Chicago’s Own Restaurant Show “Check, Please!”
Everyone’s fav chicago food show is the long time award winning “Check, Please!” so it is with great honor that I announce that rockit bar & grill was featured on the show this week! click here for our feature – http://tr.im/M3yA. (secretly I have been dying to be on this show forever, so really psyched!)
This popular restaurant review program takes three everyday people who have each picked their favorite restaurant which each in the group have to visit.. and then critique amongst eachother along w/ the fabulous host my good buddy alpana signh.
Since its premiere in 2001, the show has become a huge success in the Chicagoland area, winning several local Emmy awards building a waiting list to be on the show exceeding 27,000 people! I also hear they may be expanding and taking the show on the road? No matter how big it gets, I will always love it because it started in chicago, by Chicagoans, for Chicagoans,… for more info go to www.wttw.com/checkplease
Grammy Red Carpet, My Bday & The Chicago Recording Academy!
If follow me on twitter you got to join me on the red carpet at the grammys last weekend! Every year I find it exciting, but this year with twitter I was surprised to see how many were loving the tweet pics I sent in real time- couldn’t believe the numbers of hits from you all! Thank you! Anyway, w/the responses from you all I got a ton of requests for video of the chaos so cut and pasted some together here! Pretty crazy huh… so random…
Shout out to buddies common, Giuliana rancic, black eyed peas,.. who were super fun to hang out with on the carpet… as well as nick cannon who you will see as well in the video who is actually coming out to chicago next week for his wife mariah carey’s performances at the chicago theatre and to dj my “twitter/blog one year birthday party” that you all requested! Amazing timing I know- His wife is performing down the street, he was my blog launch dj a year ago,.. it all just makes sense!
And omg I can’t believe its been one year, I learned a ton and have enjoyed blogging here and tweeting w/ all of you so much- thank you for the opportunity and I promise way more fun to come! So speaking of fun, my twitter/blog bday party is Saturday February 13th at the underground! Trust me, this will be one party you do no want to miss!!! (comment below for big requests for tables, vip list,… will do our best)
Oh, and one last huge shout out, the recording academy that is responsible for the grammys has a tremendously respected and all around amazing chicago chapter right here in our own backyard that anyone remotely interested in the music industry needs to check out and be a part of- I have enjoyed it for years and highly suggest it! For more info go to http://www2.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Chicago/
Chicago Equinox Cycle for Survival to Fight Cancer
Come out to celebrate the first annual Cycle for Survival race in Chicago! Cycle for Survival began in 2007 by Equinox member Jennifer Goodman Linn, who had been diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer. She credits her exercise regimen at Equinox gym with helping her get through her battle with cancer.
Over the past 3 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for cancer research with over 2,000 participants. Past proceeds have funded a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan-Kettering resulting in a new chemotherapy regimen that has proven more effective at shrinking tumors in patients.
The Chicago event will take place on Saturday, February 6 at the Equinox in the Loop and will consist of 100 teams, each with up to 8 members. I’m especially proud to say that the rockit ranch family will have its own team participating in the event! To donate to the fundraiser through our team click http://tr.im/MPjZ Hope to see you all there!
February Free Days at Art Institute Chicago
I’m goingIn LA recovering from Grammys last nite and got a tweet from my pals at The Art Institute of Chicago about it being free the entire month of February and had to spread the news! Seriously, one of the most world class cultural & art experiences right here in our own backyard- when is the last time you visited?! (Its been too long for me- I’m going!)
My Goorin hat secret now in Chicago!
For years now I have secretly been getting some of my coolest hats from this unique little shop in L.A. called “goorin” every time I happen to be out there- and now everyone can enjoy them because they opened a shop right here in bucktown, chicago! Speaking of, there is a superfun opening party there this Saturday night the 30th from 5p-9p w/drinks, snacks, live music,.. and 1st peak at all the killer hats (w/vip discounts for guests) for all to enjoy! (check this video of their other store having a party and imagine what it will be like w/the coolest faces in chicago there- you need to go!)
And Outside of the actual hats being very cool, described as “archetypal pieces, with a unique twist of flare,” I have to say I have mad respect for their store design, the veteran chicago crew they picked to launch here with (say hi to drew when go!) & the history of the company which has been around for over 115years! I honestly don’t want to tell you all about it when it would be way more fun for all to hit this party Saturday night and take in what I have been loving secretly for years, yourself! Enjoy and tweetpic me hats you are trying on if can- I need ideas for what kind of hat to wear to the grammys the next night!
Goorin chicago is located at 1533 N Milwaukee… for more info go to www.goorin.com or 773.384.4287
Illinois Film Office Sponsors Sundance Event & has a reel!
