November Hot List: "The Lion King," Dolci Amori & More

From The Lion King to a new whiskey distillery, here’s what has Chicagoans talking this month.

The Center of Order and Experimentation is a haven for out-of-the-box finds like these sweet treats pictured, which are actually candles.

SHOP

Shoppers want experiences as much as merch these days, and new West Town retail cafe The Center of Order and Experimentation fits the bill in every way. Recently opened in West Town, COE is a playful treasure trove of eclectic finds carefully curated by Jean Cate, painter and owner of Martha Mae: Art Supplies and Beautiful Things, and Julie Purpura, owner of interior design firm Avenir Creative. “The pandemic shifted the way we approached our lives and work, and we wanted to create something that celebrates connection, fun and utility,” Cate says. “Expect the unexpected!” In store, guests will stumble upon curious finds like beautiful industrial toolboxes, gorgeous glassware blown in the shape of an orange, as well as selects from the dedicated Martha Mae outpost, while sipping on a cold brew or latte from in-house Chicago-based company Monday Coffee Co. 1727 W. Grand Ave.

The Lion King is the highest-grossing entertainment title in history.

SEE

Chicago’s theater scene has been on fire lately with the return of Wicked and the debut of The Notebook musical, and this month, theatergoers have even more to be excited about as the highest-grossing musical of all time—Disney’s The Lion King—takes the stage at Cadillac Palace Theatre in a triumphant return to Chicago. The six-Tony Award-winning show is sure to wow as iconic tunes by Elton John pair with choreography by Tony Award-winning Garth Fagan. Nov. 17-Jan. 14, 151 W. Randolph St.

Sweet tooths can savor Dolci Amori’s tempting desserts such as panna cotta, biscotti and fruit tarts.

EAT

Traditional Italian pastry shop Dolci Amori recently made a major debut with a trio of brick-and-mortar openings: two locations in Wicker Park and Lake View East, plus a third coming to the former Maillard Tavern space in River West. “In Chicago, the true Italian pastry shop and cafe experience is currently lacking, and many of the existing Italian bakeries tend to be old-fashioned,” says founder Ciro Longobardo, of Italian eatery Piccolo Sogno. The spot serves delicate indulgences such as bombolone (the Italian version of a doughnut), as well as salads and Neapolitan street food like arancini and pizette—all inspired by the bites Longobardo experienced in Italy. 2010 W. Pierce; 3025 N. Clark; 494 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Judson & Moore’s Old Fashioned, one of the distillery’s classic cocktails, is crafted with red corn bourbon whiskey, Demerara orange bitters and Maldon.

DRINK

Windy City whiskey lovers are buzzing about Judson & Moore distillery, which recently opened in Avondale. The craft distillery, founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Judson Bergman and his daughter and son-in-law, Elise Bergman and Collin Moore (who now run the operation), pours out truly Midwestern whiskeys distilled from local grains using water from Lake Michigan and aged in Minnesota white oak barrels. Stop by to tour the distillery, cozy up to the bar or book a private tasting in the Barrel Room. “Judson & Moore represents years of our working together to create quality spirits that represent the land from which the grains are harvested, as well as a welcoming, inviting space where guests are surrounded by history and vintage and new artisanal products,” Elise says. “We are thrilled to finally open our doors to the public and share Judson & Moore with friends, neighbors and whiskey lovers alike.” Cheers to that. 3057 N. Rockwell St., Building 5

Harry Potter: Magic at Play abounds with games and activations that will immerse guests into the world of wizardry.

EXPERIENCE

Calling all Potterheads: Enter the realm of wizardry this season as interactive experience Harry Potter: Magic at Play makes its world premiere at Water Tower Place. Here, guests are invited to explore Hagrid’s pumpkin patch, attend Hogwarts classes and immerse themselves into Harry’s imaginative world. “Over the past few years, Chicago has proven to be the perfect city to debut Superfly X experiences, and with Harry Potter: Magic at Play, we invite Wizarding World fans to experience the franchise in an all-new, playful way,” says Stacy Moscatelli, co-president and chief strategy officer at Superfly X, a co-creator of the experience. “Whether they are longtime or young fans experiencing this incredible world for the first time, guests will be able to enjoy a Harry Potter-filled adventure all their own.” Nov. 11-May 14, 835 N. Michigan Ave.