Top Chef is my favorite show- hands down. Kinda ironic since I’m a “segan” (seafood vegan) and don’t eat most of the dishes the contestants prepare! I love watching the creativity and talent the chefs display during the challenges and I often root for the underdog.

Lucky for me, living in Chicago I get to enjoy food from former contestants like Stephanie Izard who is on the verge of opening her new restaurant “The Girl and the Goat”.

Last night I was invited to a private friends and family dinner to test out the food and service before it opened to the public.

From the moment I walked in, I was a fan of the large, dark, inviting room. The open kitchen allowed us to see the line of cooks doing their thing- and Stephanie running the show.

Our table of four shared dishes from each section of the menu: V (veggie), F (fish) and M (meat). My favorite dishes were the skate- prepared with calamari and roasted cherry tomatoes and the giant sea scallops.

Goat obviously plays a part in most of the dishes and the meat eaters at the table couldn’t stop talking about the delicious goat pizza. Another favorite? Crispy pig’s face. (Ewwww to me, unreal to them)

We finished off the meal with a delicious blueberry dessert and many compliments to our Top Chef.

CelebTV.com’s Kelli Zink caught up with Robert Downey Jr. this weekend in Chicago.

The Iron Man star was honored by the Gene Siskel Film Center on Saturday, where he received the Renaissance Award for being “one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation.”

The 45-year-old actor walked the red carpet with The Hangover director Todd Phillips, who teamed up Downey Jr. for the upcoming comedy, Due Date.

“He takes being funny very seriously,” Phillips assured CelebTV.com of Downey Jr. We believe him!

As for which of his alter egos, Iron Man or Sherlock Holmes, would win in a fight, Downey Jr.  joked, “Sherlock would easily beat up Tony Stark, but then Tony would put on the suit and he would eviscerate all of Victorian London.” Nice!

Downey Jr. stars with Zach Galifianakis in Due Date, which hits theaters this fall.

One of the perks of my job is getting to work with top makeup artists and getting great tips and tricks I can use for myself.

At Macy’s in Chicago Thursday, I was the model for a Dior makeup artist that taught women about the latest makeup trends and how to get the look without looking, well, gauche.

Celeb makeup artist Ricky Wilson led the class. Aside from being hilarious, he obviously is used to working with the best of the best. His client list includes Sharon Stone, Beyonce, Jessica Stam and Leighton Meister, just to name a few.

Wilson walked us through how to create the same smoky eye SJP rocked in Sex & the City 2 when she went to meet Aiden for their “date” in Abu Dhabi.

Here were some of my favorite take-home tips:

When applying eyeliner, use short brush strokes along the lashes, rather than drawing a straight line on the lid.

Never apply foundation without a brush. Ricky says, “You wouldn’t paint your house with your fingers; use a brush to ensure an even coat of foundation.”

Good makeup starts with great skin care. He’s a huge fan of Dior’s Capture Totale line –and I am, too!

Don’t apply powder until the end of your routine, since powder sets “mistakes” like fallen eye shadow and mascara.

Shimmer works at any age, when used in moderation.

Celebrities, reality stars and all-star athletes walked the red carpet at Greg Olsen’s “Shake the Lake” event May 27 at Chicago’s Joe’s Bar.

The event was for Olsen’s charity “Reception for Research” that supports breast cancer. Guests included Darius Rucker, Katrina Campins, Chicago Cubs player Randy Wells, Blackhawks stars Adam Burish, Dustin Byfuglien, and Patrick Kane and Chicago Bears Jay Cutler, and Greg Olsen. The stars filled us in on philanthropy, country music and pop culture.

“Years ago it was a death sentence and now we have made such strides that women have to be proactive and do mammograms and self checks,” Susan Olsen said. Sue is Greg’s mother and a nine year breast cancer survivor. She is also the platform for which the foundation was built. “Pink is my favorite color now,” Susan added with a smile.

