A Chicago Thing » Pictures http://www.billydec.com/blog Chicago culture, celebrity, arts & entertainment with Billy Dec Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:02:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Celebrate 41 Years Of The Hit Show “All My Children” With A Tribute To Pine Valley http://www.billydec.com/blog/celebrate-41-years-of-hit-show-all-my-children-with-a-tribute-to-pine-valley/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/celebrate-41-years-of-hit-show-all-my-children-with-a-tribute-to-pine-valley/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:09:56 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=6803 A Tribute to Pine Valley and ask the cast of your favorite soap opera all the questions you’ve been waiting to ask for years! All My Children was an amazing and ground breaking soup opera that was filled with as many characters as there are people on the streets of Chicago, and now's your chance to meet the cast.]]>

Having a hard time dealing with the absence of All My Children on ABC? Then buy your ticket to A Tribute to Pine Valley and ask the cast of your favorite soap opera all the questions you’ve been waiting to ask for years! All My Children was an amazing and ground breaking soup opera that was filled with as many characters as there are people on the streets of Chicago, and now’s your chance to meet the cast.

Aired on ABC from January 5, 1970 to September 23, 2011, All My Children (AMC) was the story of the people of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania. AMC was filled with heart breaks, death, disease, doubt, jealousy and revelations and entertained millions of viewers internationally. The show itself has won 33 Daytime Emmy awards, while its performers pulled in 30 Daytime Emmys. In its first season AMC ranked the #1 daytime show in America, and during most of the 80’s and early 90’s it held the #2 spot for most popular daytime show.

Now’s your chance to get up close and personal with six of your favorite Pine Valley citizens. Jackson, Kendall, Jesse, Ryan, David and JR will be at the Rosemont Theatre on January 15th to reveal secrets, share never-been-told stories, and provide AMC trivia to get you back into Pine Valley. Tickets are only $125 and can be purchased here. The trip down memory lane starts at 3pm and runs for two hours, and will be followed up by an autograph and photo session that will go until 7:30pm. You’re only going to get one shot to meet and chat with your favorite AMC stars. Don’t miss it!

Wanjiku Kairu

 

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/celebrate-41-years-of-hit-show-all-my-children-with-a-tribute-to-pine-valley/feed/ 0 Warhol in Winter – Art Institute Evening Exhibit with Empire Screening http://www.billydec.com/blog/warhol-in-winter-art-institute-evening-exhibit-with-empire-screening/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/warhol-in-winter-art-institute-evening-exhibit-with-empire-screening/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:40:29 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=6654

Watch out, IMAX.  Chicago’s winter skyline is about to become a giant movie screen. On Friday, December 9, The Art Institute of Chicago, supported by the Graham Foundation for Advance Studies in the Fine Arts, will beam Andy Warhol’s celebrated conceptual film “Empire” onto the top 12 stories of the Aon Center to mark the opening of the museum’s new photography exhibition, Light Years: Conceptual Art and the Photograph 1964-1977.

Shot in one, continuous take over the course of a single evening in 1964, Warhol’s silent footage of the Empire State Building observes the famed structure over a period of several hours from dusk to nightfall and finally, darkness.  Our city’s screening will mark the film’s first large-scale, outdoor presentation in the United States.

While the film will be viewable from Millennium Park, the Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago are offering an indoor option. A special viewing party in the panoramic Modern Wing, entitled “Unveiled: Empire,” will give guests a front-row seat from which to consider one of Warhol’s landmark experimental pieces, all while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and music from one of Chicago’s hippest DJs.  Attendees will also get a special sneak preview of the museums new “Light Years” exhibit before it opens to the public.

The event will take place on Friday, December 9 from 8:00-11:00 PM in the Nichols Trustees Suite, located on the second floor of the Art Institute’s Modern Wing. The cost, which includes food and drinks, is $60 for Evening Associates members and $70 for non-members.

Tickets are limited, and those interested in attending can sign up here. Additional information is available at the Evening Associates’ information line (312-443-3710) or by contacting Jaime Norwood (jnorwood@artic.edu)

“Unveiled: Empire” is just one of many cool cultural events put on by the Evening Associates throughout the year. The group’s mission is to bring Chicago’s young professional community into an active, participatory relationship with the Art Institute of Chicago in order to promote an understanding and appreciation of the arts. Evening Associates members enjoy exclusive museum gatherings, gallery walks and other unique “after-five” events throughout Chicago, taking advantage of the city’s vibrant art and social scene.  More information is available at www.eveningassociates.com.

We hope you can make it! – Sean Mogle


]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/warhol-in-winter-art-institute-evening-exhibit-with-empire-screening/feed/ 0 900′s Night Out with Bravo TV’s Brad Goreski http://www.billydec.com/blog/900s-night-out-with-bravo-tvs-brad-goreski/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/900s-night-out-with-bravo-tvs-brad-goreski/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:51:45 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=6225

Calling all Fashionista’s! Come and enjoy a night out on the town filled with “fame, fashion, and flavor”! There are plenty of festivities to participate in throughout the night. Hosting this ultimate party is Bravo TV’s Brad Goreski (you may know him from “The Rachel Zoe Project“), CS Magazine, and Gilt City. This is the perfect thing to do with a group of friends for some flirty fun. Taking place on September 8th, celebrate style by attending 900 North Michigan Shops from 6pm-9pm.

