A Little Taste of Italian in Lakeview

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Chicago has some great neighborhoods with excellent restaurants. The major "hoods" that I frequent are Bucktown, Wicker Park, Gold Coast, River West, River North and the South Loop. My neighborhood in Lakeview has some pretty darn good restaurants as well. Recently I had the pleasure of dining at another Lakeview standout on North Broadway, Angelina Ristorante.

Arguably one of the best Italian meals that I had in the city, Angelina Ristorante has an intimate vibe with a small authentic Italian restaurant feel. What most surprised me most about the restaurant was their small kitchen, after Executive Chef Fred Ramos gave me a quick peek inside. However, the tight space allows the former Gioco and Room 21 Chef to create tasty dishes from the fall menu that will leave you salivating.

I was fortunate to have Chef Ramos provide a tasting for us, as we started with antipasti dishes like "Antipasti Freddo", a selection of assorted cured meats, pates and cheese, and "Ripieno di Funghi", consisting of jumbo mushroom caps stuffed with baby spinach and crabmeat. Our insalte choices were "Carpaccio di Barbaietole" and "Caprese Autunno". My favorite pasta dish was their "Garganelli con Piselli & Pancetta", a hand rolled penne, crispy pancetta, peas and parmesan cream sauce. You would think that I had enough, but I had to try their signature dish "Brasati di Carne", braised short ribs on creamy polenta. All of my dishes were delectable and provided me flashbacks of my trip to Italy.

Their wine list is extensive and the tiramasu was a treat. The house made limoncello is a guest favorite and and a must try. Ristorante Angelina also has a $20 champagne brunch and a few special dinner specials during the week, which are:

Monday - Half of Bottle of Wine Night

Tuesday - Prixe Fixe (any three courses for $27)

Wednesday - Neighborhood Night (20% off Lakeview Residents)

The restaurant is also available for private parties from 10 - 100 guests.

The next time you're in my "hood" (Lakeview), you might want to stop by Angelina Ristorante to get a little taste of Italy.

Angelina Ristorante, 3561 N. Broadway Chicago, (773) 935-5933. www.angelinaristorante.com

As always, check out Fete Select TV to get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants around the globe.

Labels: angelina ristorante, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fred ramos, italian food, lakeview, nbc 5 chicago

Dine, Delight, Discover "A Decade of Success"

Friends United is a grass roots organization which began as a small group of friends with a mission:

To Help Fund Research to Cure Juvenile Diabetes

Friends United is strictly a volunteer organization with most members from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and many that are personally affected by Juvenile Diabetes.

Join Friends United for Dine Delight & Discover...A Decade of Success

Co Chairs: Nancy Bauer and Pam Spritz

Date: Saturday, November 1st, 2008

Time: 7:30pm - 12:00am

Place: Prairie Production, 1314 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL

$250 per person. Delectable dishes, dancing, live auction and more. Elegant attire (tie not required). Valet Parking Available.

For More Information: Nancy Bauer (847) 412-9608 and Pam Spritz (847) 814-4700

Raffle Tickets $100 each for a 2008 Toyota Prius. Only 500 raffle tickest will be sold.

To purchase tickets send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Wendy Weiss at 2770 Priscilla, Highland Park, Il 60035.

Make checks payable to Friends United. Indicate how many tickets you would like to purchase and the raffle stubs will be sent back to you as your proof of purchase. For more information call Wendy @ 847-567-1441.

For more information log onto www.friends-united.org

Labels: dc crenshaw, friends united, juvenile diabetes, pam spritz

Boujie Baby Couture Launches Ultra-Chic Handbags for Mothers

Chicago designer Suzanne Kopulos created the perfect line of handbags for Mothers with a chic every day shoulder bag and an on-the-go clutch.

Unlike anything on the market they're made with light weight designer fabrics and have all the bells and whistles you need when touring with your tot. The handbags are for the style savvy mother looking to ditch that dull diaper bag for Boujie Baby Couture, where fashion meets function. Their slogan is "Baby is the new black...Get Boujie".

Boujie Baby Couture was featured in ABC and NBC fashion segments, AlphaMom TV, Celebrity Baby Blog, CS Chicago Social Magazine, Cool Mom Picks, Daily Candy Kids, as well as Punk Rock Confidential magazine.

Boujie Benevolence was recently launced to create and improve opportunities for women, children or families to live healthy lives through the promotion of activity, education, or beautification of their community. 5% of all purchases from their online boutique will be donateed to a charity.

eFete.net subscribers will receive an extra 20% off if they purchase between now and 12/1/08. Enter the code: Chic Chicago at checkout.

