if following me on twitter you probably saw all the behind the scenes pic of our sunda chef Rodelio on the today show doing a cooking segment- well after me and rod were wandering into Kathy lee and hoda set- and I heard “is someone hungry” so knowing me I raise my hand- to find out later it was human breast milk cheese! You must see the end where I am on! Omg omg omg omg
oh well- we sure represented chitown’s culinary loving scene!!!!!!!! True fans right?!??! omg. Cant take me anywhere
if following me on twitter you probably saw all the behind the scenes pics of me joining Sunda chef Rodelio Agligot on set for his killer cooking demonstration on nbc’s the today show on what happened to be our first Sunda birthday!
well after Rod and I were done, we wandered on to The Today Show with Kathie lee and hoda set- and I heard “is someone hungry” so knowing me I raise my hand- proceeded to get directed to Kathie Lee and Hoda live on camera – and told to eat some cheese – which after found out it was human breast milk cheese! you must see the end – where this video cuts into the next day where they bring me up again!!!
Omg omg omg omg oh well- we sure represented chitown’s culinary loving scene!!!!!!!! True fans right?!??! omg. Cant take me anywhere – Happy 1st Birthday Sunda!
Having grown up in the city looking at these billboards everday of my life, I certainly never thought I would have anything to do w/ one myself! Especially these days when it seems like social media is taking over every aspect of advertising & communication. Not until an opportunity presented itself that I just couldn’t resist! So we combined our new social media strategies with this new billboard opportunity and created a whole fun contest on Rockit Wrigley’s Facebook fan page so that all could be a part of it- literally- putting someone’s face, logo, business, philanthropy,.. up on the billboard w/us after this weekend- and giving all who participate in the fun a $25 gift certificate!
tell your friends and family, company, philanthropy of choice, etc! All the details are on “WEBSITE” and I would highly recommend jumping on this as it ends this Friday!
Having grown up in the city looking at these billboards everday of my life, I certainly never thought I would have anything to do w/ one myself! Especially these days when it seems like social media is taking over every aspect of advertising & communication. Not until an opportunity presented itself that I just couldn’t resist! So we combined our new social media strategies with this new billboard opportunity and created a whole fun contest on Rockit Wrigley’s Facebook fan page so that all could be a part of it- literally- putting someone’s face, logo, business, philanthropy,.. up on the billboard w/us after this weekend- and giving all who participate in the fun a $25 gift certificate!
tell your friends and family, company, philanthropy of choice, etc! All the details are on www.facebook.com/rockitwrigley and I would highly recommend jumping on this as it ends this Friday!
There’s some breaking news today in the world of Chicago sports teams that really hit home w/ me! The White Sox declared they will retire Frank Thomas’ No. 35 as the former Sox player simultaneously announced his retirement! I had to give him a shoutout – he’s always been one of my favorite players and friends to hang w/ back when he played for and lived in Chicago!
Word has it that Thomas’ uniform number will be retired during a ceremony on August 29th at Cellular Field when the Sox take on the NY Yankees – also known as “Frank Thomas Day!” Congrats brother – what an unbelievable honor that is so rightfully deserved!
In celebration of all, sharing this pic of Frank and another Chicago sports legend buddy, Richard Dent, at my bday party a couple years ago! Thought it was relevant because just hung w/ Richard in Miami for the Superbowl.
Bummed about news that he didn’t get entry into the 2010 class of The Pro Football Hall of Fame after 6 times up for it as a finalist in the last 7 years. Huge bummer – but Richard – keep your head up man, you are an inspiration for athletes, Chicagoans and football fans alike. You’re time will come!
I’m goingIn LA recovering from Grammys last nite and got a tweet from my pals at The Art Institute of Chicago about it being free the entire month of February and had to spread the news! Seriously, one of the most world class cultural & art experiences right here in our own backyard- when is the last time you visited?! (Its been too long for me- I’m going!)
An amazing chicago photographer by the name of Sandy Steinbrecher took this shot while I stood in front of fenger highschool a couple months ago greeting students when I voluteered as fenger high school “principal for a day!”
