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Browsing all posts from December, 2009.
12/10/09
The new Ice Skating Rink at Wrigley!
I was reading about the new wrigley ice rink in redeye this morning while drinking my coffee at rockit Wrigley, looked up, and there it was 100ft away! I figured you really need to see it yourself to really feel how exciting this is, so I braved the 20 below wind chill factor today to show it to you visually here! (the cold wasn’t really that bad, the sun was out & the thought of ice skating in the hood had my adrenaline going!)
It really feels like a random dream seeing it in front of such an iconic structure like wrigleyfield. I guess after the success of the “winter classic” blackhawks vs red wings game earlier this year on 1/1, and the time they gave the neighbors to hit the ice after, the community thought that this would be an amazing treat for all- and it is!
To add to the excitement, I know all the restaurants & bars in the area are excited to entertain all the ice skating enthusiasts coming for fun, making sure that families, friends, dates, parties,.. can make a whole day and/or night of it! Rockit Wrigley for example is doing ½ off hot soup & all kid’s menu items for guests w/their ice skating ticket… along with a ton of warm winter wonderland hot drink specials… (irish coffee, the peppermint paddy, super cider,…)
The rink opens next week on December 15th, and goes til the end of February, being open for guests every night of the week, and all day/night Saturdays and Sundays. For more info about rink click… (and if need me to save you a table at rockit ever click… ) see you on the ice!! (or thawing out over a rockit burger, truffle fries and some sort of hot chocolate adult beverage!)
I was reading about the new wrigley ice rink in redeye this morning while drinking my coffee at rockit Wrigley, looked up, and there it was 100ft away!
It really feels like a random dream seeing it in front of such an iconic structure like wrigleyfield. I guess after the success of the “winter classic” blackhawks vs red wings game earlier this year on 1/1, and the time they gave the neighbors to hit the ice after, the community thought that this would be an amazing treat for all- and it is!
To add to the excitement, I know all the restaurants & bars in the area are excited to entertain all the ice skating enthusiasts coming for fun, making sure that families, friends, dates, parties,.. can make a whole day and/or night of it! Rockit Wrigley for example is doing ½ off hot soup & all kid’s menu items for guests w/their ice skating ticket… along with a ton of warm winter wonderland hot drink specials… (irish coffee, the peppermint paddy, super cider,…)
The rink opens next week on December 15th, and goes til the end of February, being open for guests every night of the week, and all day/night Saturdays and Sundays. For more info about rink click here (and if need me to save you a table at rockit ever click tyson@rockitbarandgrill.com ) see you on the ice!! (or thawing out over a rockit burger, truffle fries and some sort of hot chocolate adult beverage!)
12/09/09
Chicago Marketing, PR, Event Production, Entertainment & Hospitality Intern Search!
I have been getting a ton of questions about our intern program on twitter & facebook… and thought better to show you visually what’s up… so check this video to actually see who you would work with and where… as an intern for rockit ranch productions… the chicago entertainment company that creates, markets & manages our own restaurants & nightclubs like Rockit Bar & Grill, our New asian concept Sunda & The Underground!
Email ilysa at myintern@rockitranch.com with any questions asap as we are interviewing this weekend… and btw, in the video, my intern is writing a guest blog for this site that thousands will read… which you will be able to do too… and you will see a ton of the team running the company around here that were all interns before… so our intern program is pretty intense!
Because the intern program is so great, we really are looking for the best. We need passion & skills. If love working & talking with people wanting to make them super happy, and have strong skills in the world of interactive marketing, social media, creative event production & promotion, and/or graphic design… and want to use it all to deliver the most amazing events, experiences, food, drinks, music, atmosphere, fun,… to the best guests in the world… we want to meet you asap!
I have been getting a ton of questions about our intern program on twitter & facebook… and thought better to show you visually what’s up… so check this video to actually see who you would work with and where… as an intern for rockit ranch productions… the chicago entertainment company that creates, markets & manages our own restaurants & nightclubs like Rockit Bar & Grill, our New asian concept Sunda & The Underground!
