The “Buddy The Elf Christmas Experience” Coming To Itasca

Back in 2003, I remember reading a review about an upcoming movie starring Will Ferrell as an elf named Buddy. As a Will Ferrell fan, I thought it might be worth a look. However, the reviewer assured me that the movie was crap, and would be quickly forgotten.

Well, that "crap movie" went on to earn $223 million at the domestic box office, was one of the biggest hit films of the year, and almost instantly was regarded by many as a Christmas classic.

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Will Ferrell Wasn't Sure He Wanted To Do "Elf," And Turned Down Huge Money For A Sequel

According to published reports earlier this year, Will thought doing "Elf" might just wreck his career. USA Today:

Although "Elf" was a box-office smash, earning over $220 million at the global box office, Ferrell said he had his doubts about the film and its impact on his career. He told THR he recalls “running around New York in his silly yellow tights, thinking, ‘Boy, this could be the end.’”

It obviously wasn't the end of his career, but it was the end of playing Buddy the Elf. Ferrell reportedly turned down $29 million dollars to return in another Elf movie.

The Undying Love Of The Movie Has Inspired A Pop-Up Restaurant At A Chicago-Area Hotel

The Westin Chicago Northwest's general manager is a guy named Chris Johnson, a huge fan of the movie. He got the bright idea to turn the movie into a holiday event, and make the space feel like a movie set that fans had access to. Plus, to make it even better, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Humanitarian Service Project charity in Carol Stream.

The Daily Herald reports that the menu captures the spirit of the movie, trying to mirror what elves like to eat (the four main food groups, candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup):

Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil and a Candy Cane Balsamic reduction
Mini Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup and Candy Corn
Creamy Peppermint Shrimp Mousse on Crostini
Bone-in Cowboy Ribeye with Savory Chocolate Sauce, Raw Sugar Sautéed Onion and Mushroom, Candied Yams with Marshmallow and Roast Brown Sugar Carrots

For more information on the Buddy The Elf Christmas Experience at the Chicago Westin Northwest, click here.