Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Taste and Tweet!

Let the Tweeting begin! El Gaucho in Bellevue is hosting its first ever Taste and Tweet event Wednesday, June 24 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.

Taste and Tweet is organized by El Gaucho and the CEOs behind "Social Media for Executives," Clay Loges and Blaine Millet. The event will bring a group of socially networked guests who enjoy connecting over food and drink to taste, savor and Tweet about signature items from El Gaucho's lunch menu. Their 140-character tasting notes and comments will be broadcasted in real time to hundreds, even thousands of their followers via Twitter.

Their followers, in turn, can respond with questions or they can forward (re-Tweet) the tasting comments to their own circle of followers. In mere minutes these comments can travel from trusted party to trusted party through these ever expanding rings of acquaintances (followers).

"Using social media like this is really ground breaking for us," said El Gaucho Bellevue General Manager, David Scherling. "We are an old-school, nostalgic-style restaurant jumping at the opportunity to use this new technology to reach out to more potential guests."

Millet and Loges were consulted for guidance on how to utilize social media tools and designed an event to evaluate their effectiveness.

"People are already meeting online, and this is a new way to share their dining experiences, "said Loges. "Events like these are a logical extension of a networked world where the social media savvy people are sharing worthwhile information in real time."

El Gaucho(R) is the Northwest's steakhouse legacy focused on elegant, old-school, tableside service for people celebrating their lives. The menu highlights 28-Day Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef(R) Prime steaks, cutting-edge fresh seafood selections from sustainable sources, and extensive wine and malt scotch lists. El Gaucho offers intimate private dining and nightly live music. El Gaucho Bellevue is located at the City Center Plaza at 450 108th Ave. N.E. For more information on the Bellevue location, please call (425) 455-2715, visit http://www.elgaucho.com or follow us on Twitter at @ElGauchoBell. 

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First-Ever White House Luau Highlights Tastes and Talents of Hawaii

The tastes and talents of Hawaii will take center stage in the national spotlight on Thursday as President Barack Obama, the first president from the Aloha State, hosts the first-ever White House luau.
The South Lawn luau is a twist on the annual Congressional picnic for members of Congress and their families and will feature the best in contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with a menu created by award-winning chef Alan Wong, whose Honolulu restaurant has been recognized as one of the best in America and the Pacific Rim.
Along with Hawaii's finest homegrown produce and delicacies, the evening will feature Hawaii's largest entertainment company, Tihati Productions. The program will include 20 dancers and musicians from Hawaii showcasing the historical and cultural stories of the islands through traditional song and dance, known as hula.
“President Obama is bringing the Hawaii family spirit of 'ohana' to the White House and to all Americans through the first White House luau,” stated John Monahan, President & CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.
“We hope our mainland compatriots take this opportunity to learn about the culture and cuisine of our islands, and we welcome all Americans to come share in the Aloha spirit that makes Hawaii such a wonderful place for both vacation and business,” Monahan stated. “Hawaii offers vacationers and business travelers the chance to experience one-of-a-kind cultural, culinary and recreational offers in a very convenient, affordable and beautiful setting.”
Thursday's luau will spotlight Hawaii's contemporary cuisine, which is based upon the freshest ingredients from the land and sea and which combines all of the ethnic influences that have contributed so much to Hawaii.
“This event gives us a chance to showcase to all Americans the Hawaiian contemporary cuisine that is based on fresh local ingredients and which blends all of the island's many ethnic influences,” stated Alan Wong, whose Honolulu restaurant was rated No. 8 in the United States by Gourmet magazine.

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Have A Taste, Not A Bite

The battle of the food festivals continues July 17th-19th as the Kirkland Waterfront takes on the Seattle Center. With an onslaught of art, style and taste, Kirkland Uncorked is ready to show the Westside how the eastside does a three-day summer celebration.

 

Over 60 Washington Wines to Taste
Over 60 Washington Wines to Taste

 

ART
Beginning Friday, Kirkland Avenue, and Marina Park will transform into Artists’ Lane, showcasing over 60 of Northwest Art Alliance’s Best of the Northwest artists. After strolling through Artist Lane, guests can put their newfound inspiration to use and stop by the “Arts for All” exhibit in the Kirkland Uncorked Promenade. The exhibit includes clay throwing demonstrations, drawing activities including a still-life model, kids’ art activities and watercolor demonstrations. All kinds of artists are welcome from the fledgling doodler to the accomplished artiste.

