@JenTravelsLife Review: #SmirnoffSorbet for “Girls Night In” Party with @SmirnoffUS


#SmirnoffSorbet @JenTravelsLife

 

Smirnoff Sorbet Light is exactly what that title conjures up.  It’s the world’s best-selling vodka infused with berries, mangos, lemon and other fruits to create one of three new light, bright and fun flavors.  Joined by a few girlfriends, we sampled, experimented and laughed the night away while mixing up the light and fruity cocktails.  And at 25% fewer calories, it’s easy to make it both a guiltless pleasure and a summer cocktail staple.

 

**This is a sponsored post by Smirnoff Sorbet Light.  All reviews/opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experience.

Things To Do In Chicago If You Are Frank Sinatra

ORIGINAL POST AT JenTravels.com

He immortalized the song “My Kind Of Town” and it was… his kind of town.  So much so that it often feels like Frank Sinatra is still hanging around Chicago.  As if he always just left but could pop up back up almost anywhere.  From the faded framed pictures in bars and restaurants to the urban legends and hearsay of walking tours, here is your guide to enjoying Chicago, Sinatra-style.

SING

Well, if you are Frank, you always want to be asked to sing.  But, because you are not Frank, your best bet for belting out your rendition of Chicago, Chicago is at karaoke.  Blue Frog Bar & Grill downtown is affectionately known for it’s raucous but friendly crowd.  Expect a wait on busy nights or reserve your own private karaoke room at Lincoln Karaoke.

If you’d rather perform at an outdoor venue, why not sing Sinatra’s Love and Marriage at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park?  The fountain was in the opening credits of the 90′s sitcom “Married with Children” while Sinatra’s Love and Marriage was its theme song.

DRINK, DANCE & GIVE A TOAST

It was well known that Sinatra only wanted to hang at a bar that had Jack Daniels and a piano.  “This is a gentlemen’s drink.”, he’d say.  He could be so easy to please… at times.  The Joynt in River North is where I met Stan Wozniak, who had been Frank Sinatra’s road manager for 9 years, when Frank was older and Stan was… em, younger.  This is one of my absolute favorite spots in Chicago, not only because I get to see my friends, but because they have LIVE music every night of the week.  And I’m a sucker for live music and a dance floor. The Joynt attracts a professional, down-to-earth crowd of locals and travelers- Frank woulda liked it. If you are craving to hear some Sinatra-type crooning call to see which nights “Dakota” sings.  He sang for Ol’ Blue Eyes as a child star and got Sinatra’s blessing, “You got it, Kid.”  [Watch my video of The Joynt here!]

With all this music and drinking a celebratory Rat Pack toast seems apropos, but what to say?  The toast below is worth memorizing from “The Voice” himself via The Way You Wear Your Hat by Bill Zehme

“I wish you an abundance of health and goodness and sweet things and sweet dreams, no nightmares, and I wish you lemonade in the shade in July and all that other jazz, and huggin’ and kissin’ and peace forever in your time, and for your children, and their children, and their children and God bless us all!  Cheers!  Salud! Cent’anni!”

SHOP

Depending on your budget, you can buy lots of gifts for you and friends just like Francis would have.  If you, like Frank, don’t concern yourself with little things like money, you can surprise your best friends (like Sammy Davis Jr.) with a Cartier watch from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile.

Not quite there yet?  Spend time looking for the perfect orange (Frank’s favorite color) handkerchief to tuck in your suit pocket.  Hermes in Gold Coast is known for their exquisite scarfs and accessories while boutiques like Mr. & Mrs. Digz carries both new and vintage designer options.

Another fun option is soap shopping.  Yep.  Never one to like copious amounts of cologne or perfume, Blue Eyes simply enjoyed the smell of soap.  Yardley’s English Lavender to be specific.  Sniff away and find your favorite soap flavor at Sabon in Gold Coast or Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square.

EAT

Hey.  You’re Frank Sinatra.  You’re Italian.  You love food.  You specifically love Italian food made by Joey and Armando at La Scarola near Grand and Halstead.  One step inside and you “get it”.  [Watch my video review of La Scarola here!]

In a rush?  Want something more casual?  How about some barbecue ribs?  Twin Anchors in Lincoln Park has been serving up some of the best for decades now.

And of course, like any man’s man, this gentleman enjoys a prime cut of beef, grilled to perfection at one of Chicago’s famed steakhouses.  Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has a Sinatra-esque ambiance in Gold Coast and Mastro’s Chicago bar has long been my “go-to” spot when I want to get dressed up, and meet interesting people.

