Chicago

In 2005, the cigar industry’s annual convention and trade show took place in New Orleans, LA. Little did we know that within a couple weeks, Hurricane Katrina would destroy the very streets we were walking on. In fact, the convention center that hosted us served as a relief center. At that show, Ashton premiered a new concept for themselves as well as the industry as a whole; their Ashton Estate Sun Grown (ESG) celebrating their 20th year in business.

As Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park, August brings good tunes and better company. And the beats don’t stop when the show ends, there are concerts and appearances all night long for three straight days. So get your party pants on and chug a five hour energy because you don’t want to miss any of the action. It’s going down, rockstars.

Looking to Star Gaze in the Windy City? Though our urban playground doesn’t allow for much in terms of the galaxy, plenty of Hollywood A-listers flock to Chicago like it’s the next big thing. Here are some of your best bets to catch a steamy star sighting.

Are you living among the cool? Forbes has revealed its annual list of “America’s Coolest Cities.” Read on to find out which Haute Living markets made the cut and where your city ranks in 2010.

We may not have Batman, Superman, or Spider-Man running around doing good deeds, but America does have a group of super wealthy super heroes. On Wednesday, 40 of the nation’s most affluent citizens joined monetary forces with a promise to donate at least half of their wealth either during their lifetime or after their death.

Justin Timberlake certainly knows business. The former boy-bander has grown from a teenage heartthrob into a multimillion dollar business mogul over the past decade. The mega-talented singer/songwriter is also a respected music producer, film actor, and restaurateur. To add to his impressive career resume, JT also boasts the title of luxury fashion designer, thanks to his popular denim-based clothing line, William Rast.

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.

Supercar enthusiasts the world over were given cause to smile last week when Porsche A.G.’s supervisory board approved production development of the 918 Spyder, a mid/rear-engine concept car featuring hybrid technology that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March.

There is nothing better than a crispy, juicy, red, cold piece of succulent watermelon. Although you can buy them year round, nothing excites me more then scoring a big one on a hot summer morning, at my local farmer’s market. I take my time knocking on each and every one making sure that my perfect choice has just the right hollow sound.

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.