Chicago Business Journal Honors 48 Women of Influence

The Chicago Business Journal (CBJ) recently named 48 honorees for its first-ever class of Women of Influence. Kurman Communications' founder and president Cindy Kurman Barrie is among the honorees.

The program honors women business leaders in the Chicago area who innovate, succeed and "pay it forward," who stand out both for their achievements in the marketplace as well as their commitment to community and mentoring.

CBJ is featuring each woman weekly. Kurman's profile provides insight to her development as a
 business leader. She also discussed a new company, Newsline360, which she will launch with partners early in 2015.

The Chicago Business Journal's Women of Influence is part of a national effort by American City Business Journals — the premier company in the country devoted to the reporting of local business news — to identify and celebrate women business leaders and to foster business environments that will create even more successful women in the future.

Winners will be honored at a luncheon on Jan. 20.
The winners include:

• Jill Allread, president, Public Communications Inc.
• Heather Bailey, partner, SmithAmundsen
• Cindy Kurman Barrie, owner/partner, Kurman Communication, Inc.; Founding Partner, NEWSLINE360
• Ekpedeme "Pamay" M. Bassey, president, The Pamay Group
• Gina Berndt, managing director, Perkins+Will
• Rebecca Busch, president, Medical Business Associates
• Adela Cepeda, president, A.C. Advisory Inc.
• Cindi Cervone Carlson, vice president, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
• Kate DeLeeuw, Administrative Complex Manager - Chicago Complex, RBC Wealth Management
• Ellen Dickson, president, Bailey Edward Design, Inc.
• Lauren Dillon, owner, Triad Resource Group
• Emilia DiMenco, president and CEO, Women's Business Development Center
• Kimberly Eberl, owner/CEO, MotionPR
• Alexandra Eidenberg, president, The Insurance People
• Angela Elbert, partner, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
• Vicki Escarra, CEO, Opportunity International
• Justine Fedak, senior vice president, BMO Harris Bank
• Randy Fifield, owner, Fifield Cos.
• Kathleen Finley, vice president, Under the Radar
• Susan Fredman, owner, SusanFredman Design Group, LTD
• Kara Friedman, partner, Polsinelli PC
• Barbara Gaffen, CEO, Prime Property Investors (PPI)
• Kerryann Haase Minton, partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
• Jenny Johnson, partner, Holland & Knight
• Tamara Jurgenson, SVP marketing & eCommerce, Newark element14
• Elizabeth Karlson, vice president, PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
• Victoria Knudson, senior managing directorr, Cushman & Wakefield
• Tina Manikas, president, FCB/RED
• Molly McShane, CIO, Conor Commercial Real Estate
• Dorri McWhorther, CEO, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
• Rebecca Mechanik, vice president, Catamaran Corporation V
• Debra Moritz, executive managing director, Cushman & Wakefield
• Anita Ponder, partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Nancy Reinsdorf, president, Chicago Bulls Charities
• Nneka Rimmer, senior advisor, Boston Consulting Group
• Diane Romza-Kutz, attorney, Husch Blackwell LLP
• Kristi Ross, CEO, dough, Inc.
• Shannon Schuyler, principal and corporate responsibility leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers; president of the PwC Charitable Foundation
• Kellie Scott, owner, Divine Consign
• Robin Shapiro, president, CAHG
• Teresa Soppet, vice president, RBC Wealth Management
• Case Sosnoff, co-host, "Where Do I Start"
• K. Sujata, CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women
• Sheila Talton, president and CEO, Gray Matter Analytics
• Dara Tarkowski, partner, Akerman
• Angela Tenuta, vice president, Intouch Solutions

Nominations for this first-time program were sought publicly in the fall and submitted by a variety of sources, including association partners, entrepreneurs, business owners and executives . The winners were picked by a group of American City Business Journal editors, led by Mary Johnson, editor of Bizwomen, CPJ's sister site.

Kurman Communications Opens Southeast Regional Office in Miami Area

Chicago-based Kurman Communications Inc. announced today the opening of Kurman Communications Southeast to provide the Southeastern region, including the greater Fort Lauderdale area south to Miami and out to the Keys, with integrated public relations, brand marketing, strategic communications planning, and social media networking, plus a wide variety of related services for the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries.    

"South Florida's vibrant dining and entertainment venues are in the forefront of the culinary arts and Kurman Communications Southeast is uniquely positioned to assist those well-known establishments, as well as new entries to the scene," President Cindy Kurman Barrie said. "With 30 years of outstanding service to the restaurant industry, as well as our work in the hospitality, entertainment, technology, automotive and business fields, this is a perfect and exciting time for expansion into the Southeastern region."    

