Too often drinking mezcal can feel like getting mugged: a rush of black smoke, a choking greasy grip, and a knock on the head that lingers into the next day. That’s why every encounter with a non-vile mezcal should be celebrated, and the Desolas Mezcal Reposado is decidedly not vile. It approaches you with the refinement of a peaty Islay whiskey, carries a smooth viscousness like a fine olive oil, and imbues your synapses with a delightful whiz. Yes, you could brag on about Desolas’s small seasonal batches and brick-oven fermentation, but that would be to miss the bigger picture. This is a sophisticated encounter with a gent. ($109, desolasmezcal.com) —George Pendle

There is a dearth of curries in New York—something chef Vijay Kumar, of Dhamaka, Adda, and Semma, has been steadily remedying in recent years. Still, there’s room for more. Enter Ambassadors Clubhouse, a London staple newly arrived near Herald Square. Expect northern-Indian dishes, homemade poppadoms, and breads baked in-house, alongside international tequila-and-mezcal cocktails. The décor leans lavish: ornate chandeliers, gilded ceilings, wall art by Punjabi artists, and a commanding portrait of the founder’s grandfather presiding over a grand staircase. And, naturally, there’s the curry. (ambassadorsclubhouse.com) —Elena Clavarino

Maria Popova is a national treasure—actually, make that an international treasure. Born in Bulgaria, she started her popular blog, Brain Pickings, in 2006 (renamed the Marginalian) and has since enjoyed a global audience for her eclectic and delightful exploration of topics that help us decipher how and why we live. Her material is always fascinating, inspired by the writings of novelists, scientists, poets, and philosophers, but her true magic lies in her skill at making connections among subjects that are revelatory. Her new book, Traversal, is a masterpiece best enjoyed in small doses that will always leave you wanting more. ($36, amazon.com) —Jim Kelly

Despite the advice of every dentist I’ve ever seen, I had always put off getting an electric toothbrush. Something about the vibration seemed headache-inducing, and, more importantly, every available option looked like an eyesore. That is, until I discovered Suri, specifically their 2.0 model. Available in a variety of colors, it also features impressive environmental credentials. As billions of plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills and oceans each year, Suri’s plant-based replaceable head and bristles are renewably made from cornstarch and castor oil. Amazingly, the battery only needs recharging once a month, and the 2.0 has a helpful pressure sensor as well as a nifty charging travel case with a built-in UVC L.E.D. light, which kills 99.9 percent of bacteria. A genuinely life-changing item. ($135, trysuri.com) —Spike Carter

A reservation at Milan’s Emporio Armani Ristorante is more of a must than a maybe when it comes to post-runway dinner plans. This Fashion Week is no exception—though it will come with a hint of downtown New York. From February 25 to March 2, the Italian mainstay is hosting an Indochine pop-up. Yes, that Indochine—the eclectic French‑Vietnamese restaurant on Lafayette Street and former haunt of Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Expect a lineup of signature dishes, from fried spring rolls to glazed duck breast. And, per favore, ditch the Aperol spritz. Instead, opt for a lychee martini, or two. (armani.com) —Carolina de Armas

My friend’s most prized possession isn’t a bag or piece of jewelry. It’s the pearl mah-jongg set that rests on her coffee table, dusted off every Sunday when she graces the group of older women she plays with in the East Village. I keep kicking myself for never having the time to join her. But with the celebration of the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse, there’s no better time to make a bold change and finally pick up the game that has brought people together since the 1800s. And for those who want to play in style, Prada has nailed the “board-game chic” look. This set, where the pieces are wrapped in leather, may very well kick-start your new favorite hobby. ($8,000; prada.com) —Maggie Turner