Last night I went to the press reception for “Go to Puerto Rico,” an innovative event to encourage folks to travel to Puerto Rico. On a chilly, autumn night, when predictions included “chance of rain,” I packed my portable umbrella, notebook, pen and lipstick case and headed over to where I was supposed to be “transported” to Puerto Rico.

The event was inside the Shops at Northbridge, a mall at Grand and Michigan. Just before the main entrance to Nordstrom, I was directed to a cozy nook. There, a few tables to present Puerto Rican travel opportunities, a corner to try Puerto Rican coffee, and a place where chefs would soon demonstrate, where I could pick up recipes.

Transported to Puerto Rico, bah! I thought at first. This was a small room with tables and literature. Yet by staying, I slowly was transported.

A video wall showed continuous sights and events. I saw parades with characters’ figures, set atop people’s shoulders,  that waved large hands controlled by sticks the people held. I saw red-painted bridges, and beautiful waters, and more beautiful waters, and more parades.

Back in the coffee corner I met three gents who knew coffee: Andre, Jake and Neil. They worked in the coffee and catering industry, and knew Puerto Rican coffee. They offered tastes out of French presses, a medium and a dark blend. I chose the dark. It came in a tiny cup, and I returned to have it refilled a few times.

I watched Chicago native winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef” Stephanie Izard along with cookbook author and chef Giovanna Huyke, demonstrate how to make things with plantains and yucca. The two chefs had synergy; as if they were sisters. A Puerto Rican gent (or caballero) came around to offer tastes of their wares, including small, slightly sweet pancakes.

The point was, Puerto Rico was a short airplane ride away, and folks needed no passport to visit. And they offered tastes of why to visit.

I could practice my Spanish, I thought, and I could dance, dance, dance to Salsa and the likes.

Before I left, I took advantage of a chair massage that was offered. The poor fella offering it, did a fabulous job. He managed to prompt me to relax, as my thoughts went wild with ideas, of visiting Puerto Rico in the near future and of getting home to work tonight.

And, well, part of “work” is sharing this with you. The event goes on today and tomorrow. And to tell you about other Windy City weekend goings on. It’s always my pleasure, and if you have any questions I hope you don’t hesitate to contact me.

This wkd.:

—-”Transport to Puerto Rico” Take a zesty taste of Puerto Rico, at the Shops at Northbridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., today and tomorrow.

If you enter the North Michigan Avenue mall, folks along the halls will prompt you to visit the space by the Nordstrom main level entrance. Go ahead, watch a video wall showing Puerto Rican experiences, talk to folks about Puerto Rican travel opportunities, and taste Puerto Rican fare.

For more info, including times of chef cooking demonstrations, call (312) 670-6770.

—-”Dress Code,” Chicago Design Schools’ Show, in Millennium Park Chase Promenade North, tonight 7:30 p.m.

Runway models show the top students’ styles. For more info, call (312) 744-2400.

For info on Chicago Fashion Focus 2008, visit here.

—-Inventory Reduction Sale at The House of Glunz, 1206 N. Wells, through Oct. 5. Enjoy huge reductions of select wines. Taste some of them free, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Oct. 5.

For more info, call (312) 642-3000.

—-”A Fashion Performance” at the Chicago Cultural Center second floor Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 E. Randolph.

Designer-artist Alice Berry explores tensions between personal artistic expression and the biz of fashion. This event includes poetry readings and live models featuring her collections. Reservations are required; space is limited.

For more info, visit here or call (773) 384-7279.

Well, it was a good weekend, divided between writing and attending the first ever Chicago Gourmet event.

If it weren’t for my intention to write about things like Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park, I’d hardly leave my home office. I’d stay in and work on my stories, and I’d be a different person, paler, with glazed eyes and mussed hair, only raising the curtains to look out once in awhile, my eyes squinting at the natural light, wondering what folks were doing in the tangible world, off my paper and away from my word processing screen.

Not that I’m anti-social. Au contraire. I’m an extremist. If I’m home writing I am content to stay there and escape into the worlds I create. If I’m out, I relish in the places I choose to go — usually places to dance, to sip wine, to walk, and to meet people who dance and sip wine and imbibe in life.

