Macello Re-Opening Event

Thursday, January 28, 2010:
On a frigid evening in January, Macello--the Chicago gem and Warehouse District favorite, re-opened its doors to a fabulous crowd of attendees. In my new position as Chief Wordsmith and Assistant to Julie Darling of Julie Darling (Darling Creative, Inc.), I had the opportunity to focus my efforts on my first PR event as part of the team. The work began weeks before as I had the honor of drafting a press release and invitation for the re-opening of Macello (which was closed earlier this year due to fire). Following the final edits and approval of said documents, I went to work pitching the information to local Chicago newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

| Macello Ristorante | 1235 West Lake Street | Chicago, Illinois |
(312) 850-9870
(3 photos below by Ryan M. Beshel)

The result? An evening of fine food and wine from the Italian region of Puglia, all brought tastefully to life by head chef Giovanni DeNigris. The event began at 7p.m. as notable guests from many Chicago publications, as well as friends and family of Macello, joined us from all over the city to celebrate the re-birth of this stellar Chicago spot. I greeted guests as they arrived and directed them to the appropriate areas while helping to make sure that everything was running smoothly.

Ryan M. Beshel, Julie Darling & Ashley Fidler: Team JD! (below)
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

It truly was a fantastic night with so many great attendees including many new friends, and even some of my "usual suspects". Notable guests included Kevin Aeh (Editor, Time Out Chicago), Danny Miller (Store Director, DNA 2050: Chicago), Quenten Schumacher (Senior Meeting Planner, Sg2), Bella Ventresca (Freelance Model), Ryan Erklin (Senior Network Administrator, TURNkey IT), Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography/Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark), and Ashley Fidler (Account Executive, Ro-Bro Marketing & Public Relations), among many other talented industry professionals. The event was a success, as more than 250 people showed up (I think we lost count after that) to support Macello and get an authentic taste of Puglia. The dining room was packed and Julie, Ashley and I couldn't have been happier to have so many outstanding individuals join us for such a wonderful evening...

What a crowd!
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Please follow along as I continue to highlight some of Julie Darling's fabulous Chicago clients that I have the honor of representing with her as part of Team JD! Look out for a post on Chicago's hottest new boutique to buy a killer pair of denim, DNA 2050, as well as a story on an emerging Chicago designer who has just hit the fashion scene. Thank you all for the support as I continue my journey in my favorite city--the best city in the world...Chicago.

Truly,

R.M.B.

p.s. Special thanks goes out to the team at Macello who busted their butts to make this evening come to fruition, especially the lovely Angie Padula. Your hard work paid off! Ottimo lavoro, Ang!

Ryan M. Beshel (below)
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Macello Grand Re-Opening Invitation

(By Ryan M. Beshel)

Head chef Giovanni DeNigris & Angie Padula
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)
Danny Miller (DNA 2050) & Ashley Fidler
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Pre-Party: Macello
(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Macello

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Pre-Party: Macello

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Pre-Party: Macello

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Heather Newman, Katie Gallagher, & Ali Helfand

(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Buon Appetito!

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Kraken Rum Launch Party Premiere at The Shedd Aquarium

Above Photo: Ryan M. Beshel
...CLICK ON ALL PHOTOS BELOW FOR FULL SIZE...

Thursday, January 21, 2010:
Platinum Events produced an outstanding event to launch Kraken Rum, the newest black spiced rum to hit the Chicago market. Search lights shot beams of white into the sky, as we followed their lead to the sprawling steps of the Shedd Aquarium. Once inside, I said hello to friend and CEO of Platinum Events, Justin Jacobson. (Justin is the kind of guy that makes you feel like the only person at the party--and to give you an idea: there were about 600 people in the room and over 1500 showed up throughout the course of the evening.) We walked the red carpet, grabbed a shot of Kraken from the waiting server, and passed by a gentleman dressed in a diver costume. (I later talked with "Scuba Steve" and he told me it was really hot inside that costume, but he was happy to have the ladies all over him.)


Photos: 1. Kraken Rum Bottle (courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 2. Shedd Aquarium (courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 3. "Scuba Steve" w/Justin Jacobson and the ladies (Photo from: ChicagoNow: Shots in the Dark)

The Kraken Rum logo was projected in white on the massive wall above us. The branding of the bottle, the label, and the event was dead-on. I took a walk by myself to get a real sense of the party and what the crowd was like. Of course, I grabbed a drink (to cool off my stomach, which was instantly warmed by the earlier shot as we entered the event) and began my people-watching. The early crowd was an older, dressed in suits, ladies on arm kind of scene. I certainly stuck out like a sore thumb with my bowtie and short sleeves (though, I hardly minded). The Shedd Aquarium's tanks on the main floor were open for all of us to peruse and I joined my friends to do just that. While drinking our Kraken Rum, we watched an array of sharks, sting rays, and fish (bigger than your car) swim around the massive tank--such a great experience. I remember thinking, "What could be better than this?"


Photos: Ryan M. Beshel

In emails prior to the event, Justin had had told me about the 7-foot wall that was going to be set-up in the space with the Kraken logo gleaming through a steady stream of white fog. A fog wall?! I couldn't believe how fantastic that was (nor could I have guessed what it actually would have looked like before I saw it.) DJ Slym kept us moving all night and when the Platinum Dancers showed up to do a few back-flips and get the crowd going, we all knew we had experienced something special.