Sign up for the Boujie Baby newsletter on their web site to receive updated discounts and specials.

www.boujiebaby.com

Labels: babies, boujie baby couture, chicago designers, dc crenshaw, handbags, mothers, suzanne kopulos, women

Fashion Forward by Renae: Latino Fashion Week Returns to Chicago

Often, it seems as if Chicago plays second fiddle to New York and L.A. when it comes to fashion. Occasionally, we see a bit of fashion news coming out of our city, but that's certainly not enough in my opinion. Do we have the talent and resources required to become a top-tier player in the fashion world? If you check out the many components of Latino Fashion Week Chicago, you can easily see the answer should be a resounding "yes."

In its second year, Latino Fashion Week is heating up Chicago's fashion industry this week with numerous events, runway shows, contests and more. The honoree list is impressive--from Broadway stars to media personalities to models. The designers featured are not only showcasing their beautiful clothes, but their personalities and heritage. The events are fun and fresh, and many of them also benefit nonprofit organizations in the Latino community.

If you're searching for something beyond the typical shopping trip and more fulfilling than the regular night out, I suggest you check out one of the events at Latino Fashion Week. It's a great opportunity to learn about emerging designers, Latino heritage in Chicago and what's on the cutting edge of fashion right now. Plus, you're supporting a good cause--you're helping to put Chicago in the fashion spotlight. For more information and a list of events, visit http://www.chicagolatinofashion.com.

Labels: chicago, chicago events, fashion

To Dine For By Maddie: I Won't Grow Up

Monday, October 27, 2008

As a kid, Halloween was the only day of the year that my Mom did not put a limit on how much I could eat. Every night following, I would meticulously count out, color code, and organize every piece of candy I had gathered. I would choose two pieces for dessert that evening and two pieces to put in my lunch the next day. Without fail, my stash would mysteriously dwindle down over the next few days leaving only Starbursts, Jolly Ranchers, and anything that was bright in color. Where were my peanut butter cups? Butterfingers? Rolos? Even my precious stash of sixlets would be depleted.

Later in the week, I would undoubtedly return home from school to a very distinct aroma. A smell I reluctantly welcomed, knowing full well that I would soon be reunited with my missing chocolate - in a form only my mother could procure. It was time for Halloween brownies.

The simple concept of melting together anything ooey and gooey - everything she could get her hands on was one my Mom supposedly conjured during late "study nights" in college. In her eyes, the more caramel, marshmallow, nougat and nuts involved the better - making each bite a surprise and total sensory overload. Below is an ad-libbed version of "Alley Cat's Halloween Brownies".

Alley Cat's Halloween Brownies

4 squares Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

1.5 sticks unsweetened butter

2 Cups Sugar

1 Cup Flour

3 Eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 can of Eagle Brand Sweetend Condensed Milk

Choice of meltable Halloween Candy - approx 6-8 mini size bars or any combo of chocolate based confections

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter over low heat. Add candy bars. When melted add condensed milk. Add in sugar, flour, vanilla and whisked eggs. Mix together and pour in a 9 x 12 greased baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes.

The World's Best Pizza Maker is in Chicago

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Italians created pizza, but can you believe that they had never heard of Chicago style pizza? That's until Leo Spizzirri made some noise amongst the best pizza makers in the world. Leo, the Executive Chef for Giordano's 46 locations, is now a member of the World Pizza Champions team. He is considered to be one of the best pizza makers in the world, and his specialty is stuffed pizza.

Leo has been trained by 9 time pizza champion, Tony Gemignani, and is also certified in Classic Italian Pizza, Pizza in Pala, and Pizza in Taglia from the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli in Carole, Italy. Gemigiani tagged Leo to be a part of the World Pizza Champions team after many conversations about Chicago style pizza and tasting the stuffed pizza. Chicago style pizza wasn't recognized in any of the World Championship competitions, but Gemigiani wanted to change that. When the Italians refused to acknowledge the stuffed pizza the USA threatened to boycott the games. After much controversy, Chicago style pizza was added. Now the pizza is the biggest story at the games.

The World Pizza Championships are held each year in Salsomaggiore, Italy, which is about an hour south of Milan. Approximately 4,000 pizza makers converge on one city to compete for the coveted title. The competition has five different categories, Pizza Acrobatics, Fastest Pizza, Fastest Pizza Box Folder, World's Best Pizza, and Largest Dough Stretch. Leo competes in the "World's Best Pizza" category. The USA has the most medals of any other country in the world. The team has been featured guests on many national TV shows including the Today show and Oprah.

