Category Archives: Fun

Delish Dishes & Drinks Inside Hotspot Hotel: 720 South Bar & Grill

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We are about to plan the perfect summer date or ladies’ night out for you in Chicago. Ya ready?

First, you head to 720 South Bar & Grill for cocktails and the most beautiful cheese plate you’ve ever seen in your life.  Then, after having an amazing dinner, you head to SummerDance at Grant Park right across the street and learn a new dance style (think Swing, Bollywood, Samba, Zydeco, and more!) surrounded by the gorgeous backdrop of Chicago’s skyline.

After you’ve made room, come back to 720 South Bar & Grill for more libations.  Eat, sweat, repeat!

Cocktails!

We had an absolute blast being treated to a meal at 720 South Bar & Grill recently for Negroni Week.  We didn’t even know this sweet spot existed and usually aren’t too impressed with hotel vittles.  Nestled in the Hilton Hotel, 720 South Bar & Grill, has an intimate quiet vibe with marble tables and impeccable service.  The Hilton is a historic and beautiful hotel situated right in the heart of our city.  You can read more about it here (including some 1920’s scandal and maybe ghosts?).

Once we arrived, we were whisked away to our private table beside the sunny windows that face Michigan Avenue.  We started with a Negroni with rum and the Hilton Chicago’s 90th Anniversary Cocktail, the Boulevardier.  This bottled cocktail was poured for us tableside.  It’s a twist on the classic Negroni with templeton rye instead of gin, mixed with sweet vermouth and zesty orange campari.  720 South Bar & Grill is actually a haven for bourbon and whiskey lovers.  Al Capone, one of our most notorious Chicagoans, swigged an iteration of this cocktail during prohibition times.  We found it to be more balanced and delightful than the super bitter rum Negroni.

Other summer drink suggestions to wow your guests, especially if you prefer less tang than a Negroni: The refreshing Gold Rush with old forester classic, 86pf bourbon, acacia honey syrup, and squeezed lemon juice or the Sunshine Daydream with local FEW bourbon, giffard abricot du roussillon liqueur, mango purée, splashed with tart lemon juice.

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Our appetizer was the favorite, a gorgeous and fulfilling cheese plate, with sweet cherries swimming in a martini glass, surrounded by craft cheeses, nuts, and dried apricots, delicately laid out on a slice of wood.  This dish is made to impress AND share!

It was followed by our entrees: a hearty house made black bean chipotle burger, chili soy glazed wings, and rich cheesy truffle fries. We were so full from gorging on cheese, it was hard to indulge!  We championed through it though (with to go boxes in tow) and were satisfied.  Kate doesn’t usually like meat on the bone but found the wings to be juicy and peppery.  The truffle fries were crispy and garlicky and could rightfully serve 4-5 people.  The black bean burger was packed with fresh veggies on a buttery bun-great for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

 

During our dinner, we were introduced to the humble and friendly Chef Erica McGhee and learned about the Hilton’s secret rooftop garden.  Chef Erica McGhee centers the menu around fresh local produce from the garden as well as other Midwestern elements.  Chef Erica learned to cook from her grandmother and dreams of owning her own restaurant someday, named after her culinary inspiration.  We look forward to following her future endeavors!

Sweets!

As if that weren’t enough, the amazing hospitality team treated us with pistachio raspberry pana cotta cheesecake with white chocolate lychee panna cotta garnished with fresh berries and chocolate sorbet.

 

See, now that you’ve indulged and your inhibitions are swayed, dancing under the stars will put the perfect hum to your evening!  Check out the SummerDance schedule here and when you visit the 720 South Bar & Grill, don’t hold back!

You’ll love the ambiance and selection of this joint.  We are so grateful for the team at 720 South Bar & Grill and hope to come back to tour the rooftop garden.  Our opinions are our own but we were treated to a free meal and drinks! What’s your go to spot in the loop for dinner before summer time events? Let us know in the comments!!

 

Valentine’s Day for Foodies in Chicago!

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Is your sweetie a sexy chef, fanatic foodie or Diners, Dive Ins and Dives darling?  Chop the boring old predictable Valentine’s Day and take your boo to find the best thing they’ve ever eaten with Culinary Fight Club’s “The Savory Chocolate” event.

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What: At Culinary Fight Club, you and your sweetheart will be treated to 4 chefs (amateur AND professional) competing for the hearts and mouths of the audience in this Iron Chef style competition.  The main ingredient this month is our  preferred aphrodisiac, CHOCOLATE!!  Chocolate is the food of love and we could all use a lil’ more love now!

