Singled Out (Part 3): Meet 17 of the most notable single-for-the-moment Chicagoans

Spotlighting the city's star singles may not sound like an easy task but once you see who we've selected, the choice was simple. Here's a round-up of our favorite leading ladies! (Listed alphabetically)

Elysabeth Alfano
Creator/Executive Producer/Host, "Fear No ART" & "The Dinner Party"

Blogger, The Huffington Post

Nest: East Rogers Park

Girls just want to have fun and that usually includes dinner and a show. The brainchild of The Huffington Post Arts & culture writer, Elysabeth Alfano, "The Dinner Party" is a monthly intimate affair which brings Chicagoans together for good food, wine, and memorable performances, all in front a live audience. Grab a ticket to this ultra-cool dinner event and score a seat next to Alfano (if you can) - you’re in for one hell of a party.  

Describe your job in 140 characters: Creator, Executive Producer, and Host of two TV-web shows, "Fear No ART" and "The Dinner Party"; and blogger on art, culture, food, and travel for The Huffington Post.

Your proudest personal or professional accomplishment: Launching my first show, "Fear No ART", on WTTW was really exciting.

Joyce & Jeremy Piven on "Fear No ART"

What do you do when you want to impress someone: Speak French. Êtes-vous impressionné?

What is your favorite activity: Long walks anywhere in the world.

Your Hollywood/Historical crush: Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp

Describe your dream guy in three words: Wicked smart, keenly exploratory, and super funny.

Pretty Tomboy

The one little secret you would never divulge to a guy, but your mother/BFF gladly would: I’m secretly a tomboy who loves to be surrounded by nature.

Name one item on your bucket list: Climb Annapurna in the Himalayas.

Andrea Barraco 
Sales Manager, David Sutherland Inc.
Nest: Printer’s Row

Making a memorable first impression is Andrea Barraco’s day job. As the sales manager and style authority for David Sutherland Inc., Barraco keeps clients sitting pretty from the idyllic love nest to the chic corner office. And when she’s not showcasing the good life, she is out painting the town platinum – from the Wit Roof to the Pump Room – or anywhere with a glamorous view of the world.  

Describe your job in 140 characters: Sell multi-line collections of the world’s finest furniture, fabric, and accessories to residential and hospitality design markets.

Your proudest personal or professional accomplishment: Changing my career path so I could use my creativity to help others.

Hot Green Crush: Kermit the Frog 

Your Hollywood/Historical crush: Kermit the Frog. He’s cute, down-to-earth, and easy going.

You’re feeling romantic. How do you like to set the mood: Light Voluspa vanilla candles, open a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, and snuggle in front of a fire with someone special.

Describe your dream guy in three words: Affectionate, loyal, and intelligent.

Room with a VIEW: NoMI Kitchen

Favorite first-date romantic destination: A restaurant with a spectacular view, great food, and wine.

First date uniform: 

A flirty dress and hot heels.

Name one item on your bucket list: Front row at The Oscars. 

Jen Fite

Partner, Frontera Grill

Nest: Chicago

Frontera Grill partner and Rick Bayless’ loyal right hand, Jen Fite’s role in helping Chicago’s leading (top) chef turn his award-winning, Mexican-inspired dishes into a formidable branding empire has made her a who’s who in the intimate world of A-list restaurateurs. Whether she’s hosting an epicurean media dinner, promoting a new cookbook, or sourcing the freshest farm-to-table ingredients, this 5'11" food aficionado is keeping cool even as she’s helping set the culinary world on fire.

Describe your job in 140 characters: I work for a celebrity chef and manage his press, appearances, and events. I also handle television, book projects, and marketing to promote the Frontera brand.

What personal trait gives you the most confidence: My sense of humor.

Cher: Idol and Icon

If you could cast anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be: Cher. She has been my idol since I was a little girl. I grew up in the 1970’s, she was it for me.

Describe your dream guy in three words: Tall, hilarious, and confident.

You've been invited to participate in a Bachelorette auction. Describe your ideal date package: Drinks at NoMI Garden, dinner at Spiaggia, and dessert at ¡Bang! Bang Pie Shop in Logan Square.

 ¡Bang! Bang pie

The one little secret you would never divulge to a guy, but your mother gladly would: That I have a softer heart than I let on.

