Kenny Johnson Jr., http://www.kennyjohnsonjr.com/, is a candidate for State Representative of the 26th District of Illinois in the February 2008 election.
Events:
Meet the Candidates Political Cocktails
January 31, 2008, 6pm -9:30 pm
Spinning Hip-Hop & House All Night. 1/2 off food
Location: Victor Hotel, 311 N. Sangamon, Chicago, IL
Free w/RSVP: rsvp@chicagopoliticalcocktails.com
1/15/08 Fundraiser at Blu 47, 4655 S. King Drive, Chicago 60653 from 6pm to 9pm (suggested donation $50). Special performance by Terisa Griffin and Coco Brown and special guest Napoleon Harris from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
DW's Loop
“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”
Thursday
Black Book Chicago Launch Party presented by Tony Macey, Trigger & Z
Manor
642 N Clark
10pm - 2am
Hennessy Cocktails from 10pm - 11pm
Featuring special guest DJ Clinton Sparks
RSVP to info@manorchicago.com for guest list
Friday
3 Degrees Global & Aid to the SouLLess presents “After the Rain” Video Shoot
“After the Rain” is produced by Mr. David Broom and 3Degrees Global's Julius the Mad Thinker.
Sonotheque Nightclub
1444 W Chicago
9pm – 2am
Free before 10pm, $10 after
www.3degreesglobal.com
Saturday
Booze Clues @ The Motel Bar
600 W Chicago Ave
6pm - 7pm
$25
Concoct a killer martini at an interactive cocktail class.
Includes gift bags filled with cocktail recipes and goodies.
Sunday
Jazz Brunch featuring "Corey Wilkes "
Sankofa's Cultural Arts & Business Center
5820 W Chicago Ave
11am- 2pm
Tickets $28
Details call (773) 626- 4497
TICKETS &SEATING ARE LIMITED!
RSVP TO: candidjazzconcerts@yahoo.com
Cocktail for the Week
Jamaican Me Crazy
1 oz Rum
1 oz Malibu rum
1 oz Banana liqueur
Add 1 splash Cranberry juice
Add 1 splash Pineapple juice
Instructions: Stir in a mixing glass.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
DW's Loop
“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”
Friday
Fashion Fridays @ Krem
1750 N. Clark
$200 Effen table service, $100 Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, 1/2 off food.
http://www.kremchicago.com
Saturday
National Asian Promoters Ball Three Hosted by Model Keilani
Ontourage
157 W Ontario
10pm – 4am
Comp admission all night with password: MADPOISON
www.myspace.com/asiannightlifeconference
Sunday
BMC Presents Barbara Tucker ("Beautiful People", "Stay Together", "I Get Lifted")
Club 720
720 N Wells
10pm-4am
$10 VIP/$20 door
DJ: Ron Carroll
myspace.com/bmcfamily
Cocktail for the Week
Metropolis
5 oz Vodka
2 oz Blue Curacao
1 oz Razzmatazz (raspberry schnapps)
1/2 oz Cranberry vodka
In a shaker, combine Vodka and Blue Curacao. Chill until cloudy. Pour into martini glass. Tilt glass and pour in raspberry schnapps (will sink to the bottom). Float cranberry vodka on top. This will give you levels of color: red - blue - purple.
Friday, January 18, 2008
5 Star Dining in Phila
I recently traveled to Phila for business and had 2 exquisite dining experiences.
FORK
Fork is a New American Bistro restaurant and bar located in Philadelphia's Old City. Fork's interior is hip and elegant (and small, so call in advance for reservations because you will need them). I had the baby arugula salad, pan seared salmon, and the white chocolate-cinnamon brioche bread pudding aside Tahitian vanilla gelato. If your mouth is not watering it should be. Mine is watering just remembering this scrumptious meal. My colleagues were equally enthused about their meals. I found Fork to be the perfect ending to a long day. You'll love it for any occasion. 5 Stars, $$$
306 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 625-9425
STRIPED BASS
As the name suggests Striped Bass is a seafood restaurant and bar. The dining room is striking. Formerly a brokerage house, Striped Bass has many of the original architectural details, including 28 foot ceilings, grand marble columns, and a metal striped bass sculpture. The space is warmed by an open kitchen, subdued lighting from stunning crystal chandeliers, and earth toned furniture, floors, and carpets.
