ST REGIS SOARS
The recently opened St. Regis Chicago is the luxury brand’s first foray into the Midwest, located a couple blocks from Millennium Park in an undulating 101-story skyscraper designed by Jeanne Gang. The hotel spans 192 rooms and suites, along with 393 branded residences. Butler service and a white Range Rover house car are available to all guests. Flagship restaurant Miru serves modern Japanese cuisine with highlights like tai snapper sesame citrus crudo, Maine lobster soba noodles, and black sesame mochi for dessert. The 12,000-square-foot spa includes a yoga studio, outdoor sundeck, and heated swimming pool overlooking Lake Michigan, with daily complimentary fitness classes. Book the Caroline Astor suite for an extra sumptuous stay. 401 E Wacker Drive, stregischicago.com
HEADS UP
Veteran Chicago hair stylist and certified Redken master specialist Kate Engelman recently opened her own salon just a few blocks from buzzy River North, within walking distance of the city’s top hotels. Engelman designed Sovran Salon herself, with a clean minimalist look, ample natural light, and eight comfortable chairs. The salon uses R+Co haircare products, and Engelman is already attracting the city’s top talent to join her team. For the holidays, Engelman predicts warm copper and auburn tones for brunettes and golden tones for blondes. The stylist is also a specialist in hair extensions. “It’s really amazing to see what they can accomplish in terms of confidence and creating styles that would otherwise not be possible.” 636 N Orleans Street, sovransalon.com
FARM TO FAB
Puglian Burrata drizzled with rich balsamic vinegar and covered with thinly sliced avocado, roasted maitake mushrooms laced with Wagyu fat, and house-made pastas made with imported Paolo Mariani 00 flour are just a few highlights from the menu at Chicago’s booming new Italian restaurant, UMMO. Chef/partner Jose Sosa grew up on his grandparents’ farm in Michoacán, Mexico, with a reverence for high-quality ingredients. He developed a passion for Italian cuisine throughout his culinary career with regular travels to Italy and, most recently, as executive chef at Gibsons Italia. For more of a party vibe, visit the upstairs lounge on weekends for exclusive cocktails, small bites, and a late-night DJ. 22 W Hubbard Street, ummochicago.com
PRIMETIME
This month, Nisos Prime is making its debut in the West Loop, the third and final installation in the tri-venue Mediterranean steakhouse concept of the same name (Prime Bar and the Lounge opened earlier this year). The upscale eatery celebrates the union of land and sea, serving a smorgasbord of whole-roasted fish, top-end steaks, and succulent seafood dishes. The ambiance is lively and light, accented with warm wooden floors, custom wooden tables with oversized chairs, rattan lighting fixtures, and loads of leafy botanicals. An extensive wine program with rare global labels perfectly complements the meats. 802 W Randolph Street, Floor 2, nisosprime.com
CENTER STAGE
Maria Pinto is Chicago’s preeminent contemporary fashion designer, dressing Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey over the years in custom couture. Her new flagship store in the Gold Coast celebrates the 10th anniversary of her ready-to-wear line, with versatile, timeless pieces that are easy to wear, care for, and travel with. Pinto’s thoughtful approach to fashion celebrates women at every stage of their lives, with architecturally inspired, empowering clothing. “I want to make women feel like a better version of themselves,” she said. “Clothes are such an important form of self-expression. When you walk in the room, the dress is the accessory but you’re the one making an entrance.” 710 N Wabash Avenue, mariapinto.com