 

Couples LOVE Cabo

Favorite first-date romantic destination: Cabo. Would that be weird for a first date?

Lee Litas

Dining & Trend Columnist

Chicago Sun-Times

Nest: Chicago

We were rocked to the toes of our Manolos when the role of “Newspaper Reporter” won a not-so coveted spot on CareerCast’s “10 Worst Jobs of 2012”. Really, what J-school grad wouldn’t swap their Montblanc for a stab at being the next Helen Thomas? Of course, having the glamorous gig of reporting about must-attend events and gastronomic destinations wouldn’t hurt either. Enter Lee Litas, a modern day, raven-haired Brenda Starr with a penchant for scooping glamorous, “wish-you-could-be-here” parties, uncovering nascent trends, and dishing up cuisine culture in the Chicagoland area. Can we be your plus one?

Describe your job in 140 characters: Columnist and photographer for the Chicago Sun-Times’ "Splash" section; and columnist for STM/Pioneer Press’ "Table Hopping" and "Lee's Social Studies" columns.

Editor's Essential

Your proudest personal or professional accomplishment: Being a published writer.

What do you do when you want to impress someone: Listen intently.

Your Hollywood/Historical crush: Gabriel Macht

Knock! Knock! Who's There?: 
Gabriel Macht

Describe your dream guy in three words: Intelligent, sensual, and present.

The one little secret you would never divulge to a guy, but your mother/BFF gladly would: That I am really clumsy.

¡Che bello!: Carnevale di Venezia

Name one item on your bucket list: Festivale in Venice in full costume.

If you could cast anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be: Kate Beckinsale

Mel Muoio

Stylist/Marketing Manager, Element Collective

Nest: Wicker Park

Blessed with supermodel good looks, a killer style sense and brains to boot, Mel Muoio (pronounced “Mu-o”) spends her creative hours handling the marketing for Element Collective hospitality group. When she’s not grabbing the spotlight for Element restaurant concepts like Nellcôte and RM Champagne Salon, Muoio pens for the Chicago edition of UrbanDaddy.

Describe your job in 140 characters: Handling Element Collective’s marketing and working as a fashion stylist.

Everyone has that someone that got away. What you’ll miss LEAST about him: Nobody is perfect but if I were to start the list it would not be pretty.

Your Hollywood crush: James Franco

Mix designer jeans and

vintage jewelry for a perfect 

first impression! #MuoioZoe

Describe your first date uniform: Jeans, stilettos, t-shirt, and my favorite vintage accessories.

Pick up line you would NEVER utter: "Want to go home with me?" I’ve never been a one-night stand kind of girl.

Jay-Z serenades Beyonce at 

Coachella Music Festival

If you could serenade someone, what song would it be: Anything by Jay-Z.

You’ve been invited to participate in a Bachelorette auction. Describe your ideal date package: A delicious taco-and-movie date.

Sexy Mama: Marisa Miller 

rocking her granny panties

The one little secret you would never divulge to a guy, but your mother/BFF gladly would: I wear granny panties on Sundays. 

Elena Samokhina

Consultant

Mila Samokhina Photography

Nest: Lakeview

As the marketing consultant for Mila Samokhina, Chicago’s “It Girl” of fashion photographers, Elena Samokhina is used to swimming in a sea of pretty faces. When she’s not sipping champagne with this month’s “girl next door” cover model, she’s kick-boxing off calories from last night’s red carpet charity fundraiser.

Describe your job in 140 characters: Create the strategy for expansion and coordinate marketing.

Your proudest personal or professional accomplishment: I completed an Olympic distance triathlon last year and am looking to improve my time this year.

Fitness Tip #0484: Kicking butt 

has great health benefits

What is your favorite activity: Kick-boxing and cooking.

Your Hollywood/Historical crush: Jason Statham. There is something so confident and masculine about him.

Jason Statham: Definition of SEXY

Describe your dream guy in three words: Confident, intelligent, and funny.

Favorite first-date romantic destination: Golf. You really get to know people outside of their comfort zones.

Fore!: Keep romance on course

Name one item on your bucket list: Play a round of golf at St. Andrews.