HANG WITH MOBSTERS, FIGHT & PRAY

Not only did he break hearts, he broke legs.  Even at 5’7″ tall, Frank was never one to back down from a fight.  ”When a guy bothers me, I belt him” he’d say.  Whoa.  Brush up on your jab and duck at a boxing gym like LA Boxing in Wrigleyville and go out feeling like you have Security, but you don’t need Security.

Besides, it’s not like you don’t know people.  You know a guy if things get… er… sticky.  This is, after all, Chicago.  Oh, and speaking of The Family- don’t forget about Johnny Boy’s Graduation this weekend.  Capeesh?  Ok, ok… maybe they won’t be real mobsters, but the actors of this interactive dinner theater, will have you laughing so hard you won’t care.  [Watch my video for Johnny Boy's Graduation here!]

When you and/or Frank get enough carousing and are ready to return to alter boy roots,  Holy Name Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church Near North Side. Mr. Sinatra played hard and prayed hard.

BUFF, POOL & SLEEP

He’s been known to give the advice of slipping your Mary Janes (shoes) in between couch cushions for one final buff, but I couldn’t find a venue in Chicago that wants to promote cushion shoe buffing, so you are on your own finding a willing couch.

Fortunately, you don’t need shoes at all, at the pool. Sinatra would say that his idea of a vacation is to put the watch in a drawer and sit by the pool for a few days.  Not a bad idea, Frank.  East Bank Club in downtown Chicago is known for both its indoor and outdoor pools and sells guest passes for visitor access.  However, you may not need to pay extra for a guest pass elswhere, if you choose to sleep at a swanky hotel, the way Sinatra did.

Though very often out all night, Frank still appreciated the value and customer service of a fine hotel.  Though many of the originals have been replaced or upgraded, Public ChicagoMillennium Knickerbocker Hotel ChicagoThe Drake and Palmer House all claim Ol’ Blue Eyes as a valued guest.

So.  He sleeps after all.

Do you use Foursquare?  Check out the list I made: Things Frank Sinatra Would Do In Chicago

Wanna print this article out?

Special thanks to Stan Wozniak and Bill Zehme for instilling a love and appreciation in me for Frank Sinatra.

Swingin’ at Sully’s: Sullivan’s Steakhouse Chicago

My first fancy date ever was at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Austin, TX.  I  was in college.  He was very established and said we could go wherever I wanted to go.  I consulted with my girlfriends and we settled on Sullivan’s- where I would feel the most special.

Lots has changed in my life since that night and yet the excellence of Sullivan’s brand of steak has remained.  For me, the most important part  of any upscale dining experience is customer service.  I know some will say food ranks higher, but I disagree.  Service makes or breaks an experience for me.  And that’s why I would recommend Keith Sansone and his team at Sullivan’s Steakhouse when you want to celebrate a special occasion in downtown Chicago.  They care enough to do it right.

Asta and I visited on a Thursday which- along with Sundays, boasts Swingin’ at Sully’s.  The nightly special includes $6 appetizers and specialty cocktails in the lounge bar which includes live jazz music in the heart of River North.  The crowd is grown up and established, so if you are looking to make some like-minded friends, you’ve come to the right place.
Sullivan's Steakhouse Chicago

After enjoying our appetizer and signature cocktails, Asta and I sat in the beautiful downstairs dining room as Keith and his staff continued to anticipate our every need.  Whatever wine was suggested to me (I forgot, but it was yummy), went perfectly with each of the steak filets that I ordered.  The seared tuna was perfectly cooked as I’m sure everything that comes out of the kitchen is.  I have to admit that we were a bit overzealous in ordering, but it made for an incredible lunch the next day.

Though it was not an official celebration, Asta and I were treated to a very sweet surprise (see video) that was the icing on the metaphorical cake.  (We had no room in our bellies for real cake which I’m sure is amazing.)

If you are traveling through or living in Chicago, and want a swanky place to hang, I would recommend Sullivan’s especially on Swingin’ with Sully’s nights (Thursdays and Sundays).  If you are celebrating a special occasion and want to make sure your party is treated as the special and valuable group that you are, call (312) 527-3510 and tell Keith I sent you.

So… how do you like your steak cooked?

Sullivan's Steakhouse Chicago

**Considerations were made for this post and video.

5 ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chicago


Hopefully you already know that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla and not Mexican Independence Day.  Having said that- you can ask virtually any native Mexican what they think of the American celebration- and I’m pretty sure they’ll laugh.  They don’t know why we’ve made such a huge holiday around it, but they are happy for the celebration of their culture.  Latinos are cool like that.  I think we are known for needing little to no reason to celebrate.  And I’m a prime example.

