TraveLin | theBrideScoop

TraveLin: Color Your Grey Days Away

December 1, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

It’s been wonderful having an extended autumn. As I write this, the winter wind whips through downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan’s whitecaps conjure up a snow-capped chalet scene. Color me Miss Summer… no, I did not miss being part of the Chicago snoweverkill last year! I adored chillaxin’ on my barefoot sunset champagne cruise on Christmas Eve. I appreciated many of the positive comments from friends while posting photos of Pacific Paradise. We’ll see what new images I come across this time. I agree with the studies that suggest enjoying inspiring images to de-stress and recharge on the go.

Gorgeous Hawaii Sunset (Photo by Lin Decker)

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TraveLin: Breathe in This Holiday Season

November 25, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

As event planners, we get invited to a great number of soirees. Last year, I traded in gaining holiday pounds for a cleansing trip to the rainforest on Hawaii’s Big Island. I came back renewed with a great glow (and not just as the tannest of them all). This year, I look forward to sleek holiday dresses and far fewer stresses!

Christmas Tree at Macy's State Street in Chicago (Photo by Linda Decker)

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TraveLin: One Stop Holiday Shopping

November 3, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

Can you detect the excitement in my voice?

We’ve capped another delightful Halloween and sailing season. I’m currently planning treks to Pacific Paradise and deciding on details/special guests for the Pino Caribbean trek. As I write this, sexiest sailboat Pino is just about to enter the Gulf! See where see is now.

Tracking Pino by iboat (as of November 3, 2011)

Hawaii beckons again with a wonderful blend of business, pleasure and plenty of holiday fun. I recently had to dispel some myths. No, it is not a 14-hour flight to Maui; it’s 9 hours from Chicago.

Friends had great luck with combining frequent flier miles out of Chicago and then connecting on the West Coast. With a visit to friends out West and a final destination of the Hawaiian Islands, you certainly make the most of the time your time and money invested.

Spectacular Kona Sunset (Photo by Linda Decker)

As you plan your holiday travel or next trip to the islands, be open to a 1-stop flight. Odds are you’ll save significant money to put towards your adventures once you land (I did a stop in San Francisco and saved $500). I’m especially impressed with SFO for a handful of reasons. It’s healthy to stretch your legs, get some real food and roll the dice for a new neighbor on the next flight.

Yes… before my longer treks, I will visit friends and fam in the Twin Cities. Perhaps I’ll uncover a hidden gem there…

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

TraveLin: Cuddle up to a Spirited Halloween

October 28, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

I heart Halloween!

Halloween was my entree into party planning. I worked with my brother to design haunted houses in our basement. It evolved into catered art studios parties and scene stealing in primeval dark haunted woods (which may have actually had their own wolf pack). Perhaps it helped that both my parents were artists. I had access to a menagerie of life sized art project animals, tools and art materials to get in the spirit as part of my character growth. Alas, I never did get the family lawyer to agree to the clandestine trap door I wanted to unleash on my 5th grade class.

Must Have Stemware!!! (Photo by Linda Decker)

By college, we did successfully constructed a castle and unleashed a realistic T-Rex from tree tops over unsuspecting mortals. Eventually, the eerie chill was more than skier long underwear and a puffy coat could contain. I searched for some adventurous and elegant indoor haunts and soirees. Well, now look what I’ve unearthed in Chi-town! No pressure for costumes. Hey, capes are already the rage this season.

Prowl through centuries of art and culture for free! Free admission to Chicago Museums from October 24 until October 31.

Set sail for a rousing storytelling adventure. “Spirit Ships & Haunted Harbors” on Tall Ship Windy, departing with lively guests at Navy Pier through October 30. Cozy up with a loved one and enjoy enthusiastic pirates ensconced in darkness with ships that creak on command. And this week, theBrideScoop readers get buy one, get one free for “Spirit Ships & Haunted Harbors” (two tickets for $30). Peer into the murky waters of Great Lakes’ ghost ships and shadowy deeds of souls that sailed its shorelines. Written and performed by area historian and thespian Orion Couling. We scoped it out last week. Top guest comments: “VIP all the way”, “better than waiting in line for anything”; “yes, it’s scary enough that they cover children’s ears”. Call 312-451-2700 or stop by the Windy ticket booth day of sail for deets on the BOGO offer.

