Evening on Astor: A peek inside the 'world's most elegant block party'

“Evening on Astor,” described by organizers as the “world’s most elegant block party,” took place in the Gold Coast on Sept. 4. This annual event brings together people who enjoy dining under the stars in one of Chicago’s most beautiful neighborhoods to benefit the Gold Coast Neighbors Association.

The event began at 5:30 with a Private Wine & Spirits Tasting Tent” sponsored by the Waldorf Astoria Chicago and curated by Southern Glazier. A warm welcome by Amy Lemar, GCNA president, included an acknowledgement of the event co-chairs Kimberly Gleeson and Cyndy Valazquez.

The street, between Banks and Goethe, was packed with glorious, flower bedecked tables stacked high with all sorts of delicious delicacies. On the Stryker table (Dr. Steve and Andrea Schwartz), the theme was patriotic with red, white, and blue tablecloths and buckets of flowers. (They won for “Most Star Worthy Cuisine”). Other top table sponsors included Sherrill Bodine, Sally Jo Pfaff, Lyn McKeaney, co-hosts Kim and Cyndy, Joyce Winnecke, Amy Lemar, Mario’s Table, Noel and Michele Moore, Paula and Michael Perlstein, J. Michael and Julie Whitted, Raphael and Lori Lavin, Karen and Roger McEniry and so many more.

The Lodge Management Group provided live entertainment via Piano at Pippin’s, an excellent band that had the crowd literally dancing in the street.

It was an exciting night filled with music, elegance, great food and great friends. I even met the next “Golden Bachelor,” but this has to be kept secret. Let’s just say he’s very worthy.

The Gold Coast Neighbors Association has hosted this event annually since 1982. The street is named after John Jacob Astor, a German-born American businessman and real estate mogul who was one of the country’s richest citizens. (See event video here)