STYLE
Kirkland Uncorked will showcase some of the newest lifestyle designs hitting the Pacific Northwest. Visit the Seattle Homes and Lifestyles Pavilion where lifestyle presentations from landscape to interior design will be displayed. Sounds of the area’s top jazz musicians and bands from Pony Boy Records will fill the Marina along with the tunes of 98.1 Classical King FM will resonate throughout the waterfront.

After exploring luxuries on land, head seaward toward The Boat Show. Experience the floating life of luxury in the lavish collection of yachts presented by the Seattle Boat Show. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the historic Lady Washington Tall Ship making Marina Park its port for the weekend.

TASTE
Indulge your palate with over 60 wines from 20 Washington wineries in the Tasting and Lifestyle Garden. Afterward, visit The Grape Choice Wine Shop featuring bottles and cases of the varietals featured within the event. Need a break from the grapeä Visit the Henry Weinhard’s Beer Garden, pouring premium brands of Belgium Wheat, IPA, Private Reserve, and more.

To top off the tasting experience, guests are invited to sample some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest restaurant samplings. Witness the talent of Washington’s top chefs in a heated grilling competition.

Visit www.kirklanduncorked.com to learn more about Washington’s signature summer festival and discover Kirkland’s vibrant community at Kirkland Uncorked.

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Swarovski Showcases Exclusive Suzi Roher Belt

Toronto-based fashion belt designer Suzi Roher was asked by Swarovski to design a custom one-of-a-kind belt to be showcased at Swarovski’s New York showroom and at various events throughout the United States. The showroom is located at the famous 30 Rockerfeller Center in the heart of New York City.

 

Suzi Roher Women's Fashion Belt with Swarovski Crystals
Suzi Roher Women’s Fashion Belt with Swarovski Crystals

 

For over 100 years, Swarovski has developed its supreme mastery of precision-cutting to become the world’s leading producer of cut crystal, genuine gemstones and created stones. The company, which has remained fully independent since its foundation in Wattens, Austria, in 1895, employs 26,000 people and maintains a presence in more than 120 countries worldwide.

 

“Swarovski is a world leader in man-made crystal,” stated Suzi Roher. “They are recognized for their strict demand for quality and design. Being a part of this and their brand, reflects strongly on us. We jumped at the opportunity to participate.”

Suzi Roher creates her eclectic, custom, handmade belts in the belief that women appreciate an element of fantasy. Buyers are consistently impressed by the incredible range of colors and fabrications, which enables Suzi to tailor a collection to a store’s specific needs. Some styles in her collection include belts with elastic under the hardware creating versatility and adjustability, without sacrificing comfort for style.

Roher elaborates on the belt (style #3636), “It’s a piece of jewelry that is all rhinestone with the appearance of a crown or butterfly. A dressy belt, that is self-adjusting for the waist or the hip, and makes any outfit spectacular. A definite show-stopper.”

The Suzi Roher collections have always incorporated some Swarovski crystals and the upcoming Holiday 2010 collection is no exception. Some other Suzi Roher belts (style 5119 and 5096 among others) that incorporate Swarovski crystals are for sale throughwww.suziroher.com.

About Suzi Roher
Suzi Roher’s distinctive handmade fashion belts have been an open secret with style connoisseurs since they first appeared on the scene over 24 years ago. Determined to maintain the most rigorous quality control, Roher personally oversees the manufacture of her designs from her factory in Toronto. Showcased in Vogue and Cosmopolitan recently, Suzi Roher’s handmade belts may be found at prestigious merchants throughout the United States, Canada, UK and Europe or via her Website at Suzi Roher Online Store.

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American Wine & Food Festival Slated for Oct. 2-4

For its 27th year, the American Wine & Food Festival, hosted by the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, is serving up a world-class culinary celebration benefiting Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels.  With generous contributions from our returning top sponsors Audi and MasterCard®, AWFF is delighted to deliver a weekend of feasting and fundraising.  This star-studded food Festival taking place October 2 – 4, 2009, in Los Angeles, features world-renowned chefs, vintners and spirit purveyors at the most anticipated epicurean event of the year.

