New Furama Restaurant, Chicago

At the beginning of 2016, New Furama Restaurant hosted a fashion show that showcased qipaos, or cheongsams—traditional form-fitting Chinese dresses with high collars and high slits. Many Chinese parents took their American-born children to the show to help them connect with their Chinese heritage, something New Furama was happy to play a part in.

The Chinatown eatery gives Chicagoans a taste of China in other ways, too. There's the food, of course, dim sum and Cantonese-style dishes such as egg-custard buns, chicken feet spiced with Chinese herbs, fried shrimp balls, and the classic rice-porridge comfort dish known as congee. Then there's the decor, which mixes rich fuchsia and red with golden accents, including a golden buddha that greets people when they enter the dining area.

New Furama also hosts many special occasions, including weddings complete with turntables in the middle of the tables. These allow guests to easily share dishes, drinks, and the song-request lists they intend to hand to the DJ.