Photos: 1. The DJ's: (Photo courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 2. The Platinum Dancers (Photo courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 3. The Kraken Fog Wall (Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

As the night rolled on, the crowd became younger and younger. Chicago's hippest, most-connected industry individuals joined the scene and the party was in full swing. Notables included Cameron Croft, Amanda Puck, Ginger Zee, and a few up and coming fashion industry icons, aka: The Electric Eels, Freaks, CKC, etc. I'd like to send a special "thank you" to my gorgeous friend, Kelli Zink, who was so sweet and took a few minutes to chat it up with me (and compliment my outfit, which I clearly did not mind;) Being in the entertainment business with so many egos can often rub-off on you, but I'm convinced Kelli will always be personable, humble, and sweet as can be--even though she is as fabulous as she is. (So, thanks KZ, you looked stunning as well...)


Photos: 1. Joan Kittredge, Justin Jacobson, and Ryan M. Beshel (Photo from: ChicagoNow: Shots in the Dark) 2. Kraken Logo and event crowd (Photo By: Ryan M. Beshel) 3. Omar Diaz, Chad Green, and Noelle Moreno (courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com)

Around 11:30p.m., my guests and I were ready to venture off to explore the rest of our Chicago evening. As we reached the Shedd Aquarium parkway, Callie (the fabulous) jokingly hailed us a cab--which was actually a limo. We all caught up with her only to find out that she had secured us a ride home in said limo for $5 a person! We immediately agreed to take the deal and within seconds, we were cruising down Michigan Avenue towards our next destination. (What a perfect way to leave such a fabulous event!)

We stopped at Paige's house before heading off to the Cobra Lounge to finish the night with a PBR in hand and the sounds of James Brown tribute band, Get Up With The Get Downs. (Nothing is better than a cheap beer and some ass-shaking after a swanky party.) Once the band had played their last funky cover, I hopped in a cab back to my beloved Pilsen...


Photos: Ryan M. Beshel

Thank you to Justin Jacobson for out-doing yourself once again!....Kelli Zink, we are dating now, like it or not!.....Thank you, Neo--our limo driver!.....Callie, Paige, Tony, Omar, Noelle, Chad, Heather, Joan, and Maureen: you were clearly the hottest and most fabulous bunch prancing around the Shedd last Thursday!

...and to all of you: Thanks for reading and be sure to check back soon for more!

Still swooning from such a great event,

R.M.B.

Ryan M. Beshel (below) Photo: Courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com

Search lights outside of the Shedd Aquarium. Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

The Kraken bus! Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

The corridor aquarium. Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

Best city in the world, Chicago! Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

Heather & Callie in the limo on Michgian Ave. Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

Michigan Avenue Magazine: January/February 2010

Friday, January 1, 2010:
Hello to you all!
My apologies for being so out "of the loop" with my blogging. But I promise it's all for good reason, as I have been one busy guy! Soon, I'll be posting to tell you all exactly what I have been up to as of late. But, for now, I want to play a little "catch-up" concerning the most recent issue of Michigan Avenue Magazine.

Though I have completed my work as an editorial intern, my January/February 2010 byline has yet to be announced! (At least by "yours truly".) The current pages have now been flipping through Chicago hands for some time (January 1, 2010 to be exact), but I wanted to share my final outcome as an intern with you: my friends, family, and everyone in-between...

This particular assignment was given to me by the lovely Susanna Negovan, editor-in-chief of Michigan Ave. She had presented me with the opportunity to put together a four page bridal guide, which I titled, "The Guide to Bride!" This was such a great experience, as I got to brush up on some the top event planners, venues, photographers, designers, jewelers, caterers, and musicians that this fine city has to offer. Once all the information was collected and compiled, it was sent off for layout, photos, and printing. The result? Four handsome (or should I say, pretty?) pages with my name at the top!

I'll stop now talking (typing) and let your eyes do the rest of the work...
Sit back, click on the photos, and get ready to plan the best wedding that Chicago has to offer! (If you're engaged, that is.)

And just one more thing:
It is my honor to announce to you all that my amazing sister Shannon and her wonderful boyfriend Mike are officially engaged as of December 18, 2009 (the day of my Portfolio Show and my official last day of college!) How fitting that my last assignment at Michigan Avenue Magazine is indeed a bridal guide. I love you both. Many, many congratulations to you! (and to Mom--who is overjoyed with excitement;)

I'll be back in the swing of "The Bowtie Memoirs", so stay tuned for much, much more as this journey continues...

Madly, deeply, truly,

R.M.B.

Michigan Avenue Magazine: "The Guide to Bride!", Page 74 (below):

Michigan Avenue Magazine: "The Guide to Bride!", Page 75 (below):

Michigan Avenue Magazine: "The Guide to Bride!", Page 76 (below):

Michigan Avenue Magazine: "The Guide to Bride!", Page 77 (below):

Obsessions of the Bowtie: Volume 2

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

A while back, I had become obsessed with an article in the New York Times called "Dress Codes: Dressing for Success, Again" by David Colman. (Well, the obsession has not gone away, and I wanted to share it with you.) The article discusses the shifting face of male fashion. Young men these days are "out-dressing" their elder counterparts more and more. The photo spread (which is my true obsession) features images captured by talented photographer, Douglas Friedman, (with typography by Jennifer Green.) The photos create such a sense of nostalgia to me. They speak to a time of the past when men put great thought and extra detail into dressing--every day. As a man who doesn't believe in "Casual Friday," I find myself inspired by this article (and I agree with the message completely.) I think young men are dressing a bit more dapper these days. Though, in a world of limited jobs and plenty of recent graduates (yours truly), it doesn't hurt to stand out from the crowd. Maybe even try, oh, I dunno...a bowtie?

Hoping you had a stellar holiday!

-R.M.B.

Not MY tree!

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times