Sip With Me

Take a Shot of Art with us!

We all remember the creative days of our childhood when we could color outside the lines and make mud soup in the back yard.

Now, there is a super unique experience that will remedy the creative void in anyone’s life and give you a boost of art therapy!

This week, we ventured to “Shot of Art” in West Town to try out their wildly unique art experiences. Perfect for date nights, birthdays, or bestie bonding (aka us!), you’ll leave your experience with both a happy mind and a beautiful painted masterpiece.

From shooting balloons filled with paint to painting on the ceiling, there’s an experience here for folks of all ages and no experience is needed!

We sat down with Anastasia to discuss the founding story and why the owner felt inspired to create such a unique experience. Learn about the several art experiences you can try and find out how you can cover both the canvas and your bestie with paint (I’m looking at you Ioanna)!! Plus, we play rapid fire and learn what kind of painting Ioanna and I are!

Chicago Info & Tickets: https://chi.shotofart.com

Follow them: @shot_of_art

Visit their studios in Chicago, New York, LA, Houston, and more cities to come soon!

See website or descriptions below for some of the options available!

SHOOTING & SPINNING

Using an airsoft gun, you will shoot down balloons filled with paint. Then, we will spin your paint-splashed canvas to get an amazing abstract work of art.

FLUID ART

Fantastic patterns obtained using acrylic paints, silicone and torch  burner will not leave you indifferent.

ART ROOM

Let your fantasies fly! You can book a room and to paint it how you want - draw on walls, furniture and even on the ceiling! Bloggers love making fresh and eye-catching content in our Art room.

To celebrate Pi-Day, we’re taking a deep dive into pizza pie history with Chicago’s famous Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta! (look how many pi’s we got into that sentence alone)

A Chicago classic, deep dish was created to make a meal out of pizza, which historically had just been seen as a snack. Opened in 1991 by Rudy Malnati Jr., Pizano’s has become a staple deep disher, and their equally amazing thin crust is even Oprah’s favorite!

We chat with Holly Malnati about the brand and family history. Hear how the original recipe and their famous crust came to be. and Plus, what goes into making a deep dish pizza.

Learn about their secret weapon and discover behind the scenes tales from decades of culinary perfection!

Find a location near you and order pizza: https://www.pizanoschicago.com

Follow Pizano’s on Instagram: @pizzanospizzachi

Read more deep dish history: https://www.pizanoschicago.com/deep-dish-history/

Grab some Pizano’s because they put the “pi” in Pizano’s and Pizza!

We’re SUPERdawg delighted to have Chicago’s famous Superdawg family on the show! At 75 years old, the family owned drive-in located at Devon, Nagle, and Milwaukee, remains a quality classic on the Chicago food scene. With its iconic blue tower and signature Superdawg recipe, there’s something to love for everyone. Not to mention, they just made the cover of bon appétit magazine!

We talk about foodie history and what you can expect during a visit to one of their two locations in Chicagoland! It’s not a hotdog – it’s a Superdawg! Learn about how their original recipe was crafted, and why the family has stuck to their roots over so many decades. Also voted best hotdog by Chicago Reader!

We also discuss their old-school carhop and counter service! Plus, Aaron‘s favorite french fries in all of the land!

Plus, we find out what their favorite Superdawg topping is, one thing people don’t know about Superdawg, and their favorite memories!

Follow Superdawg Drive-in on Instagram: @superdawgdrivein

Read more about the history: https://superdawg.com/

Fueled by sugar on the daily, Ioanna and Aaron are fun dippingly excited to learn more about their favorite candy shop, IT’SUGAR!

Founded in 2006, IT'SUGAR calls itself one of the largest specialty candy "retailtainers" in the world, and at 100+ locations, there’s no sugar coating that!

IT'SUGAR is an experience, known for absurd sugar innovations. They also have the world’s first candy department store (shopping + candy= HEAVEN).

