Music & Movie Mojo: Alicia Keys 'Lights Up' Empire State Building, Jordin Sparks Brings Her "Ambition" To Chicago, The Food Network Wants To Make You A Star!

Tonight, the world-famous Empire State Building (ESB), in collaboration with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and 14 time Grammy® Award winner, Alicia Keys, will give a gift to New York City and the world by revealing ESB’s new, one-of-a-kind LED tower lights with a first-ever light show on the Landmark. This show marks the official unveiling of a groundbreaking new LED lighting system, developed by the world’s leader in LED lighting Philips Color Kinetics (PCK).

At 9:00 p.m. ET, Alicia Keys will help kick off the light show by flipping the switch live in Clear Channel New York City studios with Elvis Duran, Z100; DJ Clue, Power105; Helen Little, 106.7 Lite fm; and Cubby, 103.5 KTU—a moment that will be synchronized on-air to two of Keys’ tracks—her single from her new album "Girl on Fire,” followed by her smash hit “Empire State of Mind.” New Yorkers and those in the surrounding area with a view of ESB can tune into one of four Clear Channel radio stations—Z100, 103.5 KTU, Power105, and 106.7 Lite fm—as the stations simultaneously play accompanying music to the light show. The light show will be hosted for on-demand viewing at iHeartRadio.com, home to Clear Channel’s digital radio service, by 10 a.m., on Tuesday, November 27.

“The Empire State Building’s lights are the international icon of the New York City skyline. We use our tower lights to partner with select charities, organizations, and events around the world,” said Anthony E. Malkin, President of Malkin Holdings which supervises the Empire State Building. “Philips Color Kinetics’ new LED lights were installed over the summer and have been set at the color and intensity of the incandescent lights they replaced. As of tonight, our lights’ full range and intensity will be brought to life, forever changing the New York skyline. We wanted to celebrate with and thank New York City and our global audience with a specially choreographed, custom light show. I am so happy that real New Yorkers, Alicia Keys, Z100, 103.5 KTU, Power105, and 106.7 Lite fm are sharing in our gift of the light show tonight.”

“The Empire State Building has always been a symbol of what’s possible in New York, and all the dreams that can come true in this city that never sleeps,” said Alicia Keys. “I’m so excited to unveil the new tower lights that are going to illuminate the city below like never before—shining bright with inspiration. As a proud New Yorker, I’m so honored and humbled to be a little part of its history.”

To extend the gift to New York City, and celebrate the release of her fifth studio album, GIRL ON FIRE, Alicia Keys will also perform on Tuesday, November 27. Her special performance will be held at the iHeartRadio Theater presented by PC Richard and Son in Tribeca for the first responders and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to restore the affected area, as well as those individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy. GIRL ON FIRE is available November 27, on RCARecords.

Saturday, December 1st, Grammy-nominated, platinum-recording artist Jordin Sparks will make a personal appearance at Carson's North Riverside Mall near Chicago from 3 to 5 p.m. Sparks will be in town to promote her new fragrance called Ambition.

The first 300 guests who purchase the special gift package starting November 15th will be able to meet Jordin and have their bottle autographed.  The gift package includes: Ambition 2.2oz. Eau de Parfum Spray,
2 Ambition 10-ml. rollerballs, Because of You 1.65 oz. moisturizing body lotion, .27 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray, and an Ambition T-Shirt.

Ambition is currently available at all Bon-Ton Stores including, Bon-Ton, Carson's, Bergners, Boston Store, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Younkers, and Parisian (Detroit, MI area).

Do you aspire to be the next big name in the culinary game?  If so, here's a chance for those residing in or near Chicago to make their dreams come true!  The Food Network will be holding an open casting call for Season 9 in Chicago this Wednesday, November 28th.

Bring your "A" game to the Westin Hotel Chicago (909 North Michigan Avenue) between 10 a.m. and  2 p.m. along with 2 photos of yourself (labeled with your name on the back) and a resume.  You can also go online to fill out the application and release forms in advance at www.FoodNetworkStarCasting.com.

