Tag Archives: obama

Spiaggia: Killer Clientele, Killer Food

5It has been said that Spiaggia has the best Italian food in all of America by notables for Travel & Leisure and Esquire. Yep, read it and weep Northeast coasters who think you’re the only people to recreate Italian masterpieces.

Going strong since 1984, chef and partner Tony Mantuano is a name to be reckoned with in the world of cuisine. Everyone knows he’s a master, no contests necessary. Just take a look at the crowd that eats here: Michelle Obama, Sir Elton John, the late Princess Diana, Sir Mick Jagger, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel, Paul Newman, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon.

En sum, “Il mio sogno realizzato” says Spiaggia owner and founder Larry Levy, his dream come true.

2. National Easter Egg Hunt April 5

Screen shot 2010-03-24 at 3.13.09 PMDating back to 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House grounds to local children for egg rolling on Easter, the annual White House Easter Egg Roll is a tradition that takes place on the White House Lawn. Families can come to hunt for and race Easter Eggs, while listening to stories and getting a visit from the Easter Bunny. Opened to children twelve and under, families can also enjoy sports, cooking classes, and live musical performances.

The theme for this year is “Ready, Set, Go!” promoting health and wellness. There are also wooden souvenir eggs available for online purchase, with each one expertly crafted and painted, as well as signed by the President and First Lady.

Hyde Park Art Center: Obama’s Neighborhood Gem

Never before did Hyde Park gain such a name than in recent times, thanks to none other than the President of the United States. Reigning from Hyde Park, President Obama has heavy ties to his old neighborhood, just south of the downtown “Loop.” An eclectic mix of mansions and apartments, rib-joints and bistros, the South Side is certainly up-and-coming. But you can’t really make it until you’ve got some cool art on the scene and alas, there’s the Hyde Park Art Center, which has actually been around for 70 years.

Its mission siKiekebeninstall1-webnce it opened in the 1930s (it’s actually the oldest contemporary art venue in Chicago) is to “stimulate”  and provoke the unexpected.  Today it continues to do just that with a wide range of classes, lectures, workshops, camps, exhibits, and not to mention, fun, flirty, cocktail-enriched galas.

The HPAC always stays true to its roots, however, and aims to unite artists and the community. Their Not Just Another Pretty Face bridges the gap between patrons and artists by involving them together directly. If you think you’ve got a cool idea and want to see it materialize through the eyes of a verifiable artist, then this is the program for you.

1. Watch President Obama Light the Nation’s Tree 12/3/09-1/1/2010

No tree lighting can compare to the all-star line-up for the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C. They’ve got all corners covered with performances from mega-stars Sheryl Crow and Jordin Sparks, folk-pop songwriter Ray Lomantagne, jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, and even International Irish phenomenon Celtic Women at the event.

Of course, the main stars are the First Family themselves where Obama will give one of his soon-to-be famous speeches and the entire family will help light the energy-efficient national tree. This is a highly-anticipated event, so tickets are a must.

If you can’t make it for the big day, there will be free performances throughout the holiday season until the New Year.