Food

Chicago had thousands of people ready to start a revolution this weekend, and I’m not just talking about the NATO Summit! Saturday, May 19th was celebrity Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day, a global event that took place in 488 cities around the world!

Summer is actually here...and I think it's here to stay! The weather for this Saturday is looking great! So far…it’s looking like it’ll be warm, sunny and in the 80’s, a perfect day to come to Elmhurst’s 24th Annual Pet Parade! An event put on by the Spring Road Business Association and the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, this is one fun family filled event that you want to come to!

In 2009, All Pro, Former Chicago Bear, Jerry Azumah and I attended a charity event at the House of Blues for President Bill Clinton. During our visit with the former White House resident, President Clinton said something that would stick with me forever. He mentioned contributions from American households comprise 75% of all giving to nonprofits every year. I looked at my friend and event co-chair, Jerry and smiled knowing the work we did for the Azumah Student Assistance Program (ASAP) that included small donations from our tight and influential network, was a piece of that 75% and our efforts were a part of a bigger picture. A picture that includes over 1,300 listed charities in the Chicagoland area alone!

The CANstruction A-CAN-emy Awards & Gala was last night at Merchandise Mart and it was such a fun event! I attended and wanted you to give you readers a behind the scenes experience… so click away! As you know from our previous entry, CANstruction is a unique charity event that raises donations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository by having teams build amazing creations out of cans and other food items. It is the largest donation of food in a single food drive in the city of Chicago – pretty impressive!

I love the city of Chicago! No, really I do. Especially in the summer time! There’s always something going on, right? Well, if you didn’t know that and find yourself bored on the weekends you can look forward to festival season. It’s quickly approaching and the city and burbs (yes, I know it’s suburbs) offer a variety of activities during the warm months. From the middle of May till the end of September, you can catch something every weekend.

Love crawfish? Love Louisiana? Love a good time? Well, you’re in luck! It’s that time of year again when the Louisiana Bayou comes to Lincoln Park! McGee’s Tavern & Grille is hosting their 23rd Annual Headsucker’s Ball; Chicago’s nal crawfish boil. Over 2,000 lbs. of crawfish, straight from the Louisiana Bayou, will be boiled with McGee’s secret blend of spices and herbs, corn, Andouille sausage and red potatoes. For just $20 in advance, ($25 at the door for you more spontaneous folks), you can enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, red beans & rice, gumbo and jambalaya! Also look for drink specials throughout the day, because who doesn’t need a cold one to wash down all those crawfish?

Think about all the Diet Coke and beer cans we throw away each day- always thought they were useless trash, right? Wrong! Look no further than the work of local architects, designers, engineers and construction workers who are turning cans into pieces of art right here in Chicago! Not only are these cans art, they’re lifesavers, too! Who would have thought?!

Hey Readers! It’s Sarah Vargo from Maven and Social Gravity. Are you looking to help children and travel through time while simultaneously mingling with Chicago’s non-profit, fashion and social scene? Look no further…One Hope United’s “Eras of Hope” event is this Saturday at Mercedes at 1520 West North Avenue, 7-11PM. One Hope United is celebrating a 117-year history of protecting children and strengthening families with this inaugural fashion event. April is Child Abuse Prevention month. We are gathering to raise awareness and funds to support One Hope United’s efforts to prevent these horrific events from happening, or happening again.

The Wieners Circle has been my fav go to places to enjoy w/ friends (like me & Jude Law above) since I was in 5th grade!  Born & raised 3blks away, I remember walking w/my fam or friends once a week to rent VHS tapes next door, and I always got a cheddar cheese fry & chardog to go!  Back then they didn't scream obnoxious profanities at customers who love it like they do now, but their food hasn't changed a bit and is still the best!  That killer combo of great food & entertainment (or abuse) is probably why they just landed their own reality TV show that premieres tonight on Tru TV at 9 p.m.! Support & watch it!

I think it’s fair to say that St. Patty’s day is THE Chicago holiday. The river runs green, parades take over the streets, and the bars all open at 9am… sold! I’ve been planning since February, and I’m literally counting the minutes until the celebrations start. In case you don’t have your Chi-rish plans yet for Friday nigh though, here’s the perfect way to get yourself ready for the Saturday festivities. Tullamore Dew, One of Ireland's finest whiskeys, is throwing the ultimate ‘Irish True’ St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!