You’ve heard of convertible cars. And bras. But here’s a new one, convertible bars. As Benchmark gets set to open it’s doors this weekend in Old Town, the front entrance isn’t the only thing that’s going to be opening. Literally.

Cue the Air Force Ones, Mr. President is back home in Chicago to celebrate his 49th birthday. And you can party with him for a mere 30 K. Sans family (Michelle is overseas and the girls are away at summer camp), leaving you some quality time to rub elbows and give your best pitch to the Prez.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for the haute 5 ice cream shops. And we’re talking full calories, grams of fat and all the gooey goodness that brings out the youthful exuberance in everyone. Frozen yogurt need not apply. Because everyone needs to indulge every now and then.

All I have to say is OMG Finally. The Hollywood obsession has migrated to the Midwest.
More art than science, this was the little bakery that could. The original cupcake shop in Beverly Hills has won the hearts of celebs everywhere, been featured on everyone from Oprah to Regis and Kelly and won two AIA interior design awards for their sleek, modern cupcake bar. The Los Angeles Times proclaimed Sprinkles “the progenitor of the haute cupcake craze,” which makes them haute in our book.

Dying to see Lady Gaga and Green day, but the thought of dealing with the crowds and chaos more than you can bear? Don’t let the madness stop you, here’s how to do Lollapalooza, the haute way.

Being that breakfast for dinner is one of my favorite meals, finding amazing brunch spots is one of my secret passions. There’s nothing better after a long night out on the town to dissect the weekend’s activities over a mimosa. After all, Top Chef did teach us that the mark of a great chef is how perfectly he could cook an egg. Just don’t forget the side of bacon.

As July rolls to a close and we indulge in the last bits of summer fun, if you’re looking for something to spice up your weekend try the Hawks Legends Day at the Pony Races, dance the night away Gatsby-style and do it all decked out in jewels. Dazzling, my darling.

Whether you’re in the market for a stay-cation or a visitor to our fab city, where you stay sets the mood for the whole trip. Be it boutique-y glam or upscale elegance that you’re in search of, one of these haute 5 hotels is sure to tickle your fancy and fluff your five star pillow.

When a seemingly neighborhood restaurant acquires a chef from the Ritz Carlton, people start to take notice. Thus is the story of Meze Tapas in the West Loop, who accidentally got hooked up with Antonio Lopez, a chef of twenty-five years at The Carlton Club at The Ritz-Carlton on craigslist. Yes, you read that right. On a crazy twist of fate, the owner’s cousin (who worked with Lopez at the Ritz) submitted his resume for the position for him having heard that two of the Ritz restaurants were planning to consolidate. The rest is history: it was a match made in heaven, and the proof is in the pudding.