In this episode, we’ll hear from Justin Clinger, AVP of Creative and Marketing, about why the founder chose his candy calling, and learn what it takes to start a global candy shop. Learn what unique treats IT’SUGAR has to offer candy lovers and find out what’s trending in the wide world of candy.

Plus, we talk about their “Make-A-Wish Wish Pops” and some of their exclusive and epic brand partnerships!

Take a bite out of some candy history and discover the immersive world IT’SUGAR has to offer as Ioanna and Aaron visit Chicago’s Michigan Ave location!

Shop and find your nearest store at: www.itsugar.com

Follow them on instagram: @itsugar

Check out their TikTok: @itsugar_official

This week’s episode features “The Sweetheart Martini” from tipsybartender.com!

Start your engines folks, we’re going to the Chicago Auto Show!

There’s been nothing like it for Chicago- from the people it attracts to the impact is has on a global market, this is the place to be every February!

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent.

If you’re into cars, looking to buy a car, or do anything related to cars, then this is the indoor winter fun you need in Chicago. Aaron has been going annually since he was kid (we bet you didn’t think he was into cars) and he intends to keep it that way, bringing Ioanna as his date this year!

We sit down with Director of Marketing & Sponsorships, Jim Obrill, to talk what’s trending at this year’s show. Hear what Chicago Auto Show attendees get to see first anywhere in the nation, and find out why this exposition is perfect whether you’ve been attending for decades or want to try it out for the first time!

We also talk Electric Vehicles and the future of tech on display at McCormick Center. And Jim highlights what he is most excited for this year (we trust him since he is referred to as “the car guy”)!

We end with Jim discussing how the show has left its mark on Chicago’s economy, and Jim tells Ioanna and Aaron what car they are!

Get tickets and browse more info on this year’s show at: https://www.chicagoautoshow.com

Follow them on Instagram: @thechicagoautoshow

Follow Jim on Instagram: @jpcars22

Listen to Jim’s Show “Drive Chicago”: https://www.wlsam.com/drivechicago/

DATES: FEBRUARY 10-19 at McCormick Place

This week’s episode features “The Pink Cadillac Cocktail” from Motortrends.com!

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, joins us for our first episode of 2024! We were pumped to talk about the topic that brought Ioanna and I together ten years ago- DANCE!

While a student at Julliard, 19 year-old Linda-Denise was invited to join Hubbard Street Chicago Dance by the company's founder, Lou Comte. After three seasons, she went on to become a principal dancer at Alvin Ailey!

Linda-Denise returns home to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, making her the company’s first female and person of color to hold the role. Since the beginning of her tenure in 2021, she has made huge strides for the company, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and working to broaden HSDC’s reach and impact in Chicago Communities. She's also taken the company's repertoire to new heights, working with Chicago legends like Randy Duncan and Rennie Harris.

She’s here to chat more about the upcoming “Winter Series: Of Hope” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, which “serves as a bold beacon of promise with its mix of beloved revivals and inventive world premieres”!

Plus, we tell Linda-Denise about our history teaching Zumba and play a round of rapid fire!

Website and Tickets: https://www.hubbardstreetdance.com

Follow Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: @hubbardstreet

Follow Linda-Denise Fisher Harrell: @lindadenisefisherharrell

Today, we’re cooking up some Voodoo magic, not around a traditional cauldron though, more like a burning hot cauldron filled with delectable fried dough!

Started in Portland twenty years ago, Voodoo Doughnut is known for its unique flavors and signature pink boxes. The company offers a sea of freshness and fun in a food and beverage  market that has seen a rise in “sameness”. The brand is nationally recognizable and is frequented by celebs and foodie experts alike!

December 2023 is ushering in a new dawn here in Chicago, with the brand opening its first location , which is located in West Loop! We’re delighted to welcome CEO Chris Schultz on to chat with us about the iconic brand and what Chicagoans can expect!

Chris shares some of Voodoo’s west coast history, discusses creating some of their iconic flavors, and plays a round of rapid fire!