It’s just that when I’m home writing it takes a nudge to get me out. Once out, voila! what a wonderful world ’tis!

So it was a good thing I went to Chicago Gourmet: A Celebration of Food and Wine, because I write about celebrating life and things like food and wine.

I was invited as a member of the press. I’d wanted to go to one of the event days, yet ended up going to all three.  Because I learned a little more about the event each day.

Friday night I attended the Opening Night Reception, the next day I attended a Grand Cru Tasting, and the third day I went to the Pritzker Pavilion lawn where the One Day Access and Two Day Access passes were used.

Chicago Gourmet tickets ranged from $30-$250, depending on what folks attened. The Opening Night reception was $250, the Whole Foods Family Center was $30, and the “Access Passes” started at $150 for a day.

Folks who had Access Passes were given a wine glass to take to the vitners, wineries, distributors and wine stores that had booths. They could attend chef’s demonstrations and author signings, and taste foods.

White tents framed the round Pritzker lawn, housing booths for tastings. Tasting and demonstration tables were set up also on the north side of the lawn, and tables and chairs were set along the south side.

I met interesting people, including tasters, a photographer from Deja Views, and folks in the wine industry. I stopped by The House of Glunz booth to see proprietress Barbara Glunz and her son Christopher, and to try the Alsacian wines they offered for taste.

The weather was lovely, sunny and warm the first two days and cloudy and warm the third. There was plenty room to roam, most people were friendly. I could talk to the folks offering the tastes, and learn.

At the end of Saturday and Sunday, I encountered the same security fellow; he was on a Segway and wore a white uniform. How did it go, I asked him both days. Well, he said, not too rowdy, not even close. Yet Sunday he was glad the event was ending and he was ready to go home.

The tickets are on the high end for events such as this. Yet, it gains way for folks who want to taste, vs. folks who want to drink. Chicago Gourmet offers ample wine and food tasting with little wait for a taste, plus chances to learn about what’s to taste and the people who present it.

It’s a chance to imbibe in a nice experience, along the Millennium Park landscape, and to take your time doing so. The event is civilized, and charming. It lured me back each day.

Now I’m back and writing, and gearing up for Halloween subjects throughout October. Boo!

Well, I’m not sure how much ghost hunting I’m going to do this time around. A girl can only do so much before getting the ghosts’ attention, and I’d like to keep things neat.

In other words, I like to talk about ghosts and even explore them, yet I’m not so comfortable mingling with them. Ah, well. I’ll keep you posted.

Wine lovers have very fun and tasty options this weekend, with food and wine tastings and an Oktoberfest celebration.

—The first ever Chicago Gourmet Celebration of Wine and Foodis in Millennium Park, near the Pritzker Pavilion, this weekend.  Top chefs and sommeliers share their expertise by offering tastings and demonstrations.

Tickets to Grand Cru Tastings 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and 3:30-5 p.m. Sept. 28  are $175. Tickets to the Whole Foods Family Village 11 a.m.-3p.m. Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 are $30.  For more info, visit here.

—The House of Glunz is having a sale on select bottles of wine now through Sept. 30. Some wines that are on sale will be available for tasting 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 27. For more info, visit here or call (312) 642-3000.

—Oktoberfest at Lynfred Winery, 15 S. Roselle Rd., in Roselle Ill., is 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 27 and noon-7 p.m. Sept. 28.

Enjoy a live polka band, grape stomping contests and barrel rolling contests. Lynfred wine is available, as well as roasted pork and all the fixings. Admission is free. For more info, visit here or call (888)298-WINE.

I planned to stay in and work Monday night, when I was invited to the debut of “Launch!” a salon series to feature local writers, composers and performers. I had many projects to tend, yet I said yes to the invitation, dressed up and dashed out.

The invitation was irresistible. ”Launch!” included two venues I adore, Maxim’s restaurant (now used for special events only) and the Pump Room. Both were on my list of column subjects to cover. Both have a romantic ambiances, and both represent a romantic part of history, namely 1920s-1950s cabaret and night club scenes.