This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday, so if you want to ensure you have a place to hang your sombrero- reservations and tickets are recommended.  Here are 5 venues celebrating Cinco de Mayo this week in Chicago.

Cinco de Mayo

SEE, MARCH & DANCE –> Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo Festival & Parade  (May 4-5)
The festival starts May4th in Douglas Park.  The Parade will be held on May 6th at noon. It runs through the heart of Pilsen on Cermak Rd. from Wood to Marshall Blvd.

HISTORY, CULTURE & NEIGHBORHOOD –>  Pilsen Cultural Tour & Fiesta  (May 5 @ 6pm)
Take a private one-hour cultural walking tour of Pilsen led by expert guide followed by Mexican dinner buffet and dessert at Cuernavaca.  Keep the party going with a shuttle to Dos Diablos in River North.

DOG FRIENDLY –> Cinco de Snoots  (May 5 @ 5pm)
Secondhand Snoots Rescue will be hosting thier second anniversary party and fundraiser at Chicago Party Animals at 1133 W Fulton Market in Chicago.

UNIQUE & ARTSY –> LUCHA VaVOOM:  (May 5 @ 9:30)
Continuing their 10-year tradition of celebrating Cinco de Mayo in grand fashion, LUCHA VaVOOM returns to Chicago this year, Saturday, May 5. The mind-blowing, gloriously unhinged and acclaimed Mexican masked wrestling/burlesque/comedy ensemble–known for delivering The Most Outrageous Show on Earth–will also have a simultaneous Cinco de Hollywood performance, too.

HEART HEALTHY –> Cinco de Miler  (May 6 @ 9:30am)
Take it easy on the late-night celebration to wake up for your 5-miles run.  The run starts at Montrose Harbor, Chicago.

5 places to watch the Super Bowl in Chicago

If you have charcoal, beer and enough chips to feed a small country already taking up space in your kitchen- then you probably don’t need this post.  But…  If you’ll be in Chicago, this Sunday, February 5 and you’re looking to eat, drink and cheer along with your new best friends, here are 5 suggestions for where to do, just that.

1.  Some of very favorite Twitter friends have invited me to Burger Bar Chicago this Sunday and my mouth is already watering…  For $30 you get unlimited access to the extensive and gourmet menu, while you cheer on the Saints… or the Pats.  In any case, you’ll get great TwitPic opps at @BurgerBarChi with some of Chicago’s most influential tweeps like:  @JodyRobbins, @FeliciaCago, @MafiaHairdreser, @LindaBergonia, @Refrigeration and of course, yours truly @JenChicago.

2. What is life without pizza?  La Madia ensures that we don’t have to ask ourselves this question.  The gourmet pies will be sold for $20 and include 2 beers, paired for you- if you’d like.  Wanna pick up and be the hero of the condo party?  Call for take-out.

3. Smoke Daddy  Being from Texas, I’ll take any excuse to chomp on some bar-b-que.  For about $10 per person, you enjoy their Super Bowl special of two pulled meats, two sides and choice of bread.  Wash it all down with $15 Miller Lites.  Stick around after the game for live music starting at 9pm.

4. Do you like to multi-task?  If you’re like me, the idea of staying in motin during the game is quite appealing.  10pin Bowling Lounge has a $25 Super Bowl special that includes bowling from 5 p.m. until the end of the game, and a halftime “bowler’s” buffet.  Register to win a Jamacian vacation in their raffle.

5. Margaritas goes with anything- and especially they especially go with football.  I think.  In any case, Angels & Mariachis includes margarita cocktails in their $40 package which also includes a delicious all-you-can-eat taco bar.  Arriba!

What did I miss?  Where will you be watching the game and who are you cheering for?

 

First Look for Charity Gala at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Now THIS is My kinda party!

Hey there Chicagoans- I want to invite you to Chicago Auto Show‘s First Look for Charity 2012.  I was recently invited to the media preview of the First Look and, as you can see in the video… I had a great time.

Tickets to the gala are $250 with over $200 of each ticket going to the charities.  The event is a truly elegant event requiring tuxedo suits and fancy gowns. (oh yeah?)  While getting a first look at all the new 2012 vehicles you can eat, drink, flirt and DANCE to the delightful sounds of Blues Traveler, the band of the evening!  Eek!  I love them!