Bon Cuisiner!


Photo credit: Jordin Sparks photo courtesy of Michael Kovac/Getty Images for City of Hope

Music & Movie Mojo: Spike Lee/ABC Premieres Michael Jackson: BAD25, Soul Train Music Awards, & Hot Holiday Concerts

The documentary film by award-winning director Spike Lee, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Michael Jackson's landmark "BAD" album and tour, "Michael Jackson: BAD25" will air on Thanksgiving night on ABC-TV 8:30 p.m. CST/9:30 p.m. EST.

BAD25 chronicles the making of Michael Jackson’s iconic, record-breaking Bad album and Michael’s first world tour as a solo artist. With BAD25, Spike Lee examines Michael Jackson’s creative vision for the album that ended up defining an era. Michael's lasting artistic legacy comes to life thanks to rare and never before seen footage and the vivid recollections of Michael's collaborators and confidants, such as Martin Scorsese who directed the 18-minute short film for the single Bad. TIME Magazine called BAD25 “an intimate view of a performer at his peak in the intense splendor of creativity” and the Hollywood Reporter said “restore(s) the reputation of Jackson as a multi-hyphenate musician of peerless discipline, professionalism and perfectionism -- not to mention a pioneering influence in dance and fashion.”

BAD25 joins an incredible body of Spike Lee documentaries including the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning, WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE: A REQUIEM IN FOUR ACTS and its follow up, IF GOD IS WILLING AND DA CREEK DON’T RISE, KOBE DOIN’ WORK and the Academy Award-nominated, 4 LITTLE GIRLS. Lee directed both short films for Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Care About Us from the 1996 HIStory album.

The BAD25 documentary aligns with the worldwide release BAD25 (a collaboration of Epic Records, Legacy Recordings and the Estate of Michael Jackson). The deluxe package contains remastered versions of the entire original album, a second disc which includes 13 rare and previously unreleased bonus tracks as well as the first ever DVD from the Bad World Tour – the July 16, 1988 sold-out show at Wembley stadium and the first ever Michael Jackson live CD from the same concert.

Members of the Music Group New Edition, Bobby Brown, Ronnie Devoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivens, and Johnny Gill appear at the press conference for the 2012 Soul Train Awards at The Glass Houses on September 19, 2012 in New York City.

On Thursday, November 8, 2012, the Soul Train Awards celebrated its 25^th Awards show by honoring the best in music and entertainment at Planet Hollywood Live in Las Vegas.  Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, and backed by the musical direction of Raphael Saadiq, Soul Train Awards 2012 featured meaningful tributes to this year's loss of Don Cornelius, hilarious Awards presentations, not-to-be-missed musical performances, and much more. 

Today's hottest artists and Soul Train Awards 2012 nominees took to the Planet Hollywood Live stage including: three-time 2012 nominee Miguel, who performed his hit "Adorn;" Ne-Yo, who wowed with his single "Let Me Love You;" 2012 Best R&B/Soul Female Artist nominee Keyshia Cole, who performed her single "Trust and Believe;" Tyrese, who performed his Song of the Year-nominated hit "Stay;" 2012 Best New Artist nominee Elle Varner, who sang a remix version of her single "Refill" with a human beatbox; and two-time 2012 nominee John Legend, performed his Song of the Year-nominated smash "Tonight (Best you Ever Had)."

Bringing southern hip-hop to the Soul Train Awards 2012 stage was two-time 2012 Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year nominee, 2 Chainz, who performed a crowd-pleasing medley of his hits "Birthday Song," "I'm Different," along with a special duet of "Ghetto Dreams" with Charlie Wilson.