You may want to get started at the beauty bazaar! Here, you can get pampered with complimentary services. There are so many different things you can get done from mini manicures to lash extensions. With all that glitz and glam you are sure to work up an appetite, but no worries- Gilt City is providing delicious food from Chicago’s top restaurants. And what’s dinner without a show? Check out fall’s hottest looks with Flash Fashion Show.

In case all the pampering and celeb style makes you want to be a star you get the chance to act like one! Set up at the venue will be Glam Photo Booth! All you need is you, your friends, and your dazzling good looks for a red carper photo opp.

For more info on this event just go to http://www.shop900.com/fno/

Rhea Drougas, Intern

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/900s-night-out-with-bravo-tvs-brad-goreski/feed/ 0 Chicago Photographer Gino Baileau on the rise! http://www.billydec.com/blog/chicago-photographer-gino-baileau-on-the-rise/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/chicago-photographer-gino-baileau-on-the-rise/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:18:48 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=5839

Hey fellow Chicagoans – Dana Ragazinskas from Billy Dec’s office here! I’d like share with you this “up and coming” photographer that I dig -  even Perez Hilton has taken note!

Gino Gusich, also known by his artist name Gino Baileau, is a self-proclaimed photographer who grew up in the suburb right outside of Chicago called Melrose Park. At 20 years of age and a college student at the University of Illinois, his talent is far beyond his years. I’ve always said that you can’t judge a book by its cover, nor can you really understand what’s going on inside it until you’ve really taken a look at it. That’s exactly how I feel when I look at Gino Baileau. Although he has a strong “tell it like it is” personality, he remains mysterious and hard to figure out. This is what drew me in, leaving me wanting to know more about him. One thing I knew for sure was that when it comes to photography, he means business! Gino first picked up a camera about 3 years ago and he hasn’t put it down since. He pushes the creative envelope every chance he gets.

Since the time I sat down with Gino about a year ago (which you can find on his website under: Reflection Magazine Interview), he has definitely hit his “to-do list” hard since! Gino has recently recorded 3 songs, created a blog for himself, and updated his website with even more pictures and interviews to add to his already large collection.

Photos seem to make the world go round.  We take pictures to remember, to share, to connect with others, and to express ourselves. With just a click of a button and a sudden flash, a camera instantly captures a moment in time, freezing it for all of eternity.  It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but when it comes to young photographer Gino, a picture seems to be worth so much more. So be sure to follow Gino Baileau with me, as we watch him turn his dreams into a reality because he definitely has a one-way ticket to the top.

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/chicago-photographer-gino-baileau-on-the-rise/feed/ 6 “Bangkok Food Tours” Company inspired as tourists in Chicago! http://www.billydec.com/blog/bangkok-food-tours-company-inspired-as-tourists-in-chicago/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/bangkok-food-tours-company-inspired-as-tourists-in-chicago/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 15:38:25 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=5786

Many who follow me on Twitter & Facebook ask me how I navigated my culinary research and development tour through South East Asia last month so I thought I would feature one of the companies that helped me out in this lil fun video. “Bangkok Food Tours!“  They actually began interacting with me on Twitter long before we met in person just expressing appreciation for the foodporn I tend to share often (haha, see people like it)!

I let them know I was coming through Thailand after Cambodia & Laos, they offered to take me around the local eating scene in Bangkok, and bam- it was awesome- loved it- shared all on my Blog/Twitter/Facebook… And everyone freaked out! Click here if missed pics! Also of interest, this quick video I shot on the fly also reveals that this young dynamic duo, passionate about food & their culture, found inspiration to start their company after a food tour trip they caught in Chicago!  Yup, they even took a class in Chicago on how to set up a great food tour company and brought it home to start a Thai phenomenon!

Please share this video celebrating how our worlds connect through social media, food & culture… And get out there and visit them!!! For more info checkout www.BangkokFoodTours.com, and follow them on Twitter & Facebook! Oh, and here’s just an example of some of the dishes at some of the restaurants I tried on a quick but hearty couple hour walking/eating tour with them while in Bangkok last month:

1.    Chareon Wieng – Traditional Roasted Duck Served on Rice
2.    Muslim Restaurant – Curry on Egg, Beef Satay
3.    Café de Laos – freshy stream fish wrapped in betel leat, fried squid stuff with minced pork
4.    Yen Ta Po Wat Kak – Authentic Thai Yen Ta Po noodle
5.    Kallaprapruk – Original Curry Served on Roti, Thai-Style Coconut Ice-cream

Loved it!!!!!