I blogged about the eye opening experience right after (scroll back and check it out!), but could not have done a better job of capturing the magic than this incredible artist sandy, so thought I would turn you all on to her (website here) and some of the artists she rolls with, like at this event she is a part of tonight!
It’s the opening of a new exhibit by the Chicago Photography Collective (CPC) tonight (12/18) from 5-7pm at 29 e. madison! (also open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm for a limited time) The CPC is a group of local Chicago professional photographers who strive to build a sense of community among fellow photographers. The current exhibition offered by the CPC is a salon-style exhibition featuring works from a group of 30 established photographers, whose subject matter ranges in photographic passions from music, political and social documentary, and culinary arts to architecture, aerials, portraiture, still life and abstraction.
It’s also pretty cool how CPC chooses random empty storefront properties in the center of the city for their exhibition space, which accomplishes their goal of offering cultural encounters for the public in unexpected places. For more info on the event, check out their website at: http://chicagophotographycollective.com . Hope to see you all there!
An amazing chicago photographer by the name of Sandy Steinbrecher took this shot while I stood in front of fenger highschool a couple months ago greeting students when I voluteered as fenger high school “principal for a day!”
I blogged about the eye opening experience right after (scroll back and check it out!), but could not have done a better job of capturing the magic than this incredible artist sandy, so thought I would turn you all on to her www.sandrasteinbrecher.com.
It’s the opening of a new exhibit by the Chicago Photography Collective (CPC) tonight (12/18) from 5-7pm at 29 e. madison! (also open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm for a limited time) The CPC is a group of local Chicago professional photographers who strive to build a sense of community among fellow photographers. The current exhibition offered by the CPC is a salon-style exhibition featuring works from a group of 30 established photographers, whose subject matter ranges in photographic passions from music, political and social documentary, and culinary arts to architecture, aerials, portraiture, still life and abstraction.
It’s also pretty cool how CPC chooses random empty storefront properties in the center of the city for their exhibition space, which accomplishes their goal of offering cultural encounters for the public in unexpected places. For more info on the event, check out their website at: http://chicagophotographycollective.com . Hope to see you all there!
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!
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!
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!
To celebrate & join all things sexy in Chicago, the lingerie co is opening a brand-new flagship store on Michigan Avenue (and Superior).
I got a chance to take a sneak peak and it is insane! There’s an exclusive VIP opening this Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm hosted by Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller and hearing Orlando Bloom’s girlfriend Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes will be in attendance as well.
What do you think makes Chicago a sexy city? Victoria’s Secret wants to know and is conducting an online vote at vschicago.com. I just found out that The Underground is nominated for sexiest club and Sunda is nominated for sexiest restaurant…thanks all! Can’t wait to see who wins all the other crazy categories you will see… so fun!
Oh, and if you want to hear what some of Chicago’s hottest celebrities and familiar faces are saying about what’s sexy about Chicago, vschicago.com will be posting footage from Chicagoans like Giuliana Rancic, Chicago Bears Lance Briggs, Common, Kid Sister, Kiss FM’s Ty Bentli, He Say She Say, White Sox’s Gordon Beckham and more, all talking about what they think is sexy about Chicago. Enjoy!
To celebrate & join all things sexy in Chicago, the lingerie co Victoria’s Secret is opening a brand-new flagship store on Michigan Avenue (and Superior).
I got a chance to take a sneak peak and it is insane! There’s an exclusive VIP opening this Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm hosted by Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller and hearing Orlando Bloom’s girlfriend Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes will be in attendance as well (who i think i am having dinner with after the show at sunda?).
What do you think makes Chicago a sexy city? Victoria’s Secret wants to know and is conducting an online vote at vschicago.com. I just found out that The Underground is nominated for sexiest club and Sunda is nominated for sexiest restaurant…thanks all! Can’t wait to see who wins all the other crazy categories you will see… so fun!
Oh, and if you want to hear what some of Chicago’s hottest celebrities and familiar faces are saying about what’s sexy about Chicago, vschicago.com will be posting footage from Chicagoans like Giuliana Rancic, Chicago Bears Lance Briggs, Common, Kid Sister, Kiss FM’s Ty Bentli, He Say She Say, White Sox’s Gordon Beckham and more, all talking about what they think is sexy about Chicago. Enjoy!
