Kurman PR News

Lincoln Park’s Verzênay, the French bakery and patisserie led by executive chef Arshiya Farheen, took first place (Challah) at the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA 2025. Judged blind against entrants from across the United States and abroad, the bakery also earned distinctions as runner-up—baguette and flatbread; Gold Certificate for cheese sourdough bread; and Silver Certificate for sourdough oat porridge. More Verzênay here. https://www.newcity.com/2025/10/21/today-in-culture-tuesday-october-21-2025-the-salt-shed-expanding-the-rens-bowling-benefit-george-wendt-way/

Kit Kat Club’s Halloween Lineup Reigns Supreme: Six Spectacular Weekends of Drag, Dining & Decadence

Chicago’s newest dining and cabaret destination transforms into a hauntingly glamorous Halloween experience

CHICAGO, IL (October 2025) --From pop-diva fantasies to Día de Los Muertos glamour, the Kit Kat Club celebrates the spooky season with back-to-back themed dinners and brunches throughout October. Each weekend brings a different show, dazzling drag performances, and Chef Chelsea Poe’s inventive menus—all culminating in the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade right outside the club’s doors.

Chicago’s legendary home for dazzling drag, decadent dining, and unforgettable entertainment, Kit Kat Club is conjuring up a full month of Halloween magic. Guests are invited to step inside the city’s most stylish new venue, now reimagined with luxe Art Deco design, state-of-the-art video walls and lighting, and a high-energy sound system, for a series of spectacular events that promise chills, thrills, and plenty of glitter.

👻 SPOOKTACULAR DRAG BRUNCH

Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19 Two Seatings: 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; $72.49 per person + tax and gratuity

Start your Halloween season with a bang (and free-flowing mimosas, Bellinis, Sangria, Bloddy Mary Martinis, Skinny Margaritas, and Vodka Spritzer). The Spooktacular Drag Brunch ($72.49 per person +Tax and gratuity; -$10 if not drinking) features electrifying performances by Shantell D’Marco and Abigail Beverly Hillz, bringing their signature blend of glamour, wit, and fierce vocals to the Kit Kat stage. Guests can indulge in the club’s new fall-inspired brunch menu and sip from an array of over-the-top cocktails—all while surrounded by hauntingly chic Halloween décor. No cover. See menu.

🧞 GENIE IN A BOTTLE DRAG DINNER

Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25 Two Course Prix Fixe Dinner, Seatings: 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., $64.95 per person plus tax and gratuity A La Carte Menu: Also available beginning at 4 p.m.

Before the ghosts and ghouls take over Halsted, Kit Kat Club invites guests to unlock a weekend of pure fantasy with its dazzling “Genie in a Bottle” Drag Dinner—a sultry, sparkling escape inspired by the magic of pop divas and the mystery of the Middle East.

Friday night features powerhouse performances by Shantell D’Marco and Kinley Preston, while Saturday’s spotlight shines on Shantell D’Marco and Kylee Hunter. Each evening combines mesmerizing live vocals, over-the-top glamour, and Chef Chelsea Poe’s two-course prix fixe dinner—served with a side of attitude and allure.

Guests can sip signature cocktails like the “Wicked Wish” and “Golden Goddess” martinis as the queens conjure their most enchanting looks and performances, blending fantasy, humor, and high fashion in true Kit Kat style. Costumes and sparkle are encouraged—after all, it’s the start of Halloween week, and every wish deserves a little shimmer.

Reservations are available at KitKatChicago.com.

🕷️ THE ADDAMS FAMILY DRAG BRUNCH

Saturday and Sunday Brunch, October 25 & 26 Two Seatings: 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; $72.49 per person + tax and gratuity

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, and this Halloween season, they’re coming to brunch. The Addams Family Drag Brunch at Kit Kat Club invites guests to spend the weekend before Halloween with Chicago’s fiercest queens as they bring the ghoulishly glamorous Addams spirit to life.

Hosted by Kylee Hunter and Kinley Preston, this darkly delightful drag brunch promises a hauntingly good time filled with live vocals, over-the-top performances, and wicked humor. Guests can enjoy Chef Chelsea Poe’s fall-inspired brunch creations and sip bottomless cocktails while surrounded by eerie elegance and decadent Halloween décor.

Costumes are encouraged—especially if you’re feeling your inner Morticia, Gomez, or Wednesday. Expect laughs, chills, and thrills in equal measure as Kit Kat Club continues its countdown to Halloween with this fiendishly fun weekend experience.

Reservations are available at KitKatChicago.com.

