Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Next time you find yourself walking down North Avenue in Wicker Park, make sure you stop at Santullo's Eatery. Its outer appearance doesn’t quite hint at all the yummy goodness that can be found inside, which is why you have to check it out for yourself.

When you first walk in, delicious smells reach your nose and you realize that you’re suddenly really hungry. You’ll notice, too, the stylish but casual way that this place has been decorated. You have your choice of dark cherry-colored booths or high tables with chairs. Black and white photographs of people from generations gone hang high on the walls, and you can often hear quaint old-fashioned tunes while you eat. Tarnished wood floors add to the vintage feel.

But what’s most important is the food. Not only does Santullo’s serve classic sandwiches on fresh baked bread, but they also have homemade soups, salads, beer and wine, and sides like potato or pasta salad prepared daily! And who could forget their pizza; Santullo’s does, after all, boast “a slice of New York in Wicker Park.” They offer daily specials by the slice, too, and even a pizza “happy hour” Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm. A personal favorite is “Thee Hipster,” an amazing combination of fire roasted red pepper and goat cheese. Get a slice and you’ll be surprised by how it barely fits on the plate. For dessert, try the homemade Tiramisu or their signature “Big Apple.” And if by some chance you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, you can order one of Santullo’s 20-inch classics and have it delivered.

Best of all, Santullo’s Eatery is open until 3:00 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. That means you’ll be able to satisfy a late night craving without having to leave the bar early. Next time you’re in the area, stop in and have a slice. Your stomach will thank you.

Lots of people forget to stop and smell the roses. At Asrai Garden in Wicker Park, you won’t be able to help yourself.

This one-of-a-kind North Ave soap shop and gift boutique gives off the most amazing smell, and when the doors are open, it draws you in from the street as you walk by. Walking in, you feel like you entered an exotic garden. Bouquets of fresh cut flowers line the front and back walls. Their colors create a rainbow that fills the store with a romantic feeling.

Here you can find soaps and other bath creations made by local vendors, as well as plenty of other gift ideas, like soap holders and other bathroom items, and even candles that have the most amazing scents.

One thing that makes Asrai Garden stand out are its product displays, which are stylishly done and make it easy to pick up a product and examine it. And while the store is relatively small, they make great use of the available space, without having a cramped feeling. Artistic creations are spread out on tables and add to the classic, delicate feel of the store.

Perfect as a gift shop for a friend who has everything, this store boasts a collection that you can’t find in a shop like Bath and Body Works. Pick up a bar of soap; they’re silky to the touch and smell unbelievable!

If you’re a guy looking for an anniversary gift or even just an unexpected surprise for your sweetie, you can bet that any woman would be happy to receive a package with a luxurious bar of bath soap, an aromatherapy candle, and a bouquet of gorgeously arranged flowers. Visit Asrai Garden on North Avenue and you won’t be disappointed.