Blogapalooza 2009 or a Blog about Bloggers Blogging

For this novice blogger going to Blogapalooza 2009 was an eye opening event. Bloggers, it seems, can be celebrities. Hosted by ChicagoNow the event brought the who's who of the Chicago blogging scene. It was a luxurious event that aimed to please all the senses at once. 

I've lived in Chicago for nearly 20 years and yet somehow never walked into the shops on 900 N. Michigan. The event gave me just the excuse I needed. Donning my classiest casual clothes I blended in as well as I could. I found it a little hard to mingle at first but the champagne going around certainly helped.  

"I LOVE your work!" a tall, middle-aged woman exclaimed loudly to ChicagoNow blogger Candance Jordan. Jordan is the writer of a social scene blog and extremely well versed writer. But that's not what caught my eye. What grabbed my attention were the amazing appetizers floating around the store. From  chicken satay's to large spring rolls I could have stayed in there forever. 

And that's when it occurred to me: it's all about the food. Yes, the Chicago social scene is alive and well and very beneficial to those involved. But it also gives those attending a chance to taste gourmet food by some of the city's top chefs. This, I believe, is the real attraction. Let's face it, had the event taken place in a conference hall with nothing to eat but coke and bagels it just wouldn't have worked. 

Over the course of the evening i'd say maybe 500 people attended the event. Out of all those how many event crashed? Say hi to a few people (or better yet come in a group so you don't have to know anyone else), grab your food and leave. These events happen quite often so i'd be willing to bet there's a whole of subculture of people that go purely for the free food. 

Taken from a purely hedonistic viewpoint yesterday's event was a sensual playground. Each floor presented new and wonderful ways to eat, drink and be merry. From free samples of bourbon and shoe shines at Marc Shale to free Bloody Mary's at the Oak Tree Restaurant and Bakery it was truly fantastic. 

My only gripe with the event is that it did not showcase any of the lesser bloggers of Chicago. Understand, this is not me asking for praise, I just got into the game. But there are many others out there, big names in the blogging world, who deserve the same sort of celebrity status as the writers I met last night.