In the 1933 film Duck Soup, Groucho Marx said, "I could dance with you till the cows come home. Better still, I'll dance with the cows and you come home."
I’m not sure what meaning that has, but it inspired me to write about dancing – and also cows. Since I have two left feet and can’t dance, I’ve included some ballet options. But, for those who can, here are a few places to groove, swing, or just dance.
The Hubbard Street Dance Company has been internationally and locally celebrated for years. Their latest performance is called 27’ 52". “This performance takes the viewer along for a game of seeking and being sought, of holding and being held, pulling and pushing, a game in which the dancer must ultimately exit the stage solo” - Jirí Kylián (Choreographer). They will be at the Auditorium theatre October 1st – 4th.
On October 2nd – 4th the Miami City Ballet will be making their Chicago debut at the Auditorium Theatre. They have captivated audiences around the world with a thrilling company of dancers and broad repertoire that includes George Balanchine's masterworks and works by contemporary choreographers such as Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. The company will perform Balanchine's "Symphony in Three Movements" and "Valse Fantasie," Marius Ivanovich Petipa's "Black Swan Pas de Deux" from Swan Lake, and Tharp's "In the Upper Room."
The Joeffrey Ballet will be opening their new season on October 14th with Othello at the Auditorium Theatre. Chicago-born Lubovitch makes his Joeffrey debut by bringing his rhapsodic interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of passion, jealousy, ambition and betrayal. Lubovitch’s compelling synthesis of classical and modern movement is heightened by a powerful score by Academy Award winner Elliot Goldenthal.
For those who can dance, or think they can dance, here are a few clubs to choose from. Every Tuesday at the Green Dolphin, approx. 10 minute cab ride, there is a Latin jazz band. It is a great place to lounge, groove and eat. Martini Park, located in River North, just a 5 minute taxi ride away, transforms itself into a speakeasy every Tuesday night offering dining, cocktails, and live swing music. Lastly, there is Avila, a Latin-centric nightclub. The club's look takes its inspiration from the Spanish city of Avila and plays music from Rock en Espanol to bachata and salsa every Wednesday through Sunday.
Now I come to dancing with the cows. There might be a few of us who remember the cow parade of ’99, where Chicago had nearly 320 art cows on display throughout the city. They are almost all gone now, but a bronze cow still stands in front of the cultural center on Randolph Street. Dance with it, hop on its back, just take a picture because I’m sure it will look funny. More can be found at Wrigley Field, Damen Ave. in Bucktown, the Talbott Hotel, O’Hare Airport, and Harry Carey’s on Kinzie. You can also find cows, live ones, at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free everyday. They stay in the barn at the John Deere Farm located at the southern portion of the zoo. I’m not sure if you can dance with them without alarming some large security guard, but it is worth a shot. Again, take a picture because I would love to see it.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
People, Places, and Public Transit
I have always been a fan of the public transit system – it will get you anywhere you want to go. Since Chicago is such a diverse city, there are always interesting people to watch during your ride. Here is one of my experiences…
One of the most frequent buses on Michigan Ave. is the #151. I boarded the bus in front of the 900 N. Michigan Shops at the corner of Michigan and Delaware (1.5 blocks) and found a seat in back, the best ones for viewing. As we headed down Michigan we came to a stop at Pearson Street, by Borders Bookstore, and some obvious out-of-towners boarded. They all took their seats but one, who had started arguing with the driver because he didn’t get change back from his twenty dollar bill. Note: All public transit requires exact change if paying by cash - $2.25. After he finished and took his seat, they pulled out their map of Chicago, available at the Concierge Desk and also on the blog, and began plotting their next move – possibly Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. I had to laugh because they were heading in the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.
As we passed the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station I had thoughts about the Great Chicago Fire and its impact on the city. Even though it was a horrible event, it was the single most influential event Chicago history (in my opinion). If you would like more information you can stop by either place or head to the Chicago History Museum.