To boot, it behooved me to attend the launch of ”Launch!” This salon series includes events once to twice a month and features local artists presenting their works in various stages. Afterwards, audience and performers promendade down the block to the Pump Room, a classic bar that at one time was the hot spot for silver screen celebrities.

Monday night the debut “Launch!” featured jazz vocalist Spider Saloff and the release of her CD, “Cole Porter Live at Maxim’s.” She had bobbed red hair and bangs. She wore a thin-strapped black dress with silver embroidery and a sweeping handkerchief skirt. She wore a long pearl necklace and long black gloves.

Jeremy Kahn was the accompanying pianist on a grand piano as she sang Cole Porter songs like “Let’s Misbehave,” “I Concentrate on You,” and “Night and Day.” I had listened to Cole Porter songs before, yet now I was reminded how beautiful the lyrics were.

The performance was enchanting. I sat with Meg G., her husband and her friend, Sharon, who celebrated her birthday. That was an extra honor, to attend a birthday celebration. Birthdays are important.

After the performance, folks went to the Pump Room where we enjoyed free appetizers and half-priced drinks. The idea was to discuss the performance, a propos to a salon gathering, and we did. I sat with Meg G. and company again. We talked about the performance, about Chicago and Halloween, and organic cofffee. Meg and I have worked together for years regarding “Letter from Chicago” subjects. This was the first time we were able to relax and get to know each other more.

On my way out of the Pump Room, I noticed my favorite bartender there, Angel. I had not seen him in about a year, as I rarely stepped in the Pump Room these days.  I got his attention. He smiled and kissed my hand - as he always did, the gent he is. I stayed for another glass of wine as he and I caught up, between his being busy serving.

Someone started playing piano. I walked up to the small stage to see who it was. It was Terry Higgins, more known for his trumpet playing. He was the husband of noted cabaret singer Nan Mason, and oft accompanied her. I had written about Nan before, a few years ago when I’d covered the Chicago cabaret seen.

They invited me to sit at their table with their friends, and legendary pianist/vocalist Audrey Morris. I was in my element, sitting here. It reminded me of days when I was in theater, hanging out with theater friends. The synergy was intoxicating.

We closed down the place. I said goodbye to Angel and promised to return more oft. The cabaret gang and I promised to keep in touch, too.

So, making a last minute decision to go out, I re-entered two wonderful places, beheld a fantastic performance, was prompted to spend time with a cohort and enjoyed getting to know her more, re-connected with my dear friend, Angel, enjoyed impromptu performances from the cabaret folks, and made new friends.

That all could not be anticipated when I’d accepted the last minute invitation. I only sensed it was one I couldn’t refuse, and I was right.

I love all seasons of the year, and am enjoying the September seesaw between warm summer sun and hints of autumn. This weekend is predicted to have sunny weather and 70s temps. Here are feting options in the Windy City.

— Oktoberfest at Berghoff, 17 W. Adams, today 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy live music, drinks and a raffle. For more info, visit here or call (312) 427-3170.

 —Italian Style 2008 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, Festival Hall A, Sept. 19-21, 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Learn abuut Italian business, from food and wine, fashion, automobiles and scooters, art and design, transportation and tourism.

Tickets are $15 at the door /$10 in advance. For more info, including places you may purchase advanced tickets, visit here.

—Navy Pier celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, 600 E. Grand, 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. Fri., and 3:30-9 p.m. Sat. Enjoy live salsa and music and Mexican folkloric dance in the Beer Garden and 9 p.m. fireworks. Admission is free. For more info, visit here or call (800) 595-PIER.

—–Garfield Park Conservatory County Fair, 300 N. Central Park Ave., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Sept. 20.  Enjoy a farmer’s market, a harvest competition, pony rides, storytelling and live music. Admissin is free. For more information, visit here or call (312) 746-5100.

Most residents have products in their homes that are dangerous to the environment and themselves, like old paint cans, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and unused drugs. This Saturday, folks have an opportunity to safely dispose of such products.