Email ilysa at myintern@rockitranch.com with any questions asap as we are interviewing this weekend… and btw, in the video, my intern is writing a guest blog for this site that thousands will read… which you will be able to do too… and you will see a ton of the team running the company around here that were all interns before… so our intern program is pretty intense!
Because the intern program is so great, we really are looking for the best. We need passion & skills. If love working & talking with people wanting to make them super happy, and have strong skills in the world of interactive marketing, social media, creative event production & promotion, and/or graphic design… and want to use it all to deliver the most amazing events, experiences, food, drinks, music, atmosphere, fun,… to the best guests in the world… we want to meet you asap!
12/07/09
I overdosed on Best Chocolate in Chicago!
This is so random I know, but with all the events going on for the holidays… I feel like I have been everywhere in the last week, and wanted to share a clip of it with you… so here is a crazy video of my favorite event so far! It was from the “world of chocolate” event to benefit aids last Thursday where I had to judge 30 of the best chocolate dishes from the best chefs in chicago!
As you will see, its packed, the music is pumping, the crowd is fun, and there was chocolate everywhere! You probably can also tell I was flying high on sugar doing my best to take it down as a judge- and omg- it was way harder to physically eat that much chocolate, and to think straight while doing it in effort to pick who was best out of all our chicago talent!
Anyway, sorry it looks crazy, but did it on the fly w/my flip for ya by myself… I wasn’t planning on it, but just got so impressed w/the experience, and wanted to share… and not just because there were so many sweets, but because there were 1700 ish people who came through, selling the event out, donating over $200,000!!!! How great is that! So happy to be a part of it…
Speaking of my role as judge, I guess I can say who I voted for now… I think it’s been announced? But first, shout out to terry’s toffee, truffle truffle, sweet margy & everyone else who knocked me out w/the best dessert experience ever! As for the best of the best? I voted for the Peninsula hotel! and a little tip, they have a full on gourmet chocolate buffet & live jazz every Friday & Saturday night… so it’s all right there for you to experience too! Enjoy!
This is so random I know, but with all the events going on for the holidays… I feel like I have been everywhere in the last week, and wanted to share a clip of it with you… so here is a crazy video of my favorite event so far! It was from the “world of chocolate” event to benefit aids last Thursday where I had to judge 30 of the best chocolate dishes from the best chefs in chicago!
Tags: aids foundation chicago, flip camera, peninsula hotel, sweet margy, terry's toffee, truffle truffle, world of chocolate
12/05/09
victoria's secret "sexiest in chicago" w/ "angel" alessandra ambrosio!
If follow me on twitter (click here if you don’t), you were in nyc w/me for the actual live Victoria’s Secret show! Thought I would show you a small video I took after the show from my flipcam above… the look on my face is pretty stupid I know, and I really had nothing to say, but that’s just how good the show was! (and as you can tell, the girls were just shockingly stunning all out there at once strutting so close to me)
On the home front, Victoria secret angel allesandra amrobrosia flew out to host the private vip tv launch of the fashion show right here in chicago a couple days ago at my club “the underground” handing out awards to “chicago’s sexiest” winners from their online contest! Here are the results below… and having won for “sexiest club” the underground & “sexiest restaurant” sunda… my super hard working team of 500 & I humbly thank all of you who allow us to serve you!
Blues/Jazz: Green Mill
Male Celebrity: Vince Vaughn
Female Celebrity: Giuliana Rancic
Restaurant: Sunda
Designer Label: Akira
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Architecture: The Modern Wing of The Art Institute
Bar/Club: The Underground
Beach: North Avenue
Sports Team: Chicago Bulls
City View: The Signature Room
Happy Hour: Hub 51
Hotel: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Spa: Allyu
Band/Musician: Lupe Fiasco
Athlete: Derrick Rose
Kiss: Ferris Wheel Navy Pier
If follow me on twitter (click here if you don’t), you were in nyc w/me for the actual live Victoria’s Secret show! Thought I would show you a small video I took after the show from my flipcam above… the look on my face is pretty stupid I know, and I really had nothing to say, but that’s just how good the show was! (and as you can tell, the girls were just shockingly stunning all out there at once strutting so close to me)
On the home front, Victoria secret angel alessandra ambrosio flew out to host the private vip tv launch of the fashion show right here in chicago a couple days ago at my club “the underground” handing out awards to “chicago’s sexiest” winners from their online contest! Here are the results below… and having won for “sexiest club” the underground & “sexiest restaurant” sunda… my super hard working team of 500 & I humbly thank all of you who allow us to serve you!