After a few more blocks we stopped at the once proud spot of Garrett’s Popcorn, which now is a hole in the ground. They are constructing a new building run by the Ritz-Carlton, so blame them for the lack of popcorn on Michigan Avenue. Now, if you want that delicious carmel, cheese or blend, you’ll have to head to Navy Pier, 4 E. Madison Avenue, or 26 W. Randolph. Street.
A few people boarded at the stop, including one man which reminded me of the Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” commercials. Even though I was taught not to stare, I couldn’t help myself. I kept asking myself questions like: Does he shop at Armani Exchange (Northbridge Shopping Center)? Would he drink the James Bond martini that we serve at the hotel? Does he drive an Aston Martin or would I have to rent one for him? Does he cut his hair at Halo for Men (Goldcoast/Bucktown)? Does he hang out at the Underground (club/lounge)? Can he teach a dog to bark in Spanish? If he could would it sound like “EL Barco” because that is also the name of a really good Mexican restaurant that serves fish with the head, eyes, and everything still attached.
Before I knew it, we were crossing the Chicago River and stopping at Millennium Park. This is the best park in Chicago for architecture, amusement, entertainment, and intrigue (mostly because of the cost to create it). Crown Fountain, two glass towers with water flowing down them and faces that spit water are my favorite part of the park. Although, I still have an issue with the North tower of the fountain because it spit on me one day without warning. The out-of-towners hurried off the bus, excited to take pictures of the “Bean” and fountain. They must have determined that they were heading the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.
A few blocks later we stopped at the Art Institute of Chicago. The AIC is a world class museum that has a large collection of Impressionist Art as well as a newly opened Modern Wing. This was also the stop where “the most interesting man in the world” departed the bus. But, he did not go into the museum, he walked into Bennigan’s. I was so disappointed - he wasn’t that interesting at all.
My stop was next and I finished my interesting bus ride and boarded the train for the rest of my trip – still laughing about Wrigley Field, angry at the fountain, and disappointed with my interesting man.
One of the most frequent buses on Michigan Ave. is the #151. I boarded the bus in front of the 900 N. Michigan Shops at the corner of Michigan and Delaware (1.5 blocks) and found a seat in back, the best ones for viewing. As we headed down Michigan we came to a stop at Pearson Street, by Borders Bookstore, and some obvious out-of-towners boarded. They all took their seats but one, who had started arguing with the driver because he didn’t get change back from his twenty dollar bill. Note: All public transit requires exact change if paying by cash - $2.25. After he finished and took his seat, they pulled out their map of Chicago, available at the Concierge Desk and also on the blog, and began plotting their next move – possibly Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. I had to laugh because they were heading in the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.
As we passed the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station I had thoughts about the Great Chicago Fire and its impact on the city. Even though it was a horrible event, it was the single most influential event Chicago history (in my opinion). If you would like more information you can stop by either place or head to the Chicago History Museum.
After a few more blocks we stopped at the once proud spot of Garrett’s Popcorn, which now is a hole in the ground. They are constructing a new building run by the Ritz-Carlton, so blame them for the lack of popcorn on Michigan Avenue. Now, if you want that delicious carmel, cheese or blend, you’ll have to head to Navy Pier, 4 E. Madison Avenue, or 26 W. Randolph. Street.
A few people boarded at the stop, including one man which reminded me of the Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” commercials. Even though I was taught not to stare, I couldn’t help myself. I kept asking myself questions like: Does he shop at Armani Exchange (Northbridge Shopping Center)? Would he drink the James Bond martini that we serve at the hotel? Does he drive an Aston Martin or would I have to rent one for him? Does he cut his hair at Halo for Men (Goldcoast/Bucktown)? Does he hang out at the Underground (club/lounge)? Can he teach a dog to bark in Spanish? If he could would it sound like “EL Barco” because that is also the name of a really good Mexican restaurant that serves fish with the head, eyes, and everything still attached.