Soul Train Awards 2012 couldn't have been the year's biggest night for R&B/soul without unforgettable, crowd-raising performances by legends like Stevie Wonder, Eddie Levert, and Charlie Wilson, as well as contemporary artists of today channeling classic soul icons of yesterday.  Epic Records recording artist Leah Labelle brought down the house with her flawless performance of Teena Marie's "Square Biz," Grammy Award-winner Fantasia embodied the Queen of Soul with her rendition of the Aretha Franklin classic "Don't Play That Song For Me," while Anthony Hamilton belted Bill Withers' "Lovely Day," and The Voice season 1 winner Marcus Canty tore up the stage with his take on Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much."

New Edition—particularly Bobby Brown—gave a tear-inducing acceptance speech during the group's much-anticipated and well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.  The sextet later returned to the stage for a very special medley performance of their hits like "Candy Girl," "Telephone Man," and "If It Isn't Love" that drove the crowd wild.

Closing out the show was none other than the "8^th Wonder of the World," Stevie Wonder, who delivered a roof-blowing medley of his hits including "Superstition" and President-Elect Barack Obama's acceptance speech entrance song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours," which was backed by projected photos of the "2 Termz" President.

Additional celebrity attendees and appearances by Estelle, Melanie Fiona, Jody Watley, Doug E. Fresh, Tony Rock, Mike Bivins, Gary Owen, Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, Kenny Lattimore, Lil Mama, Julius "Dr. J" Erving,and many more.

The Soul Train Awards 2012 will premiere simultaneously on BET and Centric on Sunday, November 25^th at 8pm ET/PT.  For more information, go to www.BET.com/SoulTrain and Tweet on Twitter using: #SoulTrainAwards.

Aretha Franklin

One of the hottest holiday concerts will be at The Venue at Chicago's neighboring Horseshoe Casino.  The "Queen of Soul"  Aretha Franklin will perform on December 29th at 8 p.m.

Other shows coming in November and December include Common with ZZ Ward (November 30th), Kenny G Holiday Show (December 20th), After Hours with DJ Pauly D (December 22nd) and Boyz II Men with Mint Condition (December 27th).

Tickets for all shows are available online now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photo credit:  New Edition at Soul Train Awards Press Conference courtesy of SoulTrain.com by Brad Barket/PictureGroup

Foodie Fridays: Food & Wine Showcases Chicago's Finest Chefs

Jimmy Bannos, Sr., F&W's Dana Cowin, Jimmy Bannos, Jr.

In its annual trek to Chicago, Food & Wine magazine hosted its incredible chef showcase at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The showcase featured some of Chicago's top chefs including Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat), Bill Kim (bellyQ), Graham Elliot Bowles (Gramwich, Graham Elliot, g.e.b.), Mindy Seagal (Hot Chocolate), Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia), Art Smith (Table Fifty-Two), Chris Pandel (The Bristol and Balena), Jimmy Bannos, Sr. and Jimmy Bannos, Jr.(The Purple Pig) among other talent.

Speaking of Jimmy Bannos, Jr., he is also celebrating his inclusion in Food & Wine's latest cookbook entitled "America's Greatest New Cooks."  Dubbed the "Prince of Pork," Bannos, Jr. has been setting trends on Chicago's culinary scene with The Purple Pig. Drawing on his own Italian and Greek heritage, he is putting a new twist on traditional dishes he grew up eating.

Guests of this year's showcase also enjoyed sweet treats and libations provided by partners Patron, Verismo System by Starbucks, Stella Artois, and Robert Mondavi Winery among others.

To obtain a copy of the new cookbook or for more information on Food & Wine magazine go here.

Lee Ann Wong & Stephanie Izard

Takashi Yagihashi of Slurping Turtle w/Soy Marinated Salmon & Crispy Tortillas.