The major reason why I go to sundance each year, and to other events around the country like the grammys in l.a. this wknd & the superbowl in miami the next, is to make sure our city/state has a presence when the “best” come together & all the action happens- networking, showing support, reminding people chicago rocks & they should visit, and to sell our culture & community as world class to build friendships & business for all… just like I did this last weekend w/our Illinois film office… as you can see in this video!
Granted this particular video is silly, off the cuff, but you can definitely see we traveled to work & send a message (amongst all the other silly party things you might hear about from me on twitter at 2am). In this video i am w/ Betsy Steinberg the director of the Illinois film office (along with a handful of other energetic & supportive Chicagoans like buddies brook jay of atp & mike mcgrath of mcgrath lexus). How great is it that she (on behalf of our state/city) sponsored one of the most anticipated events at one of the most respected artistic festivals in the world, the “variety magazine top 10 directors to watch at sundance!”
Make sure to check out our Illinois “reel” at end w/ all the cool celebs & movies we have had here, the incentives we give people to film here, me trying to get info out of her about who’s coming next,… and all kinds of fun… all while showing the greatest media, directors, producers, and actors, like Philip Seymour hoffman who was being honored that night, that we are highly desirable and inviting in the industry & passionate about making a huge contribution to greatness! (btw, I got to reconnect w/ Philip Seymour hoffman about our last lunch together a couple years ago and he is actually in chi directing at Goodman- we’re having dinner next week- will catch up with more to promote his new project out here nxt wk. Enjoy and thx 4 the support il film office!
Sundance Celebrity Party Performers Live!
Women in Film Chicago 2010 Kick Off Party!
If you are following me on twitter you know I have been running behind the VIP scenes at Sundance (if not, click here)! last night for example, I was invited to hear one of “variety magazine’s top 10 directors to watch” ms. floria sigismond,i speak about her amazing new film “the runaways” w/ Kristen Stewart & Dakota Fanning! It made me think a lot about women in Film, so thought I would throw a shout out to them today!
My Chicago buddy Selina hood, from bridges media group who I won my EMMY with, introduced me to an excellent group actually called “Women in Film” (wif) who for the last 30yrs has been building a global community of film, television, advertising and digital media professionals. WIF is actually the preeminent organization (the group boasts 6800 members just in the US with 12,000 internationally!) for the advancement of women in these industries.
Being so impressed and wanting to support, we helped to host the 2010 Women in Film Chicago Kick-Off Party at The Underground this Thursday the 28th. I also want to support (and hope you do too) because…
Chicago Music Awards this Weekend!
In the 29th year since it’s inception, the Chicago Music Awards has featured and honored some of the most acclaimed artist in the history music, including : Kanye West, Smashing Pumpkins, Lou Rawls, Chaka Khan, Robert Townsend, R Kelly, Jennifer Hudson, Curtis Mayfield, Buddy Guy, The Mighty Dells, Jerry Butler, Oscar Brown Jr., Albertina Walker, Ramsey Lewis, Dick Buckley, Sir George Solti, The Chi-Lites, Pop Staples, Patty Jo Timmons and Von Freeman – to name a few.
The CMA’s were founded by Ephraim Martin of Martin’s International Culture (who also produces the International Reggae & World Music Awards). He originally set out in the early ‘90’s as a not-for-profit group trying to promote African/Caribbean music, arts and culture. Not before long, he realized that there was already a wealth of all kinds of great culture and music right in his own town of sweet home chicago, thus the CMA’s we born.
The Chicago Music Awards take to the stage again this Sunday the 24th at the Alhambra Palace where you can see Chicago’s own Wilco and Jeremih perform live. Check out info and get your tix at www.martinsinterculture.com
Chicago Big Brother Jeff Schroeder heading for Amazing Race
shout out to my new chicago buddy, Big Brother Season 11’s Jeff Schroeder – who was just announced as a contestant on the next Amazing Race…check out story at….http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/bio/jordan_and_jeff_16/bio.php?season=16
i also attached a random video clip of us in the kitchen of Rockit Wrigley during the Haiti Fundraiser I hosted with Bachelorette, Jillian Harris last saturday where the possible new show was mentioned… congrats man and thanks for getting more chitown representation out there!
A Karaoke Fundraiser to Fight Hunger
Its tomorrow! And we need you there! Serious- Its only a $20 donation & I am buying drinks & food from 9-10p, at rockit Wrigley- so stop by and support! I have been talking about helping Haiti & hunger locally on radio & tv all week- see past couple posts- my video of me on drex & Mancow live are particularly impactful- and the video here where I am on tv Comcast sportsnet / chicago tribune live was one of the more calmer ones where not so rushed, and could explain more.