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/bangkok-food-tours-company-inspired-as-tourists-in-chicago/feed/ 1 Billy Dec cambodia, vietnam, laos, thailand & hong kong 2011 travel / food pictures! http://www.billydec.com/blog/billy-dec-cambodia-vietnam-laos-thailand-hong-kong-2011-travel-food-pictures/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/billy-dec-cambodia-vietnam-laos-thailand-hong-kong-2011-travel-food-pictures/#comments Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:32:14 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=5434

I’m back from exploring South East Asia! After so much amazing feedback from my pictures on Twitter & Facebook, I wanted to accommodate requests to share my pics here as well- enjoy!  Not only will you see that I returned again to do a tremendous amount of new food research & development, but you will more so feel how blown away I was by the amazing the people, nature, temples, beauty, animals, culture, & experiences!

I encourage you all to please visit that area of the world as soon as possible while some of what moved me most remains relatively untouched.  And please share this link, these pictures,.. with your friends & family so they too can see what its all about!  Big shoutout to Kipling & Clark for their excellent planning help! Along with all the amazing hotels, accommodations & tours that you will see noted in the pictures below..

And for all those who have missed out on my adventures, and want to be connected with me for all that is to come, click and follow me here: www.facebook.com/BillyDec & www.twitter.com/BillyDec (Also, click on the pics below to see my twitter commentary!)
Visiting Long Neck Tribe in Chiang Mai.. Pretty girl but wow- seems so hard right? See the faces carved in stone behind me at Cambodia's Bayon Temple? Fascinating.. how? Playing w/baby tigers today in Chiang Mai!! Cute huh?! Info to donate a Cambodian village water well too on sign next to me. They have my name on it & all- amazing. Chicken feet!! Why does this remind me of a concert? Sorry, bad taste. Love this Cambodian market!! I bow after Laotian Baci Ceremony. Must keep string on my wrists atleast 3 days. As 100s of monks pass, I put rice in each of their bowls silently & respectfull This might be the best pool I've ever been at.. in a working rice field! Meet my elephant!! Feeding him bananas b4 our Chiang Mai mountain trek Just saw tons of Water Buffalo along Mekong River! Well, not this one. Hungry? My chicken curry in a coconut! w/Chiang beer at an Indian/Thai spot in ChiangMai Kids sending u peace signs & smiles from Laos!! They love the school supply gifts! Bad idea? Lil guy bet me $1 I wouldn't do this.. Hungry! Eating this whole BBQ Peking Duck in Hong Kong! U like? FoodPorn or FoodArt?? Frozen mango, papaya, dragon fruitcicle on KoSamui beach Kick'n spices, chilis, onions, garlic on this grilled squid! at Four Seasons Ko Samui HOT! HOT! Look at all these charred Szechwan peppers over chicken!!! At Hong Kong airport eating this pork sui mai, chicken curry noodles & spicy pepper chicken buns b4 fly'n to Saigon I notice Cambodian spots have great frest drinks.. Check these w/orange, beets, cucumber, carrot.. Can't stop eating these fried bananas from Bangkok street stalls! 60cents/bag! Travelled far from path in China to find this guy who cuts noodles by hand! Landed in Saigon & went straight to my driver's fav local Bahn Mi shop before the hotel! Smell the fresh baked french bread! Love these bowls in Cambodia.. Not just because the 1st one is full of Peanut Butter. My 1st hour in vietnam w/my my banh mi in a bag! Pork, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, chili peppers, pate! Here's my 1st breakfast spread in lush green Cambodian garden.. Sui mai, dumplings, eggs, coffee, paper.. I had to order this in Saigon right? Perfect after a hot & muggy stroll thru the night markets.. Here's me stunned at Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Built in 1150 by hand for Hindu diety Vishnu. Amazing. Saigon's most popular breakfast is Pho! Having my noodles w/beef, chillies.. at Park Hyatt Saigon Climbing up Angkor Wat for more ancient mythological carvings & to see over Cambodian Jungle Apparently the Saigon locals I'm with also eat these wide noodles w/shrimp & pork for breakfast.. so I'm in! Come on! Seriously- amazing! To think this was hidden in jungle of Cambodia! So cool to be able to just have a fresh coconut to drink here in Vietnam w/my noodle breakfast Watching these girls chisel amazing art by hand into silver & bronze in Cambodia Off to Saigon's Ben Tranh Market.. Passing some of the 5mil motorcycles amongst the 9mil ppl here! At this pool in Cambodia alone w/a couple hours to kill b4 a helicopter tour Inside Ben Tranh Market in Saigon. Stinky fruit & more in this shot- trying everything I can Here's the craziest & most beautiful looking fruit ever- Rambutan at Grand Hotel D'Angkor, Cambodia I'm at Vietnam War Museum in Saigon. Touching this is chilling... Taste testing these 2 Cambodian beers (Angkor & Kingdom, amazing) w/my spicy beef salad at the pool.. Standing in front of this tank, helecopter.. at Vietnam War Museum in Saigon is seriously hard.. Chills. I'm supposed to fly over Cambodia in this lil thing?!?!? What?!? Are they safe!? OMG- see fear in my face?!? Hele door about to shut! Fly'n over Cambodia! Lil old woman cranks wood to crush kernals off