Live Video From Obama Election Night Rally in Grant Park

By Neonu Jewell

I was there for this momentous night. God blessed us with 70 degree weather (Chicago? November?); the stage was set. You have heard the stories, commentary, and seen footage. Now Click Here for my video experience of the night Illinois Senator Barack Obama became the 44th President (elect) of the United States of America. Sounds good every time, doesn't it?!

Slow & Steady Finishes the Race: My First Marathon

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face… You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

-- Eleanor Roosevelt.

On the ride home from a day of shopping in early March with my friend Nikki, she informed me that she planned to run the 2008 Chicago Marathon. “Wow! Have you run a marathon before?” I replied. She said, “Yes, a few years back.” So I enthusiastically told her that she could expect me to cheer her on and be there screaming at the finish line. That’s when she dropped the bomb and said she thought I should run too. “Oh no, that’s crazy! I hate running. That’s never going to happen, but I will support you.” Well, they say, never say never…

I am proud to say that I ran the Chicago Marathon, this past Sunday, October 12, 2008in support of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.! That’s right, 26.2 miles! It was a sunny 85 degrees and not much wind. Hot weather creates dangerous conditions for distance runners. But I was one of more than 31,000 runners that beat the heat and finished. As a non-athlete, it was by far the most challenging goal I have ever set for myself. Consequently, crossing that finish line was both exhilarating and empowering.

The reality is, however, that I did not run this race alone. I want to first thank my great friend Nikki for presenting me with the opportunity to take this amazing journey. I want to thank the National AIDS Marathon Training Program and the south side coaches for the excellent preparation that enabled me to run a successful injury free marathon. I want to thank my pace group members that stuck together and ran, walked, laughed, stretched, and encouraged one another through the finish line. I want to thank my family for driving 12 hours in the middle of the night to come and support me and share this moment. I want to thank my friends who sat out in the sun for hours just to shout my name as I ran past. And a special thank you to the citizens of Chicago who lined the streets to cheer us along. Those individuals have no idea how key they were to me maintaining the mental strength to keep going long after my legs wanted to stop. THANK YOU!

And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank everyone who donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago on behalf. I was able to raise almost $2000 to fund essential services for people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. Despite recent advances in the treatment of AIDS, the epidemic is far from over. More than one million Americans and 40 million others around the world are now living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It is now the leading cause of death among all people 15 to 59 years of age. The money raised through the program will allow the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to direct medical care, food, housing and other important AIDS services – to help keep people alive until there’s a cure.

During the seven-month National AIDS Marathon Training Program I logged nearly 500 miles. The reasons I decided to run a marathon were first, the cause and second, to challenge myself to do something less than one percent of the population has accomplished. I should be an inspiration to anyone who is thinking about running a marathon whether half or full. Believe me, if I can do it and my father who is 65 can do it (he walked the race in support of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago), then if you commit to it and train you too can run/walk a marathon. See you in ’09!

Evenings in Vogue: 5 Stars

By Neonu

This past week Vogue, Mens Vogue, Marc Brooks (Room 21 and Park 52 owner) and Miae Lim (Japonaise and Brasserie Ruhlmann owner) hosted Evenings in Vogue. It was a wonderful event at Brasserie Ruhlmann. The event was described as, "summer's most inspired choices in fashion, luxury, and beauty." And there could not be a better description for this exclusive event.

The guests were both beautiful and fashionable. Brasserie Ruhlmann's glamorous Art Deco design exudes luxury. A line of staff stood at the entrance to offer guests premium specialty cocktails, champagne, and wine. The hors d'oeuvres were exquisite. Models adorned this year's hottest fall fashions from a platform as a centerpiece to the room. And to top it off it was a perfect summer Chicago night and Brasserie Ruhlmann has an enormous outdoor lounge patio.

It was an evening in excellence.

316 Club: 5 Stars

175 W. Jackson, Chicago

Phone: 312.880.0316

By Neonu

The 316 Club is a combination Barbershop and Spa for men. I received an invitation to attend a Jose Cuervo Platino Party being hosted for members and guests. Not likely that I would pass on an opportunity to review a men's salon. But before I tell about the salon, gentlemen this is what you missed. Complimentary Jose Cuervo cocktails, ladies serving from their never ending trays of cheeseburgers, an Akira trunk show with female models, and hand rolled fresh cigars. All the men had smiles on their faces.

Owners Tony and Greg designed this barber spa to provide men an oasis with premium grooming services. While waiting for your services you can shoot pool, watch one of the flat screen TVs, get your shoes shined, and/or order a drink from the bar. One member, for over a year, I spoke to said he loved the 316 Club experience. He works in the financial district and can decide last minute that he needs a haircut and get an appointment same day. While waiting his turn, he can relax in the lounge area and check his blackberry or the latest news on TV.

The owners emphasized that excellence in service is their primary goal. I believe them. At the Cuervo event they took time to welcome and thank all guests and made sure everyone had a drink that wanted one.