All proceeds benefit the chicago food depository, chicago’s nonprofit food bank working to end hunger where new records for individual pantry visits in recent months are up almost 20% versus a year ago- and sadly- donations are down!
So you know, the poverty rates for cook county (14.8%) & chicago (20.6%) continue to rise and are higher than the national average (13.2%). the unemployment rate in cook county was 10.7% in november, 4% higher than last year (6.7 percent). obviously times are tough for all, but w/ hunger & starvation in our own community & neighborhoods, we need to all help… so please join me at my karaoke fundraiser tmrw/friday night by rsvp’ing to info@rockitwrigley.com .. see you there and thank you!
Support Haiti vs/& Home Live on Mancow WLS Radio
Friend of mine on twitter @stealx & a ton of others hit me during my interview on Mancow wls radio Friday expressing how much of a stressful scary situation I was caught live on air! Well, I got it on video for those that missed it. Did my best- was a little thrown off- but got my point across- we need to support both!
Thanks to all who supported jillian harris from “the bachlorette” & I with our Haiti benefit, and please all, support the hungry here in the chicagoland area as well by joining me this Friday night – drinks and food on me from 9-10pm with the party lasting all night long! details on yesterdays blog post, or simply click here…. Oh, and btw, will be back on Mancow this Friday, follow me on twitter and will shoot the time out when hit the studio.
Fight Hunger in Chicago-Support The Chicago Food Depository
If you follow me on twitter & facebook, you may recall a couple weeks ago I asked for suggestions on how I can help fight hunger in chicago- and everyone jumped on it w/ amazing suggestions! Thank you all- hope you will also jump on spreading the word, supporting, helping,.. joining me w/ the following fundraising efforts we crafted to fight hunger!
all this week at both rockit locations we’re serving up amazing gourmet chili at “chilifest” ending in a big blow out karaoke party I’m hosting this Friday night (1/22) at rockit Wrigley from 9p-10p – drinks and food on me … with proceeds from both to benefit the greater chicago food depository who are Chicago’s nonprofit food bank working to end hunger where new records for individual pantry visits in recent months are up almost 20% versus a year ago- and sadly- donations are down!
The poverty rates for Cook County (14.8%) & Chicago (20.6%) continue to rise and are higher than the national average (13.2%). The unemployment rate in Cook County was 10.7% in November, 4% higher than last year (6.7 percent). Obviously times are tough for all, but w/ hunger & starvation in our own community & neighborhoods, we need to all help… so please join me at my karaoke fundraiser especially on Friday night by rsvp’ing to info@rockitwrigley.com! (click “read more” below for more info)
Live on KISS FM w/ Drex about Chicago Haiti Support
Chicago, and the U.S. in general, has really done an amazing job to support the victims in Haiti in this tremendous time of need – as discussed in this behind the scenes video of me & Drex live in KISS radio this morning, in case didn’t catch it. In the end, real dollars sent is what matters right now – at any level – and motivating people to join you. See my last post for a number of ways that can help….thx all
“Bachelorette” Jillian Harris & Billy Dec TweetNMeet Fundraiser Party to Benefit Haiti
Sounds random I know- long story short- my buddy jillian & I had a tweetnmeet party set for our twitter followers this Saturday- many friends on twitter and facebook asked me to use my network, venues, ideas,… whatever I could, to host a fundraising event fast to immediately help victims in Haiti. I quickly proposed to jillian that we turn our tweetnmeet into a fundraiser- not only to raise money quick, but to work with our network to call people to action fast- it was a no brainer for both of us- and its on-
We are hosting our tweetnmeet/fundraiser event this Saturday January 16th at rockit Wrigley (3700 n clark) to benefit the redcross/haiti. drinks & apps on us from 9-10p where we are asking for $20 minimum at the door. If can’t make it early, of course come when can, donations accepted until we close at 2am. Info & rsvp at info@rockitwrigley.com
If can’t come at all, please spread the word any way you can, as that’s half the battle, and try to make a donation to any of the many other options that exist out there. I have pulled together some suggeestions off my facebook, twitter & the internet- sure there are way more out there- but hopefully this is a good start- thanks all- and good luck-
The American Red Cross has set up a text message donation account enabling anyone in the US to text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the recovery effort. The fully deductible donation will be billed to your mobile phone account.