Leo is the only team member from Illinois. He is a first generation Italian-American that has a passion for making pizza. Being General Manager at the Giordano's flagship store on Rush Street, in the heart of the Gold Coast, means that he feeds thousands of hungry guests a week. It's not uncommon for Leo to make a stuffed pizza for celebrities that stop in when visiting Chicago. I recently had my first Giordano's stuffed pizza and concur that it is one of the best pizza's in town. Makes sense being that the pizza is made by one of the best pizza guys in the world.

To check out Leo and the World Pizza Champions Team visit www.leopizza.com.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, chicago style deep dish, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, giordano's, leo spizzirri, pizza, world pizza championships

Fashion Forward by Renae: Bill Cosby - Fashion Icon?

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

He's famous for his classic television show. His comedy. His Jello commercials. But fashion? A recent article in New York Magazine (also posted online at NBC5.com) claims the "Cosby Sweater" is making a return to become a retro trend today. Is this true? I had a friend, who, with his buddies, decided to all sport Cosby sweaters and take silly group photos at Sears. (Yes, they really did.) They were joking around, and it was just for fun. But in all seriousness, it appears the Cosby sweater trend is really coming back. (The photo is a Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater. Marc Jacobs knows his stuff.)

Here's the question: Is it a good thing? These sweaters, and a myriad of other related looks for both men and women, have created a comfy, homely fashion phase that's big this fall. Men, would you wear sweaters like this? And women, would you wear the red-and-black-plaid trend that has appeared on runways and in magazines (such as Elle) this season?

Perhaps this trend stands for something deeper. It's been said that when our nation, or the world, faces greater hardship, a widespread tragedy or similar difficulty, fashion reflects it as designers showcase more modest looks. Conservative colors, practical materials, more coverage, etc. It could be argued that the fashion industry's recent attraction to plaid, fair isle, and overall L.L. Bean-esque attire is a reflection of the suffering economy and a nation in transition. We are drawn to safety and security right now. What makes you feel more secure than a big, soft, warm sweater or a quilted plaid vest?

This is simply an observation on my part. Whether you agree with me or not, you can't deny that this trend will come in handy for us Chicagoans this winter. I say wear that Cosby sweater with pride--you'll be "in" and stay warm too.

Labels: chicago, fashion

To Dine For By Maddie: The PubliCAN

Friday, October 17, 2008

Like many other Chicago foodies, I waited impatiently for the opening of The Publican (837 West Fulton Market) - the latest from Blackbird's and Avec's Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia, Eduard Seitan and Terry Alexander. I finally had the pleasure of The Publican experience the other night with my friend Jeff. The restaurant, in the warehouse district, is designed to look like a Belgian beer hall with minimalism being the origin of design approach. Bright white lights and long wooden communal tables line the parameters of the dining room and booths with swinging doors line the walls.

Since there are no reservations (yet), we bellied up to one of the three tiered bar height tables and eagerly ordered from the daunting variety of oysters, pork, and of course, beer. Settling on La Ruelle beer - a golden and refreshing selection on tap, a chef's selection of oysters and some Serrano ham we finally were able to take in our surroundings. With my penchant for pork products and Jeff's insatiable appetite for oysters, I thought we qualified as experts on both subjects. Luckily, our expertise only solidified the quality in the food we were served. The selection of six different oysters came with a simple, tangy mignonette and chive crackers - while the ham came with a rye bread and creamy butter. The beer was an excellent pairing to our somewhat "light" beginning.

Eventually, we were seated at one of the communal tables and decided to order sparingly - we were already excited to come back. Without skipping a beat I ordered the salty pork rinds with malt vinegar to Jeff's horror. He did eat one, but told me it was time to refine my public self. (No, he's never even met my mother!) We chose the heirloom apple salad with bacon and pistachios in a garlic-Chile vinaigrette followed by the "Sweet Bread Schnitzel". Both were excellent - the salad leaving just enough spice on the tongue to necessitate another beer and the sweetbread schnitzel was as perfect as I hoped it would be. The veal sweetbreads were pounded together, breaded and fried and served with a simple garnish of lemon and capers. A total melt in your mouth experience leaving me with the conclusion that The Publican can, and will deliver.