rice. Visiting tribe in Chiang Mai Woman is using these duck egg shells to design piece in shop I'm at in Saigon, Vietnam Here's me up in air fly'n all over Cambodia in a helicopter! Beautiful right?! Taking this plane from Saigon, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia. 50min... What a magical color huh?!? Just wanted to show u Cambodia's beauty from our helicopter! Landed in Cambodia & wait straight for these Cambodian noodles w/beef, seafood... So ridic good This is a floating village in Cambodia from my helicopter- amazing right? Would u live there? Guess how this tree grew on Cambodia's huge "Jungle Temple" Ta Prohm.. Amazing here-- This chicken curry & sweet potato local Cambodian dish is blowing my mind.. Cool plate too huh?! Nice! Walking thru mazes in Bayon Temple Cambodia and this randomly appeared!! How cool are these pieces around my Lemongrass Martini.. Cambodian Royale right?!? OMG check this dude spinning fire w/sparks flying in front of my beach table This green mango salad w/dried snake skin is a nice mix of sweet, sour & salty-- my dinner in Cambodia Asked hotel chef to make me what she ate for breakfast.. These Cambodian Noodles! Enjoy'n mine by pool.. Check this old school dim sum steamer at breakfast noodle bar at my Hotel in Cambodia This is a tuc tuc- aka my ride in Cambodia. Ugh, I want one in Chicago bad.. Can u imagine? Passing these endless rice fields on way to Cambodian village where I donated a water well Fixing this kid's slingshot in poor Cambodian village called Tany, where I donated a water well Donated this water well to poor Cambodian village Tany. Kills me to think kids didn't have water. The lil village where donated the water well drys this rice in sun like this b4 cracking yellow shell off Monks gave these necklaces to same Cambodian village w/water well I donated to be healthy & protecte These kids NEVER saw their face on anything b4! So cute- had them laughing their heads off! Here at the Hindu "Woman Temple" Banteay Srei dedicated to Shiva.. 1 of my Cambodian favs I think Castle Greyskull knocked off this temple (Banteay Srei) I'm at in the Cambodian Jungle- right?! Rice cakes. Love anything served on a banana leaf, cooked w/lil divets in pan, &/or named cake. Watching this cultural dance in Cambodia over local Khmer food.. Beautiful Ugly monsterous monkey guy likes pretty girls.. Sound familiar? Cambodian dinner theater For dinner having this Chas Kruang (beef) & Amok (chkn) & Angkor beer- local Cambodian favs Most interesting ice cream flavors!? Is this a Cambodia thing? Which to get? Last 1?? Tipsy at Cambodia night market- dare me to eat 1 of these eggs w/a lil bird in it!? My last dim sum & noodle soup bar breakfast at Grand Hotel D'Angkor Cambodia Following this monk on motorbike to "real" local Cambodian market. Let u know what's there Here's outside of local Cambodian market. WAIT til I show ya the inside! Next.. Ladies selling fish nxt to handbags & shoes at local Cambodian market- efficient! So interesting to see this touch of French influence at center of local Cambodian market Most have no fridge so women shop twice a day at Cambodian mrkt so food fresh Butchers just sit w/their fresh kill (literally), a cleaver & a scale.. at local Cambodian market. Dead feet skin fish feeding frenzy! Its a "massage" at Cambodian mrkt. Would u? Twitter must not be big in Cambodia yet?!? Check logos on this store I found in town Forget foodtrucks!! I'm bringing this foodcycle back from Cambodia! What should I sell?? My Lola (filipina grandma) made this for us as kids. What's name? Drawing blank in Cambodia Arrived in Laos to these sweet lil greeters.. Cute huh? This is Laos. Headed to special welcome villagers want to give me? Stay tuned Laotian villagers giving me Baci Ceremony, most respectful welcome. Moved Village kids play music & dance in traditional costume while elders sing, Laos My 1st beer in Laos- BeerLao- real good. Ate way more than shared.. Have to sit on side of road (over Mekong River) & chill Watching these women make silk scarves by hand in Laos- beautiful I should trick my Harley out to look like this cab thang in Laos My 1st Laos meal: MokPaFor Steamed fish coconut mousse in banana leaf /sticky rice At hand made silk factory in Laos they even got these silk worms working it! Check these baskets of natural materials used to die the Laotian hand made silk This sticky rice in Laos is amazing! May try at Sunda? Drizzl'n curry on it-- Cobras!?! Put on bottle service menu at Underground?? Off to make ceremonial food offering to monks after this traditional Laos morning soup! Up early w/ceremonial cloth & sticky rice to give to 100s of monks passing by soon Kneeling w/locals, traditional cloth & sticky rice to give to monks in Laos as pass Monks get my food offering & move on. Locals give daily. Nuns cook. All eat. Laos. Had to share this lush & lovely lil hidden temple in Luang Prabang, Laos.. I'm on a boat! Exploring the Mekong River.. Caves, markets, temples & more.. Left boat on Mekong behind me to climb mountain for cave temple. OMG, need a rest Finding 1000s of these buddha statues in dark 1000s of yrs in Laos mountain cave Loving this Lao Larp Pa (minced meat, Laos herbs, greens..) w/sticky rice- Having side of Laos Yellow Curry & BeerLao! (2nd day in row, obsessed) River Monsters!! Watch that show? These were pulled from Mekong I was in today! Easter eggs at market in Laos? Nope. Dif kinds