DW's Take on 316:

"The Finest in Men's Grooming" is 316's claim. From my visit they may have the right to say so. Even though this was an event to attract new clients, you could tell that 316 is all about providing exceptional service to its clients. From my perfect shoe shine, to the relaxing barber rooms (not chairs) that included flat screens for your individual viewing pleasure, to the masseuse who did a fantastic job on my back, 316 will be the place for me to get away and get groomed.

Better yet, the memberships offer the best economic deal for men's grooming. For example, for $650 per year you get a massaging shampoo, haircut/style, hot towel, shoe shine and complimentary beer or wine to be used as many times as you want during the year. That works out to be $54 per month. Go twice a month and it has more than paid for itself.

There you have it from a man's point of view. What can I say 316 Club is a winner. And gentlemen, 316 Club says its barbers (women & men) can accommodate all hair and skin types. Ladies, think gift certificates for birthdays, anniversaries, father's day, or just to say I care. For more information on membership and services click here.

Execulife: 2.5 Stars

By Neonu

Execulife is a new joiner to the Chicago selection of social networking groups for business professionals. Execulife promises its members they will experience exclusive, high-end social and professional networking. Membership is $149. I attended their launch party at English. I was surprised by this location, because Execulife promotes that its events are one-of-a-kind at the city’s most exclusive locations. I do not consider English an exclusive location. I characterize English as an average sports bar.

Execulife reserved the top two floors of English for its guests. There were various drink sponsors and a live jazz band on the second floor. The drinks and food served were average, not high-end. One of the more interesting sponsors was the Tiffani Kim Institute, which offered complimentary acupuncture (my first time trying it), hand microdermabrasions, and facial skin analysis.

There was some networking at this event; unlike some networking group events I have attended where people limit their socializing to their friends. The Execulife staff was very friendly and approached people who seemed to be alone or looking for something to do.

Overall, I was not impressed and would not pay $149 (just in: the free membership has been extended to May 14,2008; promotion coupon code FREE2008 ) to join this group. The next event is at Martini Park on May 15, cost $45. I will let you know after this event if I change my mind.

Ayo: 5 Stars

By Neonu

I had the pleasure of attending Ayo's performance at Red Kiva this past Tuesday. Ayo is a true artist. Her sound is her own. Her songs tell the tale of her life with a quiet passion. She does not neatly fit into any music label. For me her music is a bit soul, a bit folk. She reminds me of two artists I Love - Tracy Chapman (back in the day) and Me'shell Ndegeocello. Ayo has been very successful outside of the United States, but is just beginning to build a career here. If you have been complaining about the lack of good new music, you should check out Ayo and support her as she goes up against the animal that is the American music industry.

Buy her album. I did. (also available on iTunes)

Ayo has had several TV/radio appearances including the Late Late Show and David Letterman.
Her video "Down on my Knees" is in regular rotation on both VH1 and BETJ. Currently, it is in BETJ's Soul Sensation Top 20 Countdown.

For more information about Ayo including samples of her songs and upcoming performances check out her site:
http://ayomusic.artistes.universalmusic.fr/?WT.mc_id=105

Last Friday: 4 Stars

What: The Professional Afterwork Committee Presents "Last Friday"
When: Friday, February 29, 6pm - 10pm (early arrival suggested)
Where: Fulton Lounge, 955 W. Fulton, Chicago

It's Chicago Restaurant Week! 5 Stars

This week Chicago joins other major U.S. cities in hosting a Restaurant Week. During Restaurant Week you can enjoy three course meals at some of Chicago's best restaurants for only $21.95 during lunch and $31.95 for dinner. Reserve now because participating restaurants will fill quickly! Just go to http://www.opentable.com/start.aspx?rn=24561&m=3 and select Chicago Restaurant Week in the "Offers and Events" section to see the list of participating restaurants and to make reservations. If you can't find a match, then call the restaurant directly. Enjoy! I know I will!

Salud Tequila Lounge - 3 Stars

1471 North Milwaukee, Chicago IL
www.saludlounge.com
(773) 235-5577

Salud Tequila Lounge is known for offering a wide selection of the finest 100% agave tequilas in Chicago. I dined at the lounge for the first time last Thursday for a dinner event featuring Don Julio Tequila. Don Julio, a Diageo product, is named after its founder Don Julio Gonzalez Estrada. Don Julio Tequila is said to be the #1 choice of Tequila in Mexico. Once again, you should have been there. Included in the low price of $40 was a 3 course meal, 3 sample shots of Don Julio Tequila, 3 specialty Don Julio cocktails with each course, and a special presentation by a Don Julio representative. The meal opened with roasted poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and served with a black bean sauce. The main course was sauteed tilapia with mashed potatoes and chipotle cabbage salad. Both were quite good. Dessert was chocolate chip cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce. But back to the focus of the evening - the Tequila. We were welcomed with a Don Julio Marguarita, did a tasting of Don Julio Blanco, had a Don-Tini made with Don Julio silver with our appetizer, did a tasting of Don Julio Reposado (aged 2 month to 1 year), had a Toronrosa made with Don Julio Reposado with the Tilapia, and then did a tasting of Don Julio Anejo (aged more than 1 year). The evening closed with a special treat. We were served Don Julio's 1942, which was the year the company was founded. I suggest checking out Salud Tequila Lounge's website for future events. See you there!

