In this issue:
- This Saturday, Sept. 2 – “Summer’s End Farewell Feast” at *La Tasca* in Park Ridge
- Next Saturday, Sept. 9 – Special Dinner Party with BYOB at Beautiful New *Rios D’Sudamerica* in Bucktown
- “So, Why Are Sad Love Songs So Popular?”

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This Saturday: Join Us for A Fantastic Fun Feast of Tapas at *La Tasca* in Park Ridge

This Saturday, September 2, we put together a wonderful way to end your summer and start off your Holiday Weekend – the “Fantastic Feast of Tapas” at the inviting *La Tasca Tapas Restaurant* in Park Ridge. The food at this location is every bit the equal of the Arlington Heights location where we have had several terrific and highly attended parties in the past. Plus, the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming.

Enjoy a dozen varieties of these popular Spanish “small plates,” served family-style while sharing conversation with lots of other friendly singles. It’s an “open” party, so bring all your friends. $45 for members or guests, $47 for walk-ins.

Then, next Saturday, the Gourmet Advocates are back in the city, for a special treat. We’ll be hosting a dinner party with BYOB alcohol or wine at the beautiful new *Rios D’Sudamerica* on Armitage in Bucktown. This new charmer is both sophisticated in its ambiance and unique in the array of tastes it serves, with dishes from Brazil, Argentina and Peru. *Rios* is certain to be a truly unforgettable dining experience. This terrific event is $44 for members and $47 for guests.

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html.

Also check out the “Singles Notebook” columns on “get-real” dating and relationships for those over 30 at the new Web site, http://www.singlesnotebook.com/
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This Saturday, September 2, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
An Evening of Fascinating Conversation and Sumptuous Spanish Tapas “Summer’s End Fabulous Farewell Feast” at the Popular

La Tasca Tapas Restaurant

27 S. Northwest Highway (a block south of Touhy) in Park Ridge

*La Tasca* has always been one of the top Spanish tapas restaurants in the Chicago area and is always a great party destination. The, *La Tasca* in Park Ridge, serves up noteworthy “small plate” cuisine and a mean Sangria just like its popular Arlington Heights sister. On Labor Day weekend, join us in Park Ridge to bid farewell to the summer season in most festive fashion. Come celebrate with single friends old and new in a feast of hot and cold delicacies in warm traditional surroundings.

Your evening at begins with a get-acquainted cocktail party (cash bar). This is followed by sit-down feast of tapas featuring an array of a dozen varieties served family-style, from appetizers through entrées and dessert, all in the traditional Spanish-influenced casual small-plate style. Examples include Yellow-fin Tuna-stuffed Pasta, Grilled Chicken with Chorizo over Spanish Rice, Grilled Beef
Brochette and Sautéed Sea Scallops topped with Manchego Cheese, plus two decadent desserts.

This evening of dinner and fun (including all taxes and tips) is a mere $45. This is an “Open Party” with members, guests and non-members all welcome for advance registrations, regardless of past participation. Walk-ups will also be accepted at the door for $47, as space permits. Dressy casual attire. Park on the street, in the lot behind the restaurant or with complimentary valet.
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Next Saturday, September 9, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Unique South American Dining Adventure with Distinctive, Sumptuous Cuisine and BYOB Affordable Drinks at the Chic New

Rios D’Sudamerica

2010 W. Armitage Ave. (just west of Damen) in Chicago’s Bucktown Neighborhood

Enjoy a wonderful and very affordable evening of fine food and camaraderie with single friends old and new at the beautiful new *Rios D’Sudamerica*. Savor traditional and contemporary South American dishes that blend the flavors of Brazil, Argentina and Peru.

One of the most surprising new restaurants we’ve come across this year, *Rios* has a South-Beach-style atmosphere of contemporary sophistication, yet remains intimate and friendly. It features unique meat and fish dishes skillfully prepared in a manner not as spicy as Cuban or Mexican, but blending traditional ingredients and unique touches from its two chefs, one Brazilian and the other Peruvian.

*Rios D’Sudamerica* also has an “Ultra” BYOB policy to make your evening even more enjoyable and affordable. Bring your rum, vodka, tequila or other spirit and pay only for the “virgin” drink made from fresh fruits, juices and other non-alcoholic ingredients to create your favorite cocktails. Or, bring a bottle of wine for a mere $2.50 corkage fee.