Spirited Fun (Photo by Linda Decker)

Uncover a Chicago classic with Lawry’s Halloween in the Haunted Mansion. This mansion’s already rumored to have a spectral resident. Costumes welcomed. Inspired eats include “Bloody Eyeball Shooter and Ghoul’s Goulash in a Puff Pastry”, “Blood Orange Intermezzo” and Dessert of Devilish Food Cake or Creepy Pumpkin Pie”. There are more options PLUS a cauldron. Following this monstrous meal, Lawry’s offers guided tours of the 1890’s McCormick Mansion every half hour on the hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $51 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Call (312) 787-5000, and request the “Lawry’s Halloween Package”.

Reveal your inner Martha wearing whatever you want. Can you stomach eye-popping soup? Love that Martha still pays homage to the 5th grade classic “Ladies Fingers” (with the updated equal-opportunity “Men’s Toes”). Experiment with tasty tidbits that click with your honey and dim the lights to inspire the mood.

All lurk and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Happy haunting!

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

TraveLin: Brews, Views & A Table For Two

October 20, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

“Dining with one’s friends is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” ~ Julia Child

I’ve had a great chance to soak in the late summer brews and views with beer god Captain Jim on Pianissimo ~ “the sexiest sailboat on Lake Michigan”!

Beer God Captain Jim with IPA (Photo by TraveLin)

We applauded Oktoberfest brews paired with a late summer flavors. Our top rank came in as Bell’s Octoberfest; it’s ideal for a week-long German wedding celebration or the advent of Illinois autumn. Bell’s Octoberfest spends six weeks maturing in the fermentation vessels. There it trades the assertive hop presence for a focus on a light caramel malt note, lending body without too much sweetness. Beer gods also gave enthusiastic thumbs up to Dogfish IPA.

With throwing festive soirees it’s easy to make friends. We especially enjoy sharing catering secrets. Our special guest Ellen from “Pino Pink Pearls” connected us with a perfect menu to pair and share! We closed the sexiest sailboat’s season with her friend, A Table For Two‘s Chef Monica of Food Network’s “Chopped”.

Cashew Chicken Spring Rolls (Photo by TraveLin)

Let the mouth-watering begin. These three items certainly stood out!
- French Onion Crostini: A take on the classic French Onion soup in a bite size crostini. Vidalia onions slow cooked for hours to bring out all the flavors, glazed in roasted beef demi-glace and layered atop a flaky pastry crust. Finished with Gruyere cheese and baked until golden brown.

- Lamb Loin on Wild Rice Blini: Seasoned with herbs, seared and finished in the oven to medium rare, lamb loin is thinly sliced and presented on a blini of wild rice. Garnished with fresh thyme.

- Cashew Chicken Roll: Boneless breast of chicken, toasted cashews, spring onions, and mushrooms with fresh ginger and water chestnuts, wrapped in rice paper with steamed rice. Presented with a soy dipping sauce.

All was keenly complemented with Veuve Cliquot! The buzz from the boat was that the “Chocolate Truffle Torte” was a little taste of heaven. I missed that selection while out on the bow flirting with my Hot Date. Thanks again to our special guests for celebrating on Pino!

Pianissimo (Photo by CAZ)

Coming next… The Great Pino Caribbean Trek . Why yes… I have been invited!!!

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

FOOD FRIDAY: Pump Room Croons Again

September 30, 2011 By TraveLin 2 Comments

“Chicago is the jumpin’ Pump Room” croons Frank Sinatra in My Kind of Town (Chicago is).

