100 Episode later and it’s been an amazing journey.

Thank you to everyone who’s been on and here’s to 100 more episodes!

Come check out my 100th Episode Party / Comedy Show

I help businesses understand their customers and what they want. My careful observation, interview, and analysis brings depth, transparency, and perspective to the product-company-customer relationship. This is actionable, impactful insight. It informs product development, design, positioning, marketing, segmentation, and strategy. Allow me to test your assumptions about your business with a systematic, objective evaluation.

Project Work includes:

-Cultural analysis and design conceptualization for navigation tools for the visually impaired

-Behavioral Framework and competitive analysis for wearable technology designed for women’s safety

-Display ad response observational research for consumer technology

-User-product interaction observational research for consumer goods

Through my work, I hope to have disparate groups learn from each other and enhance each others’ domains (eg. public-private-government partnerships), discover unforeseen sources of inspiration for innovation (eg. technologists draw from artists, etc.), and to find human solutions for human problems using social science intelligence.

http://www.rasa.nyc/

They are a for-profit company dedicated to benefitting people and communities touched throughout out entire supply chain.  They identify high potential markets in the USA and then they work directly with talented craftpersons in Peru to elevate and hone their designs, ensure quality, and get the product to the USA for sale.  This growth helps stimulate the economy and create jobs.

THEY BELIEVE IN THE ABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF COMPANIES TO DO GOOD – TAKING ON SOCIAL CAUSES TO BENEFIT THE WORLD.

This is where CAMPO comes from … CAMPO is “Cambio Positivo” combined,  which means POSITIVE CHANGE.

http://campoalpaca.com/

Kickstarter Campaign

Monday Munchies Episode 026: On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

Maison Marcel 

Regards to Edith

Docks

Luxbar

Butcher and Burger

Cafecito

Simple. Clear. Inviting.

SABOO – noun | Sa∙boo | sǽbù | A master; One that is emininently skilled

Born of humble roots, SABOO Asian Craft Beers had one dream: the perfect pairing of Asian cuisine with full-flavored, balanced CRAFT beers. Masterfully engineered from the finest premium ingredients, SABOO offers an exquisite experience that will leave you desiring more.

http://mysaboo.net/

https://www.facebook.com/SabooAsianCraftBeer/

dotGREY is a thought-provoking lifestyle brand crafted for the modern man who refuses to be defined by his job title. Our premium skincare, accessory, and menswear solutions invite you to express your individuality without saying a word.dotGREY is embarking upon unchartered territory in men’s lifestyle—and all who dare to share the journey are welcomed.

• Website: www.dotGREY.life
• Email: care@dotgrey.life
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dotgreylife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotgreylife/

Co-Founder of IW and Friends Watch Company

THE WATCH COLLECTION: Inspired by the enigma that is space, fueled by the design team’s love of art and a fascination of precision instruments of time, Apollo is truly is the name that will be on the wrist of all those who appreciate perfection.

How Did I Turn My Passion Into a $118K Crowdfund Result in My Spare Time?

http://iwandfriends.com/

@iw_friends

“Loving Chicago is like loving a woman with a broken nose – you may well find lovelier lovelies, but never a lovely so real” – Nelson Algren

After nearly 22 hours of traveling, he remembers stepping off the plane and walking down the steps onto the tarmac. It was about 5:00 am and the sun was peeking out from behind the tall palm trees. It was hot, humid, and muggy.  That’s when it hit him – the smell. It was a fascinating combination of wood smoke, spices, and putrefying garbage. He had never experienced anything quite like it. Like someone coming out of a coma, his senses awoke, and he got the chance to digest what was around him – India.

You can’t predict where life’s going to take you, but with an open mind you can embrace where you are going. Upon landing in Mumbai, he didn’t know what was in store for him. It was his first time traveling abroad as an adult. He didn’t speak the language — nor was he fully involved in the culture — but he had a voracious appetite for food and adventure.

His party and he left the airport and they drove down a dirt road to what their driver boldly called “the best non-vegetarian restaurant in India.”  He doesn’t remember the name of the place. he was hungry, tired, and delirious from hours on the road, but he does remember this: it was the best Indian food he had ever eaten.  From the lamb curry to the naan – and everything in between – the meal made him question everything he thought he had known about food.

