frankly speaking

It was the last Monday of the month, which for me means my CEC meeting. Tonight we dined at Benny’s Chop House on Wabash, just north of the River. It was a chic Steak House. I loved the towering birch branches and crystals as you enter. Service as impeccable, and food was great. Menu was:
Cocktail Hour featured, Spinach and Cheese Quiche, Crab Cakes, Beef Satay and Vegetable Caesar Rolls. The wines featured this evening were a Stella Pinot Grigio, Umbria Italy 2008 and a Edge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2008. I am not a big Cab fan, but really liked this one. Nice body, and flavor. Not too heavy. Dinner was totally ordered tableside. First course was a choice of Lobster Bisque (loved it, not heavy) Grilled Romaine with Lemon Vinaigrette or a Spinach Salad with Egg and Nueske Smoked Bacon. Entree Selections were Wild Mushroom Ricotta Raviioli with Brandy Parmigiano Sauce, Broiled Jumbo Lake Superior Whitefish, Wisconsin Kurobuta Pork Chop or a 12 Oz. USDA Prime New York Strip Steak. My entire table went for the strip! Dinner was delcicous. We finished with a choice of Homemade Ice creams and Sorbets, Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with Fresh Berries, and a Chocolate Layer Cake w/ Chocolate Sauce. I brought mine home to split with Shawn. I was stuffed, and only ate half my Steak. Fenwick will enjoy some tomorrow. Another Great CEC Evening spent with the tops of Chicago’s Event Industry. Many of our usual members were not here, as they are attending CaterSource in Las Vegas. They missed a good one! On to next months Meeting at Gallery 1028.

I lunched today with Denise Malloy, Private Dining Room Manager at Smith and Wollensky. This would be such an awesome place for a Rehearsal Dinner, a small wedding, or any celebration. There private spaces are multiple, everything from 6 to 150. I especially loved the “Chef’s Table” room, adjacent to the kitchen so you can see all the action. I even got to see the “aging” process of the meat. So cool. Lunch was great, and I know I will be back for dinner. They are doing “Wine Week” coming up, and am sure to come in again for lunch and dinner this this week with MY name all over it.

Here is the segment I did this morning on NBC. http://www.nbcchicago.com/station/as-seen-on/What_to_Expect_For_The_Royal_Wedding_Chicago-116530843.html

Catch me on the Chicago NBC Morning news on Saturday Feb 19th at 9am. I will be discussing how the Royal Wedding is impacting the US Wedding market, as well as giving my predictions on what we can expect to see.

I have always been fan of her bags..so unique and different. Actually had one bride who wanted to carry one instead of a bouquet.. one of these would have been PERFECT.

Swarovsky crystal, white floral and lots of bling to capture the “Ice” theme.

I was thrillled to be awarded Special Event Magazines coveted GALA Award in the category of Best Wedding, Budget over $1000.00 per guest. It was for a wedding I did at the Four Seasons on May 1st. Some of my favorite hightlights were Glowing Individual Ice Sculpture that held each guests Intermezzo, A doughnut machine, and the World’s Fasted Etch a Sketch Artist that did portraits of each guest on Custom Silver Etch A Sketchs. For photos, page back to Michele and Tom Get married in Early may. I can’t download any photos to my blog.. We are looking into why!