frankly speaking

Tonight was the first meeting of the season of the Catering Executives Club. We were hosted at Gibson’s.  It was great to see old and new Colleagues and catch up.  Dinner was wonderful. We started with a house salad, then were offered a choice of Filet Mignon, Salmon or Tilapia.  Since I don’t eat steaks often, I indulged.  It was served with a Twice baked potato (with melted cheese) and selection of Steakhouse Vegetables.

Dessert was beyond HUGE.  Insanely Huge.  Choice of Turtle Ice Cream pie, or carrot cake. They gave us a piece of each, but I passed.�

Today I lunched with one of my favorite past Mothers of the Bride. (who shared with me she is going to be a grandmother!)  at Tony Mauntano’s new eaterie Terzo Piano at the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute.  I have seen the space prior to opening while taking a pre tour while the Modern Wing was still under construction, and then saw the finished product while touring the wing on members day, prior to opening to the public. 

Delightful.  We both had a Vegetable and Tomato Soup, and split one of their flatbreads with fresh basil, tomatoes and Chorizo.  Chef then sent over a whitefish spread with garlic cracker, and Mussels, grilled and topped with flavored breadcrumbs.  Service and Food was wonderful.  I would expect nothing less, as my experiences at Tony’s other eateries, Spiaggia and Spiaggia Cafe are always top notch. 

The decor is simple.  White tables, with white placemats, and larger winged plastic chairs.  Very modern and sleek.  You can also dine outside on the terrace facing Millennium Park.  What a great place to take a break from seeing the hundreds of works of art in the AI.  (and members save 10%). 

I have been a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants for going on I think now my 17th Year.  I attended my first conference in Nashville Tennesee.  I sat there knowing nobody, and had done one day of officially paid wedding officially as a business.  I’ve learned and grown alot in all this time. I am humbled and honored to be the keynote speaker at this year’s conference.  Please look and listen to the video promoting this year’s conference.  The conference has changed alot in the last few years, and really gives members so much.  http://www.weddingvideo.com/page.aspx?pgid=11&vid=243

Most people think I only do the huge, over the top, big budget weddings. Yes, mainly I do, but every so often I do take a smaller wedding, as I just love the couple so much I want to help. Her is a pic of last week’s wedding for Katie and Cade, at the Drake Hotel. It was just lovely!

I was asked by the University (I attended 25 years ago for my degree in Business) to sit on a focus group for this new Major!  They asked leaders in the Event Industry to discuss what we felt is relavant in the event industry with respect to the cirriculum for this program.  There were reps from Hotels, Meeting Planners, Corporate Events, Event Production companies, just to name a few who discussed what we felt were important and relative topics and what we would like to see the students study.  It was a very productive afternoon. 

I was honored to be asked to be part of this.  My, DePaul has sure grown.  When I went there was only one building downtown. Since then, they have taken over and renovated the old Wiebolt’s Store on State Street. For more inforamation hospitality.depaul.edu

The grand staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago.  What a great place for a wedding ceremony.  Guests then enjoyed touring the impressionist gallery during coctails.

Just spent the afternoon meeting with the gals at Trump Hotel. Monica Lotter their Director of Catering and Aristene Aurand, their Senior Sales Rep (who I have have done NUMEROUS weddings with over the years). We needed to go over details for a few upcoming weddings including an awesome New Years Wedding they are hosting for one my clients.

They surprised and we met on their outdoor terrace, with one of the most specutaular views of the city. We noshed on Lamb Sliders, Tuna Tartare and Cuban Nachos while we detailed the upcoming events. What a specuatualar afternoon. What an awesome spot for lunch, or after work cocktails and light supper. If you have not been, you must. And their Restaurant 16, is amazing. I surprised two of my dear friends on their 10th anniversary with a bottle of Champagne, that was delivered w/ my handwritten note from Shawn and I to their table. I also hear their Sunday Brunch is also a wow.