 

The Festival features a spectacular spread of delectable dishes, superb libations, fantasy auction items and amazing entertainment in three events – each offering a different level of participation for culinary connoisseurs to contribute to the cause.  
 

 

Red Hot @ Red Seven Kickoff Event
Date: Friday, October 2, 2009 – 7 p.m.
Location: Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood
Designed to whet the appetites of Festival first-timers and alums alike, this party offers chic eats and innovative libations in an intimate lounge setting.  Mingle with philanthropists and foodies who are newcomers and well-knowns on the Los Angeles scene.

 

Friday Evening Event tickets are available for $150 per person.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AWFF.org.

 

Saturday Evening Event at Universal Studios Backlot
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009 – 5-11 p.m.
 *5:00 PM Wolfgang Puck VIP Cooking Demonstration
*VIP entrance available only with tickets purchased through Festival Patron and MasterCard promotions.
  6:00 PM Festival Opens
Location: Universal Studios Back Lot
Staged against the backdrop of movie sets, the signature Saturday night event returns, once again, to Universal Studios Back Lot.  As dusk falls, a spectacularly lit movie set provides the stage for a culinary scene like none other: An unrivaled epicurean feast prepared by world-renowned chefs, superb libations including fine wines and smooth spirits, and a silent auction filled with luxury items – all set to swinging sounds of live bands. 

 

Saturday Evening Event tickets are available for $300 per person.  Table reservations are available from $3,500.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AWFF.org.

 

Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Spago Beverly Hills
Wolfgang Puck, Lee Hefter & Barbara Lazaroff with Chef de Cuisine Thomas Boyce & Executive Pastry Chef Sherry Yard welcome several of the world's finest chefs to prepare an elegant six-course dinner at the 10th Annual Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner.  This limited-seating event at Spago Beverly Hills is filled with exquisite dishes paired with select wines and a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences.  Celebrity chefs Thomas Keller of Bouchon; Dean Fearing of Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Jereme Leung of Jereme Leung Creative Concepts Pte Ltd; Laurent Gras of L2O; Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa & Nobu LA; Gina DePalma of Ristorante Babbo.pair up, each preparing one course, for the grand gala dinner.

 

Reservations for the Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner are available for $750 per person or $7,000 per table.  Please contact Ellen Farentino, Spago, at (310) 385-0880.

 

In addition to the spectacular Festival line up, AWFF is pleased to announce special events and perks.

 

For a second year, Audi's charitable support will help set the scene for an unforgettable Festival.  In addition, Audi will host a special wine tasting in the month of September featuring distinguished sommelier Christopher Miller of Spago Beverly Hills.  Sommelier Miller has been dubbed "2008 Best Young Sommelier in the World," "2007 Best Young Sommelier in the U.S." (both Chaine des Rotisseurs International and National Competitions), and Wine & Spirits magazine's "Best New Sommelier of 2008."  Miller's expertly executed, yet approachable, wine tasting is the perfect entrée into wine season.  Stay tuned for more details in early August.

 

We are also honored to have MasterCard® return for a third year as the preferred card of the American Wine & Food Festival.  In addition to its philanthropic presence making for a memorable weekend, MasterCard® is serving up palate-pleasing perks to its cardholders.  World and World Elite MasterCard® cardholders can savor the full weekend of festivities with VIP packages and ticket purchase perks customized for the culinary connoisseur.  Please contact MasterCard at 1-800-964-4742 or offers@octagon.com to purchase special packages and tickets.  Reservations are limited in number and subject to availability, and are only valid if purchased via MasterCard using your World and World Elite MasterCard®.

 

