
4:45pm – 5:30pm Beer’s Intrinsic Affinity For Culinary Pairing Ryan Johnson, U.S. Trade Brewer/Certified Cicerone MillerCoors Choral Room
11:30am – 12:15pm Green Winegrowing Paul Dolan, Owner
Mendocino Wine Co. Park Grill South Plaza Tent
12:45pm – 1:30pm Where Innovation Meets Tradition:
The Versatility of Prosecco Manlio Collavini, Owner Mionetto Winery Park Grill South Plaza Tent
2:00pm – 2:45pm Why French Wine Matters Today Martin Sinkoff Frederick Wildman & Sons Park Grill
South Plaza Tent
3:15pm – 4:00pm Discovering the Wines of Costello di Monsanto… A Tuscan Treasure Laura Bianchi, Owner Moet Hennessy Park Grill South Plaza Tent

GRAND CRU TASTING
Listed by Time Title Host and Location
4:00pm – 5:30pm Grand Cru Tasting Event Fred Dame MS, Alpana Singh MS, Serafin Alvarado MS and Fernando Betata MS Choral Room

GOURMET TASTINGS PAVILIONS
Listed by Time Theme Presenter and Location
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American Paul Virant, Vie Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American Paul Kahan, Blackbird
Michael Sheerin, Blackbird Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American Kevin Hickey, Four Seasons Hotel Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Regional American John Hogan, Keefer’s Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Stephanie Izard, The Drunken Goat Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Graham Elliot Bowles, graham elliot Gourmet Pavilion I
2:30pm – 5:30pm Regional American Jimmy Bannos, Heaven on Seven Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Carlos Gaytan, Mexique Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Randy Zweiban, Province Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Jose Garces, Mercat a la Planxa Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 2:00pm Latin Café 28 Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Zapatista Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Nicholas Ibarzabal, 5411 Empanadas Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Mario Santiago, May Street Café & Catering Gourmet Pavilion II
2:30pm – 5:30pm Latin Mercadito Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard Philip Foss, Lockwood at Palmer House Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard John Gatsos, Tavern on Rush Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard Mario Navarro, Gene & Georgetti’s Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Stockyard Fogo De Chao Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Capital Grille Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Flemings Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Ditka’s Gourmet Pavilion III
3:00pm – 6:00pm Stockyard Gale St. Inn Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Jackie Shen, Red Light Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Rodelio Aglibot, Sunda Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Joshua Linton, Ajasteak Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Bill Kim, Urban Belly Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:30pm Asian Le Colonial Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Hans Aeschbacher, Trader Vic’s Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Tony Hu, Lao Szechuan Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Gene Kato, Japonais Gourmet Pavilion IV
3:00pm – 6:00pm Asian Carol Wallack, Sola Restaurant
Alex Shalev, Sola Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 6:00pm Dessert Fannie May Dessert Pavilion

BOOK SIGNINGS
Time Title Author(s) Location
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm The Food You Want To Eat Ted Allen Author’s Corner
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Mexican Everyday The Soul of a New Cuisine Osteria Tru
Amuse-Bouche Rick Bayless Marcus Samuelsson Rick Tramonto

Author’s Corner 2:30pm – 3:00pm Wine Bar Food Tony and Cathy Mantuano
Author’s Corner 3:30pm – 4:00pm Taste TBD Anthony Terlato & Fabio Viviani
Author’s Corner 4:30pm – 5:00pm Morton’s The Steakhouse: 100 Steakhouse Recipes for Every Kitchen
Rover’s: Recipes from Seattle’s Chef in the Hat!!! Klaus Fritsch Thierry Rautureau