Visit the store now at 945 W Randolph! They’re open early mornings and late into the night!

Check out their menu and order ahead or checkout catering at: (https://www.voodoodoughnut.com)

Follow them: @voodoodoughnut

Candle Castle & Co. is the most magical and best smelling place in Chicago- especially during the holidays and in winter when we all need a little brightness in our lives!

Enter Sunshine- the teacher of our class who led us on our journey of what Ioanna and I would call “therapeutic refined childhood crafts with an elevated twist”. She made the night special as Nathan and Aaron celebrated their 8th anniversary!

More than just a company— they’re a place where you can go to create, connect and rejoice! They offer a unique candle making experience that we did with our husbands this week and it truly was the highlight of our year. You pick out everything from the scents to the vessel to the glitter on top! And you name your candle too (ours were Crisp Autumn, Spring Melt, Smelly, and Forest Floor)

During classes, guests are educated and learn the art of candle making- hand pouring & stirring your wax.

In keeping with their mission to bring customers the best in clean products, their candles are some of the most sustainable and home friendly on the market- without the chemicals often found in store-bought candles. Plus, they sell the most unique candles in-store that range from fruit loop to s’mores- both in scent and shape!

Hear from the owners about what it takes to start a candle company and how they decide which fun scents and decorations to feature. And hear about their custom Air Jordan 5 candle they created for John Mayer!!

A special shoutout to our class leader “Sunshine” who in our hour-long class became more than just a teacher- she became a friend and was an amazing comedian.

This is classy, fun, and unique gift idea for a partner, friend, parent, or just to treat yourself!

Follow them on Instagram: @candlecastleco

Book Classes: (www.candlecastleco.com) Sign up or gift a class at the link in their bio and use code “SIPWITHME15” for 15% off your class booking!

Merry Pinkmas!

Pink Wonderland is a very merry pink Christmas bar with locations in Chicago and New York. It seeks to “break from traditional Christmas bar norms, aiming to offer a fresh, unique take on the holiday season”.

The pop-up has everything pink and opens December 1st! We chat with King Inesse and Miriam Paz from V5 about what you'll experience and what it takes to make a pop-up come to life.

Try themed cocktails like “The Pink Flurry, Santa’s Cookies & Milk, or grinch-themed The Mean One”.

Take photos in their giant pink sleigh, sip on your drink in one of their light-up igloos, and enjoy your favorite holiday remixes.

This is THE pop-up to go to this year, it’s an incredibly immersive and unique experience that defies all norms and serves content for days.

21 & over w/ a valid ID. Family Sundays 12-5PM. Cocktail workshop tickets are available at the link below. Follow: @apinkwonderland @miriampaz_91 @kinginesse

Tickets: (https://solo.to/pinkwonderland)

Nutcracker returns once again to Chicago’s Lyric Opera! A part of many folks' holiday traditions, Ioanna and Aaron are so excited to learn about the show from Joffrey Ballet Company Artist, Victoria Jaiani!

In her 20th year with the company, Victoria will fill the role of “The Mother” in this year’s Nutcracker. We chat with her about the timeless beauty of the show, and what it means for her to continue performing 20 years after joining Joffrey.

Victoria twirls us a tale of history as we hear about how she learned to dance in her home country of Georgia before going to New York for further learning. Plus, she shares some behind the scenes highlights from her time with Joffrey. And learn more about what it takes to create such beautiful art!

And (so cute), Victoria is married to retired Joffrey dancer Temur Suluashvili! She is kind, funny, and so seasoned in the art of dance, so you won't want to miss this interview!

Follow Joffrey: @joffreyballet

Follow Victoria: @victoriajaiani

Get Tickets Now: (https://joffrey.org/)

Nutcracker 2023 (Description From Joffrey Ballet)

The Joffrey Ballet’s critically-acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. Wheeldon’s American tale relocates Marie and her immigrant family to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, where Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince.

A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy/59 Productions.