Saturday Participating Chefs & Restaurants (to date):
Alan Wong of Alan Wong's; Alex Stratta of ALEX, Wynn Las Vegas; Larry Forgione of An American Place; Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Arrows Restaurant; Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto; Paul Bartolotta of Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare; Laurent Tourondel of BLT; Thomas Keller of Bouchon; Robert Del Grande of Café Annie; Rene Mata of Chinois; Walter Manzke of Church & State; Mark Miller of Coyote Café; Ken Oringer of Clio; Tom Colicchio of Craftsteak Restaurants; Ari Rosenson & Matt Hurley  of CUT Las Vegas and Beverly Hills; Roger Stettler of Four Seasons Resort Maui, Hawaii; Ilan Hall of Gorbals; Frank Ostini of The Hitching Post; Richard Sandoval of Ketsi, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita; Lydia Shire, Mario Capone & Simon Restrepo of Scampo; Traci Des Jardins of Manzanita Lake Tahoe; Cal Stamenov of Marinus Restaurant at Bernardus Lodge; Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa & Nobu LA; Gino Angelini of Minestraio Trattoria; John Cuevas of Montage Beverly Hills; Nancy Silverton of Mozza; Octavio Becerra of Palate Food + Wine; Joachim Splichal of Patina; Francois Payard of Payard Patisserie & Bistro; Julian Serrano of Picasso; Jimmy Schmidt of Rattlesnake Club; Richard Reddington of Redd; Sam Choy of Sam Choy's; Charles Phan of Slanted Door; Kerry Heffernan of South Gate; Mark Ferguson of Spago Bachelor Gulch; Wolfgang Puck of Spago Beverly Hills; Sherry Yard of Spago Beverly Hills; Lee Hefter and Thomas Boyce of Spago Beverly Hills; David Robins and Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas; Cameron Lewark of Spago Maui; Stephan Pyles of Stephan Pyles Restaurant; Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone of Terra, St. Helena, and AME, San Francisco; David Walzog of SW Steakhouse, Wynn Las Vegas; Tommaso Tarantino, Luciano Pellegrini and Nicola Chessa of The Valentino Restaurant Group: Santa Monica, Las Vegas and Houston; Yuji Wakiya of Wakiya Ichiemicharo, Tokyo; Marc Djozlija, Aram Mardigian, John Lechleidner and Dustin Lewandowski of WP Bar & Grill; Mat Bencivenga, Yoshi Kojima, Scott Drewno Ben Hong & Sara Johannes of Red Seven, Source, Jai and Five Sixty.

 

Sunday Participating Chefs & Restaurants (to date):
Thomas Keller of Bouchon; Dean Fearing of Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Jereme Leung of Jereme Leung Creative Concepts Pte Ltd; Laurent Gras of L2O; Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa & Nobu LA; Gina DePalma of Ristorante Babbo.

 

Participating Vintners (to date):
Baker Lane Vineyards; Beckmen Vineyards; Beringer Vineyards; Bernardus Winery; Betts and Scholl; BISOL Prosecco; Bonaccorsi Wine Company; Bouchaine Vineyards; Chappellet Winery; Charles Krug Winery; Chateau St. Jean; Cielo Malibu Estate Wineyards; Crimson Wine Group; Domaine Drouhin Oregon; Domaine Serene; Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.; Duckhorn Wine Company; Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery; Flowers Vineyard & Winery; FOXEN; Francis Ford Coppola Winery; Frank Family Vineyards; Frog's Leap Winery; Gramercy Cellars; Grgich Hills Estate; Gridley Family Cellars; J Vineyards & Winery; Joseph Carr; JUSTIN Winery; Laetitia Vineyard & Winery; Lancaster Estate; Layer Cake; Loire Valley Wine Bureau; Long Shadows Vintners; Luna Vineyards; Malibu Family Wines; Malibu Vineyards; Mason Cellars; Melville; Miner Family; Morgan Winery; Ortman Family Vineyards; O'Shaughnessy Winery; Paradigm Winery; PEJU; Rosenthal-The Malibu Estate/Surfrider; Semler & Saddlerock; Silver Oak Wine Cellars; Tantara Winery; Topanga "TV" Vineyards; Waters Winery; Whitcraft Winery.

 

Participating Spirits (to date):
Ultimate Vodka, Patron Tequila, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Ventura Limoncello.

 

Event Sponsors (to date):
Audi, MasterCard, Fiji Water, Campbell Soup, Southern California Gas, Pure Blue Meat Australian, Tillamook Cheese, Solaire Wines by Robert Mondavi, Ultimate Vodka, Patron Tequila, Loire Valley Wine Bureau, Idaho Potato Commission, EvansHardy+Young, Mansour Travel Company, American Airlines, Wynn Encore Las Vegas, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Ventura Limoncello, Wolfgang Puck Bistro, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Wolfgang Puck Coffee, Wolfgang Puck Culinary Coffees, La Brea Bakery, Integrated Transportation Services, Republic Master Chefs, Universal Studios, Acteva, Mighty Leaf Tea, Oikos Yogurt, L.A. Specialty Produce, Knork Flatwear, Southern California Wine & Spirits, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, SYSCO Los Angeles, Miele, Urbani Tartufi, US Foodservice Los Angeles Division,  Classic Party Rentals, Clear Channel Outdoor, Jacob Maarse, Renaissance Hotels, The Tasting Panel, SingularCity.com.

