Earlier this month actress, model and host Patricia Kara regaled a packed house for Spill Sessions at The Merchant in Highwood, about 30 minutes north of Chicago. Presented by Highwood Chamber of Commerce, Spill Sessions is a monthly talk series held at a local establishment.

A couple years ago I interviewed Kara on Talking Travel. Kara, perhaps best known for holding briefcase No. 9 on television’s Deal or No Deal, revealed travel as her favorite topic.

During Spill Sessions, Kara discussed travel while sharing her path to success; Deal or No Deal stories; her first book, Dream On … Now Deliver; and her upcoming book. Previously, I had not made the connection between the DOND acronym of her book and the popular show.

Kara’s next book, Open the Case, is due to be released September 9. This time I did catch the significance of the date matching her briefcase number. Kara promised it will be full of pictures and stories from the show.

Fittingly, The Merchant has its roots in travel. Family-owned and -operated by Highwood residents who love travel, The Merchant offers wine, beer, water and spirits from Greece, Mexico, Italy and France. It is a fun place to sip, taste and purchase products not normally found locally. It was also the perfect place for Kara to speak and mingle with attendees.

Regular attendees at any Kara event, my friend Tony and I always enjoy catching up with Kara, who actually grew up near Tony on the North Side of Chicago. Several of her friends and one of her sisters were also there, but she treats everyone like family. We’re all part of her big Greek family. We also enjoyed the big Greek food spread at the front of The Merchant.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster