Hotter Than Haute

Friday, November 18, 2005

Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, and, of course, Las Vegas—from sea to shining sea, the major market centers offer buyers great restaurants to talk shop, and inspired retailers to shop the talk.

ATLANTA

Two Urban Licks. This ultra-trendy spot in Poncey Highland attracts the swank set with dramatic culinary creations and a feast for the senses. Bulbous red lanterns and flickering wall sconces cast a spell in the cavernous dining room, where a 14-foot-tall rotisserie tower heats up the scene. But the real showstopper is the stunning view of the Midtown skyline. Jump-start your meal from the “fiery American” menu with a flame-tendered dish such as lamb lollipops. Meat lovers have plenty to cheer about, from the baby-back ribs to smoked beef brisket. For a grand finale, sample the irresistible chocolate cream pie. 820 Ralph McGill Blvd.

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This hip, fashion-forward boutique springs from the heart of Midtown for fashionistas on a budget. Racks of the latest fashions line this chic boutique—women’s jeans,T-shirts, skirts, dresses and more. Owner Dana Williams’ philosophy is adorable clothes at affordable prices. The trendy fashions for men and women include Mavi, Paper Denim & Cloth, Adriano Goldschmeid, Free People, French Connection and Project e. Jewelry includes semi-precious necklaces, leather bracelets and copper-wire earrings. There’s also Eberjey camisoles and women’s underwear. Shoes are the biggest steal, especially the women’s heels—very affordable and perfect for a night on the town. 1114 W. Peachtree St. NW

CHICAGO

Maiz. Spotlighting the authentic flavors from the streets and marketplaces of Mexico City, this casual restaurant hums with sounds from the open kitchen and the lively conversation of patrons. Antojitos (little cravings) and authentic Mexican dishes are centered around corn. Openers include gorditas (corn masa patties filled with goat cheese) and flautas de pollo (shredded chicken inside crisp rolled corn tortillas). Larger dishes include sopes—moist masa cakes topped with meat, cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream. Quesadillas come with familiar fillings, plus a few delicacies like huitlacoche—an earthy fungus that grows on corn. For dessert: creamy, caramelized flan. 1041 N. California Ave.

Sam & Willy’s, a Bow Meow Boutique. This tiny Lakeview boutique caters to pets and the people who love to pamper them. Pooches are greeted by a bowl of biscuits just outside the door; inside, the shop is filled floor to ceiling with necessities and accessories for urban pets and their owners. Goodies for cats include plush beds, fanciful toys and stylish food bowls. Treats for dogs include collars and leashes, sweaters, vanity tags, hand-painted water bowls and more. Greeting cards and jewelry are a few gift ideas available for people. Sam & Willy’s also carries a variety of organic, natural and raw frozen pet foods and treats. 3405 N. Paulina St.

DALLAS

Mansion on Turtle Creek. Dallas’ most lauded restaurant serves exquisite contemporary American fare in elegant surroundings. Well-to-do Dallasites dress to the nines for this legendary, lavish restaurant, whose intimate rooms are decked with ornate stone fireplaces, pinstriped wall coverings and contemporary art in antique gilt frames. Chef Dean Fearing gives four-star cuisine a comforting Texas twist, with signature dishes like tortilla soup and the must-try lobster taco, a meaty, cheesy treat plated with a refreshing side of shredded jicama salad. Among entrees, meat is king, from venison and pheasant to tender, mustard-crusted rack of lamb and rib-eye steak with giant crispy onion rings. 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.

Forty Five Ten. In Dallas’ hip Knox-Henderson area is this mini department store that sells upscale lifestyle accoutrements including art, men’s and women’s clothing, plus accessories and household items. Fashions are collected from around the world, and such exclusive lines as Rick Owens and Proenca Schouler can be found in this boutique. Jewelry selections are extensive, mainly offering 18k gold and unusual stones. Cosmetics, perfumes, linens, stationery, books and other decoratives all make this boutique a favorite among in-the-know Dallasites. The T Room offers a quiet respite for lunch, where customers can enjoy soups, salads and panini sandwiches. 4510 McKinney Ave.

LAS VEGAS

Fleur de Lys. Acclaimed chef Hubert Keller opened this second outpost of his famous prix-fixe San Francisco restaurant in Mandalay Bay in 2004. Pink lighting warms exposed stone walls while taupe theater curtains hang from the high ceiling, creating pockets of intimacy. Small tables are decorated with hand-painted china, each piece sporting a unique flower. Starters include the Ocean “Baeckeoffe”—a tiny clay pot of Maine lobster, leek and mushrooms, steam-cooked into a velvety bisque, paired with a bite-sized crab cake. Entrees, including roasted King salmon, Hawaiian swordfish and roasted squab, are cooked in rich reduction sauces, with flavors like ginger-lime, chile red-wine, basil-mint and carrot-cardamom. At the Mandalay Bay Gucci. A debonair, perfectly groomed set exudes wealth and class—and that’s just the staff. Employees wait courteously and expectantly on an affluent, international clientele that has kept this high-style house in business since the 1920s. Most of the costly merchandise is showcased on softly lit platforms and suspended racks that give the store a sleek, modern look. Clothing, accessories, sunglasses, perfume, jewelry and shoes comprise the top-quality, high-priced selection. Women love the tailored dresses and pantsuits, knit separates, luxurious handbags, casual loafers, and dressy heels. Men can slip into jackets made from soft, sensuous black leather or suede-finished long-hair lambskin coats. 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Ste. C1