🎃 25TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HALSTED CELEBRATION & 28TH ANNUAL HALSTED HALLOWEEN PARADE

Friday, October 31 | Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. | Free Entry Route: Halsted from Belmont to Brompton — Ending at the Kit Kat Club

The Northalsted Business Alliance invites Chicagoans to strut their stuff and join the 25th Annual Haunted Halsted Celebration and 28th Annual Halsted Halloween Parade, ranked by Fodor’s Travel as one of the Top 10 Halloween Parades in the U.S. This year’s event will feature an unforgettable Costume Contest with $4,000 in cash prizes, live entertainment, and hundreds of dazzling costumes parading through Northalsted’s proudest stretch.

Emmy-winning makeup artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race icon RAVEN (@itsravenhunty_) will reign as Grand Marshal and Costume Contest Host, leading the festivities to their grand finale right in front of the new Kit Kat Club.

More information, including entry forms, can be found at northalsted.com. Join the celebration and follow @Northalsted for updates. Hashtags: #Chicago #Halloween #HauntedHalsted #Parade #Raven #RPDR #DragRace 👑

🕸️ HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA DRAG DINNER

Friday & Saturday, October 31 & November 1 Two Course Prix Fixe Dinner, Seatings: 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., $64.95 per person plus tax and gratuity A La Carte Menu: Also available beginning at 4 p.m.

When the sun goes down, Kit Kat heats up. The Halloween Extravaganza Drag Dinner showcases powerhouse performers Shantell D’Marco and Kinley Preston on Friday night, and the showstopping Kylee Hunter on Saturday. Guests will enjoy an evening of high-octane drag artistry, gourmet dining, and immersive lighting and sound—perfect for those looking to celebrate Halloween with serious sparkle. Costumes are encouraged and contests will be held.

💀 DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS DRAG BRUNCH Saturday and Sunday Brunch, November 1 and 2 Two Seatings: 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; $72.49 per person + tax and gratuity

The Halloween festivities don’t end on Halsted—Kit Kat Club keeps the party alive (and undead) with its dazzling Día de los Muertos Drag Brunch, a vibrant weekend celebration honoring life, love, and legacy through glitter, glamour, and a whole lot of sass.

Hosted by Shantell D’Marco and Kinley Preston, this unforgettable brunch blends Latin flair with Kit Kat’s signature over-the-top energy. Guests can raise a glass—whether it’s a mimosa, Bloody Mary Martini, or tequila spritzer—to toast the season in true cabaret style. Chef Chelsea Poe’s brunch menu takes a spirited twist for the occasion, complemented by dramatic décor, lively performances, and a riot of color inspired by the Mexican holiday that celebrates the dearly departed.

Dress to impress—or to haunt—and join Chicago’s most fabulous queens for the grand finale of Kit Kat Club’s Halloween season.

Reservations are highly recommended at KitKatChicago.com.  See menu.

🥂 Chicago’s Newest Destination for Dining, Cabaret & Libations

After 25 legendary years on the corner of Halsted and Waveland, the newly reopened Kit Kat Club continues its reign as one of Chicago’s premier nightlife and entertainment venues—now in a larger, more luxurious space just steps away from its original location. With Chef Chelsea Poe’s inventive menu, dazzling live performances, and a sleek, cinematic ambiance, Kit Kat remains the ultimate playground for adults who love great food, music, and theater.

📍 Details & Reservations

Kit Kat Club 3524 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657 Reservations: 773.525.1111 Website: KitKatChicago.com Instagram: @kitkatchicago Hashtag: #kitkatclubchicago #kitkatchicago

Space is limited, and reservations for all Halloween events are strongly encouraged at KitKatChicago.com

HOURS: Mondays: Closed Tuesday 4pm – 2am, Kitchen closes at 10pm Wednesday 4pm – 2am, Kitchen closes at 10pm Thursday 4pm – 2am, Kitchen closes at 10pm Friday 4pm – 2am, Kitchen closes at 11pm Saturday 11am – 2am, Kitchen 4pm – 11 pm Sunday 11am – 2am, Kitchen closes at 3pm (no evening food service, only bar)

A LA CARTE MENU: Tuesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Open until 2 a.m. Friday – Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Open until 2 a.m.

HAPPY HOUR: 4pm-6pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday $8 wine, $9 select apps, $10 select martinis/craft cocktails.

WEEKEND BRUNCH: Saturday & Sunday, Two Seatings: 11am, 1:30pm *We have a 2 hour seating limit for all brunch packages.

Sunday Tea Dance 4pm-10pm, Chicago’s best DJs. Click here for details.