How it Works: (Description from Culinary Fight Club) Contestants or Teams have (60) minutes to impress (3) judges, using (1) 10k BTU Burner and (15) supplied raw ingredients & (3) surprise ingredients, all to be judged on that one perfect bite!  Hungry?  Don’t worry there is also a Taster’s Choice Award too!  So attendees are encouraged to grab a tasting spoon, dig in and vote for their favorite bite!

Charity Partner: Fill your heart with the knowledge that you’re helping more than just yourself! 20% of all Culinary Fight Club Chicago events go to feeding hungry people in Chicago through Fight2Feed, a charitable Organization on a mission to “KO” hunger One Block at a Time.

When: Monday, February 13th 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Where: Lucky Strike, 322 E. Illinois, Chicago, IL 60611

Includes: 2 hours of beer or wine and snacks from Lucky Strike including savory chocolate bites for you and you doll-faced dear.

Think of all the kisses your culinary cutie will bestow upon you when you get your tickets here!

Don’t live in Chicago?  Don’t feel salty! You can find Culinary Fight Club in Kansas City, Atlanta and Montgomery in February and 6 cities in March.

 

Indie Films Foster Female Power at Luna Fest!

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Stop scrolling on Facebook and put the power of positive back in your life!  Come join us at LUNAFEST next Wednesday for a laugh, a cry and an inspiring night supporting women artists and storytelling.  LUNAFEST is a national traveling festival of short films that connects women, their stories and their causes through 90 minutes of short films.

We attended LUNAFEST 2 years ago and didn’t have to ask where the love was because the room was filled with it. Break the normal happy hour routine for more meaningful happiness.  Your $20=bonding time with your pals, 9 short films, light bites and drink.  Bonus! All your cash actually goes to Chicago nonprofits so bring extra friends!

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Charities you’ll be helping:

Recovery on Water (ROW), Brave Initiatives, and Mission Propelle will snag 100 percent of all net proceeds are donated to charity. LUNAFEST stats are amazing too :). Since 2000, 136 filmmakers have been featured and nearly $3.6 million dollars have been raised.

 

LUNAFEST

  • When: Wednesday November 30th, 6-10 p.m., Film screenings at 7 p.m.

  • Where: Chopin Theater, 1543 W Division
    Chicago, IL 60642

  • Tickets: Event prices: $15- Student, $20-General Admission, $50- Philanthropist

 

 

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LG Fights Childhood Hunger at Chicago Taste of the Nation

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LG served up fun, fabulous food and fancy yet functional appliances at the recent Taste of the Nation event at Revel.  Why?  LG is a sponsor of Taste of the Nation to join the fight against childhood hunger!
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Taste of the Nation gathers the best chefs in foodie cities and provides party goers with vicacious vittles, delish desserts and curiously crafted cocktails, like a Boo Punch we sampled from Knife and Tine (just in time for Halloween!).  Although their could have been more veggie options, the bevvy of tastes, sights and smells made this a delectable affair one not to miss.  We loved  sampling savory bites, taking pictures in the LG Selfless Selfie Photo Booth, and donating extra cash for the silent raffle.
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LG’s sponsor area featured their gorgeous goods like their new Black Stainless Steel appliances.  We got a hands on (and smudge free) tour!  We loved the fridge with a “door within a door” function for all our kefir and kombucha bottles that take up too much side door space.  If you want a drink, you can open the clear mini door and keep the fridge closed!  Oh and it’s water dispenser is big enough to fill our yoga water bottles.
LG’s series also features an easy clean oven and clothes steamer that can make dry cleaning go extinct like dinos.  Find them all at Sears!  These beauties weren’t the only stars of the LG show.
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Chef Jason Vincent, former acclaimed Nightwood chef, displayed his plucky personality and cooking prowess.  Owner of his first in demand restaurant, Giant, AND father of one, Vincent  whipped up a family friendly meal to demo how to make eating healthy, tasty and cheap.
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He even made Monica some veggie quesadillas so she could savor the whole experience.
Try it yourself with his recipes below!

