Sip With Me

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

Soldier Field is one of the most recognized and iconic Chicago landmarks. And many of you have likely been to a Bears game there, or perhaps a Taylor Swift concert! What you might not think about when you visit is that the stadium has hosted numerous historic figures like MLK Jr. and NATO, and has had a far reaching impact on the Chicagoland economy for decades. We sat down with Luca Serra, Director of Marketing & PR for Soldier Field, to discuss what it takes to run a 63,500 seat stadium! He shares some of the rich 100+ year history of the stadium and discusses its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Learn about the “it takes a village” mentality he and his team need when it comes to pulling off a wide array of highly visible events, and learn about some of the economic impacts the stadium has on Chicago. Plus, hear about some of the current and future trends they see in the event, sport, and concert industries.  We end with rapid fire and learn about the time Luca met Obama, what concert he’s looking forward to this summer, and what his go-to food and beverage order are at the stadium!  UPCOMING EVENTS & TICKETS: https://www.soldierfield.com/events/all MORE STADIUM HISTORY: https://www.soldierfield.com/stadium-info/about BOOK A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE: https://www.soldierfield.com/private-events Follow them on Instagram (@soldierfield): https://www.instagram.com/soldierfield/?hl=en

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/

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.

Raise your hand if Garrett Popcorn or Frango Chocolate are part of your Holiday traditions? Everyone should have a hand raised! The Holidays are here, so that means Ioanna and Aaron dedicate every waking thought to food.   Two timeless Chicago classics that are especially relevant during Christmastime are these two iconic delicacies. Family-owned by Garrett Brands, the company is responsible for delivering high quality holiday smiles and passing down memories that have been in Chicago families for generations. Whether you were first enticed by the smell of their signature caramel corn drifting down Michigan Ave or if Frango has been a tradition in your family since grandma first took you to Marshall Field’s, nearly every Chicagoan has a story to tell when it comes to these treats. We welcome Megan and Lindsay of Garrett Brands to pop us a bag of freshly caramelized history behind the products and to give us a peek into what they have “FRANgoing” on this holiday season. IN THIS EPISODE: History- Learn about how Garrett Popcorn started as a competition among family to create the best caramel corn! And discover how Frango traveled to Chicago from Seattle. Quality- Hear about the cooking process that sets the popcorn apart. And find out some of the many flavor combinations you can get these days at a Garrett Popcorn Shop! Tradition- Find out how Frango Chocolate became a staple in so many homes during the holidays. And hear about their gorgeous new chocolate boxes that you’ll want to display on your mantle. Fun Facts- Did you know the famous “Garrett Mix” (also dubbed by some fans as the Chicago Mix) was created by customers! Chicago Values- We love a family business that cares about Chicagoland. Hear about “Garrett Cares” and what the company does to give back to the city that makes them who they are. All this and so much more on today’s episode! Megan & Lindsay are so fun so this is definitely a must-listen episode! Garrett Brands ships nationwide! Shop, gift, or ship Garrett Popcorn and Frango Chocolate at: https://www.garrettpopcorn.com And follow them on Instagram: @GARRETTPOPCORN @FrangoChocolate

The Chicago Botanic Garden is the place to be, especially during their holiday “Lightscape” experience. Their 385 acres of pristine natural beauty in northern Cook County are transformed into an immersive journey that utilizes light, color, and sound to transport guests into realms of holiday beauty. Ioanna and Aaron went and said it gave “Disney nighttime fireworks show meets virtual reality meets North Pole wonder”. With individual installations by artists from around the world, every corner you turn will have a new surprise that will make dance, laugh, or stare in contemplation. We chat with Jodi from the Gardens to learn more about what Lightscape has to offer Chicagoland visitors this year. Plus, she gives us a BTS look into how long it takes to prep for the magnificent show. And, learn more about the Chicago Botanic Garden and all it has to offer year round. Visit https://www.chicagobotanic.org to see pictures and purchase tickets! It is HIGHLY recommended you book early as some nights are already selling out! The show runs through January 7th and is perfect for families, couples, or friends. They’re hot cocoa for the kids and fun holiday cocktails for the adults! Follow them @ChicagoBotanic and visit our Instagram to see our experience at Lightscape!

The Original Caramel Apple is celebrating its 75th birthday! This October, bite into one of the nation’s favorite fall treats and fill your heart with the nostalgia that is the Affy Tapple brand. This delicious treat has filled hearts & homes since 1948, and still does today using the same caramel recipe from way back when! Dipped in everything from Christmas sprinkles to the classic peanut coating, there’s a variety for any time of the year. The team at Affy Tapple joins us to share the rich history behind this iconic Chicago brand. Hear how the caramel apple came to be and discover why they got their unique “Affy Tapple” name. Plus, we discuss how they make so many caramel apples, where they source their apples, and what fun products you can get Halloween, Christmas, and beyond! You can find Affy Tapple at your local Chicagoland grocer, or visit their online store to ship them to your loved ones around the country! Follow them on Instagram: @affytapple Shop or Ship Affy Tapple: https://www.affytapple.com Visit our Instagram to see exclusive footage from our behind scenes Affy Tapple HQ tour!