Headliner Darius Rucker, formerly Hootie of “Hootie and the Blowfish,” kept it simple on the carpet. “It’s obviously important to me,” he commented about the cause. Rucker was raised by all women and has two daughters of his own. I, of course, had to ask the new country crooner about his transition from pop to country. “Country is just something I always wanted to do and got a chance to do it and it’s turned out pretty good.”

Apprentice star and business woman Katrina Campins wowed in her outfit forcing us to ask her about her favorite designers. “Chanel, Jimmy Choo, wow there are so many I love,” she said. More than just supporting breast cancer research, Katrina told us about women’s strength in and out of the workplace. “Never give up, and follow your passion first and foremost. It’s tough to be a woman now a day; you’re expected to do everything.”

So what was on the minds of the athletes other than charity–country music of course!
“I’m an independent Texas rocker kinda guy,” Chicago Cubs player Randy Wells quipped. “I like Randy Rogers and recently Jason Boland pre-game.”

Blackhawks right wing Adam Burish added, “Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts.” Being in the Stanley Cup, we had to ask what the Blackhawks jammed to in the locker room. “We absolutely play some country in the locker room!”

A stylish Dustin Byfuglien shared how he decompresses after a game, “I sit at home with my dog and chill.”

As far as other players personal style, fellow Blackhawk Patrick Kane said, “The beards are for the playoff as well as my mullet. I’ve been told all the ladies love a mullet.”

I’m not sure about ladies loving a mullet but the ladies do love the celebrity support for breast cancer research. One thing is for sure, Olsen’s second annual event definitely shook the lake!

Don’t hate her for her fabulous figure — she works hard for it. Guiliana Rancic has a figure that’s so envied, on Saturday over 500 people lined up to meet the E! News host in the swimsuit department of Bloomingdale’s in Chicago, where she greeted fans and promoted Tropicana’s new line of low-sugar juice, Trop50.

Giuliana posed for pics and offered tips on how to get in shape for summer.

She admits she works up a sweat six days a week at Equinox gym – and told me that while working out with her equally svelte hubby, Bill, the two were approached by a trainer who offered to correct some things they were doing wrong in the gym. So the couple hired him to help with form and offer that extra push.

G’s dedication to fitness is equaled by her diet discipline. She says she eats, but carefully, enjoying six small meals a day in order to keep her metabolism revved up. She avoids processed foods, sugars and anything fried, instead opting for high-fiber foods that keep her full longer. But she does enjoy fresh pizza and other treats in moderation. She let me in on her latest snack crush- GG’s Crispbreads, swearing that these little 12-calorie treats keep her satisfied longer than anything else she’s tried.

She’s also a fan of staying mega-hydrated and is truly a fan of the Trop50 juices because they taste like real juice but cut calories, using nothing artificial.  Believe it or not, G says even Splenda is off limits, since artificial products can cause belly bloat — a no- no on the red carpet.

Switching to a more personal topic, I asked Giuliana if she and Bill discuss the Hollywood affairs and splits she’s been covering daily at E!

Giuliana was quick to inform me that she has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cheating: “If Bill cheated on me, I’d be out!”

So what’s considered cheating in the Rancic household? “Kissing. And flirting is just disrespectful!”

Guess that just gives the couple more time to enjoy each other — and work on a junior Rancic!

Several hundred women turned out for MORE Magazine’s Reinvention Convention in Chicago on Monday, a unique expo focusing on the latest advances in skin care, fitness, success in business and finance, and let’s not forget, a healthy sex life.

Desperate Housewives star Dana Delany was the keynote speaker, sharing insight on her life and career a rare breed in Hollywood – a strong, independent, single and middle-aged woman.

Believe it or not, Dana has never been married and isn’t looking to tie the knot anytime soon. She said that being on her own has allowed her the ability to pursue any acting role that interests her, as well as the opportunity to work with  six charities that are close to her heart.

