Global Race for the Cure

Araceli recently ran Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure in Rome, Italy just as she had many times before in the states. When asked what the difference between the two races was, she responded with, “It [breast cancer] is an issue that affects women all over the world and seeing it in Italy reaffirms the fact that no woman is exempt. You realize that much more just how important it is to find a cure… The turnout was amazing.”

And, according to a Susan G. Komen spokesperson Araceli caught up with, the organization is expanding to other countries as well, while implementing a name change. The new “Global Race for the Cure,” which commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the organization’s race, debuted on June 6, 2009 in Washington D.C. With more than 45,000 participants hitting the capital’s streets, the race raised $4.3 million to “fund breast cancer programs for the medically under served throughout the National Capital Area and abroad.” The race featured breast cancer survivors from more than 18 countries, with support from notable speakers, including Dr. Jill Biden, an advocate for breast education and health.

I had the fortunate opportunity to volunteer at a race in my hometown a few years ago. For those of you who’d like to attend a race, volunteer, or make a donation, consult the 2009 Calendar of locations. For more information, visit the organization's website.

Whole Foods Midwest Mecca

The third largest Whole Foods in the world opened in Lincoln Park, Chicago on Wednesday, May 20. Located on 1550 N. Kingsbury, its relocation from the former North Avenue and Sheffield store comes with 75,000 square feet of improvements, making it an organic food Mecca in the Midwest. The exciting opening kicked off with a speech by Mayor Daley, and loyal customers arriving surprised as they were re-directed from their usual route and store. Maggie Bahler, the executive marketing coordinator for Whole Foods’ Midwest region explained that while it took just over a year to build, its been in the works for more than eight!

Third in size to Kensington, England and Austin Lamar locations, the site includes 400 free parking spaces, bike racks, and digitally enhanced check-out lines (think flat screens), with not one but two levels of outdoor seating overlooking the Chicago River, including Wi-Fi and views of the Sears Tower. “With this beautiful weather, you can even kayak to the South Loop Whole Foods if you wanted too,” said Bahler. While a beautiful space indeed, Bahler could not prepare me for what was to be found inside.

The locally-conscious store sells their usual Whole Foods groceries galore, with their organic private label products like 365 and the infamous bulk bars of olives, dried fruit, beans, trail mix, granola, and whole wheat pasta. However, every section is bigger and better, with more variety and hype. There’s the “1550 Brew,” a bar brewing Allegro tea and coffee during the day and serving beer and wine at night. And, if there’s anything I learned from first sight, it’s that every item has its own bar. There’s even a seafood bar, which bakes fish made to order, with a self-serve buffet of calamari, shrimp and shellfish while you wait.

And if you like to eat while you shop, the “Chicago Eats” section includes Windy City staple restaurants: Taylor Street Italian, Wicker Park Subs, Pilsen Taqueria, Lincoln Park Chocolates, Lincoln Park Gelato, Chicago Smokehouse and Rotisserie, and Riverview Dine-In. The sushi-to-go station at Asian Express cooks stir-fry and Vietnamese right before your eyes, while Da’Vine, the wine and cheese bar, includes more seating for laptops and Wi-Fi customers. Bahler recommends heading over to the bakery, where international cookies like macaroons, kalaczi, biscotti, fortune cookies, and shortbread are all cooked with the finest products of the Midwest. The store also includes the largest (and most unique) Whole Body section of soaps, lotions, oils, clothes, and an exclusive baby needs section, all made with locally-conscious ingredients.

Now that you’ve crossed your morning coffee, tea, grocery shopping, lunch, dinner, body goods and baby care off your list, the evening is free to spend at a cooking class taught upstairs! Customers can sign up for the Taste and Travel Series: Italy, India and Israel (the featured class for June). But before you leave, don’t forget to pick up a catering menu, Chicago Eats brochure and the May & June event calendar, as this Whole Foods Mecca will be your everyday summer getaway.

Rome, Angels and Demons World Premiere

By Araceli Cardenas-Bon

ROME - The cast of “Angels & Demons” graced the red carpet in Rome, Italy for its World Premiere last night, at Auditorium Parco della Musica, a theater located about a mile away from St. Peter’s Basilica.

The film, about a secret society trying to take over Rome, and, the Vatican, is a thriller based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel. Sequel to “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels & Demons” features Tom Hanks as symbologist Robert Langdon trying to save the Vatican from an ancient religious group, “the Illumanti,” from committing a terrorist attack.

Despite restrictions, Sony theatres managed to recreate a glitzy premiere with decorated angel and demon statues, and Swiss guards welcoming cast members, Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor and Ayelet Zurer. And of course, director Ron Howard and author Dan Brown.

Expected to hit theatres worldwide soon (and in the U.S. May 15, 2009), the film made media headlines after the Vatican was accused of “exerting its’ influence by interfering with shooting permits in the Eternal City” - a charge the Vatican strongly denies as a “fabricated publicity stunt.”

Regardless of the controversy, Howard reminded attendees & fans alike, “Despite all that’s been said, remember that it’s just a film.” With that in mind, we tried interviewing one of the Swiss guards. But, it seems the Vatican has cast its’ spell. Oh well! We settled for Dan’s Brown autograph instead!