of fermented goose & chicken eggs Chickens on ground at Laos market. Still fresher than what we get in our stores? Passing Thong temple in Laos.. Pretty huh? Water Buffalo & brown sticky rice! Yum! (see feet earlier) Asked waiter in Laos what kind of water they have. He said "Phousy water, no gas" This Luang Prabang sausage w/chili, garlic, fish sauce is real popular here in Laos Been eating so much in Laos had to get up early to hit the gym at the Aman taka This Dragon Fruit w/black dots xtra good for heart & blood pressure? Laos breakfast Amazing rice terraces on way to a poor village school in Laos to donate supplies.. Buying notebooks, pens, supplies.. to give to poor school children in Laos today Poor school in Laos- but these kids are beaming!! Donating school supplies Local fav Laos restaurant invited me to cook w/them- wish I spoke Laotian too These chefs that invited me to cook w/them said all chefs in Laos are women. Doesn't this waterfall scene in Laos look fake? Its so real & amazing.. Made these pork stuffed bamboo shoots, wok fried morning glories & other Laos dishes Leaving Laos for Chiang Mai, Thailand! Flight empty? Ever been to either? Snacking on these Mekong River seaweed chips w/sesame & buffalo skin Spicy minced beef w/ Laotian spices & chilis to wrap w/greens in hallow cucumber This is the private pool in my villa at Four Seasons Chiang Mai, not leaving. Woke up in this private villa w/pool at The Four Seasons Chiang Mai-- AMAZING! Off to see the rest of the property & explore N. Thailand! OMG- these working rice fields are in the middle of my hotel at The Four Seasons Chiang Mai OMG this Crispy Duck w/a Chiang Mai coffee rub is outstanding! Edible banana flowers & chicken stir fry salad in Chiang Mai! Loving this spicy crunchy peanut sauce in Chiang Mai even w/o the skewers! Add this Singha Beer, Mangos & view over rice fields to last to dishes posted My down dog sux! Too full. Yoga platform over rice fields at Four Seasons Chiang Mai Frozen coconut jelly cubes served at the hot pool in rice field at Four Seasons Chiang Mai I got a new pet from Chiang Mai!!! U like? What should I name him? Had to stop and take a pic of this waterfall.. All over Chiang Mai Check the sun set over mountains & rice fields of Chiang Mai.. Amazing huh? Cracked this egg shell to get to brown fried rice w/chicken in Chiang Mai I'm napping w/a baby tiger here in Chiang Mai- cute or stupid? Pick from this amazing fresh fruit- its cut fresh for ur breakfast at Four Seasons Chiang Mai My breakfast: Thai omelet, mango, papaya juice, coffee.. at Four Seasons ChiangMai Check this albino water buffalo I get to play w/everyday at Four Seasons Chiang Mai Love how this woman uses her toe to get the job done! Visiting a tribe in Chiang Mai Obvious, but this Pad see ui (chicken) in Chiang Mai is so much better than in US. Kuai tew nam kai (rice noodle soup w/chicken) in Chiang Mai.. See the garlic!?! Lil old woman cranks wood to crush kernals off rice. Visiting tribe in Chiang Mai Lil kid let me shoot his cross bow while visiting his village in Chiang Mai- Lookout! Invited into Chiang Mai hill tribe home to see their kitchen- here it is: Great yellow coconut curry in "Chiang Mai Noodles"(left) w/brown rice, Singha beer.. Love how they offer 2 kinds of rice like this at Four Seasons Chiang Mai. I like brown. U? Most in S.E. Asia have been Buddhist, interesting to see this in Chiang Mai hut: Waking up to these beautiful flowers by these gardeners at Four Seasons Chiang Mai Having thai tea butter cake & other asian/french pastries for breakfast in Chiang Mai Love natural flavored honeys like sesame, lychee.. Jams like coconut, mango.. Working the rice fields at Four Seasons Chiang Mai! I'm going to miss this!! My last albino buffalo ride at Four Seasons Chiang Mai ..til next time! FYI, u must try! Figured out why this peanut sauce is so good! Check the chilis in it!!! Woman taking 30 stands from these boiling silk worms to make 1 thread of silk! Whoa- these neck rings must way 20lbs!! Not kidding!! How do they do this?!? Marijuana in this village! Growing legal, smoking not. For making clothes, rope.. Look at how big her ear holes are? And holy heavy!? Visiting tribes in Chiang Mai Loving this Lychee Martini & my last Chiang Mai sunset at the Four Seasons What god is this elephant human mix? What is he/she known for? In Chiang Mai How cute is this lil kid!? Village in Chiang Mai. String on hammock to rock him AMAZING!! Bathing my elephant w/his own trunk on Chiang Mai trek.. My elephant is painting this 100%!!! I point- he paints- shocked too?? Feeding my elephant hand to mouth- huge wide teeth! Next, off to KoSamui! I'm in KoSamui! Welcome drink of choice? This Lychee Martini w/a side of chicken! At beach bbq on KoSamui w/lobsters, shrimp, calamari, steak, chicken.. Skewers are huge here on Ko Samui.. This beach BBQ has allllll of these & more 1 of my plates: shrimp tempura, soba noodles, chicken/beef skewers, salad Got to have noodles w/my lobster & shrimp at KoSamui beach BBQ These traditional Thai dancers are dancing on beach in front of my table Dessert: this mango sticky rice, fried banana frittters & coconut ice cream! Lit fire in this huge paper bag to fly far from KoSamui! Make a wish! Goodnite! Breakfast in Ko Samui? Noodles, congee & rice w/all the chilis, spices & sauces! Breakfast overlooking coconut jungle & waters of Ko Samui at the Four Seasons 2nd plate: