We decided to check out a few of these homes and signed up for a walking tour through Chicago Savvy Tours.  A great feature of this tour is that transportation is provided.  You are picked up at a central location downtown, and shuttled to the suburb of Oak Park while listening to interviews of Wright.  Starting at the Unity Temple, we were able to sit inside and learn a bit about how Wright got his start and was inspired by space and light.  Then we moved on along the sidewalks, stopping every now and then in front of a home to take pictures and learn about the history of its creation.  We were able to pick up on the themes that Wright would implement in most of his homes, and soon it became quite easy to spot his work.  We finished off the three hour tour (Did you just start singing the theme to Gilligan’s Island?) at his home & studio/gift shop, and proceeded to board the van back to the city.

Perhaps even more fascinating than his designs is his personal life.  Riddled with scandal and tragedy, Wright’s 91 years inspired numerous headlines and even novels, including Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.  Our informative tour guide lent some insight into Wright’s dark past, and I would recommend anyone interested in learning about the man behind the buildings take a guided tour versus a casual stroll on your own.  And once syou’ve become to understand Wright’s work, you will be able to pick it out everywhere, including places you have walked by for ages and never realized!

Several tour locations are offered.  To make reservations or purchase tickets, click here.

As it is an outdoor venue being held on the South Lawn, chairs and blankets are permitted.  Food and drinks are sold on site.  The Zoo grounds close at 5pm prior to the show, but will reopen again at 6pm.  The bands will go on at 7pm and 9pm, respectively.  It is strongly recommended to show up early as a line at the entrance quickly forms.  Some of the exhibits will also be open throughout the night for exploration, including the large cat house, closing with the concert at 10:30pm.

While admission the the Zoo is free, this event requires the purchase of tickets.  The good news is that all proceeds from Jammin’ at the Zoo benefit the programs and animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.  Advance purchase is recommended as the event tends to sell out, plus it saves a few dollars!  To order your tickets, click here.

I came across a bartending class in the seasonal flyer I get through the Discovery Center that peaked my interest.  It met over a span of three Mondays.  On the first day of class I provided the instructor the materials fees and we discussed what we would like to learn.  It was just me and another friend in the class, so he suggested meeting at a bar for the next class so that we could actually taste all different types of drinks and decide which we would make.  But that was the last we ever heard of him.  He took our money, did not respond to emails, and changed his phone number.  The manager of the Discovery Center eventually restructured the class and partnered with another company.  He offered to make up for the bad experience by paying for a friend and I to take the new  class.  I was hesitant at first, but figured I had nothing left to lose except some inhibitions after a few drinks.

Fellow Chic-er Colleen and I met at A-List Startenders, ready to start pouring.  Meanwhile, the rest of the students did not seem quite as enthusiastic as they all showed up late, forcing the class to start a half hour behind schedule.  If this was how the class was going to be, I was for sure going to need a drink.  Fortunately, the instructor immediately informed us that we would be sampling about 15 different cocktails (YIPPEE!!!).  I should be clear now that this class was just basic 4 hour introduction to Mixology, and if you want to become a paid bartender, they offer a 40 hour intensive class.  I just wanted to learn how to shake a martini and blend a pina colada, so this was perfect.  We were all given guidebooks that included recommended supplies for your home and key terms, as well as recipes for the drinks we would be making and a few more.  The first part of the class was taught like a college course.  We were quizzed on the terms and had to go up to the smart board in front of the class to answer questions, in addition to learning a brief history of each type of spirit we would be working with.  Then the fun began.

While the beats of club music resonated in the background, we each took a station, or “well” (A+ for me!), behind the bar, and started to make the specified drinks and cut garnishes.  All of our alcohol bottles were filled with colored water, and were purely for practice, but the teacher made an actual batch and would pour us samples after each round to taste.  After a few samples I was already starting to feel the effects.  Of all things, I was surprised to learn that Brandy Alexander was my favorite.  And not so surprisingly, I confirmed that , unlike Colleen, I am not a Whisky Girl.  I even got to learn a fire trick after all!

By the end, my classmates and I definitely all had a buzz going, which became apparent when we started dancing along to the music. Retaining information became increasingly difficult, but luckily I took notes in my booklet that I will be able to refer to in the future (that is if I can read my then sloppy handwriting).

Now that my drink repertoire has increased, and using my skills acquired from Pasta Making, I am ready to throw a dinner party.  Although, seeing as how I don’t have any dining room furniture, I wonder if the next class I should take is woodworking…

Launched in April of 2012, RecSpon offers a platform for teams to find sponsorship from neighborhood bars.  Brown, CEO of RecSpon, asked the audience of a recent tech event, “Are you sick of calling dozens of bars and venues to sponsor your recreational sports team? If so, the solution is RecSpon.”  By answering three simple questions, RecSpon outputs a list of bars that would offer a sponsorship.  Those questions are:

• What neighborhood are you playing in?
• What sport are you playing?
• Which day of the week does your league meet?

