Archive for September, 2006

Volume V – Issue 41 September 27, 2006

In this issue:
- This Saturday, Sept. 30 – BYOB “Wine and Dine” Dinner Party at *State* in Chicago
- This Thursday, September 28 – Friends of Friends “Famous Martini Party” at *Vita Mia*
- Next Friday, October 6 – Romantic “Country French” Dinner Party at *Socca* in Chicago
- Next Saturday, Oct. 7 – Outrageously Fun Family-Style Italian Feast at *Buca di Beppo* in Orland Park
- “I Can’t Wait to Finally Be In a Relationship”

This Saturday: Tasty Cuisine and a BYOB Wine Tasting at the new *State* in Lincoln Park

This Saturday, September 30, the Gourmet Advocates are back in Chicago, in Lincoln Park at the exciting new State Restaurant and Cafe on Webster for one of this the Gourmet Advocates’ popular “Wine and Dine” dinner parties with BYOB wine tasting. State is an American bistro with a contemporary vibe and entrees especially selected for our party. This affordable blend of tasty cuisine and BYOB wine (or beer or liquor) is $47 for members and $49 for non-members and guests.

Next weekend, the Gourmet Advocates host two parties. Friday, October 6, we will host a terrific dinner party at Socca a new restaurant, named for a chickpea crepe from the southern area of France. Socca serves up flavorful cuisine from that region. The style is “Country French” with some Mediterranean influences in the sauces and spices. It’s sure to be a romantic and memorable gathering.

Then Saturday, October 7, we’ll be at Buca di Beppo in Orland Park for a family-style feast of Italian favorites, where you get both Veal Marsala and Roasted Salmon, plus two distinctive pastas, two salads and tons of laughter and conversation with other singles in a very “kitschy,” fun, laid-back, casual atmosphere. This is an “open party” for all singles regardless of past participation.

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html.
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This Saturday, September 30, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
“Wine and Dine” Dinner / BYOB Wine Tasting at Contemporary New American Bistro

State Restaurant and Cafe

935 W. Webster (at Bissell, a block E. of Sheffield) in Chicago’s Lincoln Park

Enjoy a dinner party and BYOB wine tasting at the new State Restaurant and Cafe, a chic but casual American bistro in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. In the shadow of the EL, this new addition to the DePaul area makes an ideal site for the GA’s latest “Wine and Dine” dinner party with BYOB tasting. You are encouraged to bring a $10-$15 bottle of red or white wine to share. Not a wine drinker? You can bring liquor or beer.

Mix and mingle with other single friends, old and new, during a get-acquainted cocktail hour (BYOB) in the restaurant’s contemporary interior. This is followed by a sit-down dinner with your choice Chef Bojan’s special entrees:
- 12-oz. Grilled NY Strip Steak with Whipped Truffle Potatoes
- “House Special” Ahi Tuna “Tower” au Poivre with Black Beans and Avocado Cream
- Fennel-dusted Salmon Provençal Fillet with Asparagus, Tomatoes, White Wine, Butter and Shallots
- Polynesian Roasted Chicken, Marinated and Roasted Half-Chicken with Roasted Pineapple Chutney, Balsamic Reduction and Haystack Onions
- Roasted Pork Chop with Bleu Cheese and Shiitake Mushrooms with Roasted Potatoes
- Parmesan-crusted Tilapia Seared with Aged Parmesan Cheese over Ratatouille

Also included are side vegetables and your choice of a House Salad or Soup, plus Coffee or Tea. Your evening is $47, for the dinner, taxes and tips for advance registrations. Guests and non-members are welcome for $49. Advance reservations are very much encouraged, but walk-ups will be accepted for $49. Dressy casual attire. Park on the street or in the lot under the L across the street.
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Next Friday, October 6, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
“Country French”/Mediterranean Dinner Party at Very Inviting New Bistro

Socca

3301 N. Clark (3 block S. of Wrigley Field at School and Aldine) in Chicago

Meet and mingle during an hour-long cocktail party, followed by a sumptuous romantic dinner featuring “Country French” dishes with Mediterranean influences at Socca, a new Wrigleyville charmer. Choose your entrée from: Crispy-skin Whitefish over Panzanella Salad; Sautéed Chicken Breast with Lemon Thyme Jus; Grilled Pork Chop with Grain Mustard Potato Salad; Braised Beef Short Ribs; Braised Rabbit Risotto; Pan-Roasted Salmon or Pan-roasted Steak Frites. YUM! Includes salad, plus coffee or tea. $42 for members; $45 for non-members/guests.
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Next Saturday, October 7, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Family-Style Italian “Land and Sea” Singles Dinner at the Outrageously Fun

Buca di Beppo

15350 S. 94th Ave. (a block E. of La Grange Road, just S. of 151st St.) in Orland Park

Bring your big appetite and leave your fancy-schmancy attitude at home, for this singles dinner party at Buca di Beppo, the outrageously fun restaurant near the Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Join us for this “Land and Sea” Italian feast, served family-style. Buca di Beppo serves hearty, freshly made Italian specialties in large portions, combines them with attentive but irreverent service and presents this package in a casually “kitschy” atmosphere that would make a Knights of Columbus hall proud. You’ll enjoy both Veal Marsala and Roasted Salmon, two distinctive Signature Pastas, two salads, garlic bread and coffee. Mingle with single friends old and new, eating, drinking, laughing and conversing (and using your hands to help you talk is strictly optional). $40 for members; $42 for non-members/guests.