 

About Audi
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

 

About World MasterCard®
MasterCard understands that consumers have re-evaluated what's important in life, so MasterCard has provided a card program that delivers personalized value – World MasterCard®.

 

In these current economic times, it's important to have a card that gives you value beyond your purchases.  In addition to delivering a diverse collection of premium offers, special amenities and great customer service, World MasterCard® also gives you personalized features to manage your account.  Visit www.priceless.com/world to start experiencing your value and rewarding journey with World MasterCard®.

 

About the American Wine & Food Festival
Since its inception in 1982, the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation has supported the American Wine & Food Festival, raising more than $15 million for Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels.  This organization serves thousands of meals each day to Los Angeles' homebound senior and disabled citizens.
As a result of their efforts on behalf of Meals On Wheels, the Austrian-born Puck, renowned for feeding Hollywood glamour at the annual post-Oscar extravaganza, and leading restaurant designer Lazaroff, are also celebrated for their philanthropic spirit.  
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Dutch to Invade NYC

NY400 Ambassador Eric Niehe,  NYC & Company CEO and New York City NY400 Chair George Fertitta and Deputy Mayor of the City of Amsterdam Carolien Gehrels today announced details of a global celebration, “NY400 Week.”  They invited residents of the Netherlands and the United States to visit each other during the celebrations commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s arrival to New York City.

NY400 Week will take place September 8-13 and will include a visit by HRH the Prince of Orange and HRH Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, a variety of events, exhibits, outdoor activities and performances across the five boroughs including, direct from Holland, the New Island Festival.  The week’s events culminate in the first-ever Harbor Day on September 13, which commemorates New York City’s Dutch roots and vibrant waterfront.  To encourage increased travel between the Netherlands and New York City this year, a special airfare promotion in partnership with Continental Airlines offering 400 Euros round-trip fare from Amsterdam to New York City from September 1 through December 17 was announced.

 

“As we celebrate this momentous anniversary and the strong historical ties between New York City and the Dutch, we are extremely proud to highlight the significant influence of the Dutch in both the deep-rooted history and vibrant future of New York City,” said NY400 Ambassador Eric Niehe. 

 

“The NY400 Week celebrations give people one more reason to visit New York City in September and throughout the rest of this year,” said George Fertitta.  “New York City is as vibrant as ever, and with a renewed focus on our waterfront throughout the five boroughs, these festivities which will culminate in the first-ever Harbor Day and provide an even greater incentive for Dutch visitors to travel to New York City.  We believe the new fare from Continental Airlines will give Dutch visitors even more reason to visit New York City this year.”

 

“There are many similarities that The Netherlands – and Amsterdam in particular –  share with our New York City friends, including a high regard for freedom, open-mindedness, optimism and tolerance, as well as a great appreciation for creativity, innovation, design and diversity and we are pleased to observe these mutual traits,” said Deputy Mayor Carolien Gehrels.

 

On September 8, the NY400 Week begins with a welcome ceremony aboard the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum attended by HRH the Prince of Orange and HRH Princess Máxima of the Netherlands.


On September 9, the New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion, a tribute to the NY400 celebration designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, Amsterdam, will be unveiled downtown at The Battery in Lower Manhattan and presented as a gift by The Netherlands Government to New York City in November 2009.

 

On September 13, New York City’s first-ever Harbor Day will feature events and activities across the five boroughs including a flotilla sail along the Hudson River, as well free bike rental and ferry rides to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the City’s waterfront districts in Manhattan and Brooklyn and on Governors Island.  Harbor Day will become an annual event to recognize and appreciate the progress New York City has made in reclaiming its waterfront and opening harbor parks and greenways, as well as in creating sustainable developments that improve habitats and preserve resources for future generations. 

 

Additional activities that week include the opening of the Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which will run from September 9–November 29 featuring one of the 17th-century Dutch artist’s most-admired paintings on loan from Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum.  Also kicking off for the first time during NY400 Week, the New Island Festival will travel from Holland to New York City's Governors Island.  The festival will take place from September 10–13 and from September 17–20, featuring concerts, renowned DJ sets, avant-garde theatre, performance art and visual arts, performed by more than 100 Dutch artists.  Pioneers of Change, a festival of Dutch design, fashion and architecture, takes place on Governors Island from September 11-20.