Goat Chili from Girl & the Goat

Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia preparing Pot au Feu “Rosini”

Sweet treats at the Patron Lounge

Photo credits: Galdones Photography for Food & Wine magazine

Winning Wine Wednesdays: Bollinger Champagne - The Drink Of Bond...James Bond

Champagne. The name evokes thoughts of luxury, high society, spending summers on your yacht in the South of France. Maybe that is why Bollinger teamed up with the James Bond franchise in the 1973 film Live and Let Die, James Bond (played by Roger Moore) is heard asking for a bottle of Bollinger after entering his hotel. In the 1985 film A View to a Kill, James Bond recognizes the champagne served at the top of the Eiffel Tower as "Bollinger, [19]75." In the 2002 film Die Another Day, James Bond (played by Pierce Brosnan) is heard asking for a bottle of Bollinger immediately after being released from a North Korean prison. In the 2006 film Casino Royale, James Bond (played by Daniel Craig) also requests a bottle of Bollinger. There is also a bottle in his car at the end of the car chase at the start of GoldenEye. 

The latest James Bond flick "Skyfall" has racked in an impressive $88.4 million at the box office its opening weekend. That is why I was excited to have the opportunity to taste this "champagne of kings and spies" when Bollinger's American distributor, Terlato Wines, hosted a reception and movie screening last Thursday in Chicago.

Guests were treated to an unending supply of both the Special Cuvee (Brut) and Rose' (my favorite) bottles of Bollinger, along with yummy appetizers and desserts (truffles and creme brulee).

Now, you can enjoy Bollinger for yourself.  Special Cuvee (Brut) boasts a golden color and a very fine bubble.  To the taste it leaves hints of pears, brioche, and subtle spices.  The Rose' features a russet hue combined with the intense depth of a great red wine. To the taste, Rose' offers a taste of wild berries. Besides Special Cuvee (Brut) and Rose', Bollinger offers a full collection including Bollinger RD 1999, French Old Vines 2002, and Coast to Children 2009 (Pinot Black).

You can find Bollinger at finer spirit shops everywhere or at www.terlatowines.com.

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in a bottle of Bollinger Champagne. Who knows where kicking off the New Year with Bollinger might lead you. The South of France, perhaps?







Credits: Portion of information on Bollinger and James Bond courtesy of Wikipedia
             James Bond is a registered trademark - all rights reserved

Music & Movie Mojo: 50th Anniversary Celebration of James Bond & Capitol/EMI CD Giveaway For James Bond Fans!

2012 marks the 50^th Anniversary of the iconic James Bond film franchise, and in conjunction with EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Capitol/EMI is proud to join the world's celebration of 007.  Best Of Bond… James Bond, a new commemorative collection of the legendary films' digitally remastered music, was released in two configurations on October 9^th (October 8^th outside of North America).   Best Of Bond… James Bond features the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films and will be available on CD and digitally, and as a deluxe, "50 Years - 50 Tracks" 2CD and digital collection.  

On October 5^th, the 50^th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day was celebrated around the world.  Best Of Bond… James Bond , the 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond… James Bond both feature the themes from all 22 Bond films released since 1962, including The John Barry Orchestra's seminal "James Bond Theme" from Dr. No, with striking cover art depicting Bond's "Golden Girl" and the official 50th anniversary logo.  The John Barry Orchestra's orchestral main theme and Louis Armstrong's love theme from 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service are both included, and the expanded edition adds several integral score pieces by The John Barry Orchestra and other original songs heard in the films by Dame Shirley Bassey, Marvin Hamlisch, The Pretenders, Moby, k.d. lang, David Arnold, and others.

For 50 years, a significant part of the excitement leading up to each new James Bond adventure in espionage has been the reveal of each film's theme song and its recording artist.  Many of music's top stars have been honored to write and record new songs for 007, to see and hear their music brought to life in the films' sultry opening credits and reprised in score pieces within the film.  Many Bond themes have been major hits around the world. Dame Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger," Tom Jones' "Thunderball," Paul McCartney and Wings' "Live And Let Die," Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better," Sheena Easton's "For Your Eyes Only," Rita Coolidge's "All Time High," Duran Duran's "A View To A Kill," Garbage's "The World Is Not Enough," Madonna's "Die Another Day," and Jack White and Alicia Keys' "Another Way To Die" are just some of the evocative Bond themes featured on Best Of Bond… James Bond.