Before I knew it, we were crossing the Chicago River and stopping at Millennium Park. This is the best park in Chicago for architecture, amusement, entertainment, and intrigue (mostly because of the cost to create it). Crown Fountain, two glass towers with water flowing down them and faces that spit water are my favorite part of the park. Although, I still have an issue with the North tower of the fountain because it spit on me one day without warning. The out-of-towners hurried off the bus, excited to take pictures of the “Bean” and fountain. They must have determined that they were heading the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.
A few blocks later we stopped at the Art Institute of Chicago. The AIC is a world class museum that has a large collection of Impressionist Art as well as a newly opened Modern Wing. This was also the stop where “the most interesting man in the world” departed the bus. But, he did not go into the museum, he walked into Bennigan’s. I was so disappointed - he wasn’t that interesting at all.
My stop was next and I finished my interesting bus ride and boarded the train for the rest of my trip – still laughing about Wrigley Field, angry at the fountain, and disappointed with my interesting man.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Perfect Proposal
Telling someone that you love them and want to spend the rest of your life with them is a very hard thing to do. When you don’t have any idea how to make it as heartfelt and special as the individual, you might need to ask someone for help. For all you guys out there that might need some help, here is a recent engagement that I arranged.
Our guest was coming from overseas for their first trip to Chicago as a couple. He wanted to propose on 9/9/09 in a romantic location, have an officiant present to go through a small ceremony, take a limo ride, and then go for dinner. But, not knowing how to go about it without spending a ton of money, he contacted me to help.
First, we needed to agree on a location and time. About a block from the hotel, there is a small park adjacent to Michigan Ave. that has a wonderful white gazebo that has been used by numerous weddings. As for the time, it had to be at sunset for the maximum effect.
Second, we needed someone to officiate a small ceremony – not something normally requested. I got in contact with a reverend that performs civil and religious ceremonies and after speaking with her, she gave me some sample ceremonies to choose from and customize. I gave the information to the guest and he added in vows (his and hers) plus a poem to read during the ceremony. Since they were not planning on going to City Hall to fill out the proper paperwork, this would not be official, but still memorable. The reverend was gracious enough to include an unofficial marriage certificate as well as a binder that included all parts of their ceremony.
Third, we needed a restaurant fit for a special occasion but wouldn’t break the bank. I called the Chef Concierge at the Park Hyatt Hotel and enlisted her help with a special dinner at NoMi. This progressive French restaurant has excellent service, a great wine menu, plus they have a great window table that overlooks the Water Tower plaza – perfect for this occasion.
Lastly, I arranged a white stretch limo to pick them up after the ceremony and take them around town before dinner. Nothing too complex for a concierge, but perfect for the occasion.
The Plan:
Now that it had all been arranged, how do we get the girl to go along with everything without finding out? After talking with the guest we came to the conclusion that I would create something saying they won a free dinner through the hotel and needed to be in the lobby at 7 p.m. to go to the restaurant. I also agreed to walk them through the neighborhood to show them some sights on the way to the restaurant, conveniently passing by the gazebo where the reverend would be. Proposal, ceremony, pictures, car, and dinner – it sounded like a great plan.
Problem – I had to come up with a believable reason why they won a free dinner. I thought and thought and finally drafted a letter stating they were picked at random for this dinner because all Millennium Hotels in the U.S. were directed to provide a special “gift” to one of their guests. For the Knickerbocker, it was a special “White” dinner to honor the 1893 World’s Fair – The White City. Note: This dinner was just a creation of my imagination and nothing to do with NoMi - although it is a cool idea…I also added in that the chef requested them to wear white clothing to go with the theme. I presented this letter upon check in and explained in detail about how they were chosen, when to meet me for the tour, and the special dinner that the hotel had created for them.