YELE.ORG or text ‘YELE’ to ‘501501′ and a donation will be made and charged to your cell phone bill
American Red Cross redcross.org; 800-RED-CROSS
CARE care.org; 800-521-CARE
Catholic Relief Services crs.org; 800-736-3467
Operation USA opusa.org; 800-678-7255
Salvation Army salvationarmyusa.org; 800-SAL-ARMY
U.S. Fund for UNICEF unicefusa.org; 800-FOR-KIDS
World Vision worldvision.org; 866-280-6587
Le passage fri 1/15 6p-9p accepting donations of all kinds, buddy joel barnes donating tips at bar too
Saturday at 7pm. Let’s buy every bottle of water in the Chi and bless our brothers and sisters in Haiti. 2950 W Washington. 7pm (Boys and Girls Club of Chicago)
Soul Veg (chicago) is collecting non-perishable vegan food clothing etc. 4 Haiti humanitarian relief call 773 224 0104
@ChicagoRedCross fundraising effort in your Chicago home/business for #Haiti, contact 312-729-6120 / ChicagoFD@usa.redcross.org
@WholeFoodsCHI Whole Foods Market Chicago If you are looking to support a local group helping with Haiti earthquake relief, please… http://bit.ly/6DMwCX
@MonicaGaspard: ATTN CHICAGO: Relief efforts for Haiti local changed to the LEVY CENTER 7:30p 300 Dodge Ave Evanston anybody wanna go?
@gslivingston: Save Haiti! Press Conf. & Prayer Vigil – Today @ 5pm RainbowPUSH Headquarters – 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago
Video of Half Price Tuesday Night Ice Skating at Wrigley Field!
The chicago entertainment, fashion & hospitality industry comes out to rockit Wrigley every Tuesday night to eat, drink, network & party- then someone put a rink out across the street in front of Wrigley field- and then this all happened… watch the video, it speaks for itself…. And share it! Haha!
Wonder what it’s like to do live Chicago radio? Here’s the behind the scenes…
After being a guest on a ton of talk shows last week from oprah radio to wgn 720am live… a bunch of people hit me with great questions on twitter intrigued about what its like to do live radio shows for millions (which totally freaked me out while on air) so I thought I would flip my cam on and show you what its like visually! If want to hear the whole audio interview click here. Fyi, this interview was part of a new segment on 720am where www.ChicagoNow.com bloggers shout out a whole lot of fun Saturdays from 9a-12p- so tune in!
As for my upcoming press dates, this week I am at this same location doing bob sirott’s show at exactly 12:35p during most people’s lunch hour so please walk by the infamous wgn radio tribune tower glass and wave hi to us! (If anyone stages a flash mob I will celebrate you- haha!). Will be talking about the fun cub-aholic fan party we are doing this Thursday night at rockit Wrigley with media hosting like my buddy david kaplan (from trib, Comcast sportsnet tv, radio,…),some cub player friends (it’s a secret for now who’s coming), a ton of fans who miss the cubs,… all to kick off the cub convention this weekend! I’m also on Mancow this Friday 9am to talk about my fight against hunger with a fun karaoke party on Friday 1/22 from 8p-10p benefiting the chicago food depository… please tune in!
(oh, and rumors are true- my 1ST tweet N meet got rave reviews to point that some are making me do it again! Especially those that missed the first one- so it’s this sat 1/16 9-10p contact katierose@rockitranch.com)
Your Social Media Voice is Making a Difference
Heating up Chicago w/ Grandma’s Goulash!
Chicago is a family loving melting pot! And I love when that melting pot is shared to bring warmth to all of us… with that, I really enjoyed this story in the chicago suntimes today featuring my chef’s grandma’s secret Hungarian goulash recipe that was brought to America and is now shared with us all in chicago (click here for full story, or enjoy my fav highlights w/ the recipe below)… hope you enjoy & share too!
“The heat is on, with spices in the mix
BY SEANAN FORBES
my 1st chicago tweet ‘n meet party!
Alright all my friends on facebook, twitter & www.aChicagothing.com, you asked for it, let’s have a party!
Yes, I took down all your suggestions & requests on what you would want at this party, and yes, the party will have it! (well, a majority of it, some of the requests were completely silly & ridiculous, go figure!)
Here are some details:
-It’s this Saturday night, January 9th from 9p-2a @RockitWrigley (3700 N. Clark) w/ some of my favorite rock mashup djs, musical performers, fun friends, and more!
-there will be a private reception from 9p-10p for my followers on twitter w/specialty drinks & hors d’oeuvres! To attend from 9p-10p you and your guests (who better be fun!) must be following me on www.twitter.billydec.com and RSVP to KatieRose@RockitRanch.com asap as space is limited!
-for those like me who want a table for dinner at rockit before the party, Katie rose can accommodate you as well- enjoy and see you there!
**UPDATED January 12th, 2010 : My first Tweet ‘N Meet party was such a success (and I know some of you missed it) that I’m doing another this Saturday – all the info for this weekend is the same above!**