LeeAnn Trotter
Entertainment & Lifestyle Reporter, WMAQ-TV NBC 5 Chicago
Nest: South Loop

Don’t be surprised when you first meet LeeAnn Trotter – razor smart and pretty, the pint-sized package is amazon tall on talent. When the NBC 5 reporter isn’t accruing accolades (she’s already got one Emmy to her credit) or playing emcee for one of her favorite charities, Trotter's keeping her fans’ hedonistic side satiated with glamorous event coverage and smart interviews with the city’s talented citizenry.

Describe your job in 140 characters: I report on fun things to do around town, celebrities who visit Chicago, and human interest stories.

Your proudest personal or professional accomplishment: I debunked the naysayers who said I would have to go to a smaller market before I could get an on-air reporting job in Chicago. There was no way I was leaving Chicago, and I never did.

If you could cast anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be: Maya Rudolph or Rashida Jones. Both are beautiful, strong women who are also funny.

Laugh Riot: Rashida Jones

Describe your dream guy in three words: Funny, thoughtful, and spiritual.

The one little secret you would never divulge to a guy, but your mother gladly would: I once forgot my ex-husband’s name. If I forget yours, please don't be offended.

Favorite first-date romantic destination: A picnic on the lake or a classical music concert.

 Rev up the romance with a lakefront picnic

Your Hollywood crush: Alec Baldwin

You’re feeling romantic. How do you like to set the mood: Pop an unexpected kiss on his neck or gaze deeply into his eyes.

Awe-some!: Skip the Grand Canyon's 

dated donkey tour and hit the skywalk instead

Name one item on your bucket list: See the Grand Canyon.

Photo Credits:
Photo of ¡Bang! Bang Pie courtesy of @ShannonDowney
Photo of Rashida Jones courtesy of Getty Images

Written by Kerry & Sally Shorr

Luxe File ♥s...Valentine's Day

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Luxe File Chicago caught up with a few of their favorite chefs - Jimmy Bannos Jr. (Purple Pig), John Coletta (Quartino), Dirk Flanigan (Henri), Kevin Hickey (Seasons), Ryan LaRoche (NoMI), Ryan Poli (Perennial) and Todd Stein (The Florentine) - to find out which of their sumptuous dishes they would recommend to kick your tastebuds into orgasmic overdrive and what were the most romantic dishes they ever prepared.

Jimmy Bannos Jr.

Purple Pig

If you're eating at the Purple Pig on Valentine's Day, Chef Bannos Jr. suggests: A bottle of Barolo; Salt Roasted Beets; Pork Liver Pate; Mussels with Pancetta, Marjoram and Creme Fraiche; Sicilian Iris, a Ricotta and Chocolate Chip filled Brioche then deep fried; and finish with Grappa.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared: I had to cancel our Valentine's Day reservations once at the last minute so I made us Bucatini all'Amatriciana and Nutella on Toasted Bread for dessert.

For a guy who grew up on his father's famous cajun food, we're sure his simple meal finished with a BANG!

For reservations, call 312-464-1744 or visit their website HERE.

John Coletta

Quartino

If you're eating at Quartino on Valentine's Day, Chef Coletta suggests: In addition to the daily menu, the restaurant is running a special promotion highlighting Branko and Colle Duga wines and popular dishes from the Fruili region including Prosciutto San Daniele with Roasted Leeks, Fresh Ricotta and a Fried Egg; Prosciutto San Daniele with a warm Potato Cake, Wild Baby Arugula and Horseradish; and Prosciutto San Daniele with creamy Polenta and Montasio Cheese. Dine at Quartino on Sunday, Feb 13 and Monday, Feb 14 and receive a complimentary glass of Juliet sparkling wine and chocolate-dipped, long-stemmed strawberries.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared: I prepared this meal for my wife while we were in Rome on a balcony overlooking the Spanish Steps. I paired sparkling Asti with Pecorino Romano, Honey and Fresh Figs; Baked Zucchini Flowers filled with Ricotta; Durum Wheat Spaghetti tossed with fragrant Porcini Mushrooms; Roasted Bone-In Skate Wing with lemon and Seared Pineapple topped with Vanilla Gelato for dessert.

Nothing spells "amore" like romantic al fresco dining and a breathtaking view.

For reservations, call 312-698-5000 or visit their website HERE.

