Smart cookie
Mary Astor Smithe, owner of Chicago Butter Cookies, shares a few of the things she’s sweet on
1. RL Restaurant: 115 E. Chicago, (312) 4751100; Rlrestaurant.com “Try the steamed mussels with saffron and roasted red peppers. Make sure you dip a fresh baguette in this fine exotic broth.”
2. Beau Savon: gold and frankincense soap, $7, 222 N. Garfield; Beausavon.com “Handmade, luxurious soaps that are beautifully wrapped. They make lovely gifts too.”
4. Veuve Clicquot: rose Champagne, $69.99, Lush Wine and Spirits, 1257 S. Halsted; Veuve-clicquot.com “Elegance in a flute to celebrate life and each other. It’s the perfect way to start a dinner party.”
6. Oak Street Beach: free admission, 1000 N. Lake Shore
3. Lululemon Athletica: Wunder Under Pant, $82, 900 N. Michigan; Lululemon.com “Stylish, quality workout clothes. I love their leggings — they’re comfortable and they last forever.”
5. Therapy Professionals Inc.: 60-minute massage, $99, (312) 719-0603; Therapyprofessionalsmassage.com “A couples massage in the privacy of your own home is the best massage ever!” “It’s a little piece of paradise in Chicago. Visit during the sunrise and put your toes in the water for a pretty, serene start to the day (weather permitting, of course).”
7. Chicago Butter Cookies: The Signature butter cookies, $23 for two boxes of 10; Chicagobuttercookies.com “Little heart-shaped cookies made in Chicago with love. It’s a perfect ‘I love you’ for your sweetheart all year long.”
8. Christine Noelle Design: floral arrangements, prices start at $55, 106 W. Oak; Christinenoelledesign.com “Dreamy works of art in a vase are sure to put a smile on your face.”
9. Wood Family Foundation: Learn more and donate at Woodfamilyfoundation.org
10. Dennis Bartolomei: blowout, $40-$55, 15 E. Pearson; Dennisbartolomei.com “Great blowouts and good-hearted, talented people. A true gift.”
11. The Violet Hour: 1520 N. Damen; Theviolethour.com “This is the perfect cocktail lounge. It’s intimate and dreamy with cocktails that are out-of-this world delicious. Try their Pimm’s Cup.”