Black Bean, Corn, and Avocado Salad

Serves four people for $8 a serving

  • 1 can of black beans (or dried=cheaper)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 ears of corn
  • 4 small, ripe tomatoes (cherry tomatoes)
  • 1 lime

Chicken & Zucchini Quesadillas

  •  1 pack white corn tortillas
  • 2 chicken thighs
  • 1 large zucchini
  • 2 oz queso fresco
  • 2 oz queso chihuahua
  • 1 large, juicy tomato
  • garlic salt
  • onion powder
  • whole milk sour cream

Can’t wait for the next Taste of a Nation?  You can help No Kid Hungry in November by hosting your own friendsgiving and donating!  10 bucks gets 100 meals for kids :).

We have to thank LG from the bottom of our hearts and stomachs for hosting us AND sponsoring such an awesome event and cause!  Check out their new appliances to simplify and classy up your life.

 

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Help Feed a Kid with LG and Taste of the Nation And WIN! Leave No Kid Hungry Selfless Selfies.

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LG Electronics is sizzling Wednesday October 5th with famous Chicago chefs and mixologists for Chicago’s Taste of the Nation benefitting No Kid Hungry.  This annual fundraiser sizzles with the city’s top chefs, mixologists and tastemakers.

No Kid Hungry.

Chicago’s Taste of the Nation® for No Kid Hungry 2016 will be held on October 5, 2016 at Revel Fulton Market

VIP Admisison: $200 | 6:00pm

General Admission: $125 | 7:00pm 

Life's Good with LG.

LG Electronics turns up the heat by partnering with Jason Vincent, chef and partner of the trending Logan Square restaurant, Giant.  Jason will create and serve up a special dish while you fawn over the function and look of LG’s new Black Stainless Steel Series of refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers and microwaves.

A premier national partner of No Kid Hungry, LG is the official home appliance partner of the Taste of the Nation culinary fundraising series.

In 2016, through its partnership with No Kid Hungry, LG already has provided more than 1.5 million meals for children facing hunger.

Can’t attend but wanna help?

Join LG’s “Share a Selfie. Feed a Kid.” Campaign and enter to win one of two $500 Sears Gift Cards**!

  • Visit a participating Sears location* in the Chicago area to post your own Selfless Selfie or
  • Search#LGFillThePlate on Twitter and Instagram to repost your favorite Selfless Selfies.
  • LG will donate 10 meals for every original post and 5 meals for every repost!!

 

* Participating Sears stores include the Chicago Ridge, Schaumburg and Oakbrook locations.

**For donation to be made and for your sweepstakes entry to be eligible, your account privacy settings must be set to public between 9/28/16 – 10/18/16. Terms and conditions apply. Go towww.lg.com/us/nokidhungryfor details.  LG will donate up to 100,000 meals to No Kid Hungry following the promotional period. $1 connects a kid to 10 meals. Learn how at NoKidHungry.org/onedollar.

*Pictures are courtesy of LG and content is modified from LG Press Releases*

Giveaway: Hydrate your Summer with Propel Fitness Water

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Summa Summa Summa timeeee…time to sweat!  Have you ever ran in 90 degree heat because you threw caution into the lack of wind?  You definitely need to replace those lost electrolytes to avoid muscle cramps and quick fatigue.

With 9 flavors, Propel Electrolyte Water wants to keep your summer humming with a prize pack!  Take the “What’s Your Flavor?” Quiz to see if you’re more of a bubbly blueberry pomegranate or competitive cranberry lime.

Get thirsty for these prizes:

  • A sweat replacing pack of Propel Electrolyte Water flavors
  • Cool it down with a Propel moisture wicking yoga towel
  • Throw shade with Propel Sunglasses
  • Class up your fitness class with a Lululemon gym bag

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Here’s our fit flavor (no wonder, we are a 2 girl fitness blog!):

Kiwi Strawberry
“You’re more of a social butterfly than a hardcore competitor when it comes to fitness.  A fun workout takes priority over the amount you sweat.  You like group workouts like Zumba, kickboxing or barre with lots of upbeat tunes, or a walk in the park to catch up with a friend.  Of course, looking good while working out is always a priority – you never forget to match and accessorize”.

 

Once you’re all quizzed up, comment on our blog on what your flavor is to win this balanced bounty!!  Winner will be picked at random and announced by 8/15.