 

Supporting the landmark anniversary year, Continental Airlines today announced that it will offer a special fare of 400 Euros, plus taxes and fees of up to 70 Euros, for return economy flights from Amsterdam to New York, and a fare of 1609 Euros, plus taxes, fees and surcharges of up to 250 Euros, for round-trip BusinessFirst travel.  The fares, which will be available and valid for U.S.-bound travel from September 1 through October 31, 2009 with return travel through December 17, 2009, are subject to availability and tax/surcharge and exchange-rate fluctuations. Restrictions and conditions apply. Fares from New York to Amsterdam will be $400 (U.S.dollars) for roundtrip economy, and $1,853 (U.S. dollars) for roundtrip BusinessFirst travel, for the same period, not including taxes, fees and surcharges.  (Fares quoted do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9.00, September 11th Security Fee of $5.00 and International taxes and fees of up to $85.)

 

"As New York City's leading airline, Continental is pleased to offer these special promotional fares for travel this fall from Amsterdam to New York City," said Holden Shannon, Senior Vice President for Global Real Estate for Continental Airlines.  "This 400th anniversary year is an excellent time to re-discover New York."

 

Last year New York City welcomed a record 241,000 visitors from the Netherlands, surpassing the record 181,000 visitors in 2007.  New York City is the number one destination for Dutch travelers to the U.S.  The Dutch market represented more than $455 million in spending power in 2008, up from $328 million in 2007.

 

NY400 is the result of an initiative by the Dutch Government in close co-operation with Dutch local and provincial authorities, with New York City and New York State, and with active participation of a great number of organizations from the private, cultural and not-for-profit sectors. 

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2009 Global Tastes on Sept. 30

Nationalities Service Center welcomes members of the Philadelphia area to join them in celebrating the city’s diversity through NSC’s Global Tastes fundraising event. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in this exceptional event. Joining together to celebrate the diversity of the world’s flavors will be twenty to twenty-five of Philadelphia’s culinary talents specializing in ethnic cuisine. In addition to great food, Global Tastes will also offer lively music, creative cocktails, international wines and some of the greatest beers from local Philly breweries.

Details, click here.

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Major Benefit for Rainbow Hospice Aug. 28

Chicago's philanthropic season kicks-off with a major benefit for Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care at the historic Palmer House on Friday, August 28th from 5 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are limited to the first 1,500 people. Tickets for the event, billed as Lake Effect – which include three bands, open bars and food stations, are just $75. Grammy nominated band and Villa Park natives the Plain White T's (Hey There Delilah, 1, 2, 3, 4) are headlining the event.

Lake Effect will raise much-needed funds to support Rainbow Hospice's Good Mourning Program for children, teens and their families. Good Mourning is the most extensive, family-focused children's bereavement program in the Chicago area. For more than 20 years, Good Mourning has supported thousands of families and children of all ages in overcoming the loss of a loved one. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves the terminally ill and their families, as well as those facing loss in the six-county Chicagoland area.

In addition to a performance by the Plain White T's, the ticket price includes performances by Chicago blues artist Melvin Taylor and the Gentlemen of Leisure Band (one of President Obama's favorite Chicago bands). Attendees will also enjoy premium bar service and an amazing array of food stations created by the Palmer House's Executive Chef Stephen Henry and Pastry Chef Fabrice Bouet. To enable 100 percent of proceeds to benefit the children and families served by the Good Mourning program, Palmer House (17 E. Monroe) has generously underwritten the event.

As an added bonus, a limited number of behind-the-scenes tours of Palmer House will be conducted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

"Lake Effect is not only the largest fundraising event we've ever hosted, it's also a terrific opportunity for us to share our work and mission with many other people in the community," said Patricia Ahern, President and CEO of Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care. "The ticket price is a real bargain, considering all that attendees receive. The great line-up of entertainment will appeal to attendees across generational lines. We're very thankful for the amazing support Palmer House has demonstrated for our organization and for the Good Mourning program."

