As one enters through the copper-wrapped revolving door of Japonais, the modern, yet elegant ambiance is ignited. With waterfalls in front of a high gloss red brick wall, the trendy setting is just one of the many elements that make Japonais the ultimate dining experience.

To the left of the entrance is the Red Room, styled as tribute to old Japan. Over the sushi bar hangs red textured glass to match the red chairs surrounding each table. At the end of the restaurant hangs an oversized mirror reflecting the entire first floor of the restaurant. The Green Dining room offers a more serene setting. One of the more happening parts of this area is the large, square velvet ottoman, big enough to seat 32 guests.

If the atmosphere isn’t enough, Japonais offers an extensive menu with both contemporary and traditional items. Specialty appetizers include spicy baked king crab and Japanese Yonezawa beef rolled with asparagus and mango. A personal favorite, though, is “The Rock.” Servers bring out thinly sliced marinated New York strip for guests to cook at the table on a steaming rock. The sushi selections include the fresh cuts of nigiri and sashimi, along with other classic sushi rolls. No worries if you are not a fish fan. The menu also includes Kobe prime rib, salmon, chicken, and grouper. While it may sound unusual, end the meal with their famous coffee and doughnuts.

As part of the social scene of Japonais, they offer a variety of cocktails. Their signature cocktail is the floating orchid, a combination of Absolut vodka, fresh pear, lemon, and edible orchid garnish.

Lunch hours are Mon.-Fri., 11:30am–2:30pm. Dinner hours are Mon.-Sat., 5pm–10:30pm and Sun., 5pm–10pm.

A tie. A box of golf balls. A barbecue apron.

Let’s face it – dad’s a good-natured guy. Chances are he won’t give his son or daughter any outright grief for honoring him on Father’s Day with one of these age-old “dad” gift ideas. But he won’t be talking about any of them weeks later, either (or even wearing that tie, in all honesty).

No, when it comes to giving the old man a day to truly remember, it’s all about the experience. It’s about sharing the day with his kids and exploring Chicago.

Celebrate

Nothing better espouses the intersection of summer in Chicago and relaxing with dad quite like a great neighborhood festival. 

In the West Loop, treat dad to food samples from one of the city’s hottest restaurant rows and enjoy live music by the likes of great modern rock acts like Divine Fits and The Joy Formidable at the annual Taste of Randolph festival. Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-10pm. $10. 900 W. Randolph, 773.665.4682.

Keeping the focus on food, there’s nothing mysterious about SausageFest Chicago. If it’s encased and grilled, it’s got a place at this two-day celebration of music and meat in the shadow of Wrigley Field. Saturday and Sunday, Noon-10pm. $5. 3600 N. Sheffield, 773.868.3010.

Another way to honor dad’s love of grilling while giving him a day off from the coals is a visit to the 6 Corners BBQ Festival, where food and music once again offer a great excuse to wander the middle of a normally busy street on foot for a few hours. Saturday and Sunday, Noon-9pm. FREE. 4000 N. Milwaukee, 773.685.9300.

Explore

If you’ve got an active dad, get him out there to see the city.

At Bike Chicago, you can rent a couple of two-wheelers to cruise the lakefront at your own pace, or sign up for one their organized guided tours covering the city’s food scene and architecture. 239 E. Randolph, 312.729.1000.  

Brunch

The first 75 dads to make a reservation at Chicago Cut Steakhouse receive a gift basket with more than $300 worth of goodies from Whole Foods Market, Haverdash, Maxine Salon, Marshall Pierce & Co. Jewelers, and Wilfred Newman. Dad's can enjoy any of their USDA Prime Steaks available as Filet Mignon, Ribeye, NY Strip, Porterhouse and more. 300 N. LaSalle, 312.329.1800.

Shop

It’s not that dad doesn’t like shopping, he just needs to find a store that fits his style.

At Iwan Ries & Co., he can marvel at the hundreds of cigar and pipe selections, try out a variety of tobaccos in the parlor or just soak in the throwback atmosphere of one of the city’s oldest family-run businesses. 19 S. Wabash, 312.372.1306. 

For clothing and accessories that take him back to his military days – regardless of the era – he’ll be overwhelmed by the selection on display at Belmont Army Surplus. 855 W. Belmont, 773.549.1038.

The options are endless. So this year, skip the tie and give dad a Father’s Day experience to remember in Chicago.  

Progressive Insurance Chicago In–Water Boat Show returns for the second year June 13–16. Dive into summer with hundreds of boats at the 31st Street Marina. The show features more than 150 power and sailboats for sale, dozens of vendors showcasing the latest and greatest in marine accessories and gear and attractions for all ages on land and water. Play free paddle-sports on Lake Michigan and receive on-water boater education for all levels of experience.  Take a boating lesson, cool off with water activities such as banana boat rides, kayak and stand-up paddle board lessons, or bounce on the water trampoline. Adults, $10 (16 and older); Kids under 16, Free. Thurs.–Fri., 11am–6pm; Sat., 10am–6pm; Sun., 10am–5pm. 

After the show, be sure to stop by Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S. Michigan, 312.588.0230), the only nautical-themed restaurant in Chicago. The bar and eatery is celebrating its seventh anniversary this week. Thursday's special is $7 Martini's and Friday's special is $7 Rumrita's (rum margaritas). The big celebration party is Saturday, with 20oz Bud Light Drafts for $4 and Skyy Vodka cocktails in 20oz Anniversary cups for $6. There will also be a DJ, a complimentary buffet, a champagne toast at midnight, and raffles for cool prizes. 

Does seeing all of those boats give you the urge to take one out yourself? Take your friends out for a party on the water with Tiki Party Boats. These pontoons offer BYOB options and allow guests to bring food on board. Relax  while listening to Jimmy Buffet or whatever is on your playlist. Adventurous group members will love plunging into Lake Michigan via the water slide. Limit twelve people per boat. Docks on the north wall of Monroe Harbor. For complete rates and more details, visit tikipartyboat.com or call 312.600.8454.

West Side Story tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers, Maria and Tony, as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. Set in the 1950s, the two live on the west side of Manhattan where rival gangs, the born and bred New York boys, the Jets, fight with the Puerto Rican immigrants, the Sharks. Good boy Tony wants out of the Jet lifestyle and Maria is the sister of the Sharks’ leader. Ripped from the pages of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the score features Broadway classics such as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Somewhere.” See the production at the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) June 11 – June 16.

Tickets range from $18–$85. Performance times are Tues.–Fri. at 7:30pm; Sat., 2pm & 8pm; Sun., 2pm & 7:30pm. Call 800.775.2000 for tickets or visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

The Loop has a new front door. The Chicago Loop Alliance is opening "The Gateway" today at the median on South State Street between Wacker Drive and Lake Street. The area will be filled with blue and red canopied tables and chairs, flower boxes, trees and "welcome" signs. The "people-plaza" is part of an effort across the city to reclaim parking spaces and allow locals and visitors a chance to stop and take a breath during their busy days.