At Striped Bass your favorite seafood is fresh, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented to you by knowledgeable and friendly staff. I particularly recommend any of the yellow fin tuna or lobster dishes. But whatever your choice, my guess is you will be pleased. 5 Stars, $$$$
1500 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 732-4444
FORK
Fork is a New American Bistro restaurant and bar located in Philadelphia's Old City. Fork's interior is hip and elegant (and small, so call in advance for reservations because you will need them). I had the baby arugula salad, pan seared salmon, and the white chocolate-cinnamon brioche bread pudding aside Tahitian vanilla gelato. If your mouth is not watering it should be. Mine is watering just remembering this scrumptious meal. My colleagues were equally enthused about their meals. I found Fork to be the perfect ending to a long day. You'll love it for any occasion. 5 Stars, $$$
306 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 625-9425
STRIPED BASS
As the name suggests Striped Bass is a seafood restaurant and bar. The dining room is striking. Formerly a brokerage house, Striped Bass has many of the original architectural details, including 28 foot ceilings, grand marble columns, and a metal striped bass sculpture. The space is warmed by an open kitchen, subdued lighting from stunning crystal chandeliers, and earth toned furniture, floors, and carpets.
At Striped Bass your favorite seafood is fresh, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented to you by knowledgeable and friendly staff. I particularly recommend any of the yellow fin tuna or lobster dishes. But whatever your choice, my guess is you will be pleased. 5 Stars, $$$$
1500 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 732-4444
Democratic Primary Debate Viewing in D.C.
If in D.C. this Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, I recommend joining Legacy Pac for a viewing of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute/CNN South Carolina Democratic Primary Presidential Debate. Go Obama Go!
Bar Louie (private room)
Gallery Place
701 7th St. N.W., Washington D.C.
Reception 7 pm & Viewing 8 pm
Info. & RSVP at info@legacypac.net
Bar Louie (private room)
Gallery Place
701 7th St. N.W., Washington D.C.
Reception 7 pm & Viewing 8 pm
Info. & RSVP at info@legacypac.net
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Chicago January Events
Sippin on Sunday
January 20th 9pm to 3am
Free before 10pm
Hotel Sax, 4th Fl
333 N. Dearborn
For more info: (312) 431-8801 or info@richmondgrouponline.com
The Professional Afterwork Committee (P.A.Co) January Event
Avenue M (4 Stars, $$$), 695 N. Milwaukee, (312) 243-1133
January 25, 6:00-10:00pm
Room 21 (3 Stars, $$$)
2120 S. Wabash Ave.
Dessert & Champagne Tasting Event
January 31, 2008, 5:30-7:30pm, $15.00
Call (312) 328-1198 for reservations
Salud Tequila Lounge (4 Stars, $$)
Tequila Dinner & Tasting: featuring Siete Leguas Premium Tequilas
January 30 & 31 @ 7:30pm, $40
Includes: 3 Course Meal, samples of Siete Leguas tequilas, and a featured tequila cocktail w/each course
A representative from Siete Leguas will discuss tequila, tasting, and the history of the brand
Call (773) 276-7582 for reservations
M Lounge (3 Stars, $$)
1520 S. Wabash Ave.
Live Jazz
January 22, 29, 30
January 20th 9pm to 3am
Free before 10pm
Hotel Sax, 4th Fl
333 N. Dearborn
For more info: (312) 431-8801 or info@richmondgrouponline.com
The Professional Afterwork Committee (P.A.Co) January Event
Avenue M (4 Stars, $$$), 695 N. Milwaukee, (312) 243-1133
January 25, 6:00-10:00pm
Room 21 (3 Stars, $$$)
