Hanging out with Joe Mantegna, being Italian, & trying Chicago style Pizza

Working with Joe Mantegna was amazing. Being in the presence of an actor of his caliber is one thing, but when you get to do his make-up for a private shoot at his Chicago style restaurant...and, at the end of the shoot he orders you a pizza to try? That makes for an awesome day. Sometimes being Italian (okay I'm only about 1/8 Italian by now, but enough for people to notice), really makes life more fun. When I say I'm Italian to another Italian, I am always greeted with an instant smile. The shoot started off that way and things were peachy all the way through. Joe has become hugely popular because of the show Criminal Minds, but today we were shooting for an A and E documentary on the Chicago Cubs.  Joe Mantegna is a native Chicagoan and therefore a huge Cubs fan, so he is asked often to talk about them.

For Joe's make up, I used a custom blend of MAC Face and Body foundation, under eyes I used the creamy Pro Concealer from Tina G Cosmetics.  A light coat of MAC Micronized Air Brush Make-up (available at pro stores only) gave it the perfect amount of coverage and I set it all with the Kryolan Micro-silk HD powder, using a velour puff. Make up Forever Contour Kit and just a touch of Brazilian Bronzer from Tina G Cosmetics brought out Joe's handsome facial features. A little Brow Set from MAC to on brows, and on lips, the Vitamin E stick from Lorac applied lightly with a brush was perfect. Grooming was done with various tools from Namies Beauty Center.

Here is a look at the finished product! Me and Joe Mantegna...just a couple of Italians hangin' out on set. What a great day!


Links:
http://www.joemantegna.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/joemantegna
http://www.cbs.com/shows/criminal_minds/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001505/

Resources:
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/393/Face-And-Body-Foundation/index.tmpl
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/149/305/Brow-Set/index.tmpl
http://kryolan.com/en/index.php?mnu=31&cid=87&id=384&rel=1
http://www.loraccosmetics.com/make-up_vitamin-e-stick.html
http://www.sephora.com/sculpting-kit-P230511?skuId=1152032
http://cmgcosmetics.bigcartel.com/product/concealer
http://cmgcosmetics.bigcartel.com/product/mineral-bronzer-duo
http://www.naimies.com/

My favorite Chicago Style Pizza in California--Taste Chicago in Burbank, owned by actor Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds)

I had a chance to visit the restaurant Taste Chicago in Burbank when we shot there for an A and E documentary on the Chicago Cubs. Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) is the owner of this delightful family style restaurant. The feel is casual and down to business good food. I've been told it is the closest you can get to authentic Chicago style pizza and Chicago style eats in general anywhere in California. Joe is from Chicago and passionate about Chicago style food. I have actually had the pleasure of real Chicago style pizza when I was there visiting family and I have to say, I agree! Taste Chicago is insanely good and you forget you are even in California when you dig into the tasty deep-dish pizza. The menu is hardcore--only the best stuff: Chicago Dogs, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and other ridiculously great Italian fair. The smell of the deliciousness as soon as you get out of the car lets you know you are in the right place.

My job as a make up artist is always interesting. People always ask me how to be a make up artist and what it is like to be a make up artist. On days like this one, I would say, smile, be Italian, do a good job on the make up and Joe Mantegna will order you a breakfast pizza when you wrap! (And, he stayed and ate with us too!!)  The breakfast pizza is not on the menu, but something special Joe had the kitchen whip up for the crew. Amazing! Such a sweetheart and all that talent. He couldn't have been more down to earth, kind, and gracious. I love Joe Mantegna and I love Taste Chicago!

Here is a picture of the front of the restaurant. We shot out on the patio...

Links:
http://tastechicago.biz/
Follow Taste Chicago on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/search/taste%20chicago
Like Taste Chicago on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-Chicago/8637812191