Tags: akira, alessandra ambrosio, allyu spa, chicago, chicago bulls, derrick rose, ferris wheel, flipcam, green mill, guiliana rancic, hub 51, lupe fiasco, north avenue beach, sexiest nightclub, sexiest restuarant, sofitel hotel, sunda, the modern wing of the art institute, the signature room, the underground, twitter, victoria's secret, vince vaughn, water tower, wicker park
12/04/09
chicago artists are "one of a kind"
I went to support our local art scene at this killer art holiday show (& sale) last night- you have to go! It’s still going on for the next 3 days on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart & it’s rightfully called “one of a kind!” I actually was so excited I flipped my handcam on and rapped w/2 of my fav artists in the city that happened to be there! Check it out above, sorry if so random, but was off the cuff… (although from what I hear, a lot of you prefer it that way?)
Speaking of the two artists in the video, I have actually been collecting dolan’s art work for 7ish years, and had him design the backbars at both rockit locations! You should definitely see him there, as he says in video, mention me and he will hook you up… his site is . also check out sarah who you will see, she is a major talent, and does huge philanthropic work for Chicagoans in need… say hi to her there, or check her at .
The real beauty of the show is that all 500ish artists are present for all 4 days to show their skills – unlike galleries or traditional retails, so you can physically meet the person whose creativity and craftsmanship inspires you… and take that art home! Btw, its really affordable, and I think the best gifts ever for the holidays because becomes way more personal, not to mention supportive and beautiful… I think you need to go to it so bad, that I have your tickets… click HERE for more info and for your complimentary pass… use code “ECPFriend.” Enjoy!
I went to support our local art scene at this killer art holiday show (& sale) last night- you have to go! It’s still going on for the next 3 days on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart & it’s rightfully called “one of a kind!” I actually was so excited I flipped my handcam on and rapped w/2 of my fav artists in the city that happened to be there! Check it out above, sorry if so random, but was off the cuff… (although from what I hear, a lot of you prefer it that way?)
Speaking of the two artists in the video, I have actually been collecting dolan’s art work for 7ish years, and had him design the backbars at both rockit locations! You should definitely see him there, as he says in video, mention me and he will hook you up… his site is . also check out sarah who you will see, she is a major talent, and does huge philanthropic work for Chicagoans in need… say hi to her there, or check her at .
The real beauty of the show is that all 500ish artists are present for all 4 days to show their skills – unlike galleries or traditional retails, so you can physically meet the person whose creativity and craftsmanship inspires you… and take that art home! Btw, its really affordable, and I think the best gifts ever for the holidays because becomes way more personal, not to mention supportive and beautiful… I think you need to go to it so bad, that I have your tickets… click HERE for more info and for your complimentary pass… use code “ECPFriend.” Enjoy!
I went to support our local art scene at this killer art holiday show (& sale) last night- you have to go! It’s still going on for the next 3 days on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart & it’s rightfully called “one of a kind!” I actually was so excited I flipped my handcam on and rapped w/2 of my fav artists in the city that happened to be there! Check it out above, sorry if so random, but was off the cuff… (although from what I hear, a lot of you prefer it that way?)
Speaking of the two artists in the video, I have actually been collecting dolan’s art work for 7ish years, and had him design the backbars at both rockit locations! You should definitely see him there, as he says in video, mention me and he will hook you up… his site is www.dolangeiman.com – also check out sarah who you will see, she is a major talent, and does huge philanthropic work for Chicagoans in need… say hi to her there, or check her at www.sarahraskey.com.