Note: It was a long letter with plenty of hotel jargon but very believable – mainly because I wrote it using my General Manager, who is also the SVP Operations USA, as the author…Sorry Mr. Kinnear.
Fast forward to the big day:
Of course there is always something that changes – this time it was the location. There was a better park near Navy Pier that has a great view of downtown plus a ledge going over the water; small change, but well worth it.
The couple met me in the lobby at 7 p.m. as directed, each wearing some white clothing. I explained we were going to stop off at one attraction before dinner so I could further explain the concept for their “White” dinner. We rode in the limo to the park where I spoke about the typhoid fever outbreak of 1892, construction and importance of the Water Filtration Plant, different buildings that create the skyline, and ended it with a photo of the couple overlooking the water. After the photo, the gentleman got on one knee and proposed. I went over a got the reverend, who was dressed in white and sitting nearby. The ceremony started and I continued to take pictures – it was full of love, laughter, and tears. After they were pronounced husband and wife, they signed the certificate and made it somewhat official. The four of us walked back to the limo and the newly wed couple was off for their mini tour and dinner at NoMi. For me, the job was almost done; I headed back to the hotel to decorate the room. Rose petals, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries awaited them for their return.
It was a great plan that turned out to be the perfect evening.
Our guest was coming from overseas for their first trip to Chicago as a couple. He wanted to propose on 9/9/09 in a romantic location, have an officiant present to go through a small ceremony, take a limo ride, and then go for dinner. But, not knowing how to go about it without spending a ton of money, he contacted me to help.
First, we needed to agree on a location and time. About a block from the hotel, there is a small park adjacent to Michigan Ave. that has a wonderful white gazebo that has been used by numerous weddings. As for the time, it had to be at sunset for the maximum effect.
Second, we needed someone to officiate a small ceremony – not something normally requested. I got in contact with a reverend that performs civil and religious ceremonies and after speaking with her, she gave me some sample ceremonies to choose from and customize. I gave the information to the guest and he added in vows (his and hers) plus a poem to read during the ceremony. Since they were not planning on going to City Hall to fill out the proper paperwork, this would not be official, but still memorable. The reverend was gracious enough to include an unofficial marriage certificate as well as a binder that included all parts of their ceremony.
Third, we needed a restaurant fit for a special occasion but wouldn’t break the bank. I called the Chef Concierge at the Park Hyatt Hotel and enlisted her help with a special dinner at NoMi. This progressive French restaurant has excellent service, a great wine menu, plus they have a great window table that overlooks the Water Tower plaza – perfect for this occasion.
Lastly, I arranged a white stretch limo to pick them up after the ceremony and take them around town before dinner. Nothing too complex for a concierge, but perfect for the occasion.
The Plan:
Now that it had all been arranged, how do we get the girl to go along with everything without finding out? After talking with the guest we came to the conclusion that I would create something saying they won a free dinner through the hotel and needed to be in the lobby at 7 p.m. to go to the restaurant. I also agreed to walk them through the neighborhood to show them some sights on the way to the restaurant, conveniently passing by the gazebo where the reverend would be. Proposal, ceremony, pictures, car, and dinner – it sounded like a great plan.
Problem – I had to come up with a believable reason why they won a free dinner. I thought and thought and finally drafted a letter stating they were picked at random for this dinner because all Millennium Hotels in the U.S. were directed to provide a special “gift” to one of their guests. For the Knickerbocker, it was a special “White” dinner to honor the 1893 World’s Fair – The White City. Note: This dinner was just a creation of my imagination and nothing to do with NoMi - although it is a cool idea…I also added in that the chef requested them to wear white clothing to go with the theme. I presented this letter upon check in and explained in detail about how they were chosen, when to meet me for the tour, and the special dinner that the hotel had created for them.
Note: It was a long letter with plenty of hotel jargon but very believable – mainly because I wrote it using my General Manager, who is also the SVP Operations USA, as the author…Sorry Mr. Kinnear.
