FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Music, Food and Friends

by John Wroblewski

Nov 26, 2021

Photo courtesy of Rod Guico and Kevin Pollack.

A few nights ago, worlds collided in the best way at Chicago Prime Italian. Music, food and friends came together to create a wonderful evening.

I met a buddy at Chicago Prime Italian, just northwest of Chicago. Owned and operated by father and son George and Andy-John G. Kalkounos, Chicago Prime Italian and Chicago Prime Steakhouse are the only family-owned prime steakhouses in the northwest suburbs. Five-star food, service, a friendly staff and ambiance make this a go-to place.

Chicago Prime Italian

Photo courtesy of Jack Keenan.

The ambiance gets even better every Tuesday night, when Rod Guico of Simply Sound performs. In the middle of the evening, Rod features a different solo artist weekly. I met Rod when he performed near my place and have followed him since.

Simply Sound.

Photo courtesy of Rod Guico and Kevin Pollack.

This night the featured performer was Kevin Pollack, a friend I met while writing a Global Traveler blog. A versatile performer, Kevin is the man behind Zooming the Movies, Facebook Live script reenactments via a Zoom call. Kevin has also entertained Chicagoans for six years as part of The Blooze Brothers, a band honoring the music and spirit of the original Blues Brothers.

On this night Rod and Kevin combined their musical talents to deliver hits from Elton John, Michael Jackson and several others. The music provided a perfect backdrop to a delicious meal. I loved the gnocchi al forno, and my friend called the chocolate martini “the best ever anywhere.” It all made for a fantastic night.

Chicago Prime Italian

Photo courtesy of Jack Keenan.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
June 2025
Jun 8, 2025

Emerald Cruises Unveils 2027 Expansion

Emerald Cruises makes bigger and bolder moves in the coming years with a major expansion. The cruise line debuted two sleek new superyachts as well as the brand’s first-ever river ship on the Seine River, slated to launch in 2027. Emerald Raiya and Emerald Zara join the fleet in 2027, sailing the Seychelles, Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean. Both ships will offer spacious, all-suite accommodations; an expansive Sky Deck with private cabanas and swim-up marina platform; open-air fitness area; multiple dining venues; Elements Spa; and more. Each yacht accommodates 128 guests.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

June 2025
Jun 7, 2025

Escape to Lewes, a Chill Beach Town Where Local Cocktails and Craft Beer Flow Freely

Sandwiched between the Jersey Shore and the tiny state’s on-the-beaten-path beach destinations like Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey, Lewes is easy to miss. But it’s definitely worth more than a drive by for its calm beaches, oceanfront state park, World War II history ... and liquid culture.

Daily
Jun 6, 2025

Have a “The Devil Wears Prada”-Inspired Afternoon Tea at This London Hotel

Heading to London with plans to catch a performance of The Devil Wears Prada on stage at Dominion Theatre? Be sure to make reservations for an afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury, perfectly positioned in the theater district. The hotel partnered with Dominion in the conception of a themed afternoon tea and cocktail menu, using the show as inspiration.

Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge

For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.

Daily
Jun 6, 2025

Key West’s Most Exclusive New Retreat Opens for Summer Season

Lunara Bay now accepts bookings for its July 1 opening. The property is the island's largest oceanfront accommodation with 26 luxury waterfront estates, redefining the Key West experience thanks to coastal residence comforts with the elevated service of a 5-star resort.

Daily
Jun 4, 2025

The Peninsula London Debuts New Peninsula Academy Offerings

The Peninsula London recently launched three bespoke experiences, part of the brand’s Peninsula Academy program. Exclusive to hotel guests, these journeys highlight uniquely London experiences, as led by expert guides.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

eFlyer Reviews
Jun 4, 2025

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Review

Today’s Fort Lauderdale is not the one you or your older relatives experienced in college; while beachfront surf shops along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard recall that colorful Spring Break era, Las Olas Boulevard embodies the city’s recent glow-up, particularly after the pandemic. In fact, it was spring 2020 when Hyatt Centric Las Olas opened its doors and played a major role in reshaping and rethinking Fort Lauderdale as a relaxed but lively vacation or business destination.