Paul McGee photo via This Is A Cocktail Blog
Last week, The Whistler's head mixologist Paul McGee made a shocking announcement that he was leaving the popular Logan Square cocktail lounge to head up a future project by Jerrod, Molly and R.J. Melman.
The new project is based in River North, and I'm guessing that it'll be the planned Melmans' country and western-themed lounge.
Personally, I think the bar would be better suited in Logan Square, especially if the rumors of McGee's involvement are true. Why?!
Here are my reasons:
**The Melman kids have had much success in River North already with restaurants Hub 51 and Paris Club (There's also the popular attached nightclubs Sub 51 and Studio Paris, respectively.). They're also set to open RPM Italian with Bill and Giuliana Rancic by month's end at the corner of Dearborn and Illinois. It's time to explore a new 'hood.
**McGee is Logan Square. He's got a strong, loyal following there that would likely follow him anywhere he goes, but I'm pretty sure they'd prefer to stay in Logan Square.
**Logan Square is legitimately a progressive dining-and-drinking destination. From Michelin-starred Bonsoiree and Longman & Eagle to up-and-comers Owen & Engine and Telegraph, the area is ripe for prime time.
**Melmans+McGee is a powerful combination and would have set it off in Logan Square. The sky would have been the limit with the Melmans' $$$, and McGee would have given the trio Logan Square street cred.
I'm just sayin' . . .
Logan Square is bigger than just Paul McGee. Paul McGee is bigger than just Logan Square. Both will still thrive without the other. Bonus: Logan Square folks still get to go to The Whistler. Every night if they want. The entire staff there is top-notch -- that's why it's one of the best bars in the city now and still will be a year from now.
ReplyDelete"the sky would have been the limit with Melman's $$$".....maybe not. These guys look for ROI, their chances of that are much higher in River North. Correct me if I am wrong but no LEYE or LEYE jr. in Wicker Park/Bucktown I believe. It would have been "logical". The kids mite listen to Sr.'s advise, "stick with what you know" Also those out of town $$$ don't "travel" much to Logan S or Avondale. These bucks are being spread in RN and the "V" triangle. McGee is goin' downtown to make bank. He's entitled and wish him well.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with anonymous-the well heeled WILL travel to Logan Square, as Longman & Eagle and its Michelin star have proven that. Telegraph is the talk of the town and there are only more and more spots popping up like this. I think it's only a matter of time before the Melman's move over to this happening hood!
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