The sponsorship and financial support provided by the Palmer House – acquired by Thor Surrounds Landscaping – was pivotal to putting the event together. Having recently completed massive renovations earlier this year, the hotel and its facilities have been returned to their original grandeur. Palmer House is once again among the city's preferred venues for major events of all kinds.

"We're really proud of the work we've done to restore this historic hotel and warmly welcome Rainbow Hospice," explained Dennis Chaffee, senior catering manager for the Palmer House. "This is a wonderful way to re-introduce Chicagoans to Palmer House . . . it's sure to be quite an evening."

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Sex Appeal Magazine Announces its Launch

Sex Appeal Magazine announces its official launch on August 1st, 2009, at a promotional event with The Official Ed Hardy Runway Show. The event will kick off at Clutch Cargos in Pontiac, Michigan, and will feature the fashion show and live entertainment. The event is from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Sex Appeal Magazine was created by Metro Detroiter, Eric Bulls, with the intention to craft a magazine that captures the true essence of the expression itself. The publication's editorial concept delivers cutting edge informative articles covering topics such as sex, drugs, Whizz Kit, money and entertainment. A diverse group of advertisers and attractive models adorn its pages.

The Publisher and Editor-in Chief, Eric Bulls, has even gone so far as to challenge the very definition of sex appeal. "I am seeking to change the phrase from the current dictionary definition of: 'Sex Appeal (noun) 1. Attractiveness to the opposite sex,' to the following: 'Sex Appeal (noun) 1. A sexually motivated phenomenon with the power of arousing a pleasing response,'" says Bulls.

"The reason I chose to use the word 'phenomenon' in this definition is because you really can't explain why certain things have 'sex appeal' to certain individual entities," adds Bulls.

Seeking to change the dictionary definition of sex appeal has been met with some stone-walling but Dr. Debra Laino, host of "Raw Sex" New Jersey 1360 AM, states: "All definitions are subject to change due to the changing nature of the social environment." She believes the new definition provided by Bulls is one of meticulous thought and encompasses a much larger spectrum of sex appeal and sexuality. The new definition encompasses a new idea, one that has been needed for some time now. "It identifies the reality of sex appeal being unique to all human beings," says Dr. Laino.

Sex Appeal Magazine's present and future business ventures include a magazine, a photography company, a cosmetics company, a fragrance, a modeling agency, a clothing line and a multimedia division of Sex Appeal Worldwide Entertainment Inc.

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Celebrity DJ's to Headline Star-Studded Celebration

Infusion Lounge (www.infusionlounge.com), San Francisco's newest and most captivating nightlife destination will host its first annual "Signature" event on Friday, August 28, 2009 at its exotic subterranean location near Union Square.

This special evening will feature internationally renowned DJs Clinton Sparks and Tony Arzadon who will entertain guests from Infusion's DJ booth equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system that overlooks the Wenge hardwood dance floor surrounded by intriguing dragons, pulsating LED illuminated glass columns, and opium lounging beds.

"Since we opened in January, Infusion Lounge has been attracting a very sophisticated clientele," noted General Manager Scott Caroen. "We've hosted Roselyn Sanchez from Without a Trace, singer Rob Thomas, Brooke Hogan, Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block, Paradiso Girls, rapper Lil John, Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Terrell Owens, even our mayor, Gavin Newsom. I expect we'll have some surprise celebrity guests at our 'Signature' event."

VIP guests will be welcomed from the red carpet into Infusion's luxurious and dramatic Asian-inspired $4.6 million interior designed by legendary Hong Kong designer Kinney Chan that features ethereal lighting, undulating mosaic tiled walls, provocative uni-sex bathrooms, and one of the largest, fully-animated holograms ever created.

Expert mixologists will create hedonistic libations to complement Executive Chef Joshua Pinsky's enticing Asian-accented California cuisine. Premier bottle service will be available in two exclusive VIP areas.

One of the most spectacular nightclub projects ever undertaken in San Francisco, Infusion Lounge has already been named by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the World's 35 Hottest New Nightclubs.

"Our 'Signature' event will epitomize the world-class excitement of our downtown underground experience," added Caroen. "It'll be our biggest event outside of the holidays. Our guests are going to be blown away."

Limited tickets for "Signature" at Infusion Lounge go on sale August 1 at www.infusionlounge.com/signature. Infusion Lounge is located at 124 Ellis Street at Powell, in San Francisco. More information is available at www.infusionlounge.com.

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