Medical in Spring Valley

“Japonais is a culinary experience that blends immense enjoyment with sturdy savoir faire,” declared former Chicago Sun-Times food critic Pat Bruno, writing of the sleek Asian eatery near the edge of the Chicago River. While one coexecutive chef, Jun Ichikawa, lends his expertise to the sushi side of the restaurant’s menu, the other, Gene Kato, designs its selection of hot plates. Together, they churn out traditional and modern dishes—such as the house-specialty Kobe prime rib and Le Quack Japonais, a house-smoked duck slathered in hoisin sauce and mango chutney—whose appeal led Condé Nast to name their establishment one of the top 66 restaurants in the world. Ingredients from both surf and turf star at the sushi bar, which serves options such as spicy king-crab nigiri and a Crazy Veggie roll that insists on wearing its lab coat and goggles at all times. As selections emerge from the kitchen, says Bruno, “the presentations … are elegant … the shapes and swoops of the plates are a feast for the eyes.” The two dining rooms at Japonais meld industrial Japanese design with a touch of European richness. Squares of gold velvet frame an oversize mirror that hangs over the Red Room, the restaurant’s more formal dining space. Across the hall, the Green Room’s slate-and-brick fireplace and whimsical tree centerpieces that occasionally don sweatpants add to its more relaxed atmosphere. Wavy ceiling panels and Lucite chandeliers accentuate the high ceilings that unite the two spaces, hanging over a staircase that leads downstairs to the riverwalk café. There, sheer drapery panels frame views of the Chicago River for those seated on pillow-laden couches and chairs. As they lounge, guests can sip specialty cocktails or enlist the top-shelf liquors to help them win gargling contests against the river.

As a division of Valhalla Wellness and Medical Centers, Valhalla MedSpa puts an emphasis on medical-grade care with a team that includes a registered nurse and laser specialist. Instead of fighting sickness, this team works to roll back the clock and help clients reach their aesthetic goals. Specialists administer facial treatments with scientifically formulated SkinCeuticals products and smooth wrinkles with Botox or fillers. Zerona laser treatments provide a quick fix for clients who want more pronounced curves, and custom weight-loss programs offer a more sustained approach to weight loss. The wellness centers also promote well-being with a family practice doctor (MD), a naturopathic physician (ND), chiropractic care, and massage therapy.

Dr. Joyce Chang at The Medical Skin Clinic groups her treatments into two categories: general medical care and dermatology. These categories encompass the range of skills she acquired while studying everything from pediatrics to geriatrics. Despite the broad scope of her expertise, Dr. Chang takes special interest in all that ails or enhances the female body. Attuned to the many ways that aging affects the appearance, she rejuvenates skin with chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermal fillers, and lasers. At the clinic, Dr. Chang directly supervises licensed aestheticians or medical assistants who diminish fine lines, skin damage, and frozen facial expressions with medical-grade equipment that's only available to physicians.

At LASIK of Nevada, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Rothman, who has performed more than 30,000 laser refractive procedures, and Dr. Rajy Rouweyha, who has performed more than 10,000 laser refractive procedures, enhance eyesight with LASIK and PRK surgeries. The medical professionals use FDA-approved lasers to correct clear-vision obstructions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and blindfolds. After the doctors carefully reshape corneas during either procedure, many patients enjoy 20/20 vision.

Dr. William Baumgartl, director of Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Care at Avèa Wellness Center, draws upon his diverse background in engineering and medicine to help his patients defy the aging process. His know-how extends to a multitude of laser technologies, as well as facial sculpting with the help of injectable fillers and medical-grade play-doh. Hormone-replacement therapy helps men and women keep a spring in their step, and massage services heal aches and pains caused by excessive springing.

TrimBody M.D.'s health professionals oversee programs calibrated to smooth curves and encourage overall wellness. They administer a low-fat meal delivery program to keep the weight away, and five different cosmetic injectables, such as Botox and Radiesse, give the face a youthful smoothness.