For the latest news stay up-to-date at www.facebook.com/jamesbond007.

C-Style is pleased to join with Capitol/EMI in a great giveaway for all James Bond fans.  Simply tell us who your favorite James Bond is and be entered to win the Best of Bond...James Bond CD from us!

Three lucky winners will be chosen from all available entries on Friday, November 9th (the day the latest James Bond flick, "Skyfall" opens at theaters nationwide).

To enter, send your name, email address, and the name of your favorite James Bond to JamesBondContest@gmail.com. Put the name "James Bond Contest" in the Subject Line. Enter by 12 noon CST on Friday, November 9, 2012.  Winners will be notified within 5 business days by email.  

Contest is open to all contestants 18 years or older residing in the United States and Canada.  Only one entry per person per email address is eligible to win.

Good Luck!  

Foodie Fridays: What Would Al Capone Eat?

You know the name. Capone. Al Capone.  In Prohibition-Era Chicago, Al Capone was listed as Public Enemy # 1.  Many feared him and the legend lives on today.  Yet, there is one person who knew the man, personally.

Deirdre Marie Capone, Al's grand-niece, spent many Sunday dinners with her grandfather's younger brother and remembers him in quite a different way.  "This is the man who taught me how to swim, traded "knock-knock" jokes with me and someone I helped cook spaghetti" she remembers.

Al Capone and Deirdre Marie Capone

Ms. Capone has written a wonderful book about her family and her memories of Uncle Al called "Uncle Al Capone: The Untold Story From Inside His Family."

Ms. Capone has generously allowed us to reprint some of her uncle's favorite recipes.  Being Italian and living on Chicago's South side he couldn't help but have a love for good, comfort food.

Try out some of the recipes below for yourself, then get the book and try more! It's "an offer you can't refuse."


"The two foods I missed most after moving away from Chicago were Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. Italian beef in particular is simply not available anywhere else. But now you can make it yourself using Al Capone’s recipe. It is hard to find the giardiniera, but it is available in Italian stores and is usually labeled “Chicago-Style Giardiniera.” ~ Deirdre Marie Capone

Al’s Recipe for Italian Beef 

 3-4 pound rump roast
6 (or more) cloves garlic
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp onion powder
 ¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
 ½ tsp paprika
 ¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp thyme
6 hard crusted rolls or a loaf of Italian bread
3 red or green peppers
¼ cup olive oil
 Hot giardiniera

Preheat oven to 225°. Mix dry ingredients together. Mince garlic. Place meat into a roasting pan and sprinkle with dry ingredients evenly. Place minced garlic on top of meat. Cover roasting pan tightly with cover or foil and place in oven and cook for 6-8 hours. Wash peppers and slice, removing seeds and stem. Fry them in olive oil until limp.

After cooking, remove the foil and break meat apart with a fork. Pile on bread and top with fried peppers and hot giardiniera.


Al Capone’s Biscotti 

3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
 ½ cup butter
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 eggs
2 ounces anisette

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter with sugar. Beat well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix all dry ingredients together and sift into creamed ingredients. Add the anisette and mix well again. Shape into 4 loaves and bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 35 minutes.

Remove from oven and place on cutting board. Cut immediately into ½ inch slices. Place slices, cut side up, on the baking sheet and place in low heated oven to toast. Turn them to toast both sides. Cool and serve.

To find out where to get the book visit www.UncleAlCapone.com.









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Photo credits: Book cover photo courtesy of Deirdre Marie Capone - "Uncle Al: The Untold Story From Inside His Family" : All rights reserved
Photo credit:  Al Capone photo courtesy of Talk Radio with Meria Heller (www.meria.net)
Recipe credits: Deirdre Marie Capone - "Uncle Al: The Untold Story From Inside His Family": All rights reserved
Quotation credit: Deirdre Marie Capone - "Uncle Al: The Untold Story From Inside His Family": All rights reserved

November Calendar: The Go List!

Today marks the first day of November and with the holiday season about to begin, we want to make sure that you know what's going on in the Windy City!