Once again, the Pump Room is open to pay homage to classic Chicago with a modern take, inspired celebrity chef and lux “farm to table” for all tastes. I was invited to a soft opening soiree by Gloria The Hat. As an award winning socialite and chef, Gloria knows her stuff: “The infamous Pump Room of Chicago has reinvented itself and has reopened in luxury and grandeur. The updated version is as classy as it gets. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has presented an eclectic menu catering to all tastes and budgets. From the Library for great light fare, wonderful desserts and coffees to the main dining room for the must try tuna tartare, pretzel dusted calamari and the sautéed corn with pecorino, jalapeños and lime, it is yum, yum and yum.”

www.pumproom.com

James Beard award winner Jean-Georges Vongerichten selects choice classics from the 1930s era with original dishes and his four course tasting menu. Vongerichten is known for three Michelin Star restaurants. Bradford Phillips is the Executive Chef, best known at the helm of LM Le Restaurant; he also spent time in the kitchen at Tru, Blackbird and NoMI.

I started with zesty heirloom tomatoes and late harvest fruit drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. I enjoyed the crispy Lake Superior Walleye with market mushrooms, jalapeños and mint. The walleye (a staple of my home state of Minnesota) was melt-in-your mouth tender with just a kiss of crispy at the end. Yes, it was very similar to my grandmother’s recipe (a fine Martha Stewart in her own right). Delish! Flavors were complemented by their “Marilyn Monroe” cocktail ~ a champagne and apple-tini mélange.

Crispy Lake Superior Walleye (Photo by Linda Decker)

I also sampled and enjoyed the grilled beef tenderloin and braised spinach in a homemade hot sauce butter. Portions are healthy but not overwhelming. I definitely had room for the warm blueberry cornbread crumble a la mode with the much ado-ed “La Colombe” coffee. Trust me, you’ll want to go out for dessert more often or make time for “high coffee” instead of high tea! Pump Room successfully lured Kady Yon away from Charlie Trotter and the Four Seasons Chicago to take over duties as pastry chef.

Blueberry Crumble (Photo by Linda Decker)

Pump Room’s official opening is slated for October 11, 2011. Insiders told us that the Pump Room will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, late supper and weekend brunch. In the Library, they will serve fresh baked goods, exotic elements, coffees and an extensive banquet menu.

Pump Room is in the Public Hotel Chicago. Menu changes often but will feature Midwest cuisine, tapas-style food and some Asian-Indian fusion. They also plan to continue Pump Room’s tradition of great music and exotic cocktails in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Life Magazine Mural in Pump Room (Photo by Linda Decker)

You can make reservation online. For fun, check out the lower level with a montage of Pump Room’s famous and notorious guests and recently restored Life magazine spread! Headline: “Life Visits the Pump Room in Chicago – Flaming Swords and Costumed Waiters Give it Hollywood Glamor and Excitement”.

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

TraveLin: Insider Tips for Event Menu Planning

September 22, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

“Life itself is the proper binge!” A quote attributed to the inspiring Julia Child is the toast for this week.

Must have beverages! (Photo by Linda Decker)

I’m asked to design remarkable gourmet soirees and how to make them work for soirees, corporate picnics and weddings. Lean in a little closer for some insider tips!

Make the most of the season

Guests have loved menus paired seasonal wines and fresh alcohol-free combinations as well. Whether hiring a professional event planner or not, you can always find local seasonal pairing suggestions with a call or visit.

In Chicago, I have enjoyed planning and pairing with:
- Fox & Obel - gourmet market & catering… many people ask, so I’ll share, that’s “Obel” like the “Nobel Prize”
- Bespoke Cuisine - best catered seafood in Chi-town; top overall choice by our European guests
- Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine - we also love to start with Gourmet Rambler’s exception cheese choice

Patio Picnic Aboard Red Witch (Photo by Linda Decker)

Mystique only goes so far

Many caterers will bring food place cards if you ask. I have heard of some weddings and events where guests did not eat anything because they could not identify it or were too unsure to try. At least one vegetarian option has always been well-received. A place card is a great intro. If you have servers passing items, it’s even better if they know the ingredients and will answer basic questions.

