moroccan roll.

the crescent room at tizi melloul is like life inside a genie's bottle, with opulence derived from its real moroccan furnishings. pull up some pillows and get ready for a rose water hand washing, followed by a five-course feast fit for a king. from fire roasted mussels to a lamb tagine, your paws won't be clean for long (though silverware is available for the less adventurous). wash it all down with a spiked ali baba lemonade or fizzy tizi and, on sundays, view a belly dancing performance. what more could you wish for? 531 north wells street. at ohio. 312.670.4338. www.tizimelloul.com

it's been oolong.

probably nobody knows the health benefits of tea better than the chinese and ten ren tea shop in the heart of chinatown is the real deal. it's the largest and most reputable tea manufacturer in the far east (who knew?), so you won't find modern day blends that taste like a candy bar. (confucius say, not very healthy.) but if you're craving a little oolong, this is the place. tea sets and accessories and a small selection of snacks, like green tea pumpkin seeds and jasmine tea candy, are also avail. 2247 south wentworth. near cermak. 312.842.1171.

café hooray.

people watching is a parisian passtime, and the authentic setting at pierrot gourmet at the peninsula hotel offers front-row (outdoor) seating to view the rush street scene. so sip your café au lait and nibble on a sig tartine. everything from the pastry case emanating that divine, buttery eau de baked goods, and the french tunes playing in the background, will transport you to the land of wine and cheese. and because the hotel attracts international travelers, don’t be surprised to hear a few accents in the room. 108 east superior street. at michigan. 312.337.2888. www.peninsula.com

italy up.

if "the good life" means a great 'do and relaxing spa service, then you're in. and relaxing, homey spa fuga (called an italian escape) is the brainchild of a native italiano. antonio favaro has only been in the states a few years, but wanted to create a place where "people could experience a piece of italy without ever leaving chicago." sign yourself up for an antioxidant-rich amalfi glow facial and lounge alfresco on fuga's "terrazza." also, mangia on a panino accompanied by the most legit espresso this side of firenze. 38553 north southport avenue. near west barry. 773.880.1280. www.salonfuga.com

bolly 'hood.

chicago's little india on the devon avenue stretch is home to a bevy of authentic restos and intriguing shops. and while you may not find a snake charmer, the goods at taj sari palace will surely put you in a trance. known as one of the oldest sari shops in the area, taj also specializes in fabrics, jewelry, shoes and trad bridal attire, all direct from india and pakistan. peruse the bejeweled bangles, fanciful fabrics and glistening statement necklaces. buttoned-up restort fashion followers need not visit. 253 west devon avenue. at maplewood. 773.338.0177.