Baked Chicago

Top Chef Stephanie Izard to Host First Bites Bash, the Official Kick-Off for Chicago Restaurant Week

 

Kick-off the 5th annual Chicago Restaurant Week and a celebration of Chicago’s epicurean excellence at First Bites Bash, presented by United Airlines!

Stephanie Izard, Chicago restaurateur and winner of Top Chef’s Season 4 will host the highly-anticipated event, and 100... percent of net proceeds generated by ticket sales will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Sweet and savory tastings from more than 50 of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants and chefs will be featured. Tickets are available for purchase at www.firstbitesbash.com.

Brookfield Zoo welcomes new baby gibbon!

 

Chicago Blackhawks spread some holiday cheer!

 

Chicago Blackhawks TV: Joey the Junior Reporter (holiday edition)

   

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE SHOPPING CHICAGO’S MAGNIFICENT STORES

Enter ChooseChicago.com's sweepstakes to win a holiday shopping trip to Chicago!

Looking for an urban getaway that’s extra merry and bright? Chicago is dressed in its holiday best, and its legendary stores are filled with treasures. With ChooseChicago.com, you can find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, then celebrate your shopping success by enjoying the city’s extraordinary nightlife, dining, and entertainment. And two lucky people will win spectacular holiday shopping packages!

Enter now for a chance to win one of two grand prizes from the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, each including:

• Two (2) round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines®
• $500 American Express® gift card

Steer your sleigh toward superb shopping and other exciting holiday adventures this season in Chicago, second to none!  Click here to enter.

Chicago's Millennium Park

 

Social Media Week Chicago Starts September 19

Social Media Week Chicago kicks off in just under a week, boasting over 80 events across the Chicagoland area. Local businesses and brands will come together for this global event to discuss the changing social and mobile media landscape across all major industries.

Events are free and open to the public, but registration is required and filling up quickly. Don’t miss out on some of Social Media Week Chicago’s best in keynotes, panelists and speakers by registering for your favorite sessions today. Visit www.socialmediaweek.org/chicago and choose the “LOGIN/REGISTER” tab for registration details.

Not sure what events to attend? Check out:

• Elevating Chicago: Closing the Loop Between Offline and Online Markting, a panel featuring speakers from Zocalo Group, Chicago Architecture Foundation, Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau - http://socialmediaweek.org/event/?event_id=204
• Gamification: Moving into the real world, lives and transactions, presented by Chris Mahl, CMO of SCVNGR - http://socialmediaweek.org/event/?event_id=613
• Digital Transformation: How a 162-Year Old Company Moves Like a Startup, presented by David Wolf, VP of Global Marketing at American Express - http://socialmediaweek.org/event/?event_id=614

Taste of Chicago turns 31, introduces some fresh twists on iconic flavors

 

Taste of Chicago kicked off with some delicious new twists on what has been called the "world's largest food festival."

Some people go for the tried and true, like barbecued turkey legs, corn on the cob - or just about any food you can put on a stick. But I'm always interested in what's new at the Taste.

This year Garrett Popcorn (it's 3rd year at the Taste) has rolled out ice cream with popcorn-inspired flavors (available for a limited time): Vanilla Popcorn and Caramel Cream. They've brought back the flash-frozen Popcornsicles, too.

I've always been addicted to their "Chicago Mix" flavor; it's one of those uniquely Chicago flavor experiences. And recently Tammy Green of Garrett Popcorn gave me a great tip for keeping the fingers free of that cheesy, caramelly goodness: use chop sticks to eat the Chicago Mix (especially if you're also working at the computer - keeps the keyboard in pristine condition!).

So if you're like me and need help navigating all the great flavors at the Taste, here's a handy map from Garrett Popcorn so you can easily find them. Be sure to try their new ice cream and tell Garrett's how you like it here, on their Facebook page.

Three Perfect Days - Chicago

The June cover story of Hemispheres (United Airlines inflight magazine) gives some great ideas for experiencing Chicago. The challenge for every visitor is there's so much to do that 3 days is never enough!

 

Download Hemispheres Three Perfect Days Chicago - June 2011

 

Parched? Try a sip of Whiskey Lemonade or Champagne Punch to stay cool this summer.

It's 80 degrees and sunny (for now) in Chicago. Next weekend I'm hosting family visiting for the Memorial Day holiday, so I pulled out these two summer drink recipes to do something special. 

Whiskey Lemonade

 
 

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons whiskey
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• crushed ice
• lemon zest
• water, if desired

In a glass, combine lemon juice, whiskey and simple syrup over crushed ice. Garnish with lemon zest; add a splash of water, if desired. Makes 1 serving.

 

Champagne Punch

• ice cubes
• 1 peach, thinly sliced
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup simple syrup
• 1 bottle champagne (such as Moet and Chandon)

In a pitcher, combine ice, peach, raspberries, blueberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Slowly pour in champagne. Serves 6.