The City of Chicago, in partnership with  the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, hosts ”Be Safe at Home” Environmental Resource Day at The City of Chicago Parking Lot, 900 E. 103rd St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,  Sept. 20.

Materials that will be accepted include: hazerdous household chemicals and paint, computers, cell phones, fax machines, scanners, keyboards, old or unused prescriptions, non-prescription medications, gas powered mowers, and old gas cans. Gas can recyclers will receive a free environmentally-friendly gas can.

Here, you’ll also receive a free compact fluorescent lightbulb; available while supplies last.

Chicago residents have the opportunity to purchase a compost bin for $30, and a rain barrel for $40. Both are payable by check or money order only, and are available while supplies last.

For more info, including a complete list of materials that may be dropped off, visit here.

If you have questions regarding Chicago environmentally-friendly initiatives, call (312) 744-7606 or visit the Chicago Department of Environment site.

Well, it was a good weekend, albeit soggy. It was amazing how the drizzle persisted, allowing few breaks.

Actually, I like the rain. Saturday afternoon was drizzly, warm and humid. I got out to run errands, including one to The House of Glunz, my favorite wine store in Chicago, for their Saturday afternoon free tasting. I had a chance to chat with the proprietress, Barbara Glunz. She and her son, Christopher, are there most Saturdays.

Christopher was down the street, hosting The House of Glunz booth at the annual Old Towne neighborhood “Grape Stomp.” I’d forgotten about the Grape Stomp. I’ve been so busy lately.

I was happy to try the wines that were at this tasting, and to talk to Barbara. When I stop in, we update one another on our endeavors, and talk about wine, and about life.

The House of Glunz is the oldest wine shop in Chicago. It’s been in the same family since it first opened in 1888. Barbara lived with her family in the apartment above the store until she was 13, she told me.

She had grown up to work for other wine distributors before taking over the family business. It was nice to learn more about her. I have long known that Barbara has a reserved manner, an impeccable understanding of wine and spirits, and a huge heart.

I told her what subjects I’m covering for “Letter from Chicago,” and about getting down to the final designs of my poem book before submitting it to a publisher. We both talked about loving what we do, and about all the hours we put into it. ‘Tis why they call it “labor of love.”

I stepped out of The House of Glunz. The rain was light now. Still, it fell enough for folks like myself to wield umbrellas. Our own personal canopies, I thought, as we glided along the street.

A couple times I witnessed couple’s canopies. One time a fella held the umbrella for his darling and when they had to shift in the crowd, he moved the umbrella away from himself, to assure she was covered. Another time, during a light rain, I saw a fellow hold the umbrella over his darling’s head, not at all on himself, as they walked down the street.

I wanted to commend these gents, yet they didn’t need to hear from me.  My compliment wasn’t needed, clearly, and might have been disruptive to their and their darlings’ peaceful strides.

Back at my building I had dinner and went back to work. I took a break to meet my pal Dee on the rooftop and to share one of the bottles of wine I’d purchased at “Glunz.”

The rain persisted. We sat under an awning to watch it, sip wine and talk. Dee was the designer of my poem book cover. We talked about that — my poems and her design to represent them, as we sipped the delicious wine and watched the pattering rain. We toasted here and again. Eventually, I went back home to work. The rain, without thunder and lightning, presents a different backdrop. One must indeed keep her windows open.

Sunday, it rained more. Looking at the weekend and at the ground, one could say it was a “soggy weekend.” They could also consider that the sky was weeping and we merely needed our umbrellas to get around beneath it.

The main thing is, rain is a part of life, we must not let it stop us, and it would behoove us to enjoy it.

Just like traditional county fairs, the Garfield Park Conservatory County Fair encourages gardeners to show off their final products. The County Fair is Sept. 20, and includes a Harvest Competition. Gardeners wishing to enter the competition need to submit registration forms by Sept. 13.

There are nine categories for the competition, under themes “Produce Patch,” “Flower Power” and “Sunflower.”  Any individual or group may register for up to nine categories. Registration is free. Registration forms are available at the Conservatory or online here.