Fast forward to the big day:
Of course there is always something that changes – this time it was the location. There was a better park near Navy Pier that has a great view of downtown plus a ledge going over the water; small change, but well worth it.
The couple met me in the lobby at 7 p.m. as directed, each wearing some white clothing. I explained we were going to stop off at one attraction before dinner so I could further explain the concept for their “White” dinner. We rode in the limo to the park where I spoke about the typhoid fever outbreak of 1892, construction and importance of the Water Filtration Plant, different buildings that create the skyline, and ended it with a photo of the couple overlooking the water. After the photo, the gentleman got on one knee and proposed. I went over a got the reverend, who was dressed in white and sitting nearby. The ceremony started and I continued to take pictures – it was full of love, laughter, and tears. After they were pronounced husband and wife, they signed the certificate and made it somewhat official. The four of us walked back to the limo and the newly wed couple was off for their mini tour and dinner at NoMi. For me, the job was almost done; I headed back to the hotel to decorate the room. Rose petals, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries awaited them for their return.
It was a great plan that turned out to be the perfect evening.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Profile: Kerry Hieber - Executive Chef
I live in Chicago, IL with my husband of 6 years Brandon and our 2 year old son MJ. I grew up in New Jersey and had many great culinary influences. My mother, who used to cook gourmet meals before she had me and my brother and sister, loved to eat out with us and our father, so we ate at many of the prestigious eateries on the eastern seaboard before I was 10. Ribeye Steaks poeleed with butter and creamed spinach at Peter Lugers Steakhouse, Lobster Bisque and Dover Sole at Doris and Ed’s and Escargot in garlic butter and mushroom caps at La Frommagerie were some of my more notable memories of food.
Meals like those made me realize that there was more to food than burgers and fries. While growing up and attending local community college I worked as a server and wasn’t all that happy with the cooks that I worked with. I found that many of them lacked motivation and didn’t always love what they were doing. But then so many of them did love it and passed their love of food on to the customers. I decided that maybe it was my turn to pass on my love of food to customers. I applied for many jobs and found that they were hard to come by when you had no cooking experience. One person was willing to take a chance on me. He hired me to cook breakfast and lunch in his little 40 seat restaurant. After being trained I stayed there for about a year and moved on to an Italian Restaurant. I was there for approximately 9 months before the Chef told me that he thought I could benefit from some proper training. I applied to the Culinary Institute of America and was accepted. I graduated from there with an AOS in August of 1999.
I loved every minute I spent at that school. I benefitted from the fantastic and talented Chefs that instructed me and took a job in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency Chicago where I stayed for 2 ½ years as the Sous Chef in the 3 meal restaurant. I then moved to Philadelphia with the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s landing and worked there for 2 ½ years as the Chef de Cuisine in the hotel restaurant Keating’s River Grill. I moved back to Chicago and worked at the Westin O’Hare hotel for 4 years as the Executive Sous Chef before being laid off like so many others around me. Then as luck would have it I happened upon the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel and I've been here since May 2009 and loved every minute.
Kerry Hieber
Executive Chef
Millennium Knickbocker Hotel
Friday, September 4, 2009
A Dollar Bill is 6.14 Inches Long
In this neighborhood, the Gold Coast that is, it is very easy to part with your money – sometimes more than expected. So, here are a couple ideas on how to maximize your fun and stretch that dollar a bit farther.
Shopping:
The shops on Michigan Avenue are world class and usually carry the price tag to match. Stop by the Concierge Desk and we’ll pass along any coupons and discounts we have to help you make the most those shopping dollars.