It’s gonne be a great time benefitting wonderful local charities.  Join us.

From the website:

First Look for Charity stands as one of Chicago’s greatest one-day fundraisers, regularly generating about $2 million for 18 area nonprofits. Held at McCormick Place the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens its 10-day public run, the benevolent event is anticipated by socialites and car buffs alike.

The tuxedo-mandatory gala affords participants the chance to stroll the show floor amid opulence not present during the public portion of the Chicago Auto Show. Guests are treated to champagne, wine, soft drinks, elegant hors d’oeuvres and desserts-all while being the first to explore that year’s edition of the nation’s largest auto show. This year’s edition features the chance to win a 2012 Cadillac Escalade and a 2012 Cadillac SRX.

Since it debuted in 1992, First Look for Charity has raised more than $32 million for significant Chicago area charities.

#FoodieChat with @TapItSocial: Chicago 2011

JenChicago joins Steve Green, TapIt Social and other Chicago superstars as they travel around town (thanks to Going Green Limousine!) for #FoodieChat LIVE!

Special thanks to Shaws, Roka, Sweetwater and Wildfire.

LPYP Rock The Boat Party

I’m on a boat!  Big boats, small boats, fat boats, tall boats… I.  Love.  Them.  All.

LPYP and Thrive Medical Spa hosted the Rock the Boat Party at The Columbia Yacht Club which included a fashion show by Bloomingdale’s, Dj music by Mix Masters and a TON of sponsor booths!  I had a great time visiting Cabot cheeses, Windward Boardshop, The Melting Pot and cocktail tables for days…

JenChicago’s weekend picks: June 9

Hi Y’all!  JenChicago here giving you the scoop on what to do in Chicago this weekend, beginning Thursday, June 8. 

THURS:
You can kick things off on Thursday with a visit to your local Farmers Market- like the one in Daley Plaza on Thursdays from 7-3.

Chicago Tribune’s Chicago Live and WGN Radio at the gorgeous Chicago Theater. The show also features Second City and celebrity guests.

FRIDAY
On Friday- the Chicago Blues Festival kicks off in Millennium Park and lasts through Sunday.  It’s FREE!

SATURDAY
On Saturday, you can be part of the Chicago Naked Bike Ride celebrating freedom from oil, and the beauty of people.

Sunday is my birthday and I plan to ring it in on the dance floor at The Joynt!  Say “JenChicago” for no cover AND a Jen-tini if you mention my birthday at the door.

The votes are in from my Facebook Page and your favorite event of the weekend is… The 62nd annual Old Town Art Fair!

Please make sure you like “JenChicago” on Facebook and Twitter for a steady stream of fun things to do in Chicago.

This very clever video was sponsored by my friends at West Loop Chiropractic.  Make your wellness a priority.  Get a new patient exam for $75 when you mention JenChicago.

Credits:
Host / Edit: Jen Knoedl
Camera: Nicole Yeary

JenChicago’s weekend picks: June 2

Hi Y’all!  JenChicago here with my picks for what to do in Chicago this weekend, beginning Thursday, June 2 

THURS:

FRIDAY:

  • If you are downtown Friday at lunchtime- go check out Donut Day at the Thompson Center.
  • And Friday night, the very talented Katie Todd and her band will be debuting new music from their forthcoming album entitled “The House”.   The Joynt on Dearborn and Erie.  And no cover if you tell them I sent  you at the door.

SATURDAY

  • Theresa Carter, of the Local Tourist and Jim Goodrich are having a Route 66 send off party at Cactus Bar and Grill.  The send-off party is $10 and raises money for pediatric cancer research.
  • Barefoot Wine Clean-Up from 2-4 at Oak Street beach. Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation, are on a cleanup tour -and they are stopping in Chicago.    They are looking for volunteers to keep our beaches barefoot friendly.
  • BURBS: Check out ROCKIN’ for JOPLIN… A Fundraiser in Westmont for the tornado victims in Joplin, MO.
FESTS

SUNDAY

  • Dose Market celebrates Chicago’s dynamic fashion, food, and design at the River East Art Center- but that’s on Sunday only.
  • IAN MAKSIN, at DIXON STRINGS with special guest Ana Fau from 5-8.

Please make sure you like “JenChicago” on Facebook and Twitter for a steady stream of fun things to do in Chicago.

This video was sponsored by The Joynt Chicago.  With four rooms of music- there’s something for everyone.

If you have an event to add or want to sponsor a show, please email me jen at jenchicago dot com