From that point on, with an open mind, he embarked on new discoveries.  From the sandscapes of Dubai to the rolling hills of Scotland, he has come to realize that food isn’t just a form of sustenance, or identity – it truly is a form of connection. Discovering foods abroad has become an important way for him to interact with the world around him.

He wants the world to interact with Chicago the same way he has interacted with the world. Chicago is a city with big shoulders and the hub of the United States when it comes to world class dining. Food is a universal language that we all understand, and food in any language is great conversation. Chicago is his home – born and raised – and he wants to welcome you to his home.

Let’s discover food together.

-Jais

@tastewithjais

tasteWithJais@gmail.com

http://tastewithjais.com/

Nando Milano

Naoki

Taste 222

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba

Bad Hunter

Lobo Rey

Wasabi

ABOUT THEM:

The shop opened in June 2012 in Pilsen arts district. The idea was to create a small artisan chocolate and confection shop, with a nod to those in France and Spain. They infuse our French culinary training with our South Asian heritage by creating chocolates such as hazelnut coriander praline, Indian chili caramel, and many others. The studio serves as an open-air kitchen and retail area.

As soon as you walk in, you can see the chocolatiers hard at work each day, creating high quality chocolates from scratch in small batches. Details are an imperative part of the shop, so each and every part of the process is important. They use the highest quality ingredients and chocolate including single origin chocolates from Ghana, Mexico, and Tanzania.

THEIR PHILOSOPHY:

They are guided by three principles – to always seek inspiration, support the community, and act with intention.

Zahraa Ibrahem: A sought-after runway model, aspiring fashion mogul and doctor (probably of love =P) sits down and chats with Mister Lamp about:

• Modern women in Fashion
• Being bold but soft (ruling this world with an iron fist in a velvet glove)
• How to capitalize on different facets of yourself

Instagram: @zazaace111

At Curt’s you’ll find freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, inspired sandwiches, soups, and salads in a warm and welcoming home away from home.

They strive to use local products and vendors and we make everything possible from scratch. They offer free WiFi, and space for community meetings, book clubs, knitting groups — you name it!  Just call the cafes for more information.

Their student-trainees, 15 through 24 years, are living in at-risk situations such as having contact with the judicial system, or are homeless, food insecure or have dropped out of school.  They are determined to build a positive future for themselves.  For these young adults, being able to get and hold a job will contribute immeasurably toward their success.

Their program at Curt’s is unique and much needed. Proven at-risk or formerly incarcerated young adults have few resources available to them.  Even a short confinement dramatically affects one’s ability to thrive outside incarceration.  With little hope of securing employment, even for entry level positions, many end up living on the streets and return to destructive habits. Cycling through the courts, 86% of those released are sent back through the system within 3 years. We all pay the price for such recidivism. For our sake and theirs, it makes sense to direct these young adults toward a secure and productive future.

At Curt’s they provide that opportunity by teaching marketable skills and then assisting in securing employment. They teach culinary techniques but also provide instruction they will need to fill in educational gaps, gain confidence, and become job-ready.

Curt’s Cafe Website

“Our true intent is all for your delight.”- A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Inspired by British fashion and art, barcacaochocolat was founded by former London based chocolatier Matthew Schreiner in 2016 as a new style of artisanal chocolate maker.  Handcrafted in Chicago, barcacaochocolat specialises in chocolate tablets, drinking chocolates, and a bespoke chocolate program for any occasion.  We are now offering private chocolate classes.  

All of our chocolate is certified non-GMO using 100% single-origin Criollo cacao from northwest Peru and organic milk and pure organic sugarcane from Ecuador.  All of our ingredients are sustainably sourced.

We are committed to a sustainable world through sourcing, society and environment.

barcacaochocolat@gmail.com

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Article Posted in Tribune: 

Classic Suspects:

McDonalds

Burger King

Au Cheval

Small Cheval

Loyalist

Umami Burger

Lesser known places

Bites

Da Region

Red Hot Ranch

Flip Burger

Monday Munchies Episode 024: On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

Table, Donkey and Stick

Flip Burger

Big and Littles

Lokal

Redhot Ranch

Enso

Region

Loyalist

Blackwood BBQ

“I Made My Shed the Top Rated Restaurant On TripAdvisor

And then served customers Iceland ready meals on its opening night.”

https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/434gqw/i-made-my-shed-the-top-rated-restaurant-on-tripadvisor

Monday Munchies Episode 023: On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

Sushi station

Soho house

Longman & Eagle

Joe’s Seafood and Prime Steak

Co-owners Katie Morgan and Charlie Davis were introduced by a mutual friend in Chicago in the summer of 2011. Charlie was a professional brewer in Chicago at the time. He decided to try and woo her by making a hard cider for her birthday. It worked, and Right Bee Cider was born.