noodles, bacon, egg whites, sausage over Ko Samui at the Four Seasons Back to my KoSamui villa/office w/pool over jungle/beach at the Four Seasons Researching tons of Ko Samui market street food! Some easy, some daring, all good. I'm addicted to peanut sauce w/chicken satay- more than this background SPICY beef salad on KoSamui beach. Wow onions, chilis, garlic, fire! See Ko Phangan island? I trained in Muay Thai 12hrs/day there for 5mos after college. If these bottles from this Thai market get big in US, I could loose my job! Haha.. Boats are all coming in as sun drops in Ko Samui (pic from my dinner table) This prawn & veggie tempura is extra HUGE in Ko Samui.. so fresh- Phad Phak Boong in Ko Samui! Simply asian spinach, oyster sauce, tons o garlic! This seafood in a coconut (YUM!) is called Hor Mok Talay Ma Prow On in Ko Samui! Woke up wanting nutella, peanut butter & fresh bread, w/fried noodles.. So here: Great morning w/Mango, blueberry yogurt, peanut butter chocolate bread! Simple clean beautiful. Broccoli almonds beach at Four Seasons Ko Samui. U a fan? Hot. Cooling off in pool next to my bed at The Four Seasons Ko Samui Checking out all this fresh kill.. hanging meats at local Ko Samui market Ouch. Hung by a nostril at Ko Samui local market.. These Thai herbs, chilis & spices got to be cooking this fresh raw tuna- it burns! Couldn't decide if wanted Thai spring rolls fried or not, so just ordered this: Love when they cook & serve my food in these banana leaves in Thailand Homemade ice cream in Thailand.. Mango & coconut.. What's your fav? I love The Peninsula Chicago! So staying here in Bangkok! Breakfast on river view.. Only eating LOCAL w/ Thai Food Tours! 1st stop Chaoen Wieng Pochana Roast Duck! 1st time at Muslim Restaurant. Curry on Egg & Beef Satay w/ Thai Food Tours Chicken blood, fish balls, dry squid, tofu.. very authentic Yen Ta Po w/ Thai Food Tours Me, Jan & Kit (Thai Food Tours). Pork stuffed squid, leaf wrapd fish, papaya salad Royal recipe Thai roti & green curry at Kallaprapruk Bangkok w/ Thai Food Tours Closer look at the fresh papaya salad (Thai fav) at Cafe de Laos w/ Thai Food Tours My table 64flrs in sky over Bangkok at Sirrocco.. Google it- ridiculously amazing. Sirrocco Bangkok Chef Frank (from The Peninsula Chicago) sent me ton o Foie Gras OMG- oscetra caviar, white choc mousse, vodka jelly, walnut cake from Sirrocco chef No sex, drugs, weapons..at Bangkok's Bed Supperclub.. Feel safer seeing this? My view of Chaopraya River from Peninsula Bangkok! Pics of me on it soon! Leaving Bangkok Peninsula to explore Chaopraya on this Long Boat! Stay tuned OMG this human size water monitor just crawled out of a Bangkok canal I'm in! HUGE catfish fighting for space near my boat- wandering canals of Bangkok Crab meat mixed w/pork then back in shell before baked- amazing last meal in Bangkok at Peninsula. Fried bananas w/coconut ice cream & mangos- my last taste of Bangkok! Honk Kong next! Crushing this crab & all for a tasty Thai papaya salad in Bangkok Liver, fermented eggs, fish balls, pork skin... What do u like in ur noodle soup?! my Bangkok snack Ran into MBK mall in Bangkok to get some souvenirs and saw this! My store! Bringing this home from Bangkok to sell peanuts in front of Rockit Wrigley. Cool? My last night in bangkok, had to get my 2 fav apps, satay, papaya salad & lemongrass martini Stomach ache from crazy eating so drinking this Thailand to Hong Kong Best pickup ever! Peninsula Hong Kong sent me this Bentley! Duck cut! Putting in pancakes w/onion & plum sauce. Peking Garden Hong Kong I look like a vampire? On Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island So into tofu these days..This dish is tofu in form of 2 kinds of noodles Silky smooth shrimp &Tsingtao beer at YunFu in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Hong Wow! International fans of "Sevens" Rugby flood Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong Me on morn ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island for Dim Sum #FoodPorn Looking embarrassingly too excited picking food at Dim Sum In Hong Kong What would u pick from this? Buns? Rolls? Pastries?! DimSum in HongKong Pork ribs, shrimp dumplings, rice in lotus leaf, sesame buns, greens..4now. My Lola (filipina grandma) made best shopao like this BBQ porkbun in HongKong This is the longest escalator in world. Getting off at top to explore Hong Kong. 1000s of live in maids spend Sunday off out together in HongKong streets Long line for traditional afternoon tea at HongKong Peninsula w/quartet above Chose an Oolong tea for energy w/this Hong Kong Peninsula 3 tier set up This fish staring at me saying pls don't eat me... What is it? (in Hong Kong) Eating this baked conch (interesting, like crab) & BBQ pork in Hong Kong Trying to be healthy (now).. Tofu & veggies (Hong Kong). Fan? Checkout the nightly Hong Kong light show! Have u heard about this?! This sweet & sour pork reminds me of Christmas in Hong Kong! Honestly the prawns in Hong Kong are just too big. Sending these back. Snacking on this half garlic fried chicken.. Must diet when back Check this dude throwing his hand made noodles in Hong Kong- amazing! This is "Beggar's Chicken!" Wrapped in leaf, broken out of shell up top! These hand cut noodles are dense inside, thin on out. China specialty. Last breakfast in Asia? Congee! Like a rice porage w/garlic, peanuts, veggies.. Ever have tea leaf eggs like this?