Happy planning! Next week we zoom in on Brews & Views

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

TraveLin: Chicago Destination Delights

September 15, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

This week, we’ve soaked in summer’s rays, noticed changing and an autumn breeze that brings a hint of Oktoberfest in the air.

Chicago is a warm, gracious city with a wide range of venues and vibes to work with any budget. Our “Team Charming” has recently hosted weddings with guests from 14 states and 3 countries greeted by Chicago sports celebrities on their private ship… “THIS was worth traveling overseas”. We’ve created elegant weddings from both coasts with an intimate setting where the couple can focus on each other and be relaxed as they mingle with their guests; neighboring states invited their closest friends and family to celebrate along the skyline because “it’s like living in the perfect painting”, “postcard moments” and “we all felt like royalty”.

Chicago in Full Color (Photo by Linda Decker)

We also had our first Chicago-style polka break out on deck. We’re proud to welcome locals all season so they could finally enjoy their gorgeous city from the lake, feel the child-like wonder over fireworks or listen to the calming waves as we watched the moon (or sun) rise. It was amazing to have wedding/celebration sails at Burnham Harbor where hundreds lined the docks just to cheer on couples and have brother-of-the-bride guitarists convert new groupies. The secret’s out - we also carried off 6 surprise parties and many top-secret guests (in the Chicago way, I can say no more).

Happily Married Couple (Photo by Linda Decker)

I can share this – September is a wonderful month to sail! Cozy up with a cute sweater and loved one. We have elite skyline patios in Chi-town and several are BYO as well. What perfect places to share stories, take new photos and enjoy your tasty beverage of choice.

Consider a couple small gatherings to welcome guests from out-of-town and share some unscheduled time before and after the prearranged details. Keep these Destination Best Practices in mind when planning your own great event. Many thanks to our wonderful guests and crew!

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

TraveLin: Happy NYC Memories ~ 10 Years Later

September 8, 2011 By TraveLin Leave a Comment

While sailing Labor Day weekend with some French visitors we were admiring the Chicago skyline from the lake. “Do you get to sail like this in any other city?” I answered, “Not many… but I have in Manhattan”.

As movie buff, I was enamored with New York from hundreds of scenes on the big screen. I’ve visited often as a tourist and became an honorary New Yorker for one of my first event planner projects. Why yes… it was like a scene out of “Devil Wears Prada”!

With little sleeping going on, NYC continues to polish the art of the hidden gem. NYC still ranks 2nd on the list of “Best U.S. Luxury Destinations”. I’ve covered the 1st (Maui) and 3rd (Hawaii’s Big Island) ranked destinations, so it’s an ideal time to explore a few precious New York treasures!

Helicopter View of NYC Harbor (Photo by Linda Decker)

Private Manhattan Heli Tour
Aerial shots of NYC set the mood for so many films. I recommend this invigorating tour as a great orientation to the best known skyline in the world. It’s fantastic to see Lady Liberty and visitors in her crown eye-to-eye as well as sweeping views of timeless architecture. It’s New York without a crowd! Yes, I also took at tour in August 2001 when we flew near the World Trade Center buildings where I had enjoyed so many “bizness” lunches at Windows on the World.

Belly Dancing at Dinner
Yes… this was for a business dinner with American Express executives and no one even cracked a smile until the second course. My personal favorite is Tangine Dining Gallery in Hell’s Kitchen with some of the most reasonable prices anywhere (male and female dancers). Maybe even make time to visit others pairing their cuisine with a twist of the hip: Top Five Belly Dancing with Dinner Establishments.

Gotham, London and Disneyworld – all rolled into one: Jekyll & Hyde
Secret passage ways, Good versus Evil, velvet at all hours, tasty pub food and all out Gothic club after dark!