My Best Dining Experience Ever!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A month before my second wedding anniversary I was trying to decide what I would do for my wife. Of course our first year anniversary was special, but my goal was to make our second year just as memorable. My new Facebook friend, Pam Spritz, is a sassy, cute, and energetic mother and grandmother. Our connection came through the birth of my son Tru on August 5th and her granddaughter Sunney Lou on August 6th. Pam also has a son, Jordan, the founder and Executive Chef of Jordan's Food of Distinction (JFOD). He asked to cook for my wife and I on our anniversary and what followed was the best dining experience ever!

JFOD is in an unassuming location on Thomas St. near Ashland and W. Division St. The dining room and kitchen are open and connected. The room is intimate, homey, quaint and exudes food. I never imagined upon my arrival that such a modest spot would leave us with an incredible experience. We were their special guests for the evening. A table set for two complete with candles and a flower arrangement created by Pam that reflected my wife's wedding bouquet. Cocktails, wine, and champagne flowed steadily. A dining scene that heightened all of our senses. The eight courses prepared for us were stunning and included "Marinated Hawaiian Black Fin Tuna and Japanese Day Boat Hamachi", "Pan Roasted Diver Caught Scallops with Slow Poached Fresh Water Baby Rock Shrimp", "Crispy Soft Shell East Coast Whole Crab" and "Extra Virgin Oil Poached Artic Salmon". The dessert, "Candied Fresh Ginger and Warm Brazilian Mango", was ridiculously good.

Jordan customizes his cuisine to individuals. He actually interrogates his clients about their likes, dislikes, lifestyle etc. He wanted to know who we were, which allowed him to create and produce a menu that evening that hit home and provided a unique dining experience. His inspiration came from two famous Chefs, Charlie Trotter and Rocco Dispirito. Trotter taught him quality vs. quickness and Dispirito helped him to respect ingredients that come from farms.

JFOD is non traditional in their approach to dining. Although we had many courses, they don't matter here. It all depends on what the customer wants and likes. The more pickier the customer and the more challenging the task, the more excited Jordan becomes. For example, he once prepared a meal for a Japanese company that wanted 15 different dishes that represented the flavors of 15 different countries where they were located. The client has been a repeat customer ever since.

JFOD, on any given week, has artistic chefs from top Chicago restaurants such as Alinea, Trotter's, Moto, and NoMi that help out in the kitchen . Jordan wants his clients to feel that they had the perfect meal, at the perfect time, in the perfect place, during the perfect season. He wants his cuisine to reflect everything about life and the bubble that surrounds them at that moment. Everything that represents that meal.

JFOD can host up to 75 people for a cocktail party and 2 - 40 people for a sit down dinner. If you want a dining experience customized to your palate, then JFOD is a must try.

Jordan's Food of Distinction, 1551 Thomas Street, Chicago, IL. www.jfod.com (773) 278-8111

Labels: catering, charlie trotter, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, cuisine, dc crenshaw, farm food, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, rocco dispirito

Fashion Forward by Renae: These boots are made...with open toes?!?

The air is getting cooler. Leaves are changing color. This can only mean one thing: fall...fashion! I can unleash my sweaters and jackets from their cramped storage space and give them room to hang in my closet. (A coveted position, indeed, as I do not have a walk-in.) Even though I have many fall favorites that I wear every season, I still need to check out the latest trends and purchase a few key items that will elevate my look to reflect what's hot right now.

I couldn't help but notice the carry-over of gladiator sandals from this summer into this fall's heels. I really do like this trend and I'm glad it's sticking around a bit longer (especially after watching my "Sex and the City" DVD last night and seeing the fab four sporting beautiful examples of the gladiator). With extra metal hardware and material that covers the top parts of the foot and ankle, this is one look that is bold and fashion-forward.

In my recent searches for those few key items for this season, I've been seeing what I'll call the "gladiator boot." Essentially, these are boots with open toes. Now, I'm all for experimenting with new trends and embracing unique looks, but the gladiator boot may cross the line. If you live in Chicago like me, you know how difficult it is to walk in heels in the snow, let alone having open toes!

In the city, you can find some gladiator boots (like the Steve Madden Rytz Boot) at Akira. DSW also carries an open-toe boot, the Steve Madden Luxe Magic Suede Bootie. (It seems Mr. Madden is championing this look!) In the burbs, Cusp carries Loeffler Randall cutout booties that have closed toes with the cutout just below the ankle--much more reasonable for cold weather, and still fashionable.

I'm interested to see how many women in Chicago will brave the weather and wear open-toed boots this season. This trend is truly making us decide which is more important--fashion or practicality. Which one will you choose?