Come with us to Chicago’s premier antique market, a two-day event hosted by the fabulous Sally Schwartz and her team at Image Pilots. Browse indoor and outdoor vendors at this European-style vintage and antique festival. Established well before we were born, the market has been a national favorite among tastemakers and designers. Stroll through hundreds of booths and you never know what treasure you will find! Sally Schwartz joins us for a lively conversation about how it all began years ago, and how trends have evolved overtime. Plus, learn about why vintage is so trendy right now and what makes antiques worth collecting. For more info on the upcoming Holiday Randolph Street Market (November 18-19) visit: https://randolphstreetmarket.com/ Follow the Market for announcements and sneak peeks: @randolphmarket See our experience at the market on Instagram @sipwithme_

This week, Celebrity Private Chef Brooke Baevsky, also known as “Chef Bae”, takes us into the kitchen to tell us all about her fascinating career and some of the viral content she’s created. She’s known for her day-in-the-life videos, shopping at Erewhon, a viral $2000 dollar pizza, and so much more! She does it all, from shopping for her clients to crafting the tastiest recipes that meet even the most strict allergen/nutritional needs. We chat about a day in the life of a celeb chef, what inspires her extravagant meals, and so much more! We finish the episode with a round of rapid fire where we find out her favorite food, go-to seasoning, and dream client! For this week’s cocktail, we're featuring a fall inspired mocktail, The Magic Apple, which comes from Town & Country Mag. It’s the perfect mocktail to sip on as we make our way into our favorite season, fall! Link is in our Instagram bio! To book Brooke’s services or find out more about what she offers, visit her website: https://itschefbae.com/ And follow her on social: @chefbae Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefbae/ Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@chefbae Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itschefbae

Put on your fave overalls and goodwill tee because today we’re getting down and dirty with Mr. Kate! Famous design duo  Kate and Joey share everything design, decor, and DIY on their channel. You can find super helpful renovation tips, design inspo, and the behind the scenes from some of their celebrity space makeovers! They’ve earned almost 4 million subs on YouTube alone! They have transformed the homes of YouTube celebrities like Jeffree Star, James Charles, the Dolan twins, and the list goes on! They've launched their very own furniture line, and really inspired both Ioanna and I with design of Ioanna’s first home in Lincoln Park! Join us as we chat their process, relationship, the ups and downs of design, and so much more! Plus, a peek into what they’ve been working on! They’re vulnerable, they’re quirky, they’re loving, they’re Mr. Kate! Follow them @mrkate and shop their lines at https://linktr.ee/mrkate In place of a cocktail this week, please support fellow Hawaiians impacted by the devastating Maui fires by donating: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/maui

Bekah Wriedt is a chicago-based fashion and lifestyle photographer who shot our GORGEOUS, pink Sip with Me photos earlier this year. We feel the need to brag about how good she is by having her on the show to share her story, tips for getting your photos taken, and what it was like working with us… We hear about how she found her passion through the lens and what her journey has been like building a name for herself. She gives us some tips to use during our next photo shoot and reveals all the tea about shooting us, a Virgo & Chaotic Capricorn. To see her work, including our pics, and to book her for your next personal or business shoot, visit her website: https://www.bekahwriedt.com/ 📸: @bekahwriedt

The day after Ioanna’s wedding last summer, we ambitiously aired an episode of Sip With Me while we were still recovering from the Greek tradition of dancing all night and breaking plates. It was iconic because our guest was an icon, Melissa Andre, Founder of Melissa Andre Design Co. and, according to our episode title from last year, a “Château Innovator”. She’s planned events for the most “A” of the “A-List” celebs and has a vision for creation that is unmatched in today’s event planning market. Melissa is BACK to get all the tea from Ioanna & Aaron about the wedding, including the good, the bad, and the juicy drama. Plus, Melissa tells us about how wedding & event season 2023 is shaping up when compared to the record smashing, post-pandemic social palooza that was 2022. Literally our social batteries are still fried! And, Melissa gets a brilliant idea for a podcast, which we are manifesting and would love to invest in once we ever make a penny from Sip With Me. We finish with a hilarious update on the Château and Melissa tells us what a pain in the a** renovations can be. We truly love Melissa and her support of our show has meant the world! Give her a follow @melissaandre and visit the link in our Instagram bio to check out her work! Melissa, we’ll see you soon for some Pilates reformer and gossip!!

Sheena Melwani is a media personality, but not one who went down this path on purpose. With musical roots, Sheena has always been known for her amazing voice, and in 2020, her and her husband @therealindiandad went viral, forming their iconic “interrupted series”. Today, approaching 10 million TikTok followers, Sheena and her husband continue to make people laugh through positivity and joy, and Sheena continues to bless us all with her angelic voice, including her EP “Find Your Happy” and some amazing collabs with global performers. Sheena joins us to discuss her rise to fame, longtime passion for music, and her recent EP. Plus, we talk about about how nerves to perform are SO real! And, we get a motivational pep talk on how to truly “find your happy”. We end with rapid fire, during which we learn a truly iconic bagel connection between Ioanna and Sheena! In place of a cocktail, we share our go-to bagel orders! Follow Sheena on Instagram @sheenamelwani and visit her website to stream her music www.sheenamelwani.com