"We've created Kurman Communications Southeast to offer clients in the region our full complement of services, including maximum capabilities in social networking, social media and internet-based word of mouth marketing to create buzz, solidify the public's perception, and build excitement and loyalty for the brand," Kurman Vice President Lee Barrie remarked. "Our agency blog, www.gotbuzzatkurman.com keeps the media and consumers up to date and blissfully aware of our client highlights."   

Kurman Communications Southeast is managed by seasoned veteran and Fort Lauderdale resident Rick Karlin. "Rick has been a fixture on the Chicago dining and entertainment scene for more than 30 years," said Kurman Barrie. "He brings a breadth and depth of experience and passion for this business that will help make our clients succeed. He's a delight to work with. I know that under his direction, clients will be in skillful hands."    

Kurman Barrie's agency has represented a wide array of restaurant, hospitality, entertainment, philanthropic and business clients, many of which have been nationally recognized under Kurman's artful direction. They have represented many well-known brands from automotive giant Chrysler and General Motors to business start-ups, independent and franchise businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Known for its successful marketing of restaurants and hospitality venues, Kurman has represented national brands such as Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Quiznos, Houlihan's, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Devon Seafood Grill, and Gordon Biersch. They are equally accomplished in marketing independent ventures such as Coco Pazzo, Nick's Fishmarket, and Tru, offering the Southeastern region a proven track in establishing and building brands.    

Kurman is equally respected in the hospitality industry arena. The company has opened and marketed many national brands including Crowne Plaza Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Le Meridien Chicago, Omni Chicago Hotel, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, South Floridian Hotels, Whitehall Hotel, and Wyndham International.    

The company has a long history in automotive marketing and public relations stemming from Kurman Barrie's background with Crain Communications' Automotive News. The company has represented such highly respected projects as the Chicago Auto Show, World of Wheels, and served as the Midwest public relations director of Chrysler Corp. for 10 years under Lee A. Iacocca.  

 

About Kurman Communications Southeast Regional Director, Rick Karlin  

Heading up the operations at Kurman Communications Southeast is Rick Karlin, a writer and communications specialist with more than 30 years of experience in the dining and entertainment industry.   

"It's an incredible opportunity for the local restaurant, hospitality, entertainment and business community as we launch Kurman Communications Southeast," Karlin offered. "Cindy Kurman Barrie's leadership, expertise and absolute dedication to her clients speak for themselves. What we're doing is bringing all that talent and skill to the Southeast region to deliver a face-to-face presence for our clients."  

Karlin has been a "snowbird" for a number of years, while continuing to write and edit for a number of Chicago publications and web sites. He has relocated to Fort Lauderdale permanently to head up the Kurman Communications Southeast office as Southeast Regional Director. In addition to reporting on and reviewing restaurants, hotels, entertainment and travel, he has both back and front of the house experience in the restaurant industry. He is also a published author and produced playwright.  

His reportorial work has appeared in print nationally in Genre Magazine and on such internet sites as Metromix, Huffington Post and GoPride.com. In Chicago, he has written or edited for Outlines/Nitelines, Windy City Times, Chicago Free Press and boiMAGazine. He has also written for The Wisconsin Gazette and Florida Agenda.

"Rick and I have known and worked with each other for years," Kurman Barrie said. "He always delivers full value with an absolute dedication to his craft. This is truly an exciting time for Kurman Communications Southeast."  

For more information about Kurman Communications Southeast, please contact Rick Karlin at kurmanSE@kurman.com or (786) 571-7428. Visit the Kurman website at www.kurman.com and the Kurman blog, www.gotbuzzatkurman.com.

Birthday Feast at Little Goat Diner – Amazing

It’s my birthday and it’s a tradition to enjoy lunch with my friends from work. I wanted to go to someplace new and have wanted to try Stephanie Izard’s Little Goat Diner for some time. It’s been open for almost a year and none of us had tried it! We’ve been enjoying its satellite operation, Little Goat Bread, at the Chicago French Market, but our visit to Little Goat Diner was long overdue.

Little Goat Diner

Anyone living in or visiting Chicago would be remiss if not dining at Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s Little Goat Diner (820 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-888-3455). They don’t take reservations so we opted for a late lunch at 1 p.m. When we arrived, we were offered immediate seating at a communal table but chose to wait for a booth, about 10 minutes, no biggie.

The meal was so worth the wait and then some. It was fabulous. I knew that we were over-ordering but couldn’t help it. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and the prices were reasonable.

We started with the Hot Crab Dip, a throwback to the ‘60s, with creamy cheesy (cheddar and cream cheese) lump crab and Ritz crackers. What a kick! For our second course, we split an amazing Pork Belly Butternut Salad (fried pork belly, shredded butternut and Kohlrabi squash, spiced pecans, crisp wonton and sherry vinaigrette). Loved it.