Labels: chicago, fashion

Fashion Forward by Renae: Are You Still Shopping?

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Unless you've been hiding out in some remote locale without access to media, you have certainly heard about our current economic crisis. While the writing has been on the wall for a while, we are now feeling the financial strain as individuals, as cities and as a nation. When a situation like this happens, people generally seek financial safety and cut back on spending.

But if you're a fashionista like me, you find ways to update your wardrobe and still shop. I was curious what my fellow trend-setters are doing to combat financial fears and remain fabulous. I asked some friends about their tactics--and received some good tips.

One friend, a media personality, conducts fashion research by checking out the latest trends on Oak Street. She strictly window shops, and then makes her purchases at Forever 21, where she find many of these looks at a fraction of the price. H&M is another good location for this kind of design rich clothing at a reasonable cost. Label hunters often check out Target for their GO International guest designers, who create pieces that us "regular folks" can afford. This trend is catching on, as Kohl's, Payless and others now showcase affordable designer looks.

Another friend shared her secret for a "new" winter wardrobe: she keeps tailors busy by hiring them to rework her old wardrobe into new, fresh pieces. A dress was simplified into a blouse; a long, knee-length jacket morphed into a shorter suit length and a voluminous skirt became a sleek pencil skirt. By adding new items she found on Internet bargain shopping sites like Bluefly.com, she now owns a closet full of chic new looks that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

But what about shoes, you say? One friend suggests US #1 Vintage in Bucktown as THE spot to score a great pair of shoes for a steal. She also checks out the shoe section at Nordstrom Rack for designer deals.

To throw in my two cents, I've recently shopped with a guilty conscience, nervous about the economy. But my experience helped ease my fears: I shopped at P.S. Accessories' moving sale. They left their State St. location, but offered an absolutely amazing sale where I secured a hefty 60 percent discount. So scope out those moving and going-out-of-business sales!

Finally, don't forget to sell your old items. Try Crossroads or Buffalo Exchange for some instant extra cash. I like to call it my own personal economic stimulus package. And we know we could all use that.

Labels: chicago, fashion

Hong Kong Custom Tailor Back In Chicago

Hong Kong Custom Tailor Mr. Daswani makes a return visit back to the Windy City this month. He has been a leading custom tailor since 1969 taking orders world-wide for custom made suits, sport coats, slacks, and shirts.

His excellence shines through with superior fabrics and meticulous hand tailoring. You are buying directly from the company located in Hong Kong, the "custom made clothing capital of the world".

Perfectly Fit At Perfectly Affordable Prices

Suits: $400 Shirts: $52


PACKAGE DEALS :
2 Suits, 6 Shirts......................$1,065
3 Suits, 10 Shirts....................$1,620
4 Suits......................................$1,550 12 Shirts..................................$575

Downtown Chicago Marriott
540 N. Michigan Ave
(312) 836-0100

Thursday Oct 17th (1:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Friday Oct 18th (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)

Appointments are available every hour. Please email alayna@efete.net to schedule a fitting or call (310) 422-0030.

Labels: chicago events, custom clothing, custom shirts, custom suits, hong kong custom tailor, marriott hotel chicago, mens clothing, mr daswani

City Provisions Supper Club Farm Dinner

Cleetus Friedman, owner of City Provisions Catering and Events, has put together an exciting event to educate, enlighten and entertain his guests.

Joined by Two Brothers' Brewery from Warrenville, Illinois and Faith's Farms of Bonfield, Illinois, the Farm Dinner is designed to help guests gain a better perspective on the origins of their food, the farming process, and how this all gets incorporated into the dining experience.

At 2 p.m. guests will meet at City Provisions (1820 West Wilson, Chicago , Illinois ) and board a chartered bus to Faith's Farms with arrival scheduled at around 4 p.m..

The experience will comprise of a five course meal with meat raised at Faith's Farm, paired with beers by Two Brothers and will also include a hayride tour of Faith's Farm, courtesy of farmer Kim Snyder. Jim Ebel, brewmaster at Two Brothers, will be on hand to discuss the brewing process and speak about the beers.