Each sponsorship is different, allowing you to find the best fit for your team.  Some bars offer to pay a percentage, or even all of the league fees, and most of the bars offer team specials on food and drinks.

Currently RecSpon is connected with over 32 bars in 8 different Chicago neighborhoods. Sponsorships are offered year round and include a large variety of sports.  Brown hopes to expand to other neighborhoods and suburbs in the near future.

For additional inquires, RecSpon can be reached at info@recspon.com.

The Green Festival, the nation’s largest environmental consumer event, is returning to Chicago for its sixth year. The festival will include a wide range of events including speakers, panel discussions, an organic beer/wine/mead tent, a dedicated children’s area, short films, yoga, workshops, and a variety of exhibitors. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. will deliver the keynote speech on Saturday, May 5th.  For a complete list of programming at the Green Festival, click here.

The exhibitor marketplace will include more than 350 eco-friendly businesses, featuring sustainable products and services.  All exhibitors have been screened for their commitment to social justice, sustainability, and ecological balance.  Additionally, Green Festival and Ford Motors are funding a $5,000 Community Green Grant that will be given to a winning local “green” community project.

To view an online version of the festival guide for more information, click here.

The festival will be located at Navy Pier, Hall A.  On Saturday, it will be open from 12pm-8pm.  On Sunday, it will be open from 11am-7pm.

Tickets to the festival range from $10 for a Day Pass purchased ahead of time to $65 for a Festival Fan Pass purchased at the door (which includes 2 All Access Passes for two days, $10 Green Festival Bucks, 2 Eco Tote Bags, 2 Recycled Fiber T-shirts, and 2 Drinks from the Beer and Wine Garden or the Cafe).  Seniors and students are eligible for reduced admission. Free admission will be given to participants 18 and younger, members of certain eco-friendly organizations (such as Sierra Club and Green America), and those who ride their bike to the event and use the bike valet.

The Sonoma in the City event will allow you to taste wines from 13 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).  More than 100 wines have been selected for the event to highlight the region’s diverse terroir and winemaking styles. In other words, you will be able to experience the unique variety of Sonoma wines without having to travel all the way across the country.  The event will include wine tasting and appetizers, in addition to the chance to find out more about Sonoma wineries from the county’s finest winemakers and grape-growers. Tastings are a wonderful opportunity to drink, eat, and mingle while learning something new.

Tickets for the event cost $36 for Visa Signature cardholders (Visa Signature is a sponsor of the event) and $40 for everyone else.

Most importantly, a portion of the ticket proceeds will go to the Almost Home Kids organization.  As stated on their website, the mission of Almost Home Kids is “to provide transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs, training for their families and respite care.”  What could be better than doing something fun for a good cause?

Sonoma in the City will take place on Tuesday, March 27th from 6pm-8:30pm at BIN 36. BIN 36 is located at 339 North Dearborn Street.

To purchase your tickets, click here.

Valerie Beck, creator of Chicago Chocolate Tours, discovered all the great chocolate shops around Chicago and wanted to share them with friends.  Eventually, she expanded her tours to the public, offering “guided walking and tasting tours to select chocolate shops, bakeries, and cafes, where guests sample, learn, and enjoy.”  Facts about the history and health benefits of chocolate are provided by their excellent tour guides (shout out to Guide Sarah!), as shop owners and managers greet the groups and share their own stories while offering samples of the specialties at each stop.

Several locations are offered for the tours, including The Magnificent Mile / Gold Coast, Lakeview, and Downtown / Loop.  I was lucky enough to take the The Magnificent Mile / Gold Coast tour, which included Teuscher Chocolates, More Cupcakes, Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafters, Sarah’s Pastries and Candies – Oak Street, and Argo - Gold Coast. It did not disappoint.  Teuscher Chocolates was the first stop, and probably my favorite.  They are know for their authentic Swiss boxes, and best of all, their Champagne Truffles.  Another top contender was Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafters, who invited us right inside their back bakery to sample their Belgium White Chocolate Loaf.  That’s right, bread with chocolate in it!  The hint of orange added a refreshing twist.

Looking to make this tour even more romantic?  The team at Chicago Chocolate Tours has a few additional suggestions here.  While public tours start at $40, I recommend bringing some extra cash, as you will have plenty of time to make purchases at each shop.  The best part about giving a tour as a gift?  The chocolate may disappear fast, but the memories last a lifetime.

Looking for something different to do on a Friday night?  Ballroom Dance Chicago is holding one of its largest events yet this Friday (January 27^th).  The dance studio will host an Annual Awards Gala to celebrate winning a 2012 “Best of Weddings” pick from The Knot in addition to continued five star reviews on websites like Yelp and Google.

The classy and entertaining event will include ballroom dancing, lessons, performances, music, champagne toasts and hors d’oeuvres.  Ballroom Dance Chicago will also premiere the winning videos of their annual Ballroom Dance Chicago Video Competition.