Feast on the house’s flavorful cuisine, choosing from several sumptuous entrees:
- Grilled Halibut in a Coriander and Garlic Crust over Fresh Spinach and Basil. Served with Baked Red Russet Potatoes
- Char-grilled Rabbit, Marinated in South American Herbs and Spices served with Slices of Baked Potato filled with Cream Cheese
- Peruvian-style Duck Marinated in Beer and “Chicha de Jora.” with Aromatic Rice and Coriander
- Grilled Fresh Corvina Fish Encrusted in Sesame Seeds with Oyster Sauce. Served over Glass Noodles and Garnished with Red Peppers
- Brochettes of Beef Tenderloin Medallions accompanied by Scallop, Shrimp and Roasted Pepper, served with Black Beans and Rice
- Arroz con Mariscos – Rice Cooked in a Seafood Sauce, White Wine, Beer, with Shrimp, Octopus, Squid, Mussels, and Clams.
Your dinner also includes your choice of two special salads and coffee or tea.

For all this, your evening is still just $44, covering dinner, coffee or tea, taxes and tips for advance reservations. Guests, non-members and walk-ups (space permitting) are welcome for $47. Dressy casual attire. Park on the street.

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html
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**Your Most Up-to-Date Listing of Gourmet Advocates and FOF Parties and Events**

- This Saturday, September 2 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. “Summer’s End Farewell Feast” Tapas Dinner Party at the highly-regarded *La Tasca Tapas Restaurant* 27 S. Northwest Highway in Downtown Park Ridge. $45 for members, non-members and guests “Open Party” for all singles, regardless of past participation.

- Next Saturday, September 9 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Savor the flavors of South America (Brazil, Argentina and Peru) while enjoying the affordability of BYOB cocktails or wine at the beautiful new *Rios de Sudamerica* in Chicago’s Bucktown district. $44 for members; $47 for guests.

- Thursday, September 14 – 6:00 – 10:30 p.m. The next Friends of Friends “Famous Martini Party” at *BabaLuci Italian Cafe* 1001 Golf Road in Hoffman Estates. Drink specials, heavy appetizers and live music for listening and dancing. $7 gets you in ($5 for paid members).

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html

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Singles Notebook – “Get-Real” Thoughts and Opinions from Jim “Senny” Senhauser

We Have All Been Through It

“So, Why Are Sad Love Songs So Popular?”

Over the past few weeks, some of my columns have emphasized the necessity for taking certain calculated risks in your love life. I pointed out that in order to create the kind of relationships you desire, you often need to “put yourself out there.”

Then, this week I was looking at some contemporary music and came across some very popular but melancholy love songs. I got to thinking, “Why is it that sad love songs are so popular?”

You may have your thoughts on this subject, but my opinion is that:
- If you have ever been in a love-centered relationship that ended in the loss of that loved one,it helps you to deal with that loss in a sort of happy/sad way.
- Everybody has had overcome the sadness of a love lost and the universality of the feelings of loss to some degree provide us comfort and remind us that we are not alone in those feelings, plus they provide hope for a better future.
- Through these sad songs, we can again savor the fond thoughts and memories that past loves brought us, even as we mourn the death of that relationship.
- If we are in a relationship now, these kinds of melancholy songs remind us to live for the moment, drinking in the shared experiences and the love of the person we are with today.

Again, you may have other reasons you like sad ballads and love songs. Here is a listing of some of my favorite sad love songs:
1. “Tonight I Wanna Cry” – Keith Urban (2006)
2. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” – Bonnie Raitt (1991) Written by former pro football star Mike Reid.
3. “Holding Back the Years” – Simply Red (1985)
4. “Angel” – Sarah Mc Lachlan (1997)
5. “The Way We Were” – Barbra Streisand (1973)
6. “Cherish” – the Association (1966)
7. “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers (1971)
8. “Walk on By” – Dionne Warwick (1964)
9. “Drive” – the Cars (1984)
10. “(There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me” – Naked Eyes (1983)
11.”I’m Not In Love” – 10cc (1975)
12. “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton (1974) – later recorded by Whitney Houston in 1992
13. “How Much I Feel” – Ambrosia (1978)
14. “Eternal Flame” – Bangles (1988)
15. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” – Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (1971)
16. “I Go Crazy” – Paul Davis (1977)
17. “Can We Try” – Dan Hill & Vonda Shepard (1988)
18. “What About Love?” – Heart (1985)
19. “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right” – Luther Ingram (1972)
20. “Since I Fell For You” – Lenny Welch (1963)
21. “Don’t Know Why” – Norah Jones (2002)
22. “When I Call Your Name” – Vince Gill (1989)
23. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion (1997)
24. “Crying” – Roy Orbison (1961)
25. “One Last Cry” – Brian McKnight (1992)
Undoubtedly, you have some favorites of your very own. If you don’t like my roster of sad songs, don’t come crying to me! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that).

Here’s to those wonderful memories of relationships past, with lessons that will make your future even happier, with more possibility for creating still fonder memories.