Leaders strut their stuff on runway

Last Thursday, a room at The Cotillion Banquets was transformed into the fashion mecca of Palatine.

The annual Holiday Expo and Fashion Event was put on by the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce and a lot of local celebrities strutted their stuff down the runway.

Mayor Rita Mullins and Harris Bank Regional President Jack Lloyd walked arm-in-arm showing off their clothes.

If the show was any indication of winter trends for men, consider a colorful jacket.

Tom Seick, who works at Palatine's Zimmer Hardware, wore an eggplant sport coat as he walked the runway. And Todd Rowden of the Rotary Club pulled off an outfit featuring a blue velvet jacket. He and his wife -- District 15 school board member Wendy Rowden -- garnered tons of applause.

Clothing, accessories and hair/makeup services were provided by several local businesses.

More than 150 people attended the show and it raised more than $9,000, according to event chair Liz Noe. This year, the featured charity was Wellness Place, a local cancer resource center.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship fund.

One outstanding part of the show was original designs by Harper College fashion design and merchandising students. Everyone was in awe when some of the dresses came out. Stand-out designs were presented from Fremd and Palatine high school students also.

And perhaps a new look was born for a local politician? When State Sen. Matt Murphy walked the runway in khaki pants, emcee Jonathan Meier commented, "I think this look may get a few votes come election time."

Tea time in Palatine: A new restaurant called Mint Julep Bistro could be coming to downtown Palatine. It will be on Slade Street, between Brockway and Bothwell streets, in the vacant Providence Sales Center building.

The owners used to run Savannah's restaurant in Barrington, which is now closed. It's known for its southern cuisine and afternoon teas.

That same concept is expected to return in the new restaurant, which will be open seven days a week. On Sundays, they'll only offer afternoon tea.

On Tuesday night, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the idea for this restaurant. It now goes to the village council for another vote before everything is official.

This, coupled with the news that Emmett's is probably coming back to its old spot on Brockway Street, is welcome news for diners in downtown Palatine.