CULINARY CARIÑO
In 2019, chef Norman Fenton (Schwa, Brass Heart) took a nine-month road trip from Chicago to Mexico, traveling through Mexico City, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Puebla, and more, finally landing in the jungles of Tulum where he became the executive chef at Wild Tulum. Now, Fenton is back in Chicago, partnering with Wild Tulum co-owner Karen Young to serve a 12-plus course modern Mexican tasting menu at 20 seat Cariño in Uptown. Book the chef’s counter for a couple surprise courses that are the highlight of the evening. Totem luxury ingredients like caviar and foie gras are presented in memorable new ways, and traditional Mexican delicacy huitlacoche shines in a sweet corn ravioli course that delicately balances sweet and savory. There’s even a late night taco omakase at the seven-seat chef’s counter beginning at 9:30 p.m. to highlight Cariño’s on-premise masa program, with tacos, tetelas, tostadas, and more. 4662 N Broadway, carinochicago.com
GOLDEN HOUR
Watch the sunset over the Midwest horizon from the top of the highest observation deck in the U.S. at SkyDeck, with a new Golden Hour package in partnership with live-fire restaurant Kindling on the ground floor of the Willis Tower. For $65, packages include expedited access through all of SkyDeck’s experiences (including the museum and the Ledge), followed by a Golden Amaro cocktail at Kindling. Available Monday through Friday from 4:30pm-7pm; tickets are available by contacting the SkyDeck sales team. Willis Tower, 202 S Franklin Street, theskydeck.com, sales@thesky deck.com
WEST LOOP WABI-SABI
Gourmands adore Nobu Hotel Chicago, where world-famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes meet one of the most stylish stays around. Interiors by Chicago’s beloved Studio K embrace the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection through tranquil and strikingly simple design, layering different textures, patinas, and weathered natural materials with high ceilings and low furniture to create a feeling of spaciousness. Teak soaking tubs with Natura Bissé bath amenities are a highlight, and heated bathroom floors are a cherished luxury on chilly days. Pastry chef Maree Rogers crafts delicate mignardise for welcome amenity bentos and serves unique desserts like warm date cake with crème fraîche gelato in addition to Nobu signatures like banana soy toban and whisky cappuccino. 155 N Peoria Street, nobuhotelchicago.com
BRASSERIE BRUNCH
Clayton Hauck for Argot
Verve Wine’s new French bras serie in Lincoln Park just launched brunch, and whether you prefer a sweet or savory start to the day, chef Lucas DePerry has tantalizing options. Dinner favorites like French onion soup and a sumptuous double patty Wagyu burger remain on the menu, but DePerry adds breakfast specials like quiche, buckwheat pancakes with whipped almond butter, and baguette French toast to the mix. The wine list, guided by master sommelier Dustin Wilson, is a highlight, featuring classic French and American producers along with contemporary wineries breaking the mold. You can even pick up a bottle from the wine shop next door on your way out. 2349 N Lincoln Avenue, argotchicago.com
REGENCY REFRESH
Towering above the Chicago Riverwalk, Hyatt Regency Chicago is the largest hotel in the city and the largest Hyatt in the world, offering a range of city, river, and lake views. The hotel will complete a $102 million transformation this spring, which includes new art installations and enhanced ballroom meeting spaces. All 2,032 guestrooms and suites have been renovated as well with a simple, open design and contemporary furniture to create flexible, uncluttered spaces for socializing, working, and even doing yoga in your room. The 3,280-square-foot West Tower presidential suite has the best views of all, plus a private wet bar, marble fireplace, and dining room. 151 E Wacker Drive, hyattregencychicago.com