Fish Tostadas

We could have stopped here, but oh no. We each ordered entrees. My Fish Tostadas (crisp whitefish, shallot aioli, chickpeas onion salad, Harissa vinaigrette) were beyond wonderful and now set my standard benchmark. I dare anyone to make ones as good as these. They were that good. Lightly battered fish, housemade tostadas, pure yumminess.

Los Drowned

Lee had the waiter’s recommended Los Drowned (braised beef, avocado, butter case cheese, pickled peppers and onions, spicy mayo, hoagie). I sampled the juicy beef which cut like butter; great flavor. 

Tuna Melt

The tuna melt was unlike any I had ever seen. The menu description, Albacore tuna, Nicoise salad, cheese sauce, sourdough bread, didn’t do it justice. If you like tuna melts, this is the granddaddy of them all. The side of smoky fries was different. I’m not a big fan of the hickory flavor but the fries were yummy nonetheless and my companions loved them.

Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman Barrie

Now we’re all really full, but in a good way. As Lee says almost every day, “my diet starts tomorrow.” Of course, tomorrow we’ll indulge in leftovers from Little Goat Diner. Lee’s diet might start the day after tomorrow, but I’m not holding my breath.

Pork Belly Butternut Salad

Smoked Fries

Cindy Kurman Barrie, Lee Barrie & Petra Quiceno

Little Goat Diner

Little Goat Bakery

Little Goat Bakery

Girl in the Kitchen, Stephanie Izard

Photos by Cindy Kurman

For more information and to check out the complete menu, visit Little Goat Diner.

Gallery Opens Fall Season with Outsider and Graffiti Show featuring Local Artist Steve Pollack and Photographer Cindy Kurman Barrie

The "ORNOT" Gallery (located within READY Coffee, 1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622, 773-360-7041) opens the fall gallery season with its second show, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 4, showcasing the works of two promising local artists, painter Steve Pollack and photographer Cindy Kurman Barrie. The show runs through October 31 and is being curated by Cody Davis, a READY Coffee barista, photographer and manager of the ORNOT Gallery.

Steve Pollack has been an art collector most of his life. It wasn't until he retired from his successful scrap metal business that he found the time to pursue a new passion, painting. Having free time, he finds himself literally drawn to the human form. He has studied at numerous Chicago-area painting studios and is proud to showcase his work at Ornot Gallery this fall, his first public show.

Cindy Kurman Barrie, who joins Steve Oct. 4, also is showing her art photography for the first time. An accomplished business photographer, the photo collection on display at the Ornot gallery showcases a more gritty side of her photographic work. For this showing, she will present various graffiti works and street scenes she captured during a recent trip to France, Italy and Belgium. Cindy studied photography and journalism at Kent State University and has been capturing life ever since.

Cindy calls herself "fortunate" as she has a career doing something that she loves while bringing enjoyment to others. When not taking pictures, Cindy also paints, makes jewelry, manufactures art purses and runs a successful integrated marketing and public relations firm, Kurman Communications, Inc.

 

Ornot Gallery Opening October 4
Features Contemporary Jazz Guitarist
by Lee Alec Barrie

 

Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists. Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.

These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit "Funkytown" in the late 70's. Barrie's evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.
Barrie's idea for a "virtual band project"-whereby he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks-evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.

Cindy Kurman & Steve Pollack show art at Ready Coffee's ORNOT Gallery - Opening October 4

Chicago French Market is in the June issue of Bon Appetit!

Chicago French Market earns it's place in the Top 5 Food Halls in America!

 

Congrats to our very own Cindy Kurman for getting the photo credit of the Saigon Sister's sandwich!

River North Business Association Holds Annual Meeting

Announces Winners of Annual River North’s Best Awards

and New RNBA Board

The River North Business Association (RNBA)  holds its annual meeting Wednesday, February 27 at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard Ave. The meeting includes the election of new board directors as well as the announcement of RNBA’s River North’s Best annual award winners. The program begins with registration at 5:30 p.m. and concludes with a celebration reception beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Guests are invited to enjoy Rockit Bar & Grill’s hospitality and a motivational presentation by RNBA member Jonny Imerman of Imerman’s Angels. The cost for registration is $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Register on-line here or visit http://www.rivernorthassociation.com or call 312-645-1047 for additional information.

New to the River North Business Association’s board, being elected to a two-year term, are: Paul Rudewick, Optimal Facilities Management Services; Liz Schulze, John Barleycorn and Moe’s Cantina; Brian Taich, Mesirow Financial Group; Erica Poppe, Sullivan’s Steakhouse; Joe Virgil, MacMall; and Aaron Zaretsky, Urban Innovations.

