Thursday, March 15, 2012

Chicago The Great!: New online network, Watch312.com, showcases the city's top offerings


Wild On Chicago!: Watch312.com show hosts, 
Candace Jordan, D.C. Crenshaw, and 
Tatiana Garrett featured in CS Magazine

On January 26, well-dressed guests braved one of Chicago’s crispest nights of the year to attend the launch party of Watch312.com, a network of online shows that provides a visual smorgasbord of best-of’s, how-to’s and behind-the-scenes footage. Revelers toasted to the new network and mixed and mingled with show hosts that included Candace Jordan, Amanda Puck, D.C. Crenshaw, Chef Rick Gresh, and others.

Nearly eight weeks later, Luxe File checks in with the network's team of spirited hosts who are giving viewers around the globe an easy-armchair-look at everything - from top chef chats and wow-worthy patisserie preparation to best brunch spots and cult-following fundraisers - that makes our fair metropolis memorable, one episode at a time. 

Here, they talk about their shows, the perks of being an online show host, what they're doing when the cameras aren't rolling, and what they love most about Chicago.


D.C. Crenshaw

Tell us a little about your online show, Chicago Unplugged, and what viewers can expect when they tune in. Chicago Unplugged shows viewers what’s new and hot on the food scene. I’ll also be attending some of the best food events in the city and frequenting new restaurant openings.

 Little Slice of Heaven: 
Bar Toma pizza

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share? Interviewing the famed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the Pump Room; going behind-the-scenes with Spiaggia’s Executive Chef Tony Mantuano at his new restaurant, Bar Toma; drinking beer with former White Sox star Frank Thomas at the launch of his Big Hurt Beer; and dining on waygu beef with golf legend, Greg Norman.

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? Taping is quick so we can shoot several episodes in a week or two plus we can reach anyone in the world 24/7, which you can’t do on a cable network.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? I get to eat, and eat and eat! I also get to know some really cool people on a more personal level. Of course, being invited to different restaurants to sample their menus isn’t a bad thing either.

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? I have to start with the restaurants – we are one of the top three cities in the world when it comes to great restaurants. I love how people appreciate the city and take advantage of the outdoors when we have good weather. I also like that Chicagoans are so passionate about their sports teams and support them to the end.

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Tavernita and the newly-renovated Pump Room are cool places to have dinner and cocktails. I’d also recommend Chicago Cut, River North’s popular Union Sushi, or one of the twenty varieties of pizza at Bar Toma in the Gold Coast.

 The Pump Room

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? Winter.

What are you doing when you're not hosting Chicago Unplugged? Spending time with my family and my 8-week-old son, Cruz, and working on a number of projects including the launch of my new Wansas ultra premium tequila (due out this spring).


Tatiana Garrett

Tell us a little about your online show, Chicago Tails, and what viewers can expect when they tune in. My show takes viewers on a weekly exploration of all things pertaining to pets. See local celebrities with their pets, discover services and locales that cater to animal lovers, and learn about some important animal welfare issues, too.

Diet & Fitness expert, Andrea Metcalf, 
and her bulldog, Wrigley

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share? Talking to Scottie Pippen and Derrick Rose about how the Chicago Bulls are helping pit bulls; spending time with Ted Brunson, host of Chicago’s Best and America’s Best Bites; and doing PAWsilates with Andrea Metcalf (above) and some adorable pooches.

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? In addition to hosting Chicago Tails, I am the Director of Community Outreach for The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago’s oldest and largest private nonprofit animal welfare organization. The show allows the message of empathy and compassion to animals to be spread across the world without any limits.

 Puggie Love

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? Watch312.com launched on January 26 and it’s been amazing to be part of the “family” with such extraordinary people like Candace Jordan, Amanda Puck, D.C. Crenshaw, and Rick Gresh to name just a few. Getting my first press pass and using it for a Bulls game was awesome – that was an experience I won’t forget. 

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? I love this city! The food, culture, and history are all so near and dear to my heart including the lush green, outdoor spaces, the dog parks, and beaches.    

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Check in frequently with Watch312.com – all the new restaurants and hot spots will be featured. Chicago Tails is also planning segments on how to travel with pets, pet-friendly bars & eateries, posh pet services, and fun events like Bark in the Park, a dog-friendly 5K walk on May 5th benefitting The Anti-Cruelty Society.

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? While I’m blessed to meet and work with so many caring and compassionate people who’ve made it their mission to rescue animals, there is still many cases of animal cruelty in this city. By raising public awareness and teaching empathy and compassion for all living beings, we can help end the violence.