The real beauty of the show is that all 500ish artists are present for all 4 days to show their skills – unlike galleries or traditional retails, so you can physically meet the person whose creativity and craftsmanship inspires you… and take that art home! Btw, its really affordable, and I think the best gifts ever for the holidays because becomes way more personal, not to mention supportive and beautiful… I think you need to go to it so bad, that I have your tickets… click HERE for more info and for your complimentary pass… use code “ECPFriend.” Enjoy!
12/03/09
carrie underwood brings out a little country – in our big city! by guest blogger : ilysa bass, team rockit ranch intern
Yes we live in the big city- but we have a whole lot of country lovin in us! If didn’t know, chicago actually has a hidden music industry reputation on the road as being a great stop for country singers… there is so much support here, yet we aren’t really publicly known for it!
Most who are in the country know, listen to our country station US99.5… who by the way puts on a huge live country concert series celebrating the release of new country music to our city- and this year, Grammy award-winner and American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will be performing at it- and its tonight at Joe’s!
Being a huge Carrie fan myself, I’ve seen her in concert two separate times and she is amazing- one of which was actually here in the chicagoland area at Ravinia Pavilion in Highland Park! Anyway, tickets to this event can’t be purchased, but you can still win them today by checking out LINK and calling (312) 591-8799! Hope to see you there!!
Yes we live in the big city- but we have a whole lot of country lovin in us! If didn’t know, chicago actually has a hidden music industry reputation on the road as being a great stop for country singers… there is so much support here, yet we aren’t really publicly known for it!
Most who are in the country know, listen to our country station US99.5… who by the way puts on a huge live country concert series celebrating the release of new country music to our city- and this year, Grammy award-winner and American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will be performing at it- and its tonight at Joe’s!
Being a huge Carrie fan myself, I’ve seen her in concert two separate times and she is amazing- one of which was actually here in the chicagoland area at Ravinia Pavilion in Highland Park! Anyway, tickets to this event can’t be purchased, but you can still win them today by checking out http://tr.im/Gx3G and calling (312) 591-8799! Hope to see you there!!
Tags: american idol, carrie underwood, country music, grammy, highland park, joe's on weed st, ravinia pavilion, us99.5
12/01/09
chicago has chocolate talent! and a ton of heart…
Today is World AIDS Day, a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection. In Chicago, our own AIDS foundation (the AFC) does its part to contribute to World AIDS Day by holding its signature holiday extravaganza, “The World of Chocolate!” (pic above making chocolate ice cream w/ liquid nitrogen!)
This super sweet event allows guests to indulge in chocolate treats from over 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers & restaurants.. serving up chocolate bread pudding with a chocolate vodka sauce, flourless chocolate cake with a brandy cherry center topped with Amaretto, Frangelico or Jack Daniels ganash, chocolate hamburgers and meatballs, chocolate and butter cream frosting shots, spiced chocolate layer cake with raspberries and chilies,.. and much much more!
And of course with all that talent & sweetness, someone needs to point out who’s is the best- right? So I of course had to agree to be a judge! I know, tough job… fact is, I am really doing it for the cause… and yes, because it will all be super fun! So join me at the Hilton Chicago, this Thursday 12/3 from 6-10pm (for more info, go to www.aidschicago.org)
Today is World AIDS Day, a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection. In Chicago, our own AIDS foundation (the AFC) does its part to contribute to World AIDS Day by holding its signature holiday extravaganza, “The World of Chocolate!” (pic above making chocolate ice cream w/ liquid nitrogen!)
This super sweet event allows guests to indulge in chocolate treats from over 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers & restaurants.. serving up chocolate bread pudding with a chocolate vodka sauce, flourless chocolate cake with a brandy cherry center topped with Amaretto, Frangelico or Jack Daniels ganash, chocolate hamburgers and meatballs, chocolate and butter cream frosting shots, spiced chocolate layer cake with raspberries and chilies,.. and much much more!
And of course with all that talent & sweetness, someone needs to point out who’s is the best- right? So I of course had to agree to be a judge! I know, tough job… fact is, I am really doing it for the cause… and yes, because it will all be super fun! So join me at the Hilton Chicago, this Thursday 12/3 from 6-10pm (for more info, go to www.aidschicago.org)
Tags: aids, hilton chicago, hiv, the world of chocolate, world aids day