Prices: $$

BMW’s Ultimate Moves 11/08/07: 4 Stars

Little Black Pearl

1060 E. 47th Street

By Neonu Jewell

The Richmond Group brought to the Southside’s Little Black Pearl the BMW Performance Series event Ultimate Moves. Little Black Pearl was a great choice of venue. It is a contemporary 40,000 sq. ft facility with a 36-foot glass atrium. BMW’s guests sipped on cocktails provided by Grey Goose as they danced to the hip-hop, house, and old-school sounds of DJ World. The evening also featured live performances by Muntu Dance; the Chicago-based group performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African-American dance, music, and folklore. Local salsa dancers and tap dancers were also showcased. Dancing, networking, and inspiring cultural showcases, definitely not your average after work social.

Tour de Champagne 10/20/07: 5 Stars

www.tourdechampagne.com

If you enjoy sophisticated evenings, champagne, and/or great food add Tour de Champagne to your to do list for next year. I will be there! Tour de Champagne began eight years ago in Washington D.C as an annual event celebrating some of France’s best champagnes and D.C. area’s top chefs. This year Tour de Champagne went on the road inviting guests to sample champagne from various labels and the culinary treats of local chefs. The list of cities is Atlanta, Washington D.C., Houston, Boston, San Francisco, New York, Miami, and Chicago. The Drake Hotel hosted Chicago’s Tour and provided the perfect backdrop for a wonderful event. There was live music and even a silent auction benefiting ‘Common Threads’ and ‘Meals on Wheels Chicago. Some of the featured Champagnes were Moet & Chandon, Perrier Jouet, Nicolas Feuillatte, Pol Roger, Veuve Eleonore and Taittinger. My favorite was the Veuve Eleonore Grand Cru 2002. It was crisp, clean, and simply fantastic! Some of Chicago’s best chefs were also represented. My favorite dish and the favorite of just about everyone in attendance was the cauliflower and caviar soup created by NoMi’s chef. The guests were a very diverse group; there was diversity in age, ethnicity, and dress. It was not quite black tie, though I saw a few tuxedos. Most people were dressed in classic suits and elegant dresses.

Overall an evening to remember! 5 Stars

Stoli Hotel - Evening in Vogue - 10/11/07: 5 Stars

By Carmen Allen

I attended this event and it was great. It was hosted in a large warehouse type building with exposed duct work and ultra high ceilings. As soon as you walked in you were greeted by hostesses with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Of course every cocktail was made with Stoli Vodka and they had specialty drink menus all around for you to choose from. If that was not enough they had multiple bars set up as well. The purpose of this event was to preview men's and women's fall fashions from Faconnable. The fashion show was awesome. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was going to be one of those where they highlight clothing you would never wear nor want and it was the total opposite. They highlighted the current styles and it was clothes you could easily wear everyday, either to work or to just hang out. I can't forget the models. They were fantastic!

After the fashion show they opened the other side of the venue. As you walked over they had a sign directing you to the Spa and Hotel. Yes, this was a spa that offers facial's and messages, etc. And down from that were the hotel rooms. There were 4 rooms furnished and staged like hotel rooms. A plush bed, elegant chairs and sofa that were placed in the sitting area with tables. They were decorated in four colors based on the flavors of Stoli Vodka. A blue room for blueberry, red for raspberry, orange for orange, and cream for vanilla stoli. Not only were these rooms comfortable for lounging, but "what a clever idea"! Clearly others loved it as well. People poured in to find a place in each room to relax and enjoy the themed decor. The other cool thing about it was that people moved from room to room mingling and openly talking with each other.

Loved it!!! I give the event the highest rating of 5 Stars!

Takeover Thursday @ La Pomme Rouge: 4 Stars

October 13, 2007

Presented by Bryan Wallace and Stephen Mitchell
www.takeoverthursday.com

Takeover Thursday's mission is to provide a vehicle to further the growth of the young urban professional network in Chicago. This past Thursday they sponsored a networking event at La Pomme Rouge (http://www.lapommerouge.com/) . The creator’s of Takeover Thursday promised to deliver a quality venue and they did not disappoint. La Pomme Rouge is an upscale restaurant and lounge. The décor is stylish and elegant. The muted colors and pleasant staff create a very warm atmosphere. The bartenders are very well trained, so you get your money’s worth.

It was the right background for a gathering of Chicago’s finest - graduate students, lawyers, bankers, entrepreneurs, and other corporate and government executives. More important than their titles, the people were friendly, laid-back, and well dressed. People were actually exchanging cards.

Unfortunately, many did not pay attention to the fact that this was an after work event, from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Most people did not arrive until 8:30 and those that arrived at 9:30 were denied access. Those that arrived late missed out on the opportunity to spend a few more hours enjoying tasty food and drinks, at a charming lounge, with a lovely crowd.