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).
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!
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