2120 S. Wabash Ave.
Dessert & Champagne Tasting Event
January 31, 2008, 5:30-7:30pm, $15.00
Call (312) 328-1198 for reservations
Salud Tequila Lounge (4 Stars, $$)
Tequila Dinner & Tasting: featuring Siete Leguas Premium Tequilas
January 30 & 31 @ 7:30pm, $40
Includes: 3 Course Meal, samples of Siete Leguas tequilas, and a featured tequila cocktail w/each course
A representative from Siete Leguas will discuss tequila, tasting, and the history of the brand
Call (773) 276-7582 for reservations
M Lounge (3 Stars, $$)
1520 S. Wabash Ave.
Live Jazz
January 22, 29, 30
Thursday, January 10, 2008
DW's Loop
“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”
Week of January 10, 2008
Thursday
DJ Jesse De La Pena @ J Bar
Live Art and Music – A Limited Edition Series
610 N Rush
www.jbarchicago.com
Friday
Rick Allay Soul & DJ Rush's Birthday Bash!
Zentra Nightclub
923 West Weed Street
Exclusive Disco Sets featuring Gene Hunt & Craig Alexander
RSVP @ http://www.zentranightclub.com/events/rsvp.php?date=2008-01-11
Saturday
Ginseng Nightlife host FHMs’s Tianna Ta @ VaIN
2354 N Clybourn
$100 Bottles of Effen Vodka
$100 Bottles of Patron
$3 Cherry and Grape Bombs
$5 Patron
Hosted Bar from 9-10pm
Sunday
Webster's Wine Bar1480 W. Webster Ave.
$10 cover and Great Wine Flights starting at 7pm
Cocktail for the Week
Mango Lemonade
2 oz Mango Flavored Vodka
1 oz triple sec
1 oz sweet and sour mix
Splash of Sprite
Combine ingredients in a tall ice-filled glass.
Cocktail for the Week
Mango Lemonade
2 oz Mango Flavored Vodka
1 oz triple sec
1 oz sweet and sour mix
Splash of Sprite
Combine ingredients in a tall ice-filled glass.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Fast Approaching Primary Voter Registration Deadlines! Go Obama Go!
Illinois
Remember tomorrow January 8, 2008 is the deadline to register to vote in Illinois for the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary. After seeing or hearing about the Iowa Caucus, I know you want to be a part of history. It is easy - VOTE! There are many options to register by tomorrow. For more information or to check your voter registration status in Chicago visit http://www.chicagoelections.com/ or call (312) 269-7900. For the rest of Illinois visit http://www.elections.il.gov/ .
Washington D.C.
January 15, 2008 is the deadline to register to vote in Washington D.C. for the February 12, 2008 Presidential Primary. For more information visit http://www.dcboee.org/ .
All Other States
Please google "(Your State) board of elections" for voter registration deadlines and elections dates.
Barack Obama
For more about Barack Obama visit http://www.barackobama.com/ .
Remember tomorrow January 8, 2008 is the deadline to register to vote in Illinois for the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary. After seeing or hearing about the Iowa Caucus, I know you want to be a part of history. It is easy - VOTE! There are many options to register by tomorrow. For more information or to check your voter registration status in Chicago visit http://www.chicagoelections.com/ or call (312) 269-7900. For the rest of Illinois visit http://www.elections.il.gov/ .
Washington D.C.
January 15, 2008 is the deadline to register to vote in Washington D.C. for the February 12, 2008 Presidential Primary. For more information visit http://www.dcboee.org/ .
All Other States
Please google "(Your State) board of elections" for voter registration deadlines and elections dates.
Barack Obama
For more about Barack Obama visit http://www.barackobama.com/ .