The River North Business Association’s slate of board members being re-elected for a two-year term include: Art Bryan, The Redhead Piano Bar; Robert Gottfred, Erie-LaSalle Body Shop & Car Care Center; Josh Hauer, Rockit Bar & Grill; Adam Havrilla, Artistic Blooms; France Langan, Holiday Inn Mart Plaza; Grace Napalitano, Michigan Avenue Magazine; Mayo C. Walcott, North Ban; and Ryan Wynia, Firebone.

The 8th Annual River North’s Best Awards winners also will be announced. This year’s nominees include: Best New Restaurant: Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ, Underground Wonder Bar, John Barleycorn River North, and Untitled; Best Restaurant: Mastro’s, Maxwell’s at the Club, Sullivan’s Steak House, and LaMadia; Best Sustainable Business: Urban Innovations, Merchandise Mart, and Greenheart/Center for Cultural Exchange; Best Entertainment/Hospitality: Cityscape Bar, Paris Club, The Baton Show Lounge, and ZED 451; Best Business/Service: Comcast Business Services, River North Gym, Serpe Insurance, and The Chopping Block.

"Everyone will have the opportunity to win great prizes by purchasing door prize tickets," says Sharon Romack, president of RNBA. "Additionally, we are collecting books that are in good condition, either new or used, to donate to Open Books, a literacy nonprofit that collects and sells donated books in their River North store (213 W. Institute Place) to support their transformational reading and writing programs for high-need students in Chicago. We ask that guests bring any book - fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and textbooks."

The River North Business Association annual meeting is sponsored by North Bank.

River North Association represents more than 275 businesses in the area bounded by the Chicago River to the south and west, Division on the north and Wabash on the east. It's the mission of our Association to promote and support members in every way possible, and to help improve the quality of life within the community. We also work hard to keep River North a top-of-mind destination. The area boasts Chicago’s highest concentration of restaurants and entertainment venues and is Chicago's most exciting neighborhood to live, work, shop, dine and play. For information, contact RNBA at 312-645-1047 or visit www.rivernorthassociation.com.

CHICAGO HUMAN RHYTHM PROJECT LEADS AMERICAN RHYTHM CENTER

New Arts Facility and Collaborative Business Model Located at Chicago’s Fine Arts Building

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) announces the establishment of the American Rhythm Center (ARC), a new initiative to provide a shared, affordable and sustainable education, rehearsal and administrative facility for several leading Chicago arts organizations. This new institution is located in renovated spaces at Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Avenue.

CHRP will develop the ARC, a collaborative effort to foster community growth through rhythmic expression, in several phases. The aim is to offer diverse, high-quality dance and movement classes to the general public while centralizing the education programs, rehearsal space and administrative offices of several core groups, as well as additional emerging companies and independent artists.

The idea for ARC grew from a CHRP strategic planning process followed by intensive, collaborative planning with participating community partners, including:

• Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre

• Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute

• Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (already in residence at the Fine Arts Building)

• Giordano Dance Chicago

• Kalapriya, Center for Indian Performing Arts

• Luna Negra Dance Theater

• Ping Pong Productions, which facilitates collaborations between Chinese and international artists

• River North Dance Chicago

In the first phase of development, CHRP is updating space occupied for three decades by the Boitsov Ballet, which will feature three professional, flexible-use studios ranging in size from 750 to 1,500 square feet, as well as a remodeled lobby, dressing rooms and a separate floor of administrative offices. In the second and third phases, CHRP will add supplemental program space, a black box theater and updated administrative facilities. Limited operations will begin at the end of July in conjunction with CHRP’s 22nd annual Rhythm World Festival; a grand opening with all the partners will take place in early September.

CHRP’s ARC will provide a long-term platform for stability and growth in several key areas by:

• addressing the near-universal need among small and mid-sized dance and other arts organizations for professional administrative, rehearsal and education spaces as well as a desire to unify as many organizational functions as possible in a single location

• creating a venue that will allow arts organizations to develop and maximize earned income from tuition-based education programs while lessening reliance on subsidies

• enabling longer-term program planning as well as enhancing the potential scope and impact of tuition-based education programs

• attracting thousands of students from Chicago, the U.S. and around the world to study dance in Chicago’s emerging dance corridor, furthering Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s vision for Chicago as a center for dance education and performance

• managing the facility, mitigating many users’ current space management burdens

“We are proposing to alter the traditional business model by offering arts groups the opportunity to shift their reliance on contributed income and dwindling revenue from ticket sales to self-sustaining revenue via educational programming,” commented CHRP Founder and Director Lane Alexander, who had the original vision for ARC. “The value proposition for most people has changed, and making art has become more nourishing than watching others make art. CHRP’s new ARC will serve a two-fold purpose: to offer world-class dance instruction for the public and a stable platform for small and medium-sized nonprofit companies.”

