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Sir Richard Branson, Adrian Grenier and Friends Rock the Windy City for Virgin America Launch

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 26th, 2011

The stars came out in droves last night to celebrate the inaugural flight (VX) from Virgin Airlines who began their exclusive Chicago O’hare service yesterday. Led by Sir Richard Branson donning a feisty boxing getup (they were really pushing the Rocky theme as the challenger airline), Adrian Grenier, Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy), Naturi Naughton (3LW), Colin Egglesfield (Melrose Place), Creed (The Office) and two pilots clad in Blues Brothers gear took the Windy City by storm to commemorate the occasion. As both West Coast flights landed in tandem, the crew was greeted by a grand water canon salute and then ushered to the after-party at ROOF at the Wit for a bumping good time. From the people to the signature drinks and cotton candy, no detail was spared. [...read more]

Top Five 24-Hour Diners in Chicago

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 25th, 2011

3 am and out on the town? Sometimes you just crave that post-bar pancake or egg dish to help lull you to sleep. So bring on the sheep because here are your best greasy spoons for a late night bite. [...read more]

Crystal Gardens Named Top Venue by the Knot “Best of Weddings”

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 24th, 2011

The Crystal Gardens has been selected as a 2011 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings section.The Crystal Gardens, a real-world secret garden housed on Chicago’s Navy Pier, is a beautiful indoor, one‐acre botanical garden operated by Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants. [...read more]

10PIN Hosts Pro Bowling Event for PBA Shootout

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 24th, 2011

A unique sporting showcase will take place over Memorial Day weekend when 20 of the world’s greatest bowlers return to downtown Chicago for a unique team competition at upscale 10PIN bowling lounge in the landmark Marina City complex. The GEICO PBA Team Shootout, the fifth annual PBA Summer Series special event, will result in more than 15 hours of national television on ESPN and ESPN2 over the summer and will be the first PBA event held in Chicago in 47 years. [...read more]

Perennial’s Vibrant Relaunch with a Virant Touch

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 24th, 2011

Post Chef Ryan Poli’s departure, Perennial was prepared to do damage control. The former Lincoln Park hotspot was completely gutted, redesigned, re-conceptualized and relaunched in under 4 months. Reopening this week to rave reviews, gone are the memorable birch tree ceilings, nautical vibe and clean, American contemporary eats. [...read more]

The Peninsula Celebrates 10 Years with 10 Deals

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 23rd, 2011

The Peninsula opened its doors to the city of Chicago on June 1, 2001. Now, 10 years later, The Peninsula Chicago is recognizing the milestone of its first decade with a series of anniversary offerings and philanthropic initiatives. Guests are invited to take advantage of special room rates, inviting incentives at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, and creative menu selections in the hotel’s four award-winning restaurants and The Bar. Each promotion provides a great way for guests to re-discover why The Peninsula is one of Chicago’s most celebrated hotels. [...read more]

Gleeks Rejoice: Matthew Morrison Headlines at the Goodman Theatre

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 22nd, 2011

In honor of Goodman's 10th Anniversary in the Chicago Loop, screen and stage star Matthew Morrison takes a break from his Glee Spanish classroom to headline at the Goodman Theatre’s for one night only. The May 21 Gala celebrated “One Enchanted Decade” on Dearborn Street. Prior to Glee, Morrison was a regular on Broadway performing in Footloose, the Rocky Horror Show, and as heartthrob Link Larkin in Hairspray. [...read more]

Nick Cannon’s Favorite Baby Product

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 19th, 2011

Nick Cannon was gifted two Nap Nanny Chills for his newborn twins on the Insider last week. A gracious Cannon jokingly asked if they made one in an adult version it was so comfy. The Nap Nanny Chill is a portable recliner unlike any other on the market safe to use on any floor of the house and is great to keep them at arm’s length while doing chores. [...read more]

The Top 5 Hibachi Restaurants in Chicago

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 18th, 2011

Literally meaning “fire bowl” hibachi is style associated with the Japanese art of Teppanyaki cooking. While most are found outside of city proper, these little gems are worth the drive. Perfect for a group gathering and when your dinner’s a full on production that involves cooking in front of you, who turns down dinner and a show? [...read more]

Oprah’s Final Episodes Include a Star Studded Cast- Do You Know Who’s in Town?

Posted by: Lauren Monitz on May 17th, 2011

She’s powerful enough to make the NBA change their primetime playoff schedule. After an emotional 25 seasons, Oprah is taping her final two episodes tonight at the United Center which holds 20,000, a close second biggest event ever when she shut down Michigan Avenue. Kicking the #1 seeded Bulls out of their practice, everyone’s abuzz with what Oprah’s Final Big surprise is. Set to air Monday and Tuesday, the number of celebs in Chicago this week is nothing short of epic. [...read more]