Right Bee Cider officially launched in November 2014, after two years of planning and preparation.

The Chicago-based duo has taken the city by storm, creating a unique, unfiltered, dry cider that is currently on tap at 30 bars and restaurants around the city. They are the only two people in their company, and have done everything themselves since the beginning. “We create, package, and distribute our cider ourselves,” Katie says. “I hand paint the taphandles, Charlie has built most of our equipment by hand… this is truly a labor of love.” They were featured on the cover of Chicago’s RedEye, The Chicagoist, Crain’s Business Chicago, and they won a Sam Adams competition in May 2015 where they competed for the National finals in New York City this December 2015.

They are incredibly passionate about the art of cider-making, high quality natural ingredients, sustainability, and community support. “Our cider brought us together,” says Charlie. ‘And we hope it continues to bring other people together.’”

http://www.rightbeecider.com/

Monday Munchies Episode 022: Welcome to Monday Munchies. On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

A Place By Damao

Kie Gol Lanee

Spoon

Immm Rice and Beyond

Seafood on the Tables

Radical Larder

Honey Doe

Sweet Rice, sister of Sticky Rice

Suchi

Jarabe

Kubo

Bites Asian Tapas

Animale, sister of Osteria Langhe

Kyoto Black

Carmines

Del Toro

The Bristol

Pacific Bistro

RPM

Chef Meagan Lombaer of The Radical Larder uses ingredients from local farmer’s markets and other resources around Chicago to develop dishes inspired by world cuisine and plant-based living. The chef strives to use whole ingredients and loves incorporating pickles and preserved items into her dishes adding another layer of flavor and excitement to what she prepares.

The Radical Larder partners with local breweries, athletic facilities and farmers’ markets to do plant based pop ups, demonstrations and events. Chef Meagan is focusing on finding a space to expand her business and she hopes to incorporate a movement element to pair with her focus on nutrition and whole ingredients.

The Radical Larder is available for private events and other catering opportunities. Contact: radlarder@gmail.com

https://www.radlarder.com

Justin Doggett, owner & founder of Kyoto Black, is a cold brew fanatic and he created Kyoto Black because he believes Kyoto Style is the best way to cold brew coffee.  Kyoto Style coffees have better flavors, smoother textures and no sediment. Oddly enough, the style is mostly unknown, even though cold brew has exploded in popularity.  His first experience drinking Kyoto Style cold brew was in 2011.  That cup was not great, but the experience of drinking it was so different that he had to pursue it.  Kyoto Style clearly had a lot of potential and he wanted to unlock it.  One year later he created his first custom home brewer.

https://kyotostylecoffee.com/

Monday Munchies Episode 021: On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

The Radler

Minghin

Prime Bar

Raclette

Cocoro

Roditys

Honky Tonk BBQ

Think Latitude is a technology startup that provides rapid prototype development for aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. We assist in taking new ideas and providing the right steps to proceed from conceptualization to final execution through business consulting, web and application development and investment funding. Our proven strategy has helped several clients realize their passions and dreams.

http://www.thinklatitude.pro/

Kubo – native house – It means a “house that’s a hut” but it’s frequently translated as “My Nipa Hut.”

In the words of Christine Ledesma Chef / Owner “Eating is what what I love the most…
Sharing my passion in cooking through our restaurant is an achievement and a fulfillment… “ Come enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

https://www.kubochicago.com/

A former NFL Madden video game guru, turned professional football players who has come full circle as a fitness expert and fashion stylist, Justin Rindt is a man of many talents. His wealth of knowledge spreads across both the fitness and fashion industries.

Special live recorded episode with Keng Sisivath (@StrangeFoodsChicago) while eating different strange foods at a few Chicago restaurants:

Mandi Noori

Shiroi Sushi 

La Casa De Samuel

Instagram celebs:

• @Strangefoodschicago
• @chicagofoodevents
• @fooditorchi
• @flipinchigirleats
• @_Mister_Lamp_

Ever wonder what  munching on Fried Grasshoppers tastes like? How about having water Jelly for dessert? How about savoring Split Duck Face all the while watching Taiko drummers, Lao and Samoan dancers? 

