After traveling and witnessing firsthand the level of poverty a huge population of the world lives in, it became difficult for me to attend luxurious events when I knew at the end of the night so much food was going to be thrown out while so many people were hungry elsewhere. I’ve been trying to be conscious about choosing to attend the kinds of events that are tied to a charity or non-profit organization and are truly doing good deeds for those not as fortunate.

One of my favorite food events of the year has raised nearly 1 million dollars since 2007 to support Chicago area charitable organizations: the Lynn Sage Foundation, Respiratory Health Organization and Saturday Place. I’ve attended the event in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 and each year is better than the next!

This year on November 9 nearly 50 restaurants and dozens of premium wine and spirits companies are participating in partnership with Wine Spectator Magazine in the amazing LuxeHome space in the Merchandise Mart. LuxeHome is the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation with 30 different boutiques all in one location. This event always gives me great decorating and interior design ideas for my apartment and future home. Haven’t you always wanted to sip an expensive Pinot Grigio while lounging on a marble tub?