According to new CHRP Executive Director Frank Sonntag, who recently led the opening of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in Minneapolis, “Lane’s vision is all about creating a collaborative environment with shared resources, which will provide the partnering organizations with a creative hub and educational platform greater than the sum of its parts. I think such efforts will become more commonplace and integral to capacity-building efforts throughout the arts and culture field in the future.”

Funding

CHRP’s ARC has raised more than $1 million to date as part of a multi-phased $2.5 million capital start-up campaign. Jenner & Block LLP has provided pro bono legal support. Major funding for capital and start-up operations has been provided by Elaine Cohen and Arlen Rubin, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Joyce Foundation and The Boeing Company, with additional support from Pamela Crutchfield, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for the Arts and Culture at Prince, Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, the James. S. Kemper Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, matching funds from the Polk Bros. Foundation through IFF, Jenner & Block LLP and many generous individuals.

CHRP Board President and ARC lead donor Elaine Cohen said, “It is very exciting for us to think of how much vitality ARC will add to Chicago—providing myriad opportunities not only to CHRP but to a host of ARC resident companies as well as tourists and the public looking to participate in an amazing variety of dance class offerings taught by professionals.”

About Chicago Human Rhythm Project

Founded in 1990, Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) builds community by presenting American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts in world-class and innovative performance, education and community outreach programs. During the last 22 years, CHRP has produced multiple community-based collaborations involving shared revenue programs, concerts and touring opportunities, including:

• annual National Tap Dance Day concerts, featuring an array of tap and percussive dance artists

• a shared revenue program designed to assist Chicago’s budding tap community to build capacity through audience development, created in 2001

• Thanks 4 Giving, another innovative shared revenue program launched in 2005 as part of its annual Global Rhythms concerts at the Harris Theater, through which CHRP has partnered with more than 100 Chicago-based nonprofits to raise funds for a wide variety of service agencies

• participation in the 5th Anniversary Beijing International Dance Festival, assembling 70 artists to represent the United States
CHRP’s vision is to establish the first global center for American tap and percussive arts, which will create a complete ecosystem of education, performance, creation and community in a state-of-the-art facility uniting generations of diverse artists and the general public.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance August 1, 2 & 4 at MCA

Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), in association with MCA Stage, presents JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance, three distinct programs featuring a host of extraordinary foot drummers and percussive arts masters. Tickets go on saile Monday! You can purchase tickets here.

JUBA! is the culminating event of Rhythm World, the oldest and most comprehensive summer festival of tap and percussive dance in the world.

Aug 1: Solitary Soles & New WorksOpening night features solos by the masters and monsters of American tap including Lane Alexander, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Jason Janas, Derick K. Grant, Sam Weber, Yuji Uragami, and more. Program and performers subject to change.

Aug 2: The Growing Circle
Tap dance is a global phenomenon with some of its greatest practitioners centered in Tokyo. Yukiko’s Misumi brilliantly recreates and re-imagines many American tap classics through her ARTN Tap Dance Company while Yuji Uragami has transformed the art form aesthetically and technically. These pace setters are joined by BAM!, FootworKINGZ, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, MADD Rhythms, and more. Program and performers are subject to change.

Aug 4: Juba - Masters of American Tap
An evening of new works, new concepts, and new collaborations. This program will feature some of the tops in tap including Derick K. Grant, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Sam Weber, Michelle Dorrance, Jason Janas, Yuji Uragami, and more. Program and performers are subject to change.

Green City Market’s Locavore Challenge begins September 7; Prairie Fire and other restaurants offer special local Prix Fixe Menus

Every year the Green City Market challenges Chicagoans to put their money (and their local food!) where their mouths are. 

From September 7 through September 21, dedicated market-goers can sign-up to take the Locavore Challenge and pledge to eat only local food, to the best of their ability, during those two weeks.  During the Locavore Challenge, Green City Market supports their fearless locavores with variety of wonderful educational opportunities, social events and culinary inspirations.  

Those who sign the Locavore Pledge can pick up their "Locavore Kit" at the Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays). The "Locavore Kit" includes a schedule of events, locavore resources, and recipe ideas."

Dine Local with delicious, Locavore-friendly Prix Fixe Menus 

A number of some of Chicago’s top restaurants are offering Locavore-friendly prix fix menus Thursdays September 8 and 15. Participating restaurants include: 

Prairie Fire
215 N. Clinton, Chicago, IL, 60661;
312-382-8300; www.prairiefirechicago.com

Prairie Fire Featured Menu Thursday September 8, $25 – 3 Courses:(tax and tip not included)

Menu: Capriole Farm Goat Cheese with a Cucumber, Tomato, Pepper Salad
Homemade Lamb Sausage made with lamb from Mint Creek Farm with Late Summer Ratatouille and Sautéed Local Potatoes, Side of Grilled Corn, 

Homemade Ice Cream with Kilgus milk and cream and Genesis eggs over Klug Fruit Compote.