“Acting can’t be taught,” she says, “rather felt by drawing on past experiences.” And the room got a good laugh when she was reminded that her character on ABC’s Desperate Housewives happens to be insane and dabbles in lesbianism. The actress was a good sport and remarked that Julie Benz (the actress who plays a lesbian stripper who’s into Dana’s character) is hot and she had never felt a fake breast before touching hers.

What I didn’t know about Dana was that she originally turned down the role of Carrie Bradshaw, the one made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker. She says she often turns down parts unless she feels they’re a perfect fit – just like that one-of-a-kind Jimmy Choo right?  Dana says, “life is always about timing,” and she offered this little piece of advice for women going through a rough time: “Embrace it- it’s gonna be better than you thought.”

Courtesy: Rob Grabowski/GrabowskiPhoto.com

No one screams “Girl Power!” more than Kelly Clarkson.

Monday night Hub51 and 101.9’s Eric and Kathy scored the original American Idol, who treated an exclusive crowd in Chicago to a five-song set.

I was one of the 150 invited, and I must admit I was more than a little excited to belt out the female anthems that the Grammy winner made famous.

Indie Rocker Landon Pigg (he’s the guy from the diamonds commercial that makes us melt with the lyrics: “I think that possibly maybe I’m falling for you…” ) kicked off the music and provided eye candy for the crowd of almost all ladies.

But the women that caught everyone’s attention were former Bachelorettes Jen Schefft Waterman and Jillian Harris who met for the first time. I witnessed the two totally cool girls hit it off instantly.

But all eyes, including Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler and his mystery blonde date, were on Kelly as she opened with “Walkin’ After Midnight”. Kelly was all smiles and playful with the crowd, urging a sing along and even taking a shot from a fan and saying “Whoo! My tongue’s numb after that! Guess I’m not singing ‘Sober’ after that one!”.

Kelly has a contagious energy and I found myself singing along with my less than stellar voice to “My Life Would Suck Without You”, and “Walk Away.” She didn’t sing my personal fav; “Since You’ve Been Gone”, explaining she wanted to save her voice for her show the following night.

Trust- the way that girl belts it out, I’m shocked she has any voice at all- but we are VERY lucky she does!

Yes I know- one of these girls is not like the other!

I got to live the dream and tag along with three Victoria’s Secret Supermodels Wednesday in Chicago.

Marisa Miller, Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes were in the Windy City to open the new Victoria’s Secret store on Michigan Avenue- just in time for holiday shopping. Since we’re working on our Chase Present’s ABC’s Holiday of Stars show, it was a perfect fit to ask the girls about gifting for your loved ones.

Obviously these girls are stunning and I was intimidated to meet and work with them, but that was silly ‘cause they couldn’t have been any sweeter. I loved Marisa Miller the most, interviewing her is like chatting with a really cool girlfriend and she’s a total pro. Btw- her hair is INSANE- so beautiful (extensions- I had to ask!)

Later that night there was a huge party at the store with a “pink carpet” and Chicago celebs and athletes chatted with our crew about their holiday plans. White Sox second baseman Chris Getz and Chicago Bear Lance Briggs admitted that talking about Christmas is so much more fun than normal sports media questions. All three VS gals looked amazing, and pulled me in for a photo that reminded me that even in 4 inch heels- I’m vertically challenged!

The best part of the night was when Bachelorette Jillian Harris and her fiancé Ed stopped by for an interview and we broke the news to them that Jason Mesnick and Molly were engaged. They were both super shocked and excited for them- apparently they are all bffs.

Then I headed over to a dinner at Sunda to have dinner with the Angels, Lance, Ed and Jillian and some of my awesome Chicago media friends. I know what you’re dying to ask- yes the girls ate. Marisa loved the spicy tuna crunch, and had half a glass of red wine, and Jillian dug right into the lamb lollipops.