These are just a few of the dynamic plates and dance troupes that will be offered at Strange Foods Festival 2. The festival will be held at the beautiful Stan Mansion. Last year’s fest  attracted 500 people sampling strange dishes from Chicago’s local restaurants. Featured items were steamed brain in banana leaves, sticky rice stuffed then grilled in a bamboo stalk for dessert, black corn fungus and eyeball tacos, bulls testicles and many more.  The title Strange Foods may get guests to look the other way but when in actuality the term strange only applies to those that aren’t accustom to it.  What is strange in America, may actually be a delicacy in other nations.  The Festival will educate people on dishes that may look unfamiliar with unusual ingredients but can be very tasty if executed right.  Last years cuisine ranged from Syrian, Thai, Laotian, Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese.  We had some hiccups but will definately learn from it.  We appreciate all that attended and promised this year it’s all about paying attention to details and curating dishes so that no vendor space is wasted. 

The same brain child from last years event will be organizing this fest but this time he will be partnering up with Dew Suriyawan(Thai Food Festival co- Founder and Owner of Immm Rice and Beyond and Spoon).  There will be returning vendors with new dishes and new vendors such as Kei Go Lanee(Oaxaca), Seafood on the Tables(Cajun), Sweet Rice(Thai), Ninjafoods(Laos), Bydamao(Chengdu), Mandi Noor(Yemen), Suchi(Japanese) and many more. 

Early bird tickets will be starting at $45 and general admission topping at $55.  The ticket price will include unlimited drinks and food tasting from 15+ restaurants, photo booth provided by defining78.com.  Free parking a block away at Darwin Elementary School. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Feed My Starving Children Foundation. With your help we fed  5k hungry kids last year.   

Find us on Facebook Strange Foods Chicago Festival and Instagram @strangefoodschicagofestival for photos from last year and  future updates.  

TICKETS

TURN YOUR LUNCH INTO A NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY
We believe that every meal you eat offers a unique opportunity to build a strong, professional community. Whether you’re dining in your company’s cafeteria or your favorite restaurant, our goal is to make your meal work for you by connecting you with new people and building the network of your dreams.

Transform online networking to face-to-face interaction. Expand your network with like-minded professionals.

https://www.dinehero.com/

Monday Munchies Episode 019: Welcome to a special edition of Monday Munchies, our Labor Day Episode. On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

Girl and the Goat

Nomi Kitchen

Antico 

Kuma’s Korner

Parachute

Romero

Kanela

Mary Nguyen Aregoni received her BBA in Marketing from Xavier University in 1989 and her MSBA in International Business from Johns Hopkins University in 1994.

Ms. Aregoni has a notable background as an IT Systems Manager with a 20 year career working for Procter & Gamble (1989-2009) working in various locations such as Chicago, New York, Brussels, Cincinnati and Baltimore. Mary decided she wanted to fulfill a dream of owning her own business and she wanted to have a restaurant where she could share her Vietnamese heritage with others. A restaurant where a diner could engage in food travel tourism through delectable Southeast Asian cuisine specifically Vietnamese and Thai.

In 2009 she launched her restaurant Saigon Sisters which was also the year when the economic climate was not conducive to new ventures Mary knew her background in corporate strategy, marketing and analytics would serve her well combined with the support of her encouraging mother, sister and husband. Mary began the realization of her dream.

Having spent her early years in the war-torn country of Vietnam where her Mother and Grandmother were once successful business women Mary as a child fled with her family to Thailand. Eventually they made their way to the U.S. where they had to start over. They had nothing except for drive, determination and the ability to adapt. Mary was taught that having a strong foundation was crucial for building a life of possibilities and as such Education and Knowledge were key components. Mary feels it is really about having a mental mindset that you will succeed. Fear is not an option. It is about knowing the risks and managing them. It is a privilege to do what you want in life. It’s not easy being an entrepreneur, it is critical to be prepared, have the upfront capital, know that there will be long hours and accept that there will be failure but know how to navigate the hard times and above all know that you can’t do it alone. You need support. With a restaurant it is about having the right team, the food, the ambience, knowing your customers. knowing what they want, need in a dining experience and Marketing. People need to know who you are.