November 1 - Join Saks Fifth Avenue for their Same Sky trunk show and fundraiser. Tonight's opening reception starts at 5 p.m. The event runs through Friday, November 2nd.

November 2 - Benny's Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago; 312-626-2444) is set to host a complimentary North Shore Distillery Party, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. November 2.  Guests will be treated to a complimentary cocktail tasting, mixed with a variety of North Shore spirits, and accompanied by passed appetizers by Chef Jonathan Lane. .

November 3 - Macy's Great Tree Lighting Ceremony - STARRING CHRIS MANN - FROM NBC'S THE VOICE

Join Macy's annual Great Tree Lighting ceremony with a special guest performance by Chris Mann. While you're here, don't forget to stop by the Aflac table and purchase the 2012 Aflac holiday duck. 100% of net proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer hospitals across the country. Afterwards, visit the kid's department on level 5 at 1pm for Holiday Family Fun from Radio Disney and more!

Macy's on State Street
Saturday, November 3rd
Walnut Room, Level 7
12pm
November 4 - Jack Daniels Honey hosts a tailgating party at Deuces and the Diamond Club (Lakeview) with special guests from the Chicago Bears (former Superbowl champion MVP Richard Dent hosts), the Bleacher Report and Cheerleaders! 12 - 4 p.m. Sign-up here to attend!

November 5 - Enter C-Style's "Skyfall" contest starting today to win 50th Anniversary CD's courtesy of EMI Music!

November 6 - ELECTION DAY!

Follow the Southern Mac & Cheese and Flirty Cupcakes Food Trucks - they'll be giving away free food on Election Day!

November 7 - C-Style Editor-in-Chief, Lori Hendricks' Birthday!

November 8 - Jose Cuervo Presents The Tradicional Mural Project at Gallery 1028. 8 - 11 p.m. To RSVP go to www.guestcode.com and enter event code 1582.

November 9 - Skyfall opens at theaters nationwide!  Winners of C-Style's Skyfall contest will be chosen.

November 10 - Chicago Urban League Golden Fellowship Dinner featuring Gladys Knight. For tickets visit www.chicagourbanleague.org.

November 11 - VETERAN'S DAY ( Official )

November 12 - Food & Wine magazine presents its Food & Wine Chef Showcase at the Museum of Contemporary Art at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.foodandwine.com/chicago

                         VETERAN'S DAY (Observed)

November 13 -

November 14 -

November 15 - LuxeHomes presents its wine and culinary fundraiser, CHILL, at Merchandise Mart for tickets: www.luxehome.com/chill

November 16 - Chicago Fine Chocolate Show begins at Navy Pier and runs thru November 18th. For tickets go here.

November 17 - Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - Tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m. For more information on day-long events visit www.themagnificentmile.com

November 18 - Randolph Street Holiday Market opens - www.randolphstreetmarket.com (begins on November 17th)

November 19 - November 19 is International Men’s Day, and men across Chicago are invited to come to Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ and experience the whiskey “bento box” and receive 50% off of combo platters! Innovative bento boxes come with your choice of proprietary whiskies such as White Dragon moonshine, Dragon Whip wheat whiskey and Black Dragon rye whiskey, and includes an array of accoutrements designed to enhance the whiskey tasting experience, such as cheeses, chocolates and seasonal fruits. Combo platters include your choice of smoked pulled meats, ribs, cornbread and slaw!

November 20 - Sharing It Day Food Drive at Merchandise Mart - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
                          Christkindlmarket opens at Daley Plaza - thru December 24th

November 21 -

November 22 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
                          McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade on State Street begins at 8 a.m.

November 23 - BLACK FRIDAY - Holiday Shopping Season Begins!
                          Caroling at Cloud Gate at Millennium Park

November 24 - Chicago Couture Fashion Week Begins

November 25 -

November 26 -

November 27 -

November 28 -

November 29 - Christmas Around the World opens at the Museum of Science & Industry

November 30 -