Prairie Fire’s Sarah Stegner, a founder of Green City Market, also is a judge for a culinary school pickling competition being held in conjunction with the Locavore Challenge on the 17^th at the market.

Other participating restaurants:

Perennial Virant
1800 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
312-981-7070; www.perennialchicago.com

VIE
4471 Lawn Ave # 100,
Western Springs, IL 60558-1765;
708-246-2082 www.viechicago.com

Lula Café
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 606047
773-489-9554; www.lulacafe.com

Nightwood
2119 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 6060
312-526-3385; www.nightwoodrestaurant.com

Morso
340 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 880-9280; www.morsochicago.com

Chilam Balam
3023 North Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60657
773 296-690; www.chilambalamchicago.com

The 2011 Locavore Challenge includes:

    * Information Fair: Saturday, September 10 8 AM-12 PM featuring local food and sustainable agriculture resources from all around the region.

Urban Worm Girl www.urbanwormgirl.com   

Hull House Seed Library www.uic.edu/jaddams/hull/hull_house.html       

Slow Food Chicago http://www.slowfoodchicago.org/ 

The Plant http://www.plantchicago.com/

We Farm America http://www.wefarmamerica.com/                      

The Local Beet www.thelocalbeet.com

Share Our Strength www.strength.org                       

Purple Asparagus www.purpleasparagus.com

The Glass Rooster  www.theglassrooster.com

The Kids Table www.kids-table.com                       

Common Threads www.commonthreads.org                      

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum  www.naturemuseum.org

Other happenings at Green City Market during the Locavore Challenge:

    * A Guest Vendor Series that introduces customers to unique local products not normally found at Green City Market.  Breslin Farms is a father-and-daughter operation in its third year producing small grains and dry beans, with a focus on biodiversity and sustainability. Learn more at: breslinfarms.com  Sunny Lane Aronia specializes in organically grown aronia berries, which are high in antioxidants and other disease-fighting agents. Sunny Lane's goal is to grow the best tasting, most nutritious food while protecting the soil, water, and air for future generations. sunnylanearonia.com

    *  A Culinary Challenge for students from Chicago area culinary schools to show off their pickling and preserving talents and compete for a $500 scholarship. Final judging on September 17th at 9:30 AM. Participating Culinary programs: Le Cordon Bleu,Kendall College, Washburne Culinary Institute, the Art Institute of Illinois and the French Pastry School                 

    * A Locavore Picnic Supper, Co-sponsored by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum,  to celebrate our accomplished locavores, introduce them to each other and further the conversation about seasonality and sustainable food in the Midwest. September 21st at Peggy Notebaert Museum.   Reservations are $30 per person.

To make a reservation for the Locavore Picnic Supper visit brownpapertickets.com

Take the Locavore Pledge.

    * Everyone who takes the Locavore Pledge will be entered in a Raffle to win a canning kit and a canning class for two from Glass Rooster.

Sign-up for the Locavore Challenge today! You can take the pledge online or at the Green City Market Information Booth on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 1 pm.

Visit the Green City Market Blog for ideas, updates and stories from your fellow locavores.
 

Share your experience by leaving a comment on Got Buzz or the Green City Market blog

Locavore Pledge Form

How often do you think about where your food comes from? Now is the chance to pledge to eat locally from September 8-22. Green City Market offers the greatest variety of locally- and sustainably-grown products in the Midwest and we're here to help you jump right in! Pledge to eat all local, all the time...well, at least for two weeks in September. Sign up below and we'll send you the Green City Market Locavore Kit that includes valuable information on how to eat locally in Chicago and the best places to shop and dine for local food.

It Pays to Be an Intern at Kurman

A personal reflection
By: Stacey Nardozzi

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), recent college graduates who participated in internships did far better than their classmates who had not had that experience. Most universities hammer into students the importance of obtaining an internship and some even make it a requirement for your degree.

One may think that sending your child to work at the family sub shop or a part time job at the mall this summer is more valuable than an internship, but trust me, the experience and knowledge one gains outweighs any job at the GAP (unless you want to be in retail, fashion merchandising or other related field).

With the depressed job market, opportunities for employment in for-profit companies and corporations are few and far between; this is especially true of the public relations industry. To secure that initial phone interview or even get your resume noticed, it helps to know someone on the inside, which is how I landed my internship with Kurman Communications, Inc.

My Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter (PRSSA) went on an agency visit there this past February and was introduced to Cindy Kurman and her team. At the time, they were looking for summer interns and I decided to send my resume and cover letter. I returned a month later for the interview and received a call notifying me that I had gotten the position.