This is the kind of day, where I don’t mind getting up for work!

What happens when you take about 400 people, and put them in a room with Lou Malnati’s pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian Beef sandwiches and the hospitality of Chicagoans?

Strangers become friends, old acquaintances are re-united and business deals are made.

Monday, my friends Jerrod and RJ Melman hosted an event called “Windy City West” at their new restaurant in Santa Monica:“La Grande Orange”. The original WCW parties started back in the 1980’s by their father and “Lettuce Entertain You” creator Richard Melman. The purpose- to bring former Chicagoans, who now lived in LA together to bond and network.

I was lucky enough to mingle with celebs that turned out for the event like: Chris O’Donnell, actresses Nia Vardalos and Virginia Madsen, Richard Kind, Kevin Farley, director Harold Ramis, Dick Butkis, and my personal favorite Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jeff Garlin.

Jeff and I worked together when I was working for the NFL Network and Jeff was on our Celebrity Fantasy Football league. He’d always show up with pride in his Chicago Bears jersey and ask why a Midwestern gal like me hadn’t moved back to Chicago yet. I bumped into Jeff again on the red carpet of last year’s Emmy awards and proudly told him that I was an entertainment reporter now- living in the city of wind.

While eating a hot dog and taking pictures with the fans that literally swarmed him for photos, Jeff confessed to me that while LA is great, he’d choose Chicago any day because of the fantastic people who live there.

Celebrity DJ’s Graham Funke, DJ Spider and DJ Morse Code all admitted that a room full of Chicagoans was a refreshing change from LA clubs. As Graham waited in line for a slice of authentic pizza, he pointed to Dick Butkis and remarked “Hey, that guy used to drive me to school.”

The party ran over about two hours, it seemed no one was in a rush to bolt (unheard of for a typical LA event!) As I watched the exchange of business cards, and hugs I couldn’t help but think that Chicago really is the newest trend in Hollywood.

Courtesy: darkroomdemons.com

Pouring rain, mud, 90 degree heat and a crowd of about 225, 000 people- it’s my favorite time of year: Lollapalooza.

The fun kicked off Friday at the Music Lounge at The Hard Rock Hotel. I was lucky enough to score a pass that allowed me, other media, members of the music industry and artists to enjoy three days and nights of air-conditioned fun.

The lucky few scored swag from Dickies, Blue Microphones, Ben Sherman and got free tattoos,  and the rest of us chatted while drinking Fuze Beverage and snacking on Café Bustelo and Berry Chill.

The City star Erin Lucas looked super cute in a black flowered dress while former NFL star Simeon Rice supported his sister, new artist, Yashi who brought down the house with her Music Lounge performance.

At night the Hard Rock Hotel turned into a party with performances by Santigold, Passion Pit and The Virgins who played for none other than miss Lindsay Lohan and her sister Ali.

My friends at C3 who put on the event snagged me an amazing wristband for the three day festival which allowed me to do surreal things like ride from stage to stage in golf carts, share a port-a-potty with Ed Westwick and Jessica Szhor (not at the same time!) and attend Perry Ferrell’s nightly bbq.

Friday after Kings Of Leon kicked off Lolla on a perfect note,  I stopped by Pete Wentz’s bar Angels and Kings.  AK hosted Samantha Ronson’s 32nd birthday party complete with black and white skull cupcakes.  Sam loves AK and brought her friends and family including Lindsay Lohan for fun that lasted till sunrise.  Saturday night Sam dj’ed and GZA of the Wu-Tang clan preformed a few of his mega hits for the small but lucky crowd that included Miss Lohan once again.

By Sunday I was wiped, but still made it back to the Music Lounge where Dickies hooked me up with some cool sunglasses that I sported backstage for Vampire Weekend. The heat index of 105 wasn’t enough to keep the massive crowd from dancing to some old school Snoop Dogg and a sunset performance by the Killers ended an incredibly memorable weekend.