To make your afternoon tea reservation, visit OpenTable or contact Shaun Rajah at 312 932 4619/ shaun.rajah@hilton.com.

“It feels amazing to have it back on my finger,” said the giddy Jodi Eastgate while showing off the wedding ring she feared she would never see again.

Eastgate had taken it off the night before, and in the rush of checking out Sunday morning, she forgot to put it back on. It wasn’t until 15 minutes later that she realized it wasn’t on her finger. She rushed back up to her room, thinking she might have knocked the ring into a Cheesecake Factory bag by the bed, but the room had already been cleaned.

She described feeling sick and being in tears when the family departed the hotel for the airport. Once at Midway International Airport, Eastgate couldn’t bring herself to leave. Her husband and daughter boarded their flight home, and she headed back to The Drake in hopes there still might be a chance of finding her ring.

Back at The Drake, it was confirmed that the Cheesecake Factory bag from her room was already in the hotel’s trash compactor, and couldn’t be searched safely until Monday.

Hank Hawerbier, Director of Operations at The Drake said, “I thought it was worse than finding a needle in a haystack, and a lot messier”.

Once the compactor was disconnected, Hawerbier asked staff member David Lyons to help search for the ring. Lyons agreed and suited up, but after three hours, hope started fading. Eastgate took a step away and just moments later when she returned, Lyons had started finding pieces of everything Eastgate said might be found in their hotel room trash, including the Cheesecake Factory bag with the ring inside. Lyons took the ring out of the bag and handed it to Eastgate, who immediately put the ring in its rightful -place back on her ring finger- and as of a week later, she still hasn’t taken the wedding ring off.

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Forgoing the traditional runway show in favor of a more dynamic in-the-round presentation, models on elevated platforms will present three to five looks from each of the 12 designers in a display created around the Palm Court fountain. For tickets, visit saicmdespost-baccfashion2013.eventbrite.com.

The 12 student designers represent two degrees offered through SAIC’s Fashion, Body and Garment program. Collections by Master of Design students demonstrate the culmination of technical skills and conceptual themes cultivated throughout the curriculum. Designs by Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students expand on one of two themes—sustainability and historical costumes—explored through semester-long studios.

For reservations, please contact Shaun Rajah at shaun.rajah@hilton.com or call 312-932-4619.

Marquis Hill Trio
A well-known name on the Chicago Jazz scene, trumpeter Marquis Hill has toured the U.S. and abroad with Dee Alexander, Ernest Dawkins and Willierm Delsifort, and leads his own group the Marquis Hill Black-tet. With a distinctly clean, clear approach, Hill helps define the sound of Chicago’s new generation of jazz artists. He released his debut album “New Gospel” in 2011, and recently released his sophomore album “Sounds of the City” to critical acclaim.

Coq d’Or is known for the seasonal Quiche and this spring is no different. The featured savory baked egg custard with seasonal vegetables in a homemade crust, is served with petite gem lettuce and an heirloom tomato vinaigrette making this fluffy quiche a flavor you’re sure to enjoy.

Also new on the menu is a Mezze Platter which features the freshest flavors of the season with a unique duo of dips. The Fava Bean Hummus incorporates all the jewels of spring with mint, cilantro, green onion, jalapeño, and rice wine vinegar.  The Spiced Eggplant Spread is blended with caramelized onions, dark roasted eggplant, and has a tartness that comes from dried mango and pomegranate.  Served with vegetable crudite and warm Naan bread.

Cape Cod also has a fresh menu featuring grilled Mahi Mahi topped with a variety of spring vegetables, making this dish not only a tasty choice but a healthy one too.  The 8 oz Mahi Mahi is grilled and served with a mix of toasted orzo, including red pepper coulis, haricot vert, roasted red bell peppers and served with capers and chopped kalamata olives.

Vibrant spring colors shine in the new seasonal Mussels.  The mussels are from Prince Edward Island’s mussel industry, which is Canada’s top producer and exporter of rope cultured blue mussels. The one pound of mussels are cooked in white wine, leaks, garlic chips and served with a grilled crostini.

“We know Chicago is home to many whiskey drinkers with sophisticated tastes,” explains Kai Wilson, The Drake Hotel beverage manager. “By starting the Coq d’Or Whiskey Club, we hope to provide everyone with a special opportunity to sample some new whiskies and meet people with similar tastes and interests.”

Each quarter, members will receive an update, via email, with information on the quarter’s event, including when it will occur and what the featured whiskey will be. These events, hosted by Coq d’Or, will provide an opportunity for members to taste, learn and ask questions about different types of whiskies. The event program will vary from event to event depending on the featured product.

The quarterly email will also update members on the custom tailored whiskey collection for the quarter. These whiskey collections are only available for purchase by current Whiskey Club members when visiting Coq d’Or. These collections will change quarterly with the seasons in mind and will revolve around a common theme. The first collection features a select grouping of rye whiskies including Old Potrero 18th Century Style Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond and Templeton Rye Small Batch.

Coq d’Or has had long history and a special connection to whiskey from the very beginning. Opening on Dec. 6, 1933, the day after the repeal of Prohibition, high demand and long lines only allowed time for the serving of 40 cent whiskies. In honor of the opening day of Coq d’Or and the 80th anniversary approaching this December, the Coq d’Or Whiskey Club was born.

Coq d’Or Whiskey Club members must be 21 years of age or older. There is no membership fee. Interested whiskey lovers can online at http://www.thedrakehotel.com/dine/coq-dor/.