Chicago

Most people hibernate through the winter months, grab a hot chocolate and cuddle up by the fire. Not you. You know winter is a special time of the year that can be even hotter than the summer months with unique snow-filled fun. So don your UGGS and cutest puffy jacket and prepare to get winterized.

Chef Lee Ann Whippen is Chef/Partner of urban BBQ restaurant Chicago q. Lee Ann Whippen is also President and Owner of Wood Chick’s BBQ Restaurants & Catering Company, Lead Pitmaster for Wood Chick’s BBQ Competition Cooking Team, Member Kansas City Barbecue Society, KCBS Certified BBQ Judge, former Newspaper Food Columnist, 15 years in Hotel Catering Management and more than 14 years cooking competitive BBQ.

The Bears are preparing for one of the most anticipated match-ups of the century, meeting their oldest division rival for only the second time in post season since 1941. In true competitive fashion, here are our picks for how to celebrate the big day(s) and the rest of the season in style.

Join Vital Bridges for a Chefs and the City culinary fundraising event on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Primitive art gallery (130 N. Jefferson Street).  Sponsored by Gibsons Restaurant Group and RL Restaurant, A Stroll through the Gallery will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres prepared by some of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs while raising funds for Vital Bridges, a non-profit organization that provides services and support to low-income locals living with HIV and AIDS.

Journey up to the 89th floor of the Trump International Hotel and Tower via the fastest elevator in the world, and you could say you live in the highest residence in Chicago, second tallest building in America, and the seventh tallest residential building in the world.

Of all the things to enjoy during the winter months, perhaps no other dish fully encapsulates warmth, comfort and sustenance than a hearty bowl of chili (not to mention the big game). If you’re ready to forgo the New Year’s diet for some down home cooking, Rockit Bar & Grill in River North and Wrigleyville, takes the celebrated dish one step further with the Third Annual Chilifest. Executive Chef James Gottwald and Chef De Cuisine Amanda Downing will offer a special chili each day of as well as a repertoire of four different Chili preparations everyday.

Trying to name just five celebrity chefs in Chicago is like trying to pick the best deep dish pizza locale- it’s just not possible. So in the spirit of friendly debate, let’s agree to potentially disagree as these are my picks for most celebrated Chicago chefs of all time, with strong honorable mention to many others (Jimmy Bannos Jr. and Sr., Marcus Samuelsson, Dirk Flanigan, Ryan Poli, Brian Huston, and many more). Long live Chicago’s rich culinary landscape, I am humbled to be in the presence of such greatness.

If you’ve been wondering why a smiley face icon entitled “Brewce Brew” has been friending half the city’s hottest socialites on facebook, it is to welcome the much anticipated Public House this weekend. The viral marketing effort from the team behind celeb-infested hot spot Bull and Bear are expanding their empire to another 10,000 square foot “beer centric” space located on corner of State & Kinzie. Expanding on the ever-popular table tap concept where you pour your own brews, Public House will also introduce the wall tap so you never have to stray from the scene to get a refill.

There’s one thing for sure, the consumer electronics show did not disappoint. In true larger than life Vegas fashion, look forward to all your favorite gadgets getting slimmer, sleeker, shinier and in 3D. Here are your must have’s to maintain the envy of every house on the block.

First gaining popularity from its association with French Kings, royalty throughout Europe spread the word about a luxurious and noble beverage called champagne. Often associated with festivities and rites of passage, we ask, why stop there? Let’s make every day a celebration of life and success. Pass the bubbly!

Renowned Yoga instructor and inventor of The Mighty Body Band, Miguel Latronica, as well as his seasoned staff, will celebrate the Grand Opening of YOGA BENT STUDIO on Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16 from 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM in Highland Park, IL. During this grand opening event, guests will be invited to join complimentary sampler classes, enjoy a daily drum circle, be treated to complimentary 10-minute chair massages, receive free facility tours and attend health lectures.

We already told you John Hughes was one of the biggest names to ever live in Chicago. Now you can own part of the legacy. Namely, the whole set, minus the Red Ferrari in the garage or teenage boys singing you Danke Schoen.