Author’s Corner 5:15pm – 5:45pm Latin Evolution Jose Garces Author’s Corner

Sunday, September 27, 2009 11am – 5pm

LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Time Title Host Location
11:30am – 12:00pm Farm to Table Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA
Kevin Hickey, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
12:30pm – 1:00pm Tallgrass and Green City Market Bounty Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe
George Bumbaris, Prairie Grass Cafe Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
1:30pm – 2:00pm Flavors of Italy John Colletta, Quartino
Federico Comacchio, Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
2:30pm – 3:00pm Asian Delights Jackie Shen, Red Light
Takashi Yagihashi, Takashi Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
3:30pm – 4:00pm Rustic Delicacies Dirk Flanigan, The Gage
Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Main Stage
4:15pm – 4:45pm Savory Starts Michael Altenberg, Bistro Campagne
Art Smith, Table Fifty-Two Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Main Stage
11:15am – 11:45am How to Make a Classic Hollandaise Sauce Shelley Young, Chopping Block Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
12:00am – 12:30pm Cheese Fonduta John Colletta, Quartino Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
1:00pm – 1:30pm TBD Paul Katz, Harry Caray’s Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
2:00pm – 2:30pm Savory and Sweet Desserts Martial Noguier, Café des Architectes
Suzanne Imaz, Café des Architectes Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
3:00pm – 3:30pm Mini Rockit Burgers James Gottwald, Rockit Bar & Grill Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage
4:00pm – 4:30pm Caribbean Ceviche Luigi Garcia, RIVA Gourmet Pavilion
Culinary Stage

WINE SEMINARS
Listed by Time Title Host and Location
11:45am – 12:30pm Wines Best Kept Secrets Revealed Serafin Alvarado, Master Sommelier Choral Room
1:00pm – 1:45pm Wine Pairing in Chicago Neighborhoods Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier Choral Room
2:15pm – 3:00pm Special Ticketed Event -GAJA: 150 Years of Winemaking Heritage Gaia Gaja, Co-Owner

Gaja Family Wine Estates Choral Room
3:30pm – 4:15pm Carneros… Napa’s Unique Appellation Jay Schupert, President

Cuvaison Estate Wines Choral Room
11:30am – 12:15pm The Versatility of Prosecco Enore Ceola, Winemaker
Mionetto Winery Park Grill

South Plaza Tent
12:45pm – 1:30pm If The Wine Matters, So Does The Glass Robert Hall, President
Bottega del Vino Crystal Park Grill

South Plaza Tent
2:00pm – 2:45pm Green Wine Revolution: What Does It Mean? Serafin Alvarado MS, Alpana Singh MS,
Fred Dame MS, and Fernando Beteta MS Park Grill

South Plaza Tent
3:15pm – 4:00pm Seasonal Cocktails from the Garden to
Glass Bridget Albert, Mixologist
Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois Park Grill
South Plaza Tent

GRAND CRU TASTING
Listed by Time Title Host and Location
3:30pm – 5:00pm Grand Cru Tasting Event featuring Fred Dame MS, Alpana Singh MS, Serafin Alvarado MS and Fernando Betata MS in the Choral Room

GOURMET TASTINGS PAVILIONS
Listed by Time Theme Presenters and Location
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub James Gottwald, Rockit Bar & Grill Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub Dirk Flanigan, The Gage Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub Chris Pandel, The Bristol Gourmet Pavilion I
11:00am – 1:45pm Gastropub John Manion, Goose Island Brewing Co. Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Chris Curren, Blue 13 Chicago Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Jared Van Kamp, Old Town Social Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Paramount Gourmet Pavilion I
2:15pm – 5:00pm Gastropub Michael Cisternino, Tavern at the Park Gourmet Pavilion I
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Shawn McClain, Spring Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Mark Grosz, Oceanique Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Luigi Garcia, RIVA Gourmet Pavilion II
11:30pm – 2:15pm Seafood Laurant Gras, L20 Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood Seth Siegel-Gardner, C-House Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood Ryan Pitts, RL Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood TBD Gourmet Pavilion II
2:45pm – 5:00pm Seafood TBD Gourmet Pavilion II
11:00am – 1:45pm French Christpohe David, NoMI Gourmet Pavilion III
11:00am – 1:45pm French Martial Noguier, Café des Architectes
Suzanne Imaz, Café des Architectes Gourmet Pavilion III
11:00am – 1:45pm French Tim Graham, Tru Gourmet Pavilion III
11:00am – 1:45pm French Michael Lachowicz, Michael Restaurant Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Matt Tobin, Marché Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Shelley Young, Chopping Block Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Chris Nugent, Les Nomades Gourmet Pavilion III
2:15pm – 5:00pm French Frank Ferru, L’Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie Gourmet Pavilion III
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Reza’s Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Koren Grieveson, Avec Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm – 2:15pm Mediterranean Jimmy Bannos, Purple Pig Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean Federico Comacchio, Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean John Colletta, Quartino Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA Gourmet Pavilion IV
2:45pm – 5:00pm Mediterranean Mark Sparacino, PROSECCO Gourmet Pavilion IV
11:30pm -5:00pm Dessert Fannie May Dessert Pavilion