Garfield Park Conservatory is at 300 N. Central Park Ave. For more info on the Harvest Competition, visit here or call (312) 863-6256. For more info on the Conservatory’s 8th Annual County Fair, visit here or call (312) 742-PLAY.

It being the end of summer is no reason to slow down. This weekend in the Windy City includes annual German and Italian celebrations, plus a wine event and a bridal trunk show. 

—Windy City Wine Festival in the Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph Road in Grant Park, just East of Millennium Park, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri. Sept. 5, and 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Sat. Sept. 6.

Enjoy live music and wines from around the world. Over 250 wines are available for sampling. 

Tickets are $30, and include a souvenir wine glass, 10 tastings, access to wine seminars and cooking demonstrations, plus chances to purchase wine at a discount. Addintional tasting coupons may be purchased at the festival at $5 for 10 coupons. For more info, visit here or call (847) 382-1480.

—German Day Festival and Von Steuben Parade hosted by United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago, Sept. 5-7.

Festivities begin 6 p.m. Friday night with open ceremonies in Lincoln Plaza, the corner of Leland, Western and Lincoln Avenues. The Festival continues at 2 p.m. Sat., and again at noon Sunday. Enjoy great food and beer, and live entertainment; sing and dance to live German music.

The Von Steuben Parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, stepping off at 4000 N. Lincoln and continuing to Wilson Avenue.

For more info, visit here or call (630) 653-3018.

—Watters and Watters Trunk Show, in the Macy’s at State Street Bridal Salon, 111 N. State St., 4th Floor, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.,  and Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Check out detailed fabrics and innovative designs. For more info, call (312) 781-3545.

—Ferrrari Festival at Italian Village, 71 W. Monroe St., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. Sept. 7. Enjoy a showcase of Ferraris, plus Italian food and wine, live music, plus festivities for kids, like face-painting.

For tickets and info, visit here or call (312) 332-7005.

The “end of summer” long weekend presents many options to celebrate. Here are a few.

30th annual Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park, Aug. 29-31.  Enjoy performances on three stages.

The opening night concert is in the Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion, featuring Sonny Rollins at 6:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 28.

Admission is free. For more info, visit here or call (312) 744-3315.

Chicago Antique Market, on the 1300 block of west Randolph Street, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 30, and 9 a..-4 p.m. Aug. 31.

This is the second to last seasonal, monthly market this year. Valet parking and free parking is available. Admission is $10 at the gate, $8 in advance online. For more info, visit here or call (312) 666-1200.

Bash on Wabash, on Wabash Avenue from 13th to 14th Place, noon-10 p.m. Aug. 30-31.

Enjoy food, arts & crafts vendors, and a kids area with games and rides. Live music includes the Waco Brothers Sat. at 7:30 p.m.. and banjo bluesman William Elliott Whitmore, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is a $5 donation. For more info, call (773) 868-3010, or visit here. 

Taste of Polonia, in the Copernicus Cultural & Civie Center, 5216 W. Lawrence, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

Enjoy live music by Polish bands, polka bands, jazz bands, tribute bands including Elvis impersonator Rick Saucedo, as well as entertainment by Polonia Choir, a fashion show and movie shorts. Food available includes Polish sausage, cabbage rolls and pierogi and potato pancakes.

Admission is $3-$7. Kids under 12 get in free. For more info, visit here or call (773) 777-8898.

African Festival of the Arts, at Cottage Grove and 51st St., in Washington Park, Aug. 29-31.

Live music includes New Orleans Revival Aug. 31, and Kool and the Gang Sept. 1. Vendors offer African art. Available cuisine  includes Cajun and Soul foods from the United States and Jerk Chicken and fish from the Caribbean.

General Daily Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Seniors and kids under 12 daily admission is $5. Adult 4-Day weekend passes are $30. For more info, visit here or call (773) 955-ARTS.

Navy Pier Fireworks, at 10:15 p.m. Aug. 30 and at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 31. Admission is free. For more info, visit here or call 800-595-PIER.