Kent Mikolite, the proprietor of this Jewelers Row shop, is one of only two people in the city certified as a master watchmaker by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute. Rolex chronographs, Vulcain Crickets with mechanical alarms, ultrahigh-frequency Bulova Precisionists—he knows them all. Mikolite charges $600 or so for the typical Rolex repair—including an inside-out, ultrasonic cleaning—but … Read more
Those towering, flowering breathtaking spectacles in so many Gold Coast homes and hotels (Drake, Four Seasons) likely came from this century-old, family-owned florist. Mangel’s specialty: roses that would make Gertrude Stein gawk. If you’re looking to wow, this is the place. Prices start at $50 for a basic arrangement.
No jewelry repair or redesign is too complex for these pros, who’ve accessorized everyone from Billy Crystal to Sylvester Stallone. They’ll replicate a lost earring, shorten bracelets, and restring pearls. The painstaking process often includes sketches, wax models, and castings, all before the trinket is polished to a like-new glow. On a recent visit, staff … Read more
This year’s exhaustively researched list delivers big on the essentials (hair cutting, carpet cleaning, shoe repair) while adding a dollop of luxury (bespoke suits, custom portraits). Read on for the 72 winners—plus 46 additional picks from your fellow Chicago readers.
Picky clotheshorses such as Michelle Obama and Chicago History Museum costume curator Timothy Long swear by this 59-year-old establishment, which can handle anything from delicate suede to elaborate beading. (Even Vogue endorses it.) Each garment gets photographed and cataloged. For a 10 to 20 percent surcharge, Davis will pick up and deliver anywhere from Hyde … Read more
A self-defense technique designed for the Israeli military may seem a bit extreme for the mean streets of the North Shore. But Sue Garstki’s courses are so good that even local police officers love them. No-bull coaching from this U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame member will prepare you for real-life fight-or-flight scenarios such as … Read more
What do you think is best in the city? To find out, Chicago
conducted an online survey in May, which resulted in more than
1,300 responses. Here, your 46 winners and the runners-up in culture, dining, and shopping.
Want your Mercedes to gleam again? Owners of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches will tell you to take it to Osama Syed’s two-year-old company, one of only two in Illinois listed as an elite detailer by DuPont Registry, a marketplace for luxury cars. Aesthetic Detail will baby your wheels, offering everything from leather treatments to full … Read more
A behavioral specialist helping troubled pooches, including the pampered fur babies of celebrities and wealthy Gold Coasters, Schuchat uses positive reinforcement (treats, toys) to ease everything from separation anxiety to aggression. Her secret sauce includes extensive discussions with and involvement of the whole family. Cost: $125 for the first visit; discounts available for additional sessions, … Read more
The Professional Sports Wives Association says that this nine-year-old company is the best place to turn for highly vetted nannies. Only 3 percent of recruits make it through the interview process, an acceptance rate that’s more competitive than Harvard’s. They’ll do it all: grocery shopping, your kids’ laundry, and, of course, the basics of feeding … Read more