The gala will run from 8-10pm.  For those who enjoy more detailed event breakdowns, the timetable is as follows:

8:00 pm – Cocktails and Mingling

8:20 pm – Group Class

9:00 pm – Performances and Open Dancing

9:30 pm – Announcement of Winner for Best Video

9:45 pm – Performances and Open Dancing

The Annual Awards Gala is free for BDC students.  Newcomers can pay $10 or “like” Ballroom Dance Chicago on Facebook for free entrance.  Best of all, champagne toasts and hors d‘oeuvres are complimentary!

The gala, and the studio’s upcoming Valentine’s Latin Dance Night, are part of Ballroom Dance Chicago’s newly instituted Sips & Dips programming. Sips & Dips, intended to turn dance lessons and performances into a fun night out, started last month with a BYOB Latin Dance Party. Tickets to the Valentine’s Latin Dance Night can be purchased here.

If you plan to attend the gala, please RSVP by e-mail or phone (312-504-5866). Ballroom Dance Chicago is located at 4043 N Ravenswood Ave, Suite 105.  Gala attendees must be 21 or older.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, people are starting to purchase gifts for holiday gift-giving.  If you’re at a loss about what you should get for your roommate, family member, friend, coworker, or significant other, I invite you to consider Drink Deck.

Drink Deck is a deck of 52 playing cards – available as a physical set of cards or an app on your iPhone or Android phone.  Each playing card depicts a local bar along with the following information:

Drink Deck is available for purchase online for the cities of Chicago, Portland, and New Orleans.  To see a list of the available bars in each city, click here.  The deals are scattered across various neighborhoods, making the deck helpful if you decide that you want to try out new locales or have a mini bar crawl with friends.

One of the best parts of purchasing a Drink Deck is that, unlike some of its discount industry counterparts, the deals at the 52 included bars never expire.  Additionally, if any of the bars in your deck should go out of business, you can get a free replacement card by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Drink Deck. Android and iPhone users will get free updates whenever the physical deck is reprinted.

Skyy High Cocktail at the Lavazza Cafe on the 94th floor

I recently used Drink Deck while visiting the John Hancock Observatory with my sister and cousin.  The discount on our 94th floor drinks brought the price of our three cocktails down to $22.  Trust me when I tell you that my Skyy High Cocktail tasted even better with the knowledge that I paid less than $7.50 for it instead of the full $11 listed price.

As someone who is a big fan of non-expiring discounts, exploring the city, and always having a deck of playing cards handy, I enjoyed the Drink Deck experience and believe that there’s a good chance that you or someone you know might as well.

Chicago Chic readers can get a discount of 20% off any physical Drink Deck by using the code “ChicagoChic” during checkout before December 22nd.  To purchase a physical Drink Deck online, click here. If you want to purchase an app or view a list of retailers, click here.

“This is not your daddy’s charity event,” Legends Fight Night founder Neal Wilkinson said at the start of last Thursday’s boxing charity event at the Soldier Field United Club. “We’ve worked very hard to make this an event you’ll want to come back to.”

If the cheering of the audience was any indication, the crowd would be more than willing to make repeat appearances at the annual event.  Although Legends Fight Night has been around for years, 2011 was the first year where tickets were available to the public.  Ticket options ranged from a $250 donation for entrance to the event to a $15,000 donation which included seating for ten, bottle service, and a dedicated hostess.  The event included musical entertainment, appetizers, drinks, boxing, an auction, and the chance to rub elbows with well-known sports figures like Gale Sayers and Micky Ward, all in the name of a good cause.

Legends Fight Night started in 2003 and has continued to grow in popularity, raising over $1.6 million dollars for charities such as the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation and The Butkus Foundation.  This year, Wilkinson and the Board of Directors launched the OpenField Foundation (O.F.F.) in an effort to extend the charitable reach of Fight Night and other fundraising activities.  The goal of the O.F.F. is to support small, new, and underserved charities that address the needs of individuals in one of the following areas: Sports/Wellness, Military Veterans, and Children. Fight Night has benefited a variety of charities since its inception and will continue to do so with the help of the OpenField Foundation. The proceeds of Legends Fight Night will go towards the broad efforts of OpenField Foundation as well as two “benefactor charities” each year. The 2011 benefactor charities for Fight Night were Walking with Anthony and the Semper Fi Fund (in memory of CJ Boyd). Representatives with personal connections to both charities gave moving speeches and showed videos detailing the importance of their causes.

Donations are also given every year to a charitable organization selected by the Legend Honoree.  Each year, Legends Fight Night honors a “Legend” in the world of sports, the arts, business, or philanthropy.  The 2011 Legend Honoree was “Irish” Micky Ward, the boxer whose life was recently depicted in the Oscar-nominated film The Fighter.  In spite of Ward’s athletic accomplishments, Wilkinson pointed out that those accomplishments were not the main reason they selected him to be this year’s honoree.  “We didn’t pick him for his athletic prowess,” Wilkinson said of Ward, “but for the kind of person he is.” Micky Ward started an organization called Team Micky Ward Charities, whose goal is to provide financial assistance to children and families in need to help improve their everyday quality of life.