Have you been getting emails in your inbox from people asking you to be “linked in”? Social and business networking sites have become the craze as of late. One of the popular among business networking sites is called linked in which boasts 500,000 users in the Chicago area alone and 20 million members worldwide. We discussed the following with Adam Citron, President of Nortic Consulting, Inc., Website Design and Search Engine Marketing Specialists and Full Service Computer Support for Home and BusinessWhat is LinkedIN.com?What can you gain from using LinkedIN.com?How does someone get started using LinkedIN.com?
Click “play” below to listen to this 10 minute audio interview on “Getting Started with Linked In”
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Chicago, IL (February 2008) – Just Grapes Wine Shop, Chicago’s destination for corporate and consumer wine education and entertainment, is now the exclusive
Chicago retailer of the Fusebox Wine Blending kit. Following the recent trend of at-home wine blending, the Fusebox kit brings professional-level wine blending home. Following the recent trend of wine-blending, Fusebox combines entertainment, education and great wine in a 15-pound box. It contains everything necessary for wine lovers to have fun while breaking down wine and creating their own preferred flavor profiles.
Wine blending allows the creation of unique flavor profiles and combined tastes. It is easy enough for the novice or can be complex enough for the connoisseur. Spearheading the trend of wine-blending, Just Grapes offers wine-blending classes that teach students everything there is to know about this practical yet entertaining way to experiment with wines. Typical Bordeaux Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot are found in the Fusebox kit. Selling this kit furthers Just Grapes’ mission to make wine simple, fun and functional. “We are very excited to be the only wine shop in Chicago carrying the Fusebox blending kit,” Just Grapes CEO and Corporate Sommelier Don Sritong said. “With the trend of at home wine blending steadily rising, it was only natural for Just Grapes to provide our consumers with a fun and easy way to participate in this unique activity. This is a perfect item to use for corporate team building.” The Fusebox blending kit is currently available exclusively at Just Grapes for $120.
ABOUT Just Grapes Just Grapes brings the passion of wine country to Chicago by simplifying the world of wine for local consumers. A wine shop supporting the idea that wine education should be simple, fun and functional, Just Grapes specializes in private and corporate wine-tasting events, wine retail and wine education. Focusing primarily on corporate wine education, Just Grapes’ Owner and internationally recognized Corporate Sommelier, Don Sritong, offers unparalleled wine expertise and consultation at the corporate level, both on and off-site. Just Grapes services include corporate entertainment, team building, wine cellar consultations and more. Just Grapes is located at
560 W. Washington Blvd., Ste. 100, just west of the Loop in Chicago. For more information please call 312-627-WINE, or visit their listing on Hereschicago.com.
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Five Things to do in Chicago from a Chicago Guy’s Point of View
By Edward M. Bury
Guidebooks and travel sites offer some great advice and insight on how to find and enjoy what Chicago has to offer. But, savvy travelers know long-time locals often can provide an unparalleled perspective on a great city like Chicago. Here are five “must-do” activities suggested by a life-long Chicagoan.
1. See Chicago from the Water. The Chicago skyline truly is one of the most dynamic and compelling urban vistas in the world. From the towering modern office buildings to the span of classic buildings along Michigan Avenue, the skyline is breathtaking and best appreciated from a distance. Outside of flying, the best way to view the skyline is by water. Many boat tour operators dock along the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue and offer hour-long or longer tours from May through October; the cost is around $25 for adults. Some feature commentary on the landmark buildings along the river, and some pass through the locks onto Lake Michigan. Or, visitors can take the Chicago Water Taxi from the foot of the Wrigley Building (400 N. Michigan Av.) to the dock at Madison Street. The 11-minute ride costs just $2 each way.
2. See Chicago from on High. The landscape surrounding Chicago is flat. Very flat. The only way to take in full depth and breadth of the area is from a very tall building. On a good, clear day, it’s possible to view as far north as Wisconsin and east into Indiana and Michigan. Some hotels offer dramatic views of the city, but the best perspective comes from an observation deck. The Sears Tower Skydeck in the building of the same name rises 103 stories or 1,353 feet in the air, offering 360-degree views. Another option is the John Hancock Observatory, which soars 94 floors along North Michigan Avenue. Both observatories charge admission fees, and crowds can be lengthy, especially on clear summer days. Another option: visit the Signature Room restaurant and lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock building. There’s no admission fee, but you’ll get a tremendous view for the price of a cocktail.