Food:
There are too many restaurants in downtown to count but a few in the area are great for the wallet. First, there is Tempo Café which is a 24 hour diner located four blocks from the hotel. Their breakfast/lunch/dinner menus are greasy, good, and inexpensive. Second, Quartino’s blends Italian and tapas for a very interesting menu. Besides the larger portions and flat bread pizzas, they offer a variety of small plates for table sharing. They also offer a fairly large selection of quarter bottles of wine so you can taste them all. Quartino is a great place to converse as well as eat inexpensively. Third, head to Chinatown for an ethnic experience. Give dim sum a try, light Chinese dishes served with tea. It is a great way to fill up on non-traditional foods and also pickup a fancy handbag on the way. Lastly, Santorini on Halsted Street, in the heart of Greektown, serves traditional Greek cuisine at a reasonable price. Their Dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with beef, Exohiko Lamb, small chunks of lamb combined with Greek cheese and wrapped in fillo, and seafood are the best in the city.
Entertainment and Attractions:
Chicago has a fairly large theatre scene with numerous Broadway and local performances. A useful tool is HotTix, half priced theatre tickets for the same day. Located in the Water Works building three blocks away and also by Millennium Park, they offer seats for the majority of the theatres at great prices. It is a good way to see a show without paying big prices. You can also take advantage of the Free Days and times at the popular museums. The Art Institute of Chicago, both modern and fine art, is free for 5pm-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays; The Chicago History Museum is free on Mondays; the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays; the Lincoln Park Zoo and Stained Glass museum are always free; The Field Museum will be free on September 9, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30th; and the Shedd Aquarium will be free on September 21, 22, 28, 29. Another great way to enjoy the sights without paying too much is by purchasing the City Pass. This coupon book will get you admission to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and either the Willis Tower or John Hancock Building – all for just $69 (versus $130 normally). This pass is available online or at any one of those location and is valid for 9 days after purchase.
Just a couple suggestions on how to get the best bang for your buck – but there are many more, so stop by and we’ll chat…
Shopping:
The shops on Michigan Avenue are world class and usually carry the price tag to match. Stop by the Concierge Desk and we’ll pass along any coupons and discounts we have to help you make the most those shopping dollars.
Food:
There are too many restaurants in downtown to count but a few in the area are great for the wallet. First, there is Tempo Café which is a 24 hour diner located four blocks from the hotel. Their breakfast/lunch/dinner menus are greasy, good, and inexpensive. Second, Quartino’s blends Italian and tapas for a very interesting menu. Besides the larger portions and flat bread pizzas, they offer a variety of small plates for table sharing. They also offer a fairly large selection of quarter bottles of wine so you can taste them all. Quartino is a great place to converse as well as eat inexpensively. Third, head to Chinatown for an ethnic experience. Give dim sum a try, light Chinese dishes served with tea. It is a great way to fill up on non-traditional foods and also pickup a fancy handbag on the way. Lastly, Santorini on Halsted Street, in the heart of Greektown, serves traditional Greek cuisine at a reasonable price. Their Dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with beef, Exohiko Lamb, small chunks of lamb combined with Greek cheese and wrapped in fillo, and seafood are the best in the city.
Entertainment and Attractions:
Chicago has a fairly large theatre scene with numerous Broadway and local performances. A useful tool is HotTix, half priced theatre tickets for the same day. Located in the Water Works building three blocks away and also by Millennium Park, they offer seats for the majority of the theatres at great prices. It is a good way to see a show without paying big prices. You can also take advantage of the Free Days and times at the popular museums. The Art Institute of Chicago, both modern and fine art, is free for 5pm-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays; The Chicago History Museum is free on Mondays; the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays; the Lincoln Park Zoo and Stained Glass museum are always free; The Field Museum will be free on September 9, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30th; and the Shedd Aquarium will be free on September 21, 22, 28, 29. Another great way to enjoy the sights without paying too much is by purchasing the City Pass. This coupon book will get you admission to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and either the Willis Tower or John Hancock Building – all for just $69 (versus $130 normally). This pass is available online or at any one of those location and is valid for 9 days after purchase.
Just a couple suggestions on how to get the best bang for your buck – but there are many more, so stop by and we’ll chat…
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