2014 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW'S FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY

MFF REPRESENTING AT THE AUTO SHOW

Nadirah’s Perspective: On February 7, 2014, hubby, my brother, and I (MFF) had the pleasure of attending the 2014 Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity located at McCormick Place.  The tickets were $250.00 but please understand that portions of the money go to a charity or charities of your choice that are previously selected as participates.  We chose the Jesse White Tumbling Team and were invited to a pre-event reception hosted by Secretary of State, Jesse White.   Oh, did I mention that the event provided a plethora of free food and drinks throughout the night, while you have the extending honor of sitting in the multitude of fabulous and expensive automobiles. So ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, let’s start with my favorite subject … FOOD! With over 30 venders in attendance, some of restaurant participants included: Andy’s Frozen Custard, Devon Seafood, Garrett Popcorn Shops, David Burke’s Primehouse, Real Urban Barbeque, Roy’s Restaurant, Savor Restaurant, Texas de Brazil, Union Sushi & Barbeque, ZED 451, etc.  I will admit that I almost had to be rolled out by the end of the night due to my gluttonous behavior.  Yes readers, I tried to eat at every vendor I saw and smelled.  From Slow Braised Beef Steak to Spicy Shrimp Dumplings, almost every entrée presented was delicious. However, the award-winning dish of the night was … wait for it … Maple Black Pepper Bacon Skewers presented by David Burke’s Primehouse.  Now before I receive comments asking, “YOU WERE EATING PORK?” YES, I WAS EATING BACON AND I ENJOYED EVERY SWEET, CARMELIZED, AND TENDER MOMENT OF IT ALL!!! It got so bad that I became a regular at the food station that the chefs offered to take pictures with us. So thank you Chef Rick Gresh and Chef Jeff Sauer for your hospitality, willingness to take pictures and enduring my bacon cravings.  YOU GUYS AND THE MENU WERE AWESOME!!!
 

Besides the food selections, the cars were amazing too. I’m not a car connoisseur but I did enjoy sitting in a fully loaded Bentley and Rose Royce.  The leather was like (in a lovable Jewish mom voice) “butta.” My only dislike was the fact that there was one particular guy going around in that section of luxury cars asking us not to get in the cars with our drinks.  Keeping in mind that having drinks in hand is allowed everywhere else in the facility, I did find that to become quickly annoying. Granted that I didn’t see him give anyone else this directive but I didn’t spend the evening following him around just to make sure that he would. 

All in all, this Black Tie Affair is worth the money and the trip. Donned in tuxedos and after five attire, glamour is the aim and enjoyment is the game.  Food, drinks, music, and two car giveaways are just some of the perks of attending this phenomenal event. I promise you that once you attend the First Look Charity Auto Show, you will not want to go to the public option.

HUBBY, CHEF JEFF SAUER, ME, AND CHEF RICK GRESH

MAPLE BLACK PEPPER GLAZED BACON SKEWERS

I'M TAKING OVER THE BACON!!!

AND CHEF RICK GRESH IS GOING TO LET ME

Troy’s Perspective:

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity was nothing less than spectacular. The night was filled with fantastic food, exhibition of exquisite cars and lots of fun. Being my second time attending this affair, I was once again blown away by the black tie affair. “Dressed to impress,” everyone looked stunning in his or her formal attire.  We started with a gathering in the Jesse White reception suite where my brother fell in love with the mozzarella and tomato quiche provided. We were also graced with the presence of our Secretary of State, Jesse White and a living legend with the ladies, (brilliant lookalike) Fabio. Both were happy to take pictures with my wife, brother and I, which created a magnificent start to the night to come. As mentioned earlier, this was our second time attending this event, so my lovely wife came with her map and game plan not to see cars, but to taste the food … she was ready.

The Food

I would blog about all the food stations visited, but I know my wife will have that covered. I will only announce to you my favorite food station. David Burke’s Primehouse assembly line style food station was nothing short of spectacular. The tasting started with a green Cesar salad that was rather tasty and pleasing to the pallet. Next in line was a tasting of his renowned beef that the Prime House is famous for serving. The Guava BBQ Glazed Beef Short Rib was tender, juicy, well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Then you move down to the bacon with maple syrup - WOW!!! The presentation alone was by far mouthwatering. The best part was watching my wife close her eyes and savor the moment of the sweet, salty and delectable flavor of the well-prepared bacon treat. My brother, wife and I went back at least four times. We just could not get enough. The executive chef of David Burke’s Rick Gresh noticed the repetition of us in line and was gracious enough to let us take a picture with him. By far David Burke’s Primehouse is a must go to if you are ever in the Chicago-land area.

The Cars

The First Look for Charity is always a great event to attend if you are a car enthusiast. My brother absolutely loves cars from how they are assembled, to the power of the engine, to the handling and drive of the vehicle. He really takes his cars seriously. The first look also gives you the opportunity to take a close look at the more high-end cars that the general public only view from a distance. I enjoyed the opportunity to physically sit in and admire the comfort and feel of the Rose Royce Wraith and Bentley Azure before I acquire my very own. It was a time that I thoroughly enjoyed with my family and look forward to next year.

Only Obstacle

There is only one downside that you have to ready to endure… the walking.  Attending this event requires you to walk a minimum of about 5 miles. This includes the walk from the parking lot, coat check, the charity reception, visiting various food/beverage stations, and viewing numerous cars of your choice. Don’t forget you have to do everything a second time as you leave the event. I felt so bad for all women in their high heels. My wife’s feet were scorching by the end of the night; but thanks to the Cadillac vendors providing pink slippers to the women, it did help to relieve some pressure. That was a lifesaver for me.

The night in itself was beautiful and I look forward to attending next year. If you ever have a chance to donate to a charity of your chose and attend the First Look for Charity Chicago Auto Show do so because you will not be disappointed.

WINNER AND STILL CHAMPION

SPICY SHIRMP DUMPLING,  BRAISED SHORT RIB,  AND BACON SKEWER

KICKING OFF THE NIGHT AT JESSE WHITE'S RECEPTION

CHICKEN SKEWERS, VEGETABLE BRUSCHETTA, MOZZARELLA/TOMATO QUICHE

FABIO'S LOOKALIKE ... GREAT GUY THOUGH

LOOKING HOLLYWOOD

I WOKE UP IN A NEW BUGGATTI

BENTLEY

LAMBORGHINI

HOTTI IN AN AUDI

JUST CHILLIN