The Farm Dinner
Saturday October 18, 2008
RSVP to Brenda Uraski at 773-293-CITY (2489)
www.cityprovisions.com

Labels: chicago dining, chicago events, city provisions, cleetus friedman, D.C. Crenshaw, dinner, farm food, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, organic food, supper club

To Dine For By Maddie: Yaki - It To Me Baby

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

I spent this past week in New York City connecting with all of my best friends from college. Disappointed by the over-hyped and under-par cuisine at well known hot spots Otto (Mario Batali's pizza and wine bar) and Tao (Vegas transplant) I asked a Chef friend for a place that would make up for all of the weekends culinary shortcomings. He sent me to Yakitori Totto (251 W. 51st Street, NYC) and told me to get all things chicken on a stick. Not only did I follow his lead - eating chicken skin, chicken livers, and chicken "meatballs" (one of those don't ask and PLEASE don't tell me what's in it dishes) yakitori style, but I also was introduced to Shochu.

Stronger than sake with a 25% alcohol content, Shochu is a Japanese beverage commonly distilled from barley,sweet potato, or rice. It comes in many variations - delicious on the rocks but superb in mixed drinks. My friend Amy and I (above) ordered it with grapefruit and had the pleasure of squeezing our own juice to be added to the cold drink. 

Despite having this eye opening adventure in NYC, some research enlightened me to the brand new Shochu Lounge in Chicago (3317 N. Clark) serving endless combinations of Shochu cocktails and "asian edged small plates". Though I have yet to try it myself, the reviews are good and it is brought to us by the dependable crew behind Deleece (4004 N. Southport). Luckily for all of you, there are Yakitori dishes on the menu but none quite like those "nasty bits" I was fortunate enough to indulge in this past weekend.

Brunch With Me in the South Loop

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Brunch is arguably my favorite meal on the weekends. My selection criteria for the perfect brunch spot is pretty particular when it comes to my Sunday afternoon feast. I must have good food, an extensive menu with a nice selection of breakfast and lunch items, and great cocktails. The vibe must be appealing, and of course, cost is always a factor. Next to New York City, Chicago has some of the best hidden gems for brunch when it comes to major cities. I found one such gem, maybe not as hidden as most, in the South Loop.

Cuatro Cocina Nuevo Latino has it all when it comes to my criteria. Their Bossa Novo Brunch was delectable. The food was bangin', the cocktails were slammin', and the vibe was on point. In a nutshell, I liked it a lot. Executive Chef Edie Jimenez' menu consists of soulful flavors of Latin America, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine. Brunch standouts include the Tropical Pancakes, Chilaquiles, and Pan Frances (thick french toast with vanilla roasted sweet plaintains and farmers cheese). Cuatro's 10 cane rum cocktails flowed nicely and were a perfect complement to my meal. Great music adds to any brunch vibe and Cuatro has it with the lively Brazilian sounds of "Bossa Tres".

Cuatro's brunch is served Sundays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. "Bossa Tres" performs 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Dinner is served Monday - Saturday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm and Sundays 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

Cuatro is located at 2030 South Wabash Ave. (312) 842-8856 www.cuatro-chicago.com.

Labels: bossa tres, brazilian cuisine, brunch, chicago restaurants, cocktails, cuatro cocina nuevo latino, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select, latin america, music, south loop, sundays

Fashion Forward by Renae: Chicago's Fashion History

Chicago's Fashion Focus is currently taking place; it's a weeklong series of events designed to showcase Chicago's emerging designers, neighborhood boutiques, up-and-coming trends and more. Through an array of workshops, runway shows, lectures, Q&As with designers and more, we are supposed to gain a better understanding for our city's thriving fashion scene, an appreciation for the artistic merits of local designers and an overall awareness of Chicago's presence in the international fashion industry. While Fashion Focus events highlight the future in fashion (both the looks and the designers), the most interesting event to me actually draws on the past.

The Chicago History Museum has just unveiled "Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum." This exhibition captures the essence of our city's fashionable past, something that is often overlooked. This collection contains garments dating from 1861-2004, covering more than a century of historic designs and their connection to Chicago.

I attended the History Museum's Christian Dior exhibition last year, and was thoroughly amazed at the opulence and true artistry of his New Look, which has served as the inspiration for countless designers who followed in his footsteps. I'm looking forward to viewing "Chic Chicago" as a true representation of Chicago's fashion history. I'm happy to see that the museum is also drawing on that history for FashioNext, a competition for local designers who will create a couture look inspired by one of the pieces in the "Chic Chicago" collection. What an amazing way to cultivate Chicago's fashion identity!

"Chic Chicago" runs through July 26, 2009. For updates and information on the exhibition and FashioNext, visit the museum blog. For information on Fashion Focus and to access the event list, visit http://www.chicagofashionresource.com.

Labels: chicago events, fashion