Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a nightmarish dawn-to-dusk race down Michigan Avenue, battling crowds all the way. You actually can have some (gasp!) fun exploring a new ‘hood — especially if you pace yourself with a bite or a drink along the way. Shake up your holiday routine with one of these four neighborhood itineraries.
UNIVERSITY VILLAGE
FIRST STOP
Start your Sunday with a snack of homemade tamales while you browse the New Maxwell Street Market (Canal Street and Roosevelt Road. 312-922-3100). With more than 450 vendors, this colorful market has something for everyone on your list.
SECOND STOP
Get lost amid the stacks at Barbara’s Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted St. 312-413-2665), which stocks everything from children’s books to StoryTeller’s Blends coffee ($13.95 per pound), which is roasted in Illinois. In December, all cookbooks and audio books are 20 percent off.
THIRD STOP
Test the goods at Lush Wine and Spirits (1306 S. Halsted St. 312-738-1900), where helpful staffers pour tastings throughout the day. Don’t leave without a bottle of bubbly–try the Champagne Launois Pere & Fils Blanc de Blancs 1999 ($37)–for New Year’s Eve.
FOURTH STOP
Warm up with a large pour of Sho Chiku Bai hot sake ($9), or grill your own dinner over a Korean-style tabletop grill at the recently expanded Kohan Japanese Restaurant (730 W. Maxwell St. 312-421-6254).
ANDERSONVILLE
FIRST STOP
Fuel up with fazzoletti ($3.95), pastries (available weekends only) filled with savory treats such as cremini mushrooms and black truffles, at Sicilian pastry shop Pasticceria Natalina (5406 N. Clark St. 773-989-0662).
SECOND STOP
Stock up on gifts for culinarily minded friends at City Olive (5408 N. Clark St. 773-878-5408). Choose a fruit or herb olive oil and a vinegar to create a set ($25-$50), or fill your bag with olive dishes from Spain, Deruta Italian ceramic dishes and cosmetics made with olive oil.
THIRD STOP
Cover all the eco-friendly folks on your list with a trip to GreenSky (5357 N. Ashland Ave. 773-275-1911). You’ll find everything from birdhouses made from reclaimed wood, tin or stones ($25-$50) to bath products from nearby non-profit organization The Enterprising Kitchen.
FOURTH STOP
Wind down with a chocolate martini ($13) at Marty’s Wine and Martini Bar (1511 W. Balmoral Ave. 773-561-6425). The cozy space is so decked out in fresh evergreens that you can breathe in the festive aroma from the street.
ROSCOE VILLAGE
FIRST STOP
Start your day with brunch near the fireplace at Orange on Roscoe (2011 W. Roscoe St. 773-248-0999). Linger over jelly donut pancakes ($7.95), or grab a cup of orange-flavored coffee ($2) to go.
SECOND STOP
Got hip little kiddos on your holiday shopping list? Check out Little Threads (2033 W Roscoe St. 773-327-9310), where you’ll find funky kids’ clothing from Small Paul by Paul Frank, Junk Food, Charlie Rocket and others.
THIRD STOP
Dad will love the plush robe with “The Boss” embroidered on the back ($140) at men’s boutique Revolver (2135 W Belmont Ave. 773-832-4866).
FOURTH STOP
When you’re done shopping, kick it old-school at Four Treys Pub (3333 N. Damen Ave. 773-549-8845), a classic corner tavern that’s been around since 1886. The bar’s decked out for the holidays with wreaths and lights.
GOLD COAST
FIRST STOP
Start with a sugar rush at Sarah’s Pastries & Candies (70 E. Oak St. 312-664-6223), where you can customize gift boxes filled with chocolates, cookies and candies ($25-$125). And for yourself? We like the Chocolate Delights, with caramelized almonds, roasted pistachios and crispy rice (about 70 cents apiece).
SECOND STOP
Shop for unique jewelry at the new location of New York-based Me & Ro (61 E. Oak St. 312-957-8181). Pieces range from affordable ($70) to eye-popping ($50,000). We like the Silver Wheel of Transformation & Lotus Dish Trinkets with Iolite Bead ($170), which represents the “overcoming of all obstacles and illusions.”
THIRD STOP
They made Oprah’s list of favorite things, so now everyone on your list wants ’em. Find a complete selection of uber-warm Ugg boots at Ugg Australia (909 N. Rush St. 312-255-1280). The crocheted variety is hot now ($100-$140); opt for slippers if you want to save a few bucks ($60-$100).
FOURTH STOP
If all this holiday spending drives you to drink, we recommend the festive, crimson-colored pomegranate margarita ($15) at the new Mexx Kitchen at the Whiskey (1015 N. Rush St. 312-475-0300). The tortilla soup ($6) will heat you right up, or share a bowl of guacamole served in a molcajete bowl ($9).
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