 

Windy City SmokeOut Ticket Promo

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A fantastic summer can be summer-ized (see what we did there) by the Three Bs: Bands, BBQ, and Beverages. Even vegetarians are tantalized by the smell of the grill when they’re getting down on a veggie burger. So where can you get a hearty helping of all 3? The Windy City Smokeout, of course, July 15-July 17. Hosted by Bub City and Academy of Country Music Award winner, Joe’s Bar, this fest promises to be anything but basic. Don’t like the ‘Que? No problemo. Hob Nob with other non ‘Que carousers at famed spots like Three Dots and a Dash, Drago’s Seafood or The Salsa Truck. Or do what we do, and eat up all the sides :).

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What:

Windy City Smokeout

  • 3 days of live music from up and coming talent (Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Chase Rice, Billy Currington, Corey Smith, Big & Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy, Phil Vassar, Jessie James Decker, Whiskey Myers, Walker County and Whiskey Jam)
  • All the BBQ you could ever purchase from BBQ Big Wigs like Smoque, Lillie Qs, and Chicago Q.
  • Cooking demos, beverage pairings, and more!

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When:

Friday July 15th through Sunday July 17th

Where:

560 W GRAND AVE CHICAGO, IL 60654

Promo Code:

3 day tickets only $75 with CHIORGANIC (good until 11:59 July 7th, 2016). That’s $35 dollars off!

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Additional information on this year’s fest available here: http://www.windycitysmokeout.com/.

Chicago Bucklist: 360 Chicago!

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As a local Chicagoan, sometimes the best of our city is hiding right beneath our noses (or way way way above our heads)!  Our normal views of the city include looking at monstrous traffic on the Dan Ryan expressway off our back porch or driving up Lake Shore drive to catch the waves out our window.  We are on Cloud 9 now that we visited 360 Chicago.  Formerly known as the John Hancock, 360 Chicago lives up to its name with spectacular 360 views of our pretty city and a newly renovated space.

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Now, us 606-zip code Chicago residents can score a sweet discount of half off admission.  360 Chicago features the ONLY tilting attraction in the world, aptly named…Tilt!  Giggle and gasp as you extend out and over the city in double pane glass at 1,000 feet above.  8 people at a time can Tilt!, so grab your best buds for moral support.

Local tip: There’s a bar and snack area, the Architect’s Bar, where you can gain some liquid courage if you need it!

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Sunset Series

How do you decide when to go?  360 Chicago has themed events, called the Sunset Series, to elevate your interests.  All events are from 6-9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

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Mondays (Encourage your Inner Artist): Photography Night

On Mondays ONLY, photographers can bring in tripods to heighten their insta-fame and catch gorgeous skyline scenery.  Professional photographer, Nick Ulivieri, will be on hand with contests and learning segments throughout the year.

Tuesdays (Friends and Family Friendly): Chicago Architecture Foundation Night

Chicago Architecture Foundation volunteers are available to give you the deep dish on Chicago’s rich architecture scene and the buildings that star in our skyline.

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Thursdays (Perfect for You and Your Boo): DJ and Dancin’

Mode Events makes sure your night is “on fleek” with live DJs and a sunset toast.

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Get ready for summer too because 360 Chicago has the scenes to fit your light show dreams.  During Wednesdays and Saturdays, beat the heat and rest your feet on 360 Chicago’s cozy furnishings, as you gaze at the Navy Pier seasonal fireworks.

Other Upcoming Events

For Football Fanatics:
During the madness of the NFL Draft in Chicago (weekend of April 28-30), rep an official team jersey and buy a 360 Chicago admissions ticket to Tilt! for free!
Honoring our Veterans:
In May, sample the special cocktail, The Yellow Ribbon, and a portion of proceeds will help ChicagoVets.org.
Military veterans and active duty members to visit 360 Chicago FREE throughout Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30).

What are you waiting for?  Get your superman on and impress visiting friends, fam and your Air B and B guests (ha) with 360 Chicago.

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Where: 360 Chicago 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor in Chicago, IL.

For more info, weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call 312-751-3681.  All other times, please call 312-654-2892 or visit www.360chicago.com.

 

Best of the Good Food Festival 2016

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This past weekend we went to the Good Food Festival for the third year in a row.  Click here to read one of our first blog posts about our first Good Food Festival three years ago.  Yesss, we are celebrating the three year … Continue reading →

Meatless Monday: Vegan Brunch!

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Re-Mix your Meatless Monday recipe list with a veg-tacular event this coming weekend: Slo’Mo Remix Brunch w/ Live Lynnette’s Lynnette Astaire Join Live Lynnette, wellness wonder woman (pictured below) for a vegan brunch sound tracked by sweet soul jams from top notch … Continue reading →