Chicago

Even though Chicago resides in a landlocked state, our seafood remains on par with the best in the nation. Some foods are better simple. plain. unembellished. Raw bars are one of those items, the cleaner, crisper the taste, the more delicate the shellfish. So shucks, go all out at these picks.

Chasing a dream, Julie Schwanbeck launched jules in 2007. The eponymous jewelry line immediately caught the eye of high-end boutiques, department stores and was featured at Chicago Fashion Week. jules rapid-fire growth has been chronicled in Women’s Wear Daily, People Magazine, OK Magazine, Chicago Social, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Clubline Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The Red Eye, The Rachael Ray Show and Lucky Magazine. The ID Tags have been worn by celebs like Rachael Ray, Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Beals.

When most people think of the word "flight," they think of airplanes or wine. Airplane flights transport you somewhere special, and wine flights allow you to sample different tastes in one sitting. Chicago Flights get you a little bit of both.

With the mean winter winds upon us, what better excuse to pamper yourself? These ultra-luxurious treatments remind you why diamonds are a girl’s best friend and that you can have the golden ticket. Because you should always look like a million bucks.

Carnivores beware, the herbivore/healthy/organic trend is coming up fast and hard. Whether it’s for ethical, religious, environmental, political or cultural reasons, these spots make being a vegetarian haute. Who knew veggies could taste so good?

Tapas: one of my favorite cuisines to enjoy with good friends and a glass of sangria. The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal set before them, but to taste, share and talk. And let’s just say the Spaniards know how to wine and dine.

From the time she was 8, Kimberlee Moore was intrigued with the culture and language of other countries. Being inspired by her travels, she earned a degree in International Business and pursued a career with a fashion flair. After several years of managing different businesses, she settled at John Allan's. At the forefront of the male grooming industry with their styling products and exclusive men's grooming clubs in New York and Chicago, Kimberlee serves as the General Manager of the Chicago location, where she continues John Alan’s mission of inspiring the style of Chicago men, while also enjoying a game of pool and cocktail in their penthouse lounge. In the evening, Kimberlee attends many charitable events, with which John Allan’s often partners, in the beautiful city of Chicago.

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Halloween to most means 50 cent candy, kids clad in costumes, pumpkins and naughtiness after dark. The hauter way to do All Hallow’s Eve involves upscale hotels, hot eats and many more treats than tricks.

A Chicagoan my whole life, trying to pick the top five pizza places here is like trying to choose five great sushi places in Japan- it’s downright impossible to come to a consensus. Especially since non-Chicagoans don’t recognize the complexities of pizza classifications like New York-style, deep dish, stuffed, California-style, it’s like comparing apples to oranges and our bread and butter; it’s what we’re known for. Nevertheless, I will accept the challenge and welcome any friendly debates. Just say Pizz-aaah.

Billy Dec is CEO / Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, Chicago’s premier restaurant and entertainment development company, specializing in the creation, marketing and management of some of the city’s top venues including its latest concept, the New Asian restaurant Sunda, as well as the Underground and the ever-popular Rockit Bar & Grill (with locations in River North and Wrigleyville).

With restaurants popping up faster than you can balance your checkbook, are you in the loop on what’s being buzzed about? These haute spots were anticipated, talked about and appear to have staying power so if you haven’t checked ‘em out yet, you have our endorsement. And without further ado, the top 5 new restaurants of summer/fall.