These are the reasons that in an extremely difficult business sector coupled with challenging economic conditions Mary Nguyen Aregoni has thrived. Saigon Sisters which offers fast casual dining and catering services from its three locations across Chicago including: French Market, Lake Street, Northwestern Memorial and the much anticipated O’Hare airport location. She also recently launched a new brand Bang Chop Thai Kitchen last year which serves authentic Thai cuisine also in downtown Chicago.

Since opening day in 2009 Saigon Sisters, Chicagoans have embraced the pho (soup), spring rolls, banh mi (sandwiches), and more. The famed Michelin Guide and Zagat rave over the cuisine. Saigon Sisters has won numerous accolades and Mary Nguyen Aregoni has shown once again that hard work, being authentic, and following your dream is possible if you really believe in yourself and your products.

www.saigonsisters.com
www.bangchopthai.com

A goofy nerd with elegant style and confidence… is that a real thing? Don’t let the jokes and laughter distract you, one minute talking with Grant McNamara about fashion and style is all it takes to see how passionate and talented he is. As one of Chicago’s top stylist for both men and women, he doesn’t see any client as a challenge, just an opportunity to have fun. Now, Grant is beginning to design his own line, G ALXNDR.

Not having any formal background in fashion, he went from the consulting and corporate world to being named one of Chicago’s most stylish men in just a couple years. What does he attribute it to? His Ma making him iron his clothes when he was younger. That, caring, and telling his personal story through style and living happy.

It might help that he won a nationwide model search contest and has been seen in numerous publications and videos, including a cover of Chicago Style Weddings magazine, the face of LYFE Kitchen ads, and the face of a local custom clothing company.

Monday Munchies Episode 018: Welcome to Monday Munchies. On these episodes you will be sitting shotgun on my adventures of exploring restaurants in the past few weeks. Albeit, I am not a certified food critic but I do love to eat and some would say that I do have a certain set of skills… I’m not sure what those are nor am I a “yelper” like the majority of residents in South Park, Colorado. But I do love trying new restaurants and food. So enjoy:

Farmhouse

Bub City

Hax

Da Lobsta Famous

Nosh and Booze

Ara on

Chief Oniels

Crio

Au Cheval

Mahalo

HaiSous

Le Bouchon

Dennis Mondero (Executive Director) & Carlos Jaramillo (Manager of Marketing. Special Events & Donor Relations)

On Wednesday, August 23rd, please join the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) for the 2017 Red Party!

For the past two years, CMAA has organized Chicago’s most exciting summer event, taking place in River North’s very own East Bank Club. Get your favorite “Red” outfit ready and invite your friends because you won’t want to miss this year’s edition!

New for this year, the Inaugural Asian American Men’s Fashion Show! Our models will be sharply dressed by local and very talented Asian owned clothiers, Mildblend Supply Co. and ESQ Clothing.

Your ticket purchase will directly support CMAA’s efforts to provide crucial social services to the immigrant and refugee community across the Chicagoland area.

Highlights Include:

• The Inaugural Asian American Men’s Fashion Show
• DJ!
• 2 Complimentary Drink Tickets
• Cash Bar
• Rooftop Setting! (Weather Permitting)
• More Goodies to be Confirmed!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cmaas-red-party-2017-tickets-36108234702?aff=es2

http://www.chinesemutualaid.org/the-red-party

http://www.chinesemutualaid.org

Adrian Madero is a partner of Surmesur custom menswear, it’s a Canadian brand with locations in the states and in Canada. Originally he is from Mexico. His two loves are suits and soccer, and he still plays twice a week in pretty competitive level.

https://www.surmesur.com/en-us

After two months of research and design, brothers Vincent and François Thériault launch a business offering a new shopping experience in a 300-square-foot store in Quebec City. Their concept is an instant success, so much so that the boutique quickly outgrows its space! Surmesur provides an exceptional shopping experience and offers quality products at the best value. That’s why we want to be the reference for custom, made-to-measure menswear in North America.

Adrian Madero is a partner of Surmesur custom menswear, it’s a Canadian brand with locations in the states and in Canada. Originally he is from Mexico. His two loves are suits and soccer, and he still plays twice a week in pretty competitive level.