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/billy-dec-cambodia-vietnam-laos-thailand-hong-kong-2011-travel-food-pictures/feed/ 4 Sharing New Travel Experiences, Food, Cocktails & More on Twitter & Facebook http://www.billydec.com/blog/sharing-new-travel-experiences-food-cocktails-more-on-twitter-facebook/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/sharing-new-travel-experiences-food-cocktails-more-on-twitter-facebook/#comments Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:45:01 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=4631

Thank you all who enjoy & share my passion for Chicago on this site, it means a tremendous amount to me! Recently some have asked for more than what is happening in Chicago right now- like what’s next for me in the future?  Haha- who knows?!? I want to know that myself! And unfortunately, I don’t think this would be the place to make a bunch of silly guesses.. Save that for late night at one of my spots after a couple beers. Way more fun.

I will say that all those who “follow me” on Twitter &/or Facebook see that I am constantly exploring & sharing new food, cocktails, events, cultures, experiences… Because I love to live, learn & share, no matter where it takes me. In the last 6 months alone I have shared all of the above from Africa to Canada, NYC to LA, DC to Dallas, Miami to Vegas, and of course, all through the greatest city in the world, Chicago. Next week I plan to continue in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam… And in Hungary & Austria in a couple months! What’s that mean about “what’s next?” Again, no idea! But I invite you to “follow me” on facebook & twitter so that you too can be the first to enjoy all that I can learn & share! Thanks all!

….”Life is a journey, not a destination.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/sharing-new-travel-experiences-food-cocktails-more-on-twitter-facebook/feed/ 1 Positive Picture of Fenger High School, One Year After Tragedy http://www.billydec.com/blog/positive-picture-of-fenger-high-school-one-year-after-tragedy/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/positive-picture-of-fenger-high-school-one-year-after-tragedy/#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:24:13 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=3528

 

Almost a year ago today, young student Derrion Albert captured the attention of the world when he lost his life after being brutally beaten outside of Fenger High School on the south side of Chicago.  As you can see from my video volunteering at the school soon after as “Principal for a Day” (click here) and the amazing photos captured by artist Sandra Steinbrecher (must see), there is new life and positivity coming from the kids, teachers, community and their school, that its a turnaround joy that I just had to share with you so that you can see & support along with me!

As I have talked about before, I have the honor of being a part of Mayor Daley’s “Principal for a Day” for the Chicago Public School system once a year. It’s a tremendous program that I am so thrilled to be a part of! Being able to visit a CPS school, spend an entire day with students, exchange stories, walk the halls, hear about their programs and student groups, shine any guidance on them that I can offer…it’s just a great feeling and always one of my favorite times of the year.

Last year, after I had heard about what had happened, I knew immediately that I wanted to help and decided I would be Principal for a Day  at Fenger High School, only a few weeks after the murder of Derrion Albert. I have to admit I was nervous, more so than usual, and had no idea what I was in store for. But I was so blown away by what and who greeted me that day.