What are you doing when you're not hosting Chicago Tails? I love attending cultural events and lectures as well as trying new restaurants with friends. I’m into unique sporting events and have two plunges under my belt for the Lakeview Polar Bear Club. I also participate in City Chase and the Urban Assault Ride every summer. Traveling is also a serious passion of mine!


Rick Gresh

Tell us a little about your online show, Chef City with Rick Gresh, and what viewers can expect when they tune in. The show offers a behind-the-scenes look into the kitchens, and lives, of Chicago’s most renowned chefs.

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share? Not yet because we’re still finalizing the first season of shows but there’s a few episodes I’m looking forward to shooting including: fishing with Giuseppe Tentori from GT Fish & Oyster; a Golf Challenge where viewers will have the chance to win dinner for two; and cooking with chefs in their home kitchens.

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? Getting to learn so much about Chicago. Everyone I've worked with has been fantastic and loves what we’re showcasing.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? Access to restricted areas and getting to eat superb cuisine with Chicago's leading culinaires.

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? The culinary scene, Lake Michigan, and neighborhood hangouts. I also enjoy having a beer or cocktail on an outdoor patio with friends or attending a Cubs game.

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? The city is beautiful in the summer so check out the popular outdoor venues like Millennium Park and Wrigley Field or enjoy a long walk along the lakefront – Chicago boasts ones of the best beaches in the Midwest.

Model Player: Victoria Secret's Marisa Miller 
at Wrigley Field

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? The transportation system – the expressways can get way too congested.

Mint! A 1972 Super Beatle

What are you doing when you're not hosting Chef City with Rick Gresh? Riding “Betty”, the motorcycle I built last year, or building custom furniture in my wood shop. I also like spending time in the garden, restoring my ‘72 Super Beetle, or brewing homemade beer.


Candace Jordan

Tell us a little about your online show, Candid Candace Chicago, and what viewers can expect when they tune in. Watch312.com is Chicago’s first online network connecting viewers to everything cool in the Windy City. There is something for everyone on this network. 

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share?  The segment I taped with The Herrick's, Ronald McDonald’s Ambassador family. Their young son, Max, had received a heart transplant when he was two years old but the medication caused him to develop cancers all over his little body. The last email from his mother was hopeless but today, he is almost cancer-free. I believe in miracles and it’s one of the best stories I have heard.

 Max Herrick: Cute and cancer-free

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? Talking to funny, fabulous people at some of the coolest parties, street fests, galas, fundraisers, and film premieres around town.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? Feeling like I’m part of a big, happy family with the same goals and aspirations. Everyone at Watch312.com is so dedicated and hard-working, it makes the job even more exciting and fun. 

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? First and foremost, I love the people. Then there’s the sheer beauty of this lovely city, once nicknamed “Paris on the Prairie.”

Paris on the Prairie: Design of Chicago from 
Daniel Hudson Burnham's "City Beautiful" plan 

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Chicago Gourmet, Navy Pier, Millennium Park’s skating rink, Randolph Street Market, Old Town Art Fair, architectural river cruises, Wrigley Field, and Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (one of the best in the country).

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? The taxis – they’re actually old city police cars so you feel like a criminal crammed in the backseat!

What are you doing when you're not hosting Candid Candace Chicago? (Laughing) Thinking about shows I WANT to host! 


Veronica & Mark Kwasigroch

Tell us a little about your online show, Dream Cakes, and what viewers can expect when they tune in? We’re a passionate, crazy husband-and-wife team that shows viewers how to make great recipes at home while having fun in the kitchen.

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share? Mark wearing his grandmother’s babushka while making polish cookies and me surprising him with a handful of powdered sugar in his face!

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? Having the opportunity to be ourselves and share what we love to do with others.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? Meeting and working with such interesting and talented people.

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? From its magnificent architecture, lush landscapes, and unique history to its diverse cultures and cuisines, Chicago is a city that truly has it all.

 SOFA Chicago

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Wendella Architectural Tours, Chicago Botanical Gardens, Ravinia, Air & Water Show, art fairs, Michigan Avenue, D’Arte on Milwaukee Avenue, Butterfly on Grand Street, Olive Park, and a trip to Whole Foods for dessert from Dream Cakes.

 From Olive Park with Love

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? The cold weather for me, and traffic and parking for Mark.

What are you doing when you're not hosting your show? I’m usually at the Dream Cakes Bakery and Mark teaches at Kendall College.