About the Performers

Abigail Beverly Hillz

Abigail Beverly Hillz, also known as Abigail Parmelee, is a celebrated transgender and intersex drag queen, model, and activist whose artistry extends far beyond the stage. As the drag daughter of RuPaul’s Drag Race season five contestant Monica Beverly Hillz, Abigail carries a legacy of performance and advocacy while forging her own path as a powerful voice in the LGBTQ+ community.

Crowned Miss Trans Wisconsin in 2022, Abigail has used her platform to champion equality and visibility for transgender and intersex individuals. Offstage, she serves as a community health manager at the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, where she works tirelessly to empower and support others through education, outreach, and direct care.

In 2024, Abigail celebrated 10 years in drag, reflecting on a remarkable journey that began as a high school prom nominee and has since grown into an internationally recognized career. Known for blending glamour, heart, and activism, Abigail Beverly Hillz inspires audiences not only with dazzling performances, but also with her unwavering dedication to uplifting her community.

Shantell D’marco

Born in Havana, Cuba & raised in Miami, Florida. Former Miss Florida Fi and Miss Continental as well as first alternate to Miss International Queen in Thailand and also first alternate to Miss Trans Star International in Barcelona, Spain.

She loves all types and genres of music & is a bit of an old soul. She can describe her drag to be unrehearsed, passionate, exciting, intriguing and sensual while always delivering a class act. She has worked for casts such as Parliament House in Orlando, FL and The Baton.

Her passions are fashion and acting and her goal is to always deliver both of these when entertaining. Her goals into the future are to keep growing, evolving & staying true to her brand while chasing her dreams (which are many) because nothing is impossible! An untouchable beauty, Miss Shantell D’ Marco!

Kylee Hunter

A lifelong artist, this diva has worn many hats (and crowns) over her decade-long drag career. Originally a trained orchestral musician, she transformed herself and her artistic expression into the sultry solo entertainer she is today. Whether she’s twirling in her original costume designs, hosting drag brunch, or serenading the crowd with her saxophone, Kylee is the ultimate Renaissance Woman.

Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kylee’s love for artistic excellence led her on the journey of a lifetime. Upon completing her Master’s in Music from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory, she moved to Florida to pursue her transition and her future as an entertainer. Soon after, she became Miss Florida Continental 2018, Miss Florida F.I. 2019-21, North Eastern Entertainer of the Year 2022, Chicago Entertainer of the Year 2023, and Carolinas Continental 2024.

Now, she aspires to draw from all areas of her expertise to create original performances and push the limits of drag, music, and beyond. Forget what you know, and prepare to be amazed!

Kinley Preston

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Dine-In or To-Go Holiday Offerings Now Available for Pre-Order

This Thanksgiving, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille invites guests to skip the stress and savor a perfectly curated holiday meal with two ways to celebrate: an elevated Dine-In Thanksgiving Menu and convenient Pre-Order, To-Go meals. Available for pickup on Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27, exclusively for Thanksgiving celebrations. Perry’s offerings include traditional favorites with signature Perry’s flair—served with warmth, elegance, and convenience. With limited seating and high demand, guests are encouraged to make reservations and place pre-orders early at PerrysSteakhouse.com. DINE-IN MENU: $49 PER PERSON*

Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 11 AM – 9 PM Dinner menu also available Choice of one • Honey Crisp Apple Salad with Dried Cherries, Walnuts, and Maple Syrup Vinaigrette  • Butternut Squash Soup  Main Course Sliced, Smoked Turkey Breast Served with Pan Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Sausage & Sage Dressing, Cranberry Relish, and Homemade Bread Dessert (Optional) Individual Serving of Pumpkin Cheesecake for an additional $10

PRE-ORDER, THANKSGIVING TO-GO MENU Pick-Up Available November 26–27, 2025 | 11 AM – Close To-go orders begin Wednesday, October 29 Heat & Eat (COLD) Pick-up: Wednesday, Nov 26 Ready to Serve (HOT) Pick-up: Thursday, Nov 27 Individual Sliced, Smoked Turkey Breast Meal (Soup or Salad, Entrée, Sides) – $49 per person* Family-Style Thanksgiving – $149* Sliced, Smoked Turkey Breast Meal for 4 (Soup or Salad, Entrée, served with Pan Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Sausage & Sage Dressing, Cranberry Relish and Homemade Bread) Add Family-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake (serves 4) for an additional $32 (39% off) *To-go: Tax plus 15% handling fee applied to food TO-GO purchases. No gratuity necessary. Order & Pay Online for curbside pick-up at PerrysSteakhouse.com Kids' Thanksgiving Entrée Plate Children 12 and under may enjoy the entrée with two sides for $19 (available Dine-In or To-Go). Reservations & More: Make reservations or learn more at PerrysSteakhouse.com.

