By Chelsea Harvey

We have had a mild beginning to winter, now it seems winter has decided to ‘show up and show out.’ Brrrrrrrr, being a Chicagoan, I have not let it stop me—that is right! It has been a busy, yet fun few months and I wanted to fill you in on all of it!

Dinner and a show at The Promontory

They offer a great concert venue as well as an amazing dining experience all in one spot! I chose to check out Chicago’s own Terisa Griffin and her big sister Mary Griffin. It was a sold out performance and they kept us dancing from the moment they hit the stage until the very end! Now back to the food!

Scallops with popcorn grits at The Promontory

We were treated to sit at the Chef’s counter to be able to have an up-close dining experience, which was fabulous. Some of the items, just to name a few, were the 22-ounce ribeye, scallops, and eye-catching chocolate mousse. This is a perfect date night experience and the fact that it is near my home made it a PLUS!

First Look for Charity

First Look for Charity’s media preview event, held at McGrath Dealership.
There were a variety of people in attendance from reporters, publishers, bloggers, and social media influencers.

Bites from Catered by Design

All gathered to sample scrumptious bites from a handful of highly acclaimed, Chicago-based chefs as well as to hear from the Chicago Automobile Trade Association about what we should expect from this year’s auto show. First Look for Charity is the premiere gala event of the winter and what makes it even more special is that over the last 28 years, this black-tie event has helped raise more than $50 million for 18 different local charities. Another thing that makes this event so special is that it takes place the day before the auto show opens to the public.

Cointreau Art of The Cocktail Studio

Cointreau Art of The Cocktail Studio hosted by Katie Renshaw of Etta Restaurant.
I was super thrilled to add it to my calendar! Katie is the recent winner of the Art of the Mix event Cointreau cocktail challenge! I was also excited to learn how to make my very own Cointreau Margarita as well as Katie’s winning cocktail! Cheers!

Rémy Martin 1738, smoked black tea, Meyer lemon oil, candied Meyer lemon, house bitters

Experiential Dinner by The House of Remy Martin held at Pilsen’s Monnie Burkes
Chef Noah Jackson and Lance Bowman mixologist did not disappoint, they treated the guest to an amazing menu from white sturgeon caviar, duck prosciutto, waygu carpaccio to name a few that also were accompanied by a cocktail pairing.

Perfume Curating Session

I took part in a perfume curating session with the assistance of Chicago Perfumer and owner of HIVE luxury fragrance brand, Bambi Montgomery. I was able to make my own personal fragrance as Bambi gracefully guided us through the divine process of discovery—the blending of notes, creating something just for me!

L-r: Myself, Bambi Montgomery, Barbara Bates and others taking part in the perfume curating a session

Which I must admit I was pleasantly surprised and LOVE my fragrance. She will be hosting these events throughout Chicago so make sure to be on the lookout and check it out!

Chicago Sinfonietta

Chicago Sinfonietta concert to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It was an amazing performance, which kicked off with a speech by Northern Trust’s own EVP and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity & Inclusion, Connie Lindsey. Former Project Inclusion Freeman Conducting Fellows, Kellen Gray, and Kedrick Armstrong helmed the podium for a breakout performance. In addition, a spoken word performance of Dr. King’s speeches had the audience, myself included, mesmerized.

 

The Opening of Bureau UIC

I checked out the newly opened Bureau Restaurant and Bar, it is located in the heart of University Village on Maxwell Street.

L-r: Deana Lewis, Myself, Chef Taylor Mason, Tarneka Manning, Karen Tolbert, and Deborah Farmer

The menu boasts to offer modern twists on traditional soul food. Chef Taylor Mason took us on a culinary voyage, which we truly enjoyed. Various flavors that did not disappoint. This space will also offer live music and a DJ, which while we were there they were definitely jamming!

Follow Chelsea Harvey on Instagram: @Chi-GirlAboutTown