BOOK SIGNINGS
Time Title Author(s) Location
12:15pm – 12:45pm TBD Author’s Corner
1:15pm – 1:45pm TBD Author’s Corner
2:15pm – 2:45pm 200 True Italian Pasta Dishes John Colletta Author’s Corner
3:30pm – 4:00pm Takashi’s Noodles Takashi Yagihashi Author’s Corner
4:30pm – 5:00pm Market Fresh Mixology Bridget Albert Author’s Corner

Steve Martinis a man of many talents. We all love his comedy and stand-up, we have all seen his dramatic talents and now he has branched out in another creative direction. Bluegrass Banjo Music. Steve Martin is going to be playing with his band for one show at the Cadillac Palace Theater in Chicago on October 22, 2009. Its a nice way to spend a fall evening with some relaxing yet peppy music.

You know Steve Martin is a funny guy, and if you’re a fan of his work, you may enjoy seeing another side of him and find some humor in the banter between songs. But the night is really about the music, the banjo and the Bluegrass music.Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster online or the Cadillac Palace Theater for $74. (that seems high but its what came up when I did a search, (floor seats) so there may be $50-$60 tickets available also in the balcony)

Steve Martin played his banjo and sang on Saturday Night Live not too long ago and it was quite different than you would expect for that type of music. Steve Martin played a few songs that were playful and light and a little bit funny. The sound was not too country but it was quaint in a way that seems surpising considering he is a big Hollywood star and has lived in that world for a long time. (per reading his book Born Standing Up)  The articles about him cite that he has won three Grammy Awards for his Bluegrass Albums, so this isn’t just another celebrity doing music because his name sells well.

I think people who work in the creative arts live and love to be active creating in all different ways and its interesting how knowledge in several areas all influence and inspire the others. Its true, everything in life is related (linked) somehow.

The jets are buzzing by the high rise office building I work in downtown and I am reminded that the Chicago Air and Water Show is this weekend! Every year the City of Chicago is generous in providing this entertaining weekend event free for everyone. But if you want good seats, get out early on the lakefront to see the best views of the Chicago Air and Water Show. (before 8 am) Take a picnic and an umbrella for some shade and spend your day outside enjoying the lakefront in Chicago and the show of amazing airplanes and talent.

If you are coming in from the suburbs for the Chicago Air and Water Show I recommend taking an early METRA train into the city and then taking a bus or cab to the beach rather than driving. The parking is expensive and hard to find. If you know someone who works in a high-rise building like me, you might get an even better view there than on the ground.

The vital stats are listed below as are the performers and airplanes featured in this year’s show. Have a great weekend!

Dates: Aug 15, 2009 – Aug 16, 2009
Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
This year the Air & Water portions are now combined into one continuous show.
Location: North Avenue Beach at 1600 North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, IL 60610
Admission: FREE!
Website: For additional information please visit, cityofchicago.org/specialevents
Accessibility: North Ave. Beach’s Lake Shore Dr. northbound entrance ramp
Accessible Beach Walk: The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities tent is located approximately 50 meters northwest of the North Avenue Beach Boat House, along the bicycle path.

The Chicago Air & Water Show 2009 Performers are:
Air Show Headliners
• U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
• U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights
• U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs
Civilian Aircraft
• Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
• Lime Lima Flight Team (from Naperville!)
• Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue
• Sean D. Tucker & Team Oracle Red Bi-Plane
• The Firebirds Delta Team F-16s
• Ed Hamill – Air Force Reserve Bi-Plane
• Red Bull Mig 17 (Russian Cold War Era Jet)
• Red Bull Helicopter Pilot – Chuck Aaron
• P-51 Mustang (Vintage WWII Fighter)
• Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue
Military Aircraft
• C-130 cargo plane
• F-15 Fighter
• F-16 Fighter
• A-10 Demo
• B-1B Bomber
• Apache Helicopter
• BlackHawk Helicopter
• KC-135
• KC-10
• C-17
• U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue

Announcer: Herb Hunter