*Note: Tax plus 15% handling fee applied to food TO-GO purchases. No gratuity necessary. Order & Pay Online for curbside pick-up at PerrysSteakhouse.com. Thanksgiving feature, Kids Thanksgiving feature, Perry’s Caramelized Prime Rib Thursday Dinner, and 3 for $49 are available TO GO on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Perry’s Senior Menu, Military Menu, First Responders, and Social Hour menus are NOT available on holidays, including Thanksgiving, November 27, 2025.

About Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has been perfecting Prime since 1979, evolving from a humble Houston butcher shop into a celebrated national brand. Known for its USDA Prime beef, tableside carvings, signature seven-finger-high Pork Chop, and flame-kissed desserts, Perry’s offers a Rare and Well Done® dining experience. Perry’s currently operates steakhouse locations across Texas, in Birmingham, Chicago, Denver, Miami, Nashville, Raleigh, and Richmond.  Perry’s will be opening in the Phoenix area in Spring, 2026. Additional concepts include Perry & Sons Market & Grille (the original butcher shop in Houston), CARVE American Grille, and VERDAD True Modern Mexican, both located in Austin. For more information, please visit perrysrestaurants.com. Visit Perry’s in the Chicago Area

Oak Brook 5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 | (630) 571-1808 Schaumburg 1780 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 | (847) 648-7451 Vernon Hills 1050 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 | (847) 915-4100

Make reservations or order online at PerrysSteakhouse.com.

Connect with Perry’s:

Facebook: Perry's Steakhouse & Grille Instagram: @perrys_steakhouse X (formerly Twitter): @PerrysDining YouTube: Perry's Steakhouse & Grille Channel Pinterest: Perry’s Dining

Note: Credit photos to Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

We are so proud of our client Verzênay Chicago for taking First Place for Challah and earning Multi-Category Honors at the 2025 Tiptree World Bread Awards USA at IBIE, Las Vegas.

Verzênay Chicago Wins First Place for Challah and Earns Multi-Category Honors at the 2025 Tiptree World Bread Awards USA at IBIE, Las Vegas

Verzênay Chicago (2507 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; 773-799-8312; https://verzenaychicago.com),  the French bakery and patisserie led by Executive Chef Arshiya Farheen, won First Place (Challah) at the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA 2025 during IBIE in Las Vegas. Judged blind against entrants from across the U.S. and abroad, the bakery also earned distinctions across multiple categories. Head Bread Baker Kathryn Buck participated alongside Executive Chef Farheen in preparing and presenting the entries.

Awards & Recognitions (Judged September 16, 2025)

First Place — Challah

Runner-Up — Baguette

Runner-Up — Flatbread (Lachcha Paratha)

Gold Certificate of Excellence — Specialty: Savory (Cheese Sourdough Bread)

Silver Certificate of Excellence — Sourdough Oat Porridge

Verzênay's delicious Challah earned first place at the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA 2025 Photo courtesy of Verzênay

Competition Journey. With the goal of offering freshly baked breads, Arshiya and Kathryn took their starter, ingredients, and tools to Las Vegas, and over two days, they mixed, fermented, braided, shaped, and baked multiple entries, balancing their craft with the constraints of a trade-show environment.

“This win is as much about the community of bakers and vendor collaborations as it is about bread,” said Executive Chef Arshiya Farheen. “It’s also an honor to stand alongside talented professionals, including Ceor bread, Wynn hotel, Epicerie Boulud, and many more. I’m especially proud of Head Bread Baker Kathryn Buck, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me and adapted to every challenge.” About the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA @ IBIE

Scale: 170 product submissions across 12 categories from artisan and professional bakers.

Judging: Blind tasting by an independent expert panel, scored on appearance, bake quality, crumb structure, and taste/flavor.

Standards: The USA edition follows the UK-established World Bread Awards methodology, ensuring consistent, internationally recognized scoring.

Results & score bands: Category First Place and Runner-Up were announced live at IBIE on September 16, 2025; Gold/Silver Certificates of Excellence were subsequently issued to entrants, reflecting the scores achieved in blind judging.

About Verzênay Chicago Founded in 2014 and based in Lincoln Park, Verzênay Chicago is a French bakery and patisserie owned and led by South Indian Executive Chef Arshiya Farheen. The bakery is known for artisan breads, viennoiseries, and refined pastries rooted in seasonal Midwestern ingredients with subtle Indian influences expressed through classical French techniques.

Verzênay is open everyday except Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Verzênay, please visit the website at https://www.verzenaychicago.com, send an email to [email protected], or call (773) 799-8312. Follow Verzênay on Social Media:

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Verzênaychicago/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Verzênaychicago/

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Certificate of Excellence for Verzenay's Challah