Sunday, January 6, 2008
La Pomme Rouge: 5 Stars
108 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago
(312) 245-9555
La Pomme Rouge, French for "the red apple," is an upscale restaurant and lounge. The space is the former home of the dessert bar Sugar. La Pomme Rouge's Victorian inspired decor is stylish and elegant. The muted colors and pleasant staff create a very calm and warm atmosphere. If you secretly believe you could be a judge on Top Chef, then you will enjoy exploring the fantastic flavor combinations on the menu. In keeping with the name, the apple martini is the signature drink. I always feel compelled to order single malt scotch when I am there. Whatever your drink of choice, you will likely find it here. The bartenders are very well trained, so you get your money’s worth.
La Pomme Rouge often hosts special events. A great party was hosted there last Saturday. The crowd was mature and mixed and the music was primarily House. The right number of people, but not too many, and plenty of places to sit. It was great! I have been looking for a lounge with a mature crowd where I can hear new and old school House. Call ahead to see what's events are occurring on a given night. I love this place!
Prices: $$$
(312) 245-9555
La Pomme Rouge, French for "the red apple," is an upscale restaurant and lounge. The space is the former home of the dessert bar Sugar. La Pomme Rouge's Victorian inspired decor is stylish and elegant. The muted colors and pleasant staff create a very calm and warm atmosphere. If you secretly believe you could be a judge on Top Chef, then you will enjoy exploring the fantastic flavor combinations on the menu. In keeping with the name, the apple martini is the signature drink. I always feel compelled to order single malt scotch when I am there. Whatever your drink of choice, you will likely find it here. The bartenders are very well trained, so you get your money’s worth.
La Pomme Rouge often hosts special events. A great party was hosted there last Saturday. The crowd was mature and mixed and the music was primarily House. The right number of people, but not too many, and plenty of places to sit. It was great! I have been looking for a lounge with a mature crowd where I can hear new and old school House. Call ahead to see what's events are occurring on a given night. I love this place!
Prices: $$$
Connoisseur: 3 Stars
1041 West Grand Avenue, Chicago
http://http//www.connoisseurwineco.com
(312) 738-3055
Connoisseur opened this past December. It is being marketed as an "intimate and contemporary boutique restaurant offering wine, champagne, appetizers, and desserts." I agree with this description. The primary reason I consider it a "date spot" is because Connoisseur is nothing if not intimate, meaning small, very small. During the grand opening reservations were strictly enforced and patrons were given a maximum of 2 hours for service. Although odd, this was necessary to accommodate all those invited during the grand opening weekend.
Small also describes the number of small plates and wines currently featured. Although it is my understanding that they expect their offerings to increase in time. I ordered the crawfish sushi rolls, which were quite tasty. A couple of my dinner mates ordered glasses of red wine and were pleased. All of the cocktails I tasted were very good.
What I liked most and least about Connoisseur was the service. Our party was immediately greeted by smiling hosts who offered us complimentary cocktails (remember this was during the grand opening) while we waited for our table. I ordered one of the signature cocktails from the menu and the bartender actually wheeled a cart to our table and made the drink table side. Now you know I loved that! Gerald Lott, one of the owners, stopped by our table to ensure we were enjoying our evening. This is always a nice touch.
The problem was the waitress assigned to our table. She was terrible: rude and condescending. While we were still dining, she came over and announced that she was going home for the evening and that we would need to pay our bill, but that we could open a new check with her replacement. And no, the restaurant was not closing. It was still early in the evening. I have NEVER had this experience in a restaurant. I was both shocked and appalled. Of course, we paid our (not cheap) bill and left (after notifying Gerald).
This is why I cannot rate Connoisseur higher. One of the other things I like about this spot is that there is a DJ. You have got to see how they managed to squeeze a DJ booth into this small configuration. I will give it a second chance. If the service improves, then so may my rating.