With exams and Grand Rapids in my rearview, I looked to the Chicago skyline with anticipation and excitement for my internship with Kurman.

Little did I know it was going to be the most challenging, stressful, rewarding, crazy and fun summer of my life.

My initial thoughts of this internship were that I was going to be answering phones all day, fetching coffee for my boss and running errands; basically doing all of the grunt work. But boy, was I mistaken!

The Kurman intern position is anything but typical. Some of the tasks that I completed during my 15 week tenure with Kurman included:

• Yes, I did do tasks such as answer phones, took a valuable member of the Kurman team, Truffle their 6-year-old Bichon, for a walk and sorted through newspapers; it all comes with the territory

But I also:
• Managed 4 Facebook and Twitter client accounts by writing, responding to direct messages, comments and distribution of the client messages

• Wrote and distributed media alerts for client events; one resulted in a closing color spot on the
10 p.m. ABC 7 newscast

• Made lots of media follow up calls

• Built media contact lists to add to the database

• Wrote quite a few pitches resulting in clients being mentioned in a late night dining story in the Chicago Sun-Times and a Summer Drinks story in the Daily Herald

• Attended and worked at some fabulous events

• Experienced some of the best dining in Chicago; just one of the perks of representing restaurants

• Getting the opportunity to meet people like food critic and founder/moderator of LTHForum.com, David Hammond, food reporter on ABC’s Hungry Hound, Steve Dolinsky
and Jennifer Olvera, food critic and author of the Food Lover’s Guide to Chicago: Best Local Specialties, Markets, Recipes, Restaurants & Events

• And…used Google alerts to track and find client media placements

Overall this experience has taught me a lot about PR. It was stressful at times, but that’s the nature of the business! I have made a lot of great connections in Chicago, gained a better understanding of writing for the media and learned things about social media that I didn’t know even though I am immersed in it every day. I have become a person that obsesses over every detail but I’ve gained some of the best PR knowledge that anyone could ask for. I know what this experience has taught me and instilled in me, I know that I have a passion for PR.

Encourage your children and friends to pursue an internship in his/her chosen career field. Don’t be short sighted. You couldn’t buy this kind of experience. A good internship far outweighs a menial summer job. It could lead to full-time employment offers from the company of the internship or at another via a recommendation. Internships instill a quality work ethic, knowledge of the career that cannot be taught in a classroom and a chance to do work that they are passionate about. My internship at Kurman Communications, Inc. has been a valuable experience and I am grateful that my family supported and encouraged me to pursue this opportunity.

Photo 1: At the Chicago French Market Cooking Channel Truck event

Photo 2: The Kurman Staff outside the office

Photo 3: ABC 7 at the Green City Market

Photo 4: Intern Farewell luncheon at Ethyl's Beer & Wine Dive

Green City Market Chef's BBQ Benefit July 21 in Lincoln Park

Join nearly 100 of Chicago’s premiere chefs from 5:30-8 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Green City Market (1750 N. Clark St., Chicago, Ill.) for the “True Taste of Chicago,” the Green City Market Chef's BBQ Benefit. The Chefs partner with the Green City Market farmers and producers to develop recipes that promote the bounty of fruits and vegetables currently available. In addition to food, locally made beer, wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Online purchase of tickets is available on brownpapertickets.com through July 11 and at the Market information booth every Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the BBQ. All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges and no dogs are allowed at the event.

Ticket Prices:
Ages 12+: $100.00 (includes entry and all food/beverages)

Ages 12 and under: $25.00

VIP Tickets: $250.00 (Includes pre-event access at 4:30 p.m. and exclusive cocktails from 4:30-5:30 p.m.)

VIP Tables: $2,500.00 (The VIP Heirloom table is $2,500 and seats ten. VIP tables are not available online but can be purchased by calling the Green City Market office at 773.880.1266).

Don’t miss out on one of Chicago’s most unique and tastiest events of the year. It doesn’t get better than great food, drinks, music and the beauty of Lincoln Park on a summer evening in Chicago. The proceeds from the event support Green City Market’s educational programs and outreach initiatives.