LOS ANGELES

Loteria Grill. Fresh, authentic Mexican food boosts the Farmers Market to new gastronomic heights. With a prime location adjacent to shopping meccas The Grove and West Third Street, this bustling stand is a neighborhood favorite. Friendly and festive, the counter is lined with colorful Mexican playing cards and surrounded by brightly colored stools. Tacos, burritos and enchiladas made with homemade tortillas, succulent meat fillings, and savory sauces easily stand up to L.A.’s best. Smoky, cochinita pibil (roasted pulled pork) and juicy chicken smothered in rich, toasty sweet mole are taco-filling standouts. Make it a full meal with flavorful green rice, well-seasoned black beans and sweet fried plantains. 6333 W. 3rd St.

Sirens & Sailors. Sirens & Sailors is an edgy Echo Park boutique that showcases local designers and artists. Owner Jennifer Phillips has turned her small store into a combination art gallery/cool hangout. Every other month, she hires a DJ and throws an in-store party to welcome the arrival of new fashions and artwork. The festivities, open to the public, start at 7 p.m. and sometimes don’t wrap until the wee morning hours. She nurtures local design talent. Look for Ynub, Sarah Cake and Phillips’ own J.P. Dawn line. The funky mix of vintage, designer and deconstructed clothing draws independent-minded clubgoers and celebrity stylists in search of unique red-carpet looks. 1102 Mohawk St.

MIAMI

Ortanique on the Mile. Past its modest facade, Ortanique is a riot of tropical style and color with a French island flair. Brightly upholstered banquettes on either side of the main dining room are screened off by gauzy curtains. Cuban tile adorns the floor; vivid designs are splashed on the walls and support columns. Chef-partner Cindy Hutson seamlessly blends French culinaryethos with the sprightly flavors of the Caribbean. Plump crab cakes get apiquant lift from West Indian curry spices and tangy papaya-lime coulis, while a thick slab of swordfish comes with a sublime gratin of boniato and foie gras. 278 Miracle Mile Source Paris. This South Beach boutique has fabulous French frocks that will have you feeling tres belle. The fabrics are Florida-heat friendly, with stretchy breathable knits and flowing linen and silks. The designs are classic yet fun, with delicate beading and vibrant colors. The staff is more concerned with helping you find the perfect outfit and less with making a sale. This Lincoln Road favorite can dress you from head to toe, offering a small selection of sandals and original beaded purses. All the clothes are Tara Jarmon designs, with prices starting at $150 for dresses and $100 for blouses. 726 Lincoln Rd.

NEW YORK

Bellavitae. This quaint Italian restaurant turns the simple into the sublime, with its passion for from-the-source ingredients. Specialty olive oils and vinegars line the walls, and two communal bars bookend the homey dining room. The flexible menu allows for light bites or a multi-course feast. Start with mild Nocellara olives, and then move to crunchy fried meatballs. Thinly sliced steak, topped with a salsa verde tasting heavily of fresh parsley, is a carnivore’s delight; and the frittata, laced with mushrooms and prosciutto, is unbelievably light and airy. Desserts mimic the seasons, but the panna cotta works in any weather. 24 Minetta Lane

Darling. Maybe it’s the all-white, atelier-like space, set a few steps above street level in a corner brownstone. Or perhaps it’s the comfortable neighborhood vibe, friendly service and reasonable prices. Whatever the reason, former Broadway costume designer Ann French Emonts’ boutique makes shopping in the city far more pleasant than usual. The store’s own line of vintage-inspired dresses and separates are among Darling’s best-sellers. Also featured are select pieces from Rose & Lula, Isshl, Evie Kilcline, Anni Kuan and flirty lingerie from Mary Green. From pretty, girly items to garments with slightly more edge, everything at Darling feels accessible and, happily, affordable. 1 Horatio St.

SAN FRANCISCO

Coco500. Chef Loretta Keller, who ran ultra-successful Bizou in the same space previously, opened this sleek SoMa eatery last spring. Her love of fresh seasonal ingredients and rustic Mediterranean dishes makes for an approachable small-plates menu that includes rotating spice-kissed beef cheek mole on tortilla chips, thin-crust pizzas, succulent duck confit and buttermilk panna cotta. Closely packed wood tables in the modern dining room are filled with foodies, couples and chic city dwellers digging into the lauded California-Mediterranean cuisine. The vibe is high energy, with a roar of conversation over upbeat music. 500 Brannan St.

ooma. This funky, ultra-feminine North Beach boutique has the look and feel of a bohemian chick’s bedroom—bright red accents complement pale blue walls and merchandise peeks from every nook and cranny. Only new and emerging designers, from local heroes to British upstarts, qualify to have their creations become oomas (an acronym for “objects of my affection”). Fashion mavens flock here to browse the fabulous pieces from labels like Trina Turk, Bon Bon Rouge and J Balducci. Expect to see anything from modern-day flamenco skirts and cords embroidered with roses to unusual pieces of jewelry, stylish hats, bags and shoes. 1422 Grant Ave.