David Martin

Tell us a little about your online show, 4x4 with David Martin, and what viewers can expect when they tune in? I show viewers four things they don't know about an exciting place in Chicago or an event that's coming up.

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share? Going behind-the-scenes at The Shedd Aquarium. I had no idea how many hours the trainers put in with the dolphins.

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? My favorite part is getting a first-hand look at Chicago’s top attractions and events.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? Getting paid to talk too much and getting to know many local celebrities.

 Skyline Spectacular!

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? I love the skyline and Chicago's diversity. I’ve traveled a lot and I can say Chicago's nightlife is second to none.

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Navy Pier, The Shedd Aquarium, and Wrigleyville. For dining, you can't go wrong eating at Pegasus in Greek Town or at Mike Ditka's restaurant.

 Beautiful Beast: Dolphin-training 
at the Shedd Aquarium

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? The winter weather.

What are you doing when you're not hosting 4x4 with David Martin? I'm on the air at WVON 1690 as a News and Traffic anchor from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.


Amanda Puck

Tell us a little about your online show, dish IT! with Amanda Puck, and what viewers can expect when they tune in. dish IT! with Amanda Puck is basically my life – people are always asking me where should I go for great sushi, what new place should I try – so we just get our amazing camera crew ready and go hit the town in search of the answers.

 Man, that shucks! GT Fish & Oyster's 
Giuseppe Tentori and the 2012 Jean Blanchet 
"Chef of the Year" winner

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? I tried to shuck an oyster with Chef Giuseppe Tentori at GT Fish & Oyster – damn those oysters are tough! His team are amazing shuckers! 

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? I love that the shows can be viewed whenever you have time, and most shows are under ten minutes.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? Going around town, trying all the great food Chicago dishes up. Everyone has been so great and welcoming. I love the Chicago hospitality.

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? The cuisines, the variety of restaurants and the FUN!

 What Lola Wants: Aviary's "Porthole" cocktail

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Try a Chicago hot dog then cocktails at Aviary.

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? Not a THING!

What are you doing when you're not hosting dish IT! with Amanda Puck? Eating, and most likely drinking!

Lonnell Williams
OverexposureTV
(Pictured second from left)

Tell us a little about your online show, OverexposureTV, and what viewers can expect when they tune in. Our show is different than the others in that we have a cadre of talented hosts. Each of us is a specialist in a different area, ranging from entertainment and journalism to hacking and technology.

OverexposureTV focuses on technology and the environment and how both influence our lives and the world around us.

 Ferrari Fiorano 599 GTB: 
What "Hey, it's just money" looks like

Any memorable stand-out moments you'd like to share? Getting behind the wheel of a $260,000 Ferrari Fiorano and meeting then-gubernatorial candidate, Rahm Emanuel.

What is your favorite part about being an online TV show host? The amenities. Getting two ubiquitous reactions when I tell people what I do and seeing people get excited when I say the show is online – I really feel that energy. I'm blessed to be a part of this creative endeavor.

Hosting an online show sounds like an exciting gig! What are some of the perks? The ability to engage with a global audience at ground level. For instance, I enjoy being able to travel to a place like Berlin and talk to friends who have seen OverexposureTV, answer their questions about the show or Chicago, and then synthesize that conversation into bits of knowledge for forthcoming episodes. 

 Chicago Green: City Hall's 20,300-square-foot "green roof"

Watch312.com is all about showcasing the best Chicago has to offer. What are some of the things you love most about our city? Chicago’s competitive posture in becoming a globally-renowned,  'green city'. Already ranked amongst the nation's top ten greenest cities, Chicago boasts some really cool green hotels, restaurants, and museums. It's really something to brag about.

What are some of the top destinations, events, restaurants, and attractions you would recommend viewers try? Willis Tower’s Skydeck, Karyn's on Green, Millennium Park’s Monday Nights in the Park and Grant Park Music Festival, and Garfield Park Conservatory.

If you could change one thing about Chicago, what would it be? Reducing the city’s automobile dependence and making it more bike-friendly. I’d also like to be able to jog and bike year round.

What are you doing when you're not hosting OverexposureTV? I'm working on a music video for a talented Chicago music producer who goes by the name “The North”. It employs galactic visual effects, stylized costuming, fluid choreography, and some cool sets. It's one of those things where every time you read the script, you get goose bumps.

Photo of Amanda Puck courtesy of Helena Rafeyan

Posted by Kerry & Sally Shorr

1 comment:

  1. Oh I loved this article! So fun to see where Chicago celebs/chefs like to go. I still need to get over to GT Fish & Oysters!

    ReplyDelete