Soho House Chicago update

Here's the lounge inside of Soho House New York. Could we be so lucky to get the same next year?! (Photo: Leonardo Media Services B.V.)


312 Dining Diva had the goods on the soon-to-open Soho House Chicago a few weeks ago, and now we've got more:

Look for the hot London property to make its way to the downtown area in spring 2009. Infamous for its celebrity and high-powered clientele, the boutique hotel and members-only venue will offer a rooftop pool, bedrooms, Cowshed (?!), library, games room, an expansive courtyard and more. The company is boasting that it'll also "offer something completely new to those working in the creative and media industries in Chicago."

Cannot wait.

Ha! An UPDATE: Definition of Cowshed: "Cowshed is a range of therapeutic, bath and body products handmade with natural ingredients. The cheekily-named, indulgent formulas were originally created for the Cowshed spa at Babington House, Somerset. The botanical products are blended locally using the highest quality essential oils from around the world and an infusion of herbs hand picked from the House's Victorian walled garden, which gives them a signature fragrance that is uniquely - Cowshed. In addition to the products, there are spas and shops located throughout the UK and America."

To the Boards . . .

Late-night handouts? (Chowhound)

Major changes at the Goose Island in Lincoln Park! (LTHForum.com)

Hot Diggity Doug's . . . (Chowhound)

GNR (good neighborhood restaurant)/w breakfast?! (LTHForum)

Another one bites the dust

Crap! Kevin (9 W. Hubbard St.; 312-595-0055) is closing in exactly one month.

What the critics are saying . . .

. . . about:

Juicy Wine Co. (694 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-492-6620). "Hop off the Blue Line at the Chicago Avenue stop for a glass (or bottle) from Juicy's extensive and eclectic wine menu. Half pours are available, as well as a welcome new feature: the anonymous '$5 glass.' The staff won't divulge names of what goes in the glass, just varietals, but coming from this place, it's a good bet. (Listed by-the-glass options range from $7 to $14.)"—Alison Neumer Lara (Crain's Chicago Business) Read more here.

Powerhouse (215 N. Clinton St., 312-928-0800). "From its handsome, noise-baffling décor to the careful cooking and artistic plating of executive chef John Peters, this West-Loop American restaurant consistently exceeds expectations. The dining room is comfortable despite its long and narrow configuration, spot-on service is eager to please and the addition of Sarah Steele as pastry chef is a real coup. Recommended: Scallops with Serrano ham, Romaine-heart salad, venison, banana Bavarian plate."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune) Read more here.

Sixteen (401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8001). "Daytime meals seem aimed at businessmen (you know somebody else who’s willing to pay $15 for eggs, bacon and potatoes?), so it’s likely that you’ll be lured in by chef Frank Brunacci’s nighttime offerings. The menu boasts of slow-poached red snapper with 'bacon drizzle,' Niman Ranch pork with calvados zabaglione, Colorado lamb with fresh harissa—in other words, dishes so interesting that you might just forget about the view."—David Tamarkin (Time Out Chicago) Read more here.

Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon Ave., 773-465-9801). "The scallops I tasted were succulent and, well, appetizing. To wash it down I was drinking Lakefront organic ESB—an excellent choice as the beer is light and smooth."—Marla Seidell (Drive Thru) Read more here.