Elizabeth Dozier, the real Principal at Fenger, is an outstanding woman and so great at what she does. She was so gracious to me that day and I couldn’t have been more impressed with her, the faculty and the students I had the privilege of spending time with. It was a mere month after a tragedy had taken place outside their school and one of their own was killed and these kids were so positive, so willing and excited to learn, I just couldn’t believe it. I honestly feel like I was the one that benefitted more from being there that day, not the other way around.

Last year, CPS identified Fenger as a Turnaround School for the year. Renovations took place, curriculum and programs were enhanced and new highly trained staff was brought on to turn the tragedy that had taken place into a fresh and much deserved new start for the students. Sandra Steinbrecher, a super talented local photographer, was on hand all year to capture highlights of this initiative. See for yourself the touching and inspiring turnaround this school has made! For more information on Fenger High School, please visit http://www.fengerhighschool.org.

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/positive-picture-of-fenger-high-school-one-year-after-tragedy/feed/ 0 2010 Stanley Cup Champions 3rd Annual Blackhawks Convention http://www.billydec.com/blog/2010-stanley-cup-champions-3rd-annual-blackhawks-convention/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/2010-stanley-cup-champions-3rd-annual-blackhawks-convention/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:56:42 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=2498

Chicagoans are die hard sports fans, win or lose, but it’s even more sweet when we national championships! The day after the Hawks took home the Stanley Cup I posted the pics of me hitting the town with the team, sharing the cup w/chicago and celebrating an excellent season…I received over 250,000 hits that morning, how crazy is that?!? (click here to see them!)

In keeping with the celebration and gearing up for next season I wanted to share (as I always do) some of my badges to the 3rd Annual Blackhawks Convention this weekend! From July 30th to August 1st at the Chicago Hilton you can hang out with players, Hawks alum, enjoy Q& A sessions, try your luck at interactive games, and just revel in all the Blackhawks glory! Check out my facebook page to see how you can win them today!

]]> http://www.billydec.com/blog/2010-stanley-cup-champions-3rd-annual-blackhawks-convention/feed/ 0 Macy Gray in Chicago at Glamorama w/ a New CD! http://www.billydec.com/blog/macy-gray-in-chicago-at-glamorama-w-a-new-cd/ http://www.billydec.com/blog/macy-gray-in-chicago-at-glamorama-w-a-new-cd/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:25:49 +0000 billydec http://www.billydec.com/blog/?p=2427

I’m sure you can tell from all my stories and pics on twitter that macy gray is not only my good buddy, but one of my favorite female singers of all time! if don’t know her, she’s a super sweetheart, a 2 time Grammy winner, a great mom, has sold more than 15 million records, and is just an absolute talent- and riot! (pic of us at grammy’s this year)

I especially got to give her huge props for her newest CD, “The Sellout.”  after not being happy with the outcome of her previous project, “Big,” she holed up in a recording studio with just a few select friends and musicians, and killed it w/this new creation, as you probably saw in the past couple weeks on Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America and The View… so spread the word and pick up her songs on itunes or Amazon today!

Oh, and if want to see her in person in chicago, she is performing at the annual Macy’s Glamorama 2010 on August 13th to benefit the Ronald McDonald Charity which I love! This event is truly one of the best of the year– a mix of fashion, music and charity always makes for a great combo.  Read more for full Glamorama info….

MEDIA ADVISORY
June 28, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:         Kamal Bosamia
312.781.4152, Kamal.Bosamia@macys.com
Macy’s Adds Eric Hutchinson to Lineup
of Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010
Eric Hutchinson to perform at 12th annual fashion extravaganza
benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana
WHAT:            Eric Hutchinson, known for his hits “Rock & Roll” and “OK, It’s Alright With Me” from his debut album “Sounds Like This,” will perform at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010 set at The Chicago Theatre on Friday, August 13 at 8PM. Hutchinson has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” The young hit maker is currently working with producers Mike Elizondo and Martin Terefe on a new album and will release the first single, “Talk is Cheap,” this September.
Hutchinson joins Macy Gray for the four-city Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama benefit also touring in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Chicago show marks the second stop in the tour and benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI).
This year’s show is a compilation of fashion, fantasy, music and magic in a runway fashion production transporting guests from their seats into a wonderland filled with desire and delight. Designers featured in the show include: Jean Paul Gaultier, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Sonia Rykiel, SportMax, and for the first time ever, Issey Miyake.
WHEN:            Friday, August 13, 2010 at 8PM
WHERE:         The Chicago Theatre
175 North State Street
Post-party to follow at Macy’s on State Street
TICKETS:       Ticket prices range from $50 to $1,000 and can be purchased through RMHC®-CNI at www.RonaldHouseChicago.org or by calling 630.623.2309. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at 1.800.982.2787, www.ticketmaster.com or through The Chicago Theatre box office.
For more information on Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama,
please visit www.macys.com/glamorama
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