Restaurants & Chefs Participating:
676: Chefs Daren Wardynski, Kevin Atkinson & Karla Zarate
Atwood Café: Chef Derek Simcik
Avec/Blackbird: Chefs Koren Grievson and Paul Kahan
Belly Shack/Urban Belly: Chef Bill Kim
Benny’s Chop House: Chef Jonathan Lane
Big Bowl: Chef Marc Bernard
Big Jones: Chefs Paul Fehribach, Mark Armantrout & Drew Swanson
Bin 36: Chef John Caputo
Bistronomic: Chef Martial Nougier
Blue 13/Elate: Chefs Chris Curren, Chris Davies & Mike Noll
BOKA: Chef Giuseppe Tentori
Branch 27: Chefs Katherine August & Cary Michael
Bristol: Chef Chris Pandel
Butcher and Larder: Chefs Rob & Allie Levitt
Café BaBa Reeba: Chef Tim Cottini
Capriole: Chefs Judith Schad & Sofia Solomon
Carnivale: Chef David Dworshak
Chilam Balam: Chef Chuy Valencia
City Provisions: Chef Cleetus Friedman
Coco Pazzo: Chefs Chris Macchia & Stephanie Mazzone
Convito Café and Market: Chefs Noe Sanchez, Nancy Brussat Barocci & Candace Barocci Warner
Custom House Tavern: Chef Bryce Caron
David Burke’s Primehouse: Chef Rick Gresh
Café des Architectes: Chef Greg Biggers
Dirk’s Fish: Chefs Dirk Fucik, Terry Fucik, Ayla Fucik, Dee Fucik & Amir Rafizadeh
Eli’s Cheescake: Chefs Jolene Worthington & Diana Moles
Elysian Hotel: Chefs Danny Grant & Jason McLeod
Foodlife: Chef John Chiakulas
Four Seasons: Chefs Kevin Hickey & Scott Gerken
Fox & Obel: Chef Pamela Fitzpatrick
Franks 'N' Dawgs: Chefs Alexander Brunacci & Joe Doren
Frontera Grill: Chef Rick Bayless
Girl and the Goat: Chef Stephanie Izard
Goose Island: Chef Andrew Hroza
Green Zebra: Chefs Shawn McClain, Jon DuBois & Mary Christie
Hot Chocolate: Chefs Mindy Segal & Aric Miech
Inovasi: Chef John des Rosiers
Kendall College: Chef Mitch Cavanah
Leopold: Chef Jeffrey Hedin
Limelight: Chef Rita Gutekanst
Lockwood: Chef Gregory Elliott
Lulu Café/ Nightwood: Chef Jason Hammel
Marion Street Cheese Market: Chef Leonard Hollander
Mighty Nice Grill
MK: Chef Michael Kornick
Mon Ami Gabbi: Chef Justin Dumcum
Naha: Chef Carrie Nahabedian
Nomi at the Park Hyatt
North Pond: Chef Bruce Sherman
Old Town Social: Chef Jared Van Camp
One Sixty Blue: Chefs Michael McDonald & Hillary Blanchard
Osteria Via Stato: Chefs David DiGregorio & Allison Gallese
Park Grill
Peninsula
Perennial Virant: Chefs Paul Virant, Scott Manley & Kenord Clarke
Prairie Grass Café/ Prairie Fire: Chefs Sarah Stegner & George Bumbaris
Prasino: Chef Todd C. Feitl
Province: Chef Randy Zweiban
Publican/Big Star: Chefs Paul Kahn, Brian Huston & Justin Large
Quince
Rhapsody: Chefs Dean Zanella & Danial Romero
Ritz Carlton: Chefs Mark Payne, Chuck Kazmer & Eric Estrella
Sable Kitchen & Bar: Chef Heather Terhune
Seedling: Chef Peter Klein
Sepia: Chefs Andrew Zimmerman, Emmanuel Nony, Carlos Velasquez, Kyle McElhinney, Charles Welch & Cindy Schuman
Signature Room: Chef Patrick Sheerin
Smoque BBQ/Ina’s: Chefs Barry Sorkin & Ina Pinkney
Snookelfritz: Chef Nancy Silver
Socca: Chef Roger Herring
Sola: Chefs Carol Wallack & Bob Bagley
Southern: Chef Cary Taylor
South Water Kitchen: Chef Roger Waysok
Café Spiaggia: Chefs Sarah Gruenberg, Erik Freeberg & Tony Mantuano
Sprout: Chef Dale Levitski
Sunday Dinner: Chefs Christine Cikowski & Josh Kulp
Tavernita: Chef Ryan Poli
Terzo Piano at the Art Institute: Chefs Tony Mantuano & Meg Colleran Sahs
The Bedford: Chef Mark Steuer
The Chopping Block: Chefs Shelley Young, Janet Kirker, John Peters & Nate Diss
The Gage & Henri: Chefs Dirk Flanigan & Michael Dean Reynolds
The Goddess and Grocer/Feast: Chef Debbie Sharpe
Three Floyds: Chef Mike Sheerin
Uncommonground-Clark St.: Chef Justin Martin
Uncommonground-Devon St.: Chef Chris Spear
Vie: Chefs Paul Virant & Nathan Sears
Wave: Chef Kristine Subido
West Town Tavern: Chefs Susan Goss & Drew Goss
Zealous/Du Champ: Chef Michael Taus