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?!

5 Guys Moves to Chicago: 5 Stars

By Neonu Jewell


My favorite burger joint in D.C. is now in Chicago. Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened its first Chicagoland restaurant in Oak Park (1115 Lake St.) yesterday. Five Guys started in Arlington Virginia and has spread to over 300 locations in 25 states.

Why do we love Five Guys? It is the taste, quality, options, and price. Meals are approximate $8.

• There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys.
• They use only 100% all-American fresh ground beef.
• There are no freezers in Five Guys locations, just coolers. Nothing is ever frozen.
• They use only Peanut oil.
• They use only Idaho potatoes.
• The menu is trans-fat free.

Five Guys has already secured four additional Chicago locations. Next month a Lincoln Park (2140 N. Clybourn) location will open. In early 2009, stores will open in Schaumburg and Orland Park. I am spreading the word about Five Guys for those of you who don't already know, because they do not advertise. They rely on word of mouth. It works. After you eat there, you will tell your friends. See you there!

Don't Sleep on Phila's Nightlife

I highly recommend Phila as a fun weekend getaway. Surprised? So was I. Philadelphia has, of course, plenty of historical sites to visit. But who knew it was a city in the midst of revitalization with a number of hot restaurants and upscale bars, clubs and lounges. What I really loved about the places I went was the music. Not a techno town! If you have been or decide to go to any of these spots I would love to hear what you think. Following are my ratings of the few I visited:

Denim: 3 Stars

Large night club. Mixed crowd in the 20s & 30s. True party scene. If you want to sit, reserve a table.

The Continental Mid-Town: 5 Stars

This multi-level lounge has it all! Food, drink, and 70's decor that makes you want to say, "This sort of thing is my bag baby!" You can swing in bamboo chairs with drink in hand as you overlook the diners downstairs. The second floor lounge also has colorful seats in the form of baby dinosaurs. But don't stop there before checking out the rooftop lounge. This you have to see to believe.

32 Degrees, Luxe Lounge: 3 Stars

This lounge has locations in Atlantic City and Philadelphia. It caters to those looking for a more private VIP scene. 32 Degrees is a small private club with sitting limited to those wanting bottle service.

Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar: 4 Stars

If I had spent more time here and had an opportunity to try the food and drinks, then I might have rated this place higher. I made time for a walk through because it was so highly recommended. And I am glad I stopped by. It was a cold, rainy night in Philadelphia, but inside Cuba Libre I felt like I was in Miami (I have never been to the real Cuba so I can't comment on the likeness). The combination of bright colors, indoor foliage, and replicated Spanish architecture creates a festive atmosphere that is unbelievable. There is also an Atlantic City location.

Bleu Martini: 4 Stars

As the name suggests this lounge specializes in martinis, over 30. The decor is funky with neon blue lights and animal print and velvet sofa's. Like all of the other places I visited in Philadelphia the crowd was mixed, but here there were a range of ages. The music was so good I did not want to leave (but alas I was on a mission to see as many places as possible). I loved this place. The only reason it does not have 5 stars is because the bar service was slow.

Red Sky: 3 Stars

I really liked this space. Red Sky has the typical modern, minimalist decor - all white, open space, and frosted glass- but has added dim lighting to contrast the white and soften the look. This lounge is open 7 nights and has special events each night. Upstairs overlooking the bar downstairs is a lounge for private parties. Downstairs Red Sky uses a partial partition to separate the restaurant from the bar. The restaurant offers what it describes as Asian American comfort food. I call the front area a bar not a lounge because of the limited seating in the bar area. The drinks here were very expensive and not that great. I left before the DJ began his set so I can't comment on the music.