NYC by Sea and Under Sail
Voila – a blend of British and American history, stellar skyline and Lady Liberty views. Arrange a private or public sail and regional craft beer tasting with two vessels to choose from May – October.

Dessert a la Mode: ChikaLicious
Best NY cheesecake, perfectly sweet/tart key lime pie and divine chocolate concoctions. Menu changes daily.

Dessert at ChikaLicious (Photo by Linda Decker)

Many have already investigated the go-to suggestions including Fodor’s Top 10 Things to Do in NY. Best wishes for those who lost anyone in 9/11 and I look forward to checking out the on-going New York renaissance. I’m all for moving away from calling it Ground Zero. Do you think it’s time for a new term?

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.

TraveLin: Sometimes It Takes A Village

September 1, 2011 By TraveLin 4 Comments

We’ve just come off our dramatic pause waiting for Hurricane Irene to blow the coast down. (An intro: @HurricanIrene “After blowing the whole east coast, I guess you could call her a #Whoricane.”)

I’ve heard comments about the lunacy of halting Manhattan for a comfortable breeze and some light rain. I’m not a cynic. I’ve seen a house sink into a bay with my own eyes; it’s impossible to be jaded after that. Friends did the math and broached the subject - (shifty eyes, furrowed brow and leaning in a little bit closer) “So… ah, you were in Hawaii for the tsunami?”. I was.

Calm Before the Storm (Photo by Linda Decker)

I had three months of company with neighbors or visitors fleeing the winter snowverkill. March 10, I moved from my ali’i suite Hilo-side to a tranquil sunset sail on Kohala Coast with a guest, then to drop them off at the airport and check into my Kona oceanside condo. I had one night alone to unwind before a hot date arrived the next day. Calls start coming in and alarms start going off. With a postcard sunset, I was calm and maybe lulled into disbelief. I just couldn’t fathom doomsday with the island underwater. I was brought back to reality with a shrill jolt: tsunami warning.

Tsunami Sign (Photo by Linda Decker)

I packed as much as I could into the next nine minutes before evacuation to higher ground. “Prepare for eight foot waves. Like a brick wall. Not the kind you surf”, I overheard. I had not yet met my new Kona-side neighbors.

Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Keauhou shopping center parking lot. (All the boats arriving didn’t bode well.) Many of them had a pillow, a blanket and Japan tsunami footage seared in their brain as they sat on cement.

I was lucky to have a car, charger, water, food, flashlight, one petite suitcase and friends online. Nine pm. Tsunami sirens sound every 30 minutes as we stare out at the pitch black Pacific Ocean. “Hawaii dark” I call it. We have six hours until the massive wave reaches the islands, March 11, forecast for 3 am. We heard tense, static-ridden radio reports.

Tsunami Evacuation Site (Photo by Linda Decker)

Sirens now shriek non-stop. I try to get a signal long enough to see if my guest made it off the island or is stranded.

I post pictures and engage in repetition of the above for the next ten hours.

At 7:00 am, we applaud as a coffee shop opens and rations what they have on hand. We’re released from the parking lot at 10:30 am after they relocated a beach-worth of sand off a Kona thoroughfare, Ali’i Drive. Overall, the islands were fortunate. Kailua-Kona was the hardest hit with $15 million in damage, including hotel, houses and boats, but fortunately no death.

My outgoing guest did make the last flight off the island; my incoming guest arrived on time. We strolled through Kailua Village and saw hundreds of helpers wrangle furniture from the ocean, shovel sand from shops and share knowing smiles as we passed. They asked me to share their story. Now, we can help celebrate recovery.

Guess who’s named “Best Lux Travel Destinations”? Maybe you can celebrate first hand with a little luck and giveaway from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel!

What near-disaster or recovery stories do you want to share?

Huzzah!
TraveLin
“Princess of Luxury Travel, Purveyor of Hidden Gems”

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events
(312) 404-5800 or (773) 354-1563

Want to know more about TraveLin’s adventures? Follow her on twitter or facebook.