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NIGHT+DAY Ins and Outs (IOs)

Whether you are keeping a dogeared Night+Day guide as your bible to exploring a city, or just relying on NightandDayGuides.com, you’re in the right place for the latest and greatest happenings. Herewith are hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and attractions that have been open long enough to be tested and earn our recommendation.

October’s Top 5 New Openings

CHICAGO • XOCO • Mexican Restaurant
Rick Bayless, the creator of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, introduces this Mexican street-food venue. Xoco (pronounced sho-ko and meaning “little sister”) creates a casual dining experience that is proud of its laid-back approach to dishes such as Mexican soups and sandwiches. The no-fuss approach to food extends to the space. A small, narrow room with counter and table seating offers a communal feel. Meanwhile, watch the chef create entrées in the exposed kitchen. Try the variety of hot chocolates made from imported beans roasted on site. Tue–Thu 7am–9pm, Fri 7am–10pm, Sat 8am–10pm. $$ 449 N. Clark St. (Hubbard St.), 312-334-3688, xocochicago.com

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LAS VEGAS • MADARIN ORIENTAL • Luxe Hotel
Las Vegas has been wooing internationally acclaimed chefs from all around the world for some time now, but the Mandarin Oriental is a major get for Las Vegas—proof that this city is worthy of a five-star, international hotel brand and everything that comes with it. The non-gaming hotel has a prime Center Strip location, spectacular views of the faux Eiffel Tower, and interiors designed by Adam Tihany, who was inspired by 1930s Shanghai glam. Afternoon tea in the lobby lounge is a must—opt for a glass of the Ruinart champagne to go with your oolong and pastries—as is a sunset cocktail at the neighboring MO Bar. $$$ Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Harmon Ave.), 702-590-8888 / 888-881-9578, mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

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MIAMI • BARDOT • Lounge
Part speakeasy, part neighborhood lounge, Bardot is one of Midtown Miami’s more stylish nightspots. It’s gotten some flack for adopting some of the typical South Beach club’s affectations, like doormen and velvet ropes on busy nights, but that’s not stopping a hip young crowd from turning out at this smoky venue to sip pricey cocktails on red leather sofas, play pool and board games, or check out live performances from an eclectic range of performers. Recent choices include Juliette Lewis and her band the New Romantiques, Miami’s beloved Spam Allstars, and Suénalo. Tue–Wed 8pm–3am, Thu–Sat 8pm–5am. 92 NW 34 Terr. (N. Miami Ave.), 305-588-8981, bardotmiami.com

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SAN FRANCISCO • BAR AGRICOLE • Californian Restaurant
The city’s latest farm-to-table venture promotes the use of whole animals; local, organic, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible; and simply darn good cooking, courtesy of Brandon Jew. Standout dishes include house-made headcheese with French breakfast radishes, puntarella with bagna cauda, and halibut with corn and chanterelles. And though this is a destination watering hole for artisanal mixology, Bar Agricole also has one of the most thoughtful wine lists in town. The interior, by Aidlin Darling Design, evokes a Zen comfort. Daily 6pm–1am. $$$ 355 11th St. (Folsom St.), 415-355-9400, baragricole.com

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TORONTO • SCARPETTA • Italian Restaurant
Famed chef Scott Conant brings his view of Italian cuisine to the luxe digs of the new Thompson Hotel. With his well known pedigree in the United States, Conant wanted a hotel restaurant worthy of his name, and has transferred many of his acclaimed dishes to his first foray in Canada. The menu may be Italian, but its influences scour the globe, from the yellowtail with Hawaiian sea salt to the cauliflower soup with oysters. For those with a pasta passion, Scarpetta offers bacon-wrapped halibut, classic tomato-basil spaghetti, and slow-cooked veal tenderloin. Gourmands will be lining up to assess the city’s newest challenger for the title of “chef of the moment.” Sun–Wed 5:30–11pm, Thu–Sat 5:30pm–midnight. $$$ Thompson Hotel Toronto, 550 Wellington St. W. (Bathurst St.), 416-601-3590 / 888-550-8368, thompsonhotels.com/scarpetta

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