not ready to let the summer go? just keep on going to this season's new hot spots.


turning japanese.
the windy city meets the big apple in japonais, the latest contemporary japanese to touch down in gramercy. mastermind restaurateurs rick wahlstedt, miae lim, and designer-partner jeffrey beers are bringing their chicago stalwart to liven up the new york sushi scene. this one's sure to stand out from the regular ole' bento boxes. 111 east 18th street. between park and irving. 212.260.2020. www.japonaischicago.com

good sip lollipop.
new lounge in swanky east 60's locale. players include fabio granato, vitorrio assaf (as in serafina), and david rockwell. name? lollipop. bonbon-inspired art mixed with things like alligator leather and a black vinyl ceiling. for bites: kobe beef lollipops, and panko fried oysters. and how many licks will it take to get to the center of this lollipop? you'll just have to wait your turn to find out. 27 east 61st street. between park and madison. 212.752.8900.


bald is back.
the bald man cometh. but this time he's bringing chocolate. (and lots of it.) max brenner, the israeli chocolatier (a.k.a. the bald man), is already a hit in australia, and just made his debut in union square. from pastries to fondue to chocolate alcoholic drinks,

apparently every chocolate factory fantasy is fulfilled. and there's even food sans chocolate like stuffed french toast and sammies. sounds sweet. 841 broadway. between 13th and 14th. www.maxbrenner.com


seat couture.
a type V personality: this person suffers from OVD (obsessive vintage disorder). can be found scouring flea markets and restoring 1950's gucci purses. might consider chair couture furniture to be genius. founder margaret elman's your typical OVD. she re-dresses classic euro with totally mod finishes. these are one-of-a-kind pieces fit for contemporary living. available at distant origin. 153 mercer street. between houston and prince. 212.941.0024. www.chaircouture.com


get kiki.
and kinky while you're at it. soho's new kiki de montparnasse can make you a sex tiger (restraining arts kit) or merely a kitten (crochet cashmere shorts). purr. JT isn't the only one bringing sexy back. 79 greene street. between spring and broome. 212.965.8150. www.kikidemontparnasse.com