LITTLE ITALY HIDEAWAY

The Neighborhood Hotel just opened their second Chicago location in the heart of Little Italy, with 35 residential suites, including two-bedroom suites, all outfitted with full kitchens, joyful artwork, yoga mats, local Metric Coffee, and more. Soaring ceilings, terrazzo floors, and elegant plaster accents reflect the rich tradition of Italian design. There’s no front desk or concierge, but the thoughtful details and curated guide of neighborhood recommendations feel like you’re staying at a friend’s apartment while they are out of town. Our favorite local gem? Gathers Tea Bar for the best boba milk tea in Chicago is just a few blocks away. 1431 W Taylor Street, theneighborhoodhotel.com

A NEW FASHION FLAGSHIP

Responsible luxury womens wear brand Christina Karin debuts its new flagship retail location and brand headquarters in Lincoln Park. Founded by Christina Monley (a former broker on the New York Stock Exchange) in 2012, the brand is grounded in a philosophy of seasonless dressing with an emphasis on sustainable design and a thoughtful approach to slow fashion, working with sustainable textiles and recycled materials. From leather pants and tweed blazers to shearling coats and oversized cotton sweaters you’ll want to live in, all samples are designed at the flagship atelier, which also hosts new launch previews amidst modern art and minimalist details. 1024 W Armitage Avenue, christinakarin.com

PERSIAN PANACHE

Albany Park is a culinary melting pot, lauded as one of the most diverse dining nabes in Chi-Town, and last summer the area welcomed newcomer Maman Zari to the scene. Chef Matteo Lo Bianco serves the city’s first Persian tasting menu, an eight-course journey through traditional Iranian delicacies like kuku sabzi (herb frittata with barberry and apple), mahi-mahi with tamarind, cilantro, and fenugreek, and beef tenderloin co-starring pomegranate, walnut-herb butter, and jasmine rice. For dessert, rosewater-saffron ice cream and house-made cookies steal the show. For herbivores, there’s also a gourmet vegetarian option, too. 4639 N Kedzie Avenue, mamanzari.com

REFINED & RAW

A sushi speakeasy concept from Austin, Texas, recently landed in Chicago, nestled within the Lady May restaurant. The soulful Southern eatery is a sharp contrast to the exclusive 17-course omakase experience at Sushi | Bar, which serves just 12 guests at a time with two seatings each evening. Pristine pieces of nigiri are thoughtfully garnished to enhance the fish’s natural flavor. For example, dehydrated red miso and everything bagel spice heighten the umami flavor of aged bluefin akami, and brown butter miso accentuates the indulgent richness of A5 Wagyu. A shiso sushi taco to start and kakigori Japanese shaved ice to end bookend the parade of nigiri. 405 N Wabash Avenue, sushibarhospitality.com

A SIZZLING SAIL

Chicago winter is a lot more fun this year with Chicago Electric Boat Company’s new private hot tub boats. The heated six-person boats cruise slowly down the main branch of the Chicago River for iconic skyline views, propelled by a small motor and directed with a tiller (an easy-to-maneuver hand lever) on the back of the boat. Food is not allowed on board, but BYOB drinks with floating cup holders and complimentary coolers are available. Of course, no cruise would be complete without some tunes, so waterproof Bluetooth speakers are also provided. 300 N State Street, chicagoelectricboats.com