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*Membership* – If you are not already a member, we encourage you to join now so you can continue to participate. Non-members can attend one event to “check us out.” Right now, for $79 a year, you can take part in all the fun events and take advantage of the many benefits our club offers. Become a member at http://www.gourmetadvocates.com/Membership.htm

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*Friends of Friends* – For those of you who attend the Friends of Friends “Famous Martini Party” After-Work Mixers in the northwest suburbs, the next one is this Thursday, September 28, at Vita Mia at 1724 W. Golf Road in Mt. Prospect from 6:00-10:30 p.m. Heavy appetizers, drink specials and music from favorite DJ “Rockin’ Rob” are provided for a mere $7 ($5 for Premier members).

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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**Your Most Up-to-Date Listing of Gourmet Advocates and FOF Parties and Events**

- This Thursday, Sept. 28 – Friends of Friends “Famous Martini Party” at *Vita Mia* at 1724 W. Golf Road (at Busse Road) in Mt. Prospect. Lots of drink specials, heavy appetizers and music from a DJ highlight the party. $7 cover ($5 for paid members). 6:00-10:30 p.m.

- This Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Gourmet Advocates “Wine and Dine” Dinner with BYOB Wine Tasting at *State Restaurant and Cafe* 935 W. Webster in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. $47 for members and $49 for non-members/guests.

- Next Friday, October 6, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Gourmet Advocates “Country French” Dinner Party at *Socca* in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood at 3301 N. Clark (at Aldine and School). $42 for Members and $45 for non-members/guests.

- Next Saturday, October 7, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Gourmet Advocates Outrageously Fun Dinner Feast at *Buca di Beppo* 15350 S. 94th Ave. (a block E. of La Grange Road) in Orland Park. $40 for Members and $42 for non-members/guests.

- Saturday, October 14 – “Light Up Fall” Cocktail Party and Dance with Light Supper Buffet at *Cafe Zalute* on Devon Ave. at River Road in Rosemont.

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

Now’s the Time to Get Started

“I Can’t Wait To Finally Be In a Relationship”

Each of us, from time to time, has uttered the phrase, ” I can’t wait until… “, with the notion that it is somehow important for us to have achieved some goal or milestone before we get started toward a greater goal. When it comes to taking steps to pursue a relationship like:
- Attending a party or an event
- Joining a club
- Posting our profile on the Internet … or even
- Going out for a night at the singles bar
We often put our progress on hold until we reach some designated goal or milestone. In effect, our attempts to reach for perfection stall our progression.

Here are some examples of the types of goals that stall our initiative in getting started. I can’t wait until I:
- Can drop x number of pounds
- Have plenty of funds saved up
- The summer or the holidays are over
- Get this or that project done at work
- Find out whether this or that person is really interested in me
- Get a call from that person I went out with and have not heard from since
- Have my kids home for the summer (or back in school)
- Have my friends lined up to go out with me (for support or company)

So, we hold off taking that first step until we have all the “ducks” in our lives lined up in a perfect “row” before we take that first step. Trouble is, by waiting to get started, we lose our positive momentum. Add to that, we all know that there is no such thing as perfection, especially when it comes to relationships.

“I can’t wait… “, takes on even greater significance when we are talking about other first steps we postpone in our lives because we are not currently in a relationship. These could include going out to various social events, going on vacations, buying a house or taking other major steps. Again, by somehow seeking the perfect situation with the perfect companion, we miss out on enriching our lives as individuals.

Here’s the reality of the situation. Success in relationships (and in pretty much anything else in life) comes to those who are in motion. The toughest step to take is the first one. The second most difficult step is to get started again, once you stop. Things don’t have to be perfect for you to get started or re-started. You can make changes and improvements all along the way. Procrastination, the combination of fear and inactivity, is not only the enemy of progress but also of confidence. And everybody knows how essential confidence is for being able to create a relationship.

So, don’t let a desire for perfection hold you back in getting started and in motion in the key aspects of your life, including relationships. If you aren’t yet in a dating or relationship mode, put yourself in a position to meet and interact with other singles, both men and women. Start building friendships and initiating the social networking process. Making new acquaintances, building friendships and nurturing them into good friends, dates and more is a process that takes time. The more you hold off getting started, the longer it will be before you can realize your larger goals.

There is and likely won’t ever be a perfect time to get started. Now is the best time to get started. Face it; time that you lose through procrastination can’t ever be recovered. It all gives a new meeting to the phrase,” I can’t wait… “, because no statement could be more true. When it comes to living your life fully and developing relationships, You Can’t Wait! None of us can.