3. Ride the El. Chicago’s “el” – the elevated rapid transit network operated by the Chicago Transit Authority — is how many get to and from work. But it’s also a great way to see neighborhoods from a unique viewpoint. The most interesting line is the Brown Line, which winds its way from downtown through hip and historic neighborhoods. Pick up the Brown Line el at the Clark and Lake station and head north. Your train will twist and turn its way through Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Ravenswood. Along the way, you’ll see historic homes and businesses, and even get peeks of the downtown skyline. Exit at Armitage Avenue for some high-end shopping, or continue up to Southport Avenue for dining and clubs. The cost is $2 per ride.
4. Eat an Italian Beef. Deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs originated here, of course, but these days, good examples of these culinary mainstays can be found outside the city. But another iconic comfort food item really can only be found here. It’s the Italian beef sandwich. Not a Philly or French Dip, the Italian beef is seasoned roast beef cooked in natural juices and served on Italian bread. Order one dry (no juice) or wet (dipped), and opt for hot peppers (called giardiniera) or sweet peppers. Every beef stand has its own carefully guarded recipes. In the downtown area, two stands stand out: Mr. Beef on Orleans Street or Al’s Beef on Ontario Street. Remember to take lots of napkins. Expect to pay around $5 to $6 per sandwich.
5. Visit Lincoln Park. Some clarification: There is both a 1,200-acre park and a cool adjacent neighborhood named after the 16th President. Both offer plenty of things to do without spending a lot of money. The park, located just north of downtown, stretches along Lake Michigan for around two miles and features the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a couple of beaches, running paths, harbors, tennis courts, a golf course, a summer theater and a driving range. Stroll west to explore pocket neighborhoods like Old Town, DePaul and Sheffield where tree-lined streets are flanked by turn-of-the-century brownstones, greystones and row houses. Restaurants, bars and shopping abound, especially along North Clark Street. Getting to Lincoln Park is easy from downtown. Take the #151 Sheridan bus along North Michigan Avenue and exit when you reach the park.
Visit Chicago’s Online Resource Directory for Chicago Restaurants, Private Event Space, Chicago Charter Boats, Chicago Bus Companies, Chicago Team Building Companies, Attractions and Sightseeing Tours at Hereschicago.com.
Great Group Discounts on Chicago Hotels
New York based BizBash enters Chicago with the “glitz and glamour” that only a New York based company can. Founded in 2000, BizBash is the leading trade media for the event industry. BizBash publishes magazines and e-newsletters, hosts Web sites, and produces trade shows and award shows for corporate event and meeting professionals, event marketers, and sales, PR, fund-raising, and human resource executives.
For a list of Chicago’s Planner Preferred Meetings, Special and Corporate Event Venues and Services, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meetings and Special Events Directory. Serving Chicago Since 2004.
Located in the heart of River North on the corner of Clark and Superior, ZED451 is the culmination of decades’ worth of international travel and research. In our warm, contemporary, 18,000 square foot space, we sought to set a new standard in modern upscale dining through our unique approach to the dining experience. There are no menus, you choose from a wide selection of meats, fish, and poultry, and our tableside chefs bring the offerings directly to your table. Help yourself to our seasonal harvest tables and take as much – or as little – as you wish. At ZED451 you control the pacing and portions, stay as long as you want and eat what you desire.
I know…what you really want to know about is the bar. Well don’t worry, that is just as unique and exciting as the dining experience. The 451Lounge is located on the first floor and is an unbelievable urban retreat from the city, but the real place to see and be seen in Chicago this summer will be the 451Rooftop. An outdoor bar and lounge space with a 360 degree view of the city skyline. All of our specialty cocktails in both lounges are made daily with freshly squeezed juices and the wine list, like our cuisine, highlights selections from around the world!
For a list of Chicago’s Planner Preferred Restaurants with Private Event Space, visit Hereschicago.com