Prices: $$$
http://http//www.connoisseurwineco.com
(312) 738-3055
Connoisseur opened this past December. It is being marketed as an "intimate and contemporary boutique restaurant offering wine, champagne, appetizers, and desserts." I agree with this description. The primary reason I consider it a "date spot" is because Connoisseur is nothing if not intimate, meaning small, very small. During the grand opening reservations were strictly enforced and patrons were given a maximum of 2 hours for service. Although odd, this was necessary to accommodate all those invited during the grand opening weekend.
Small also describes the number of small plates and wines currently featured. Although it is my understanding that they expect their offerings to increase in time. I ordered the crawfish sushi rolls, which were quite tasty. A couple of my dinner mates ordered glasses of red wine and were pleased. All of the cocktails I tasted were very good.
What I liked most and least about Connoisseur was the service. Our party was immediately greeted by smiling hosts who offered us complimentary cocktails (remember this was during the grand opening) while we waited for our table. I ordered one of the signature cocktails from the menu and the bartender actually wheeled a cart to our table and made the drink table side. Now you know I loved that! Gerald Lott, one of the owners, stopped by our table to ensure we were enjoying our evening. This is always a nice touch.
The problem was the waitress assigned to our table. She was terrible: rude and condescending. While we were still dining, she came over and announced that she was going home for the evening and that we would need to pay our bill, but that we could open a new check with her replacement. And no, the restaurant was not closing. It was still early in the evening. I have NEVER had this experience in a restaurant. I was both shocked and appalled. Of course, we paid our (not cheap) bill and left (after notifying Gerald).
This is why I cannot rate Connoisseur higher. One of the other things I like about this spot is that there is a DJ. You have got to see how they managed to squeeze a DJ booth into this small configuration. I will give it a second chance. If the service improves, then so may my rating.
Prices: $$$
Need 5 Star Live Entertainment?
If you are located in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area or South Florida and are looking for live entertainment for a private party, corporate affair, engagement party, or wedding I recommend A.D. Smith Entertainment.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
DW's Loop
“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”
Week of January 3, 2008
ThursdayIggy's
800 N. Dearborn St.
Complimentary select Level Vodka cocktails from 9:30pm.- midnight
Friday
Surreal and Exact Events Present Legendary Fridays at Mannequin
306 N. Halsted
Snow Queen Vodka from 10 -11pm
Special House Guest DJ Horacio This Friday
RSVP for NO COVER before 11:30p
http://www.surrealchicago.com/site/epage/6421_319.htm
Saturday
Tommy Z & Status Saturdays @ Soundbar
226 W Ontario
$125 Grey Goose Bottles
$20 General Admission
RSVP for free admission before 10pm or $10 from 10pm - 11pm
http://sound-bar.com/rsvp.php?eventID=287
Sunday
Union Park Brunch Buffet
228 S. Racine Ave.
$6.99 brunch buffet from 10:30am – 2:30pm
$3 Smirnoff cocktails, $2 select drafts
Cocktail for the Week
Emerald Martini
1 ½ oz. Ketel One Citron
¾ oz. Melon Liqueur
¾ oz. Blue Curacao
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
About Neonu's InSite
Neonu's (Nay-oh-news) InSite is a lifestyle I-zine (Internet Magazine) people who love life. I share my thoughts, reviews, and recommendations on entertainment, relationships, spiritual growth, lifestyle tips, cultural and civic activities and anything else I think is interesting.
Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. Thank you for your support! nj@neonujewell.com
Special Thanks
NB for inspiring me to make this vision reality; All the Contributors (special shout out to DW, Jeff Louis, Angela Skeete Davis and Howard Westmoreland) for the consistent and invaluable contributions; Ophelia Smith for the love, support, contributions, and much appreciated technical editing; Special thanks to Nana, ADS, CJ, NL, TS, T$, CA & JB for the unconditional love and support of me in all things; and a very heartfelt thanks to all the Neonu's InSite frequent visitors!
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