Dirk Flanigan

Henri

If you're eating at Henri on Valentine's Day, Chef Flanigan suggests: Start with Bugey Cerdon; Oyster Gratinee, Pernod, Leek, Onion; Seared LeBelle Farms Foie Gras on Brioche Donut, Pickled Berries, Gastrique Powder; Puree of Roasted Carrot, Curry, Chilies, Pumpernickel; Charred Octupus, Caper, Pickles, Cucumber, Caramelized Yogurt, Blood Orange; Le Quebecois Veal Chop, Beet Puree, Swiss Chard, Mushroom Ricotta Cannoli; Smoking Lobster, Spicy Greens, Sweet Potato Puree, Butter and finish with Vanilla Souffle.

Have yet to indulge in French-American cuisine prepared by an Irish chef? You're in for a treat.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared: One of my most favorite meals I prepared for my wife was Veal and Ricotta Ravioli served in a Veal, Tomato and Parmesan Broth and topped with Microplaned Grana Padano.

For reservations, call 312-578-0763 or visit their website HERE.

Kevin Hickey

Seasons at Four Seasons Chicago

If you're eating at Seasons on Valentine's Day, Chef Hickey suggests: Start with a bottle of Dom Perignon by the fireplace (purchasing one will entitle you to a complimentary hotel suite) then enjoy an aphrodisiac filled dinner, starting with freshly Shucked Oysters and ending with warm Chocolate Fondue.

What you do in your suite upstairs is up to you.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared: While my wife and I were living in Dublin, we were hit with a huge snow storm. For dinner, I prepared a Turkey, Mashed and Candied Sweet Potatoes, and Apple Crumble for dessert. When we sat down to eat, the power went out. The only light in the apartment was from the candlelight and the moonlight reflecting off the snow outside.

For reservations, call 312-649-2349 or visit their website HERE.

Ryan LaRoche

NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago

If you're eating at NoMI on Valentine's Day, Chef LaRoche suggests: NoMI is temporarily closed for renovations but couples can book an overnight stay at the award-winning Park Hyatt Chicago, recently named one of the "World's Most Romantic Hotels by Travel + Leisure magazine. Indulge in intimate in-room dining, creatively prepared by our culinary team and the personalized bath butler service option.

An ideal setting for unleashing your inner Adonis and Aphrodite.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared: For me it's about simplicity. The most romantic meals with my fiancé are casual evenings at home with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon,

a warm Cassoulet,

and Molten Chocolate Cake. But the real icing on the cake is spending time together.

For

reservations

, call 312-335-1234 or visit their website HERE.

Ryan Poli

Perennial

If you're eating at the Perennial on Valentine's Day, Chef Poli suggests:

Don't put too much pressure on yourself or your loved one, this should be a no-stress day. G

uys should have all the plans already finalized so show up to Perennial and we will do the rest. R

emember to enjoy the company of your loved one.

Perennial's elegantly understated four-course Valentine's Day menu is romantic dining at its finest.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared: It was a surprise dinner at my place. I cooked all her favorite food and we ate on a candle-bedecked balcony. Afterward, we drank champagne and watched the sun set.

For

reservations

, call 312-981-7070 or visit their website HERE.

Todd Stein

The Florentine

If you're eating at The Florentine on Valentine's Day, Chef Stein suggests:

Start with something bubbly, either prosecco or Champagne. I would suggest the Hamachi Crudo, one of our incredible pasta (handcrafted in house) dishes, either Butternut Squash filled Caramelle or Squid Ink Spaghetti with Crab and Chilies. Trout with Rock Shrimp and Lobster Vinaigrette, or Chicken is perfect to share. Try the Ricotta Cheese Cake for dessert, it's lighter than air.

You may even hear angels singing.

Most romantic meal he ever prepared:

By far the most romantic meal I have cooked was for my then-girlfriend-now-fiancé. For our one year anniversary, I cooked a six-course meal which featured Tuna Crudo, Sweetbreads and Roasted Quail, to name a few. The most interesting part was the fact it was the first time I ever cooked for her at home. It went over very well!

For reservations, call 312-660-8866 or visit the website HERE.

Photo of Ryan LaRoche courtesy of Anthony Tahlier

Photos of Kevin Hickey and Seasons courtesy of Four Seasons Chicago

Posted by Kerry Shorr