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.

The revival of the local coffeehouse?!

She's the spokesperson for Dunkin' Donuts, yet even celebrity chef Rachael Ray couldn't resist the local flavor with a cup of cocoa at Lakeview's Uncommon Ground. (Photo: Uncommon Ground)


This story from the New York Times comes as Starbucks is now going in a new direction in an effort to remain "on top." From the recent new marketing campaign that includes advertising for the first time in the company's history to the new budget-conscious $1 coffee, it's evident that Starbucks is finally shaken down to the bottom of the cup.

So, let's celebrate with a cup of java with the resurgence of the local coffeehouse because, after all, they've been here all along:

Atomix (1957 W. Chicago Ave., 312-666-2649). It's got a lived-in feel, a ton of espresso drinks and an authentic coffeehouse atmosphere.

Bleeding Heart Bakery (1955 W. Belmont Ave., 773-327-6931). The new Roscoe Village location continues the charge with organic goodies to go along with their multiple coffee drinks.

Bronzeville Coffee House (528 E. 43rd St., 773-536-0494). Freshly brewed coffees, homemade pastries and a never-ending schedule of community-focused events draw crowds to this South Side spot.

Iguana Cafe (517 N. Halsted St., 312-432-0663). It's got a very Euro feel, with a cozy setting that makes you want to stay all day. Also, their coffee selections are particularly strong.

Cafe Jumping Bean (1439 W. 18th St., 312-455-0019). The bottomless cup of joe, plus specialties like the Screaming Bean and Mocha Almond Delight are bonuses at this artists retreat.

Caffe de Luca (1721 N. Damen Ave., 773-342-6000). The Italian-flavored fixture in Bucktown gets the nod for selections like Bam Bam (honey, espresso, coffee) and one of the best espressos in the area.

Intelligentsia Coffee (3123 N. Broadway, 773-348-8058). The menus at many local high-end establishments proclaim "We proudly serve Intelligentsia Coffee," so you're getting it straight from the source here!

Kopi: A Travelers Cafe (5317 N. Clark St., 773-989-5674). At this Andersonville stopover, you can get up to five shots in your espresso. Also, a number of teas, specialty coffees and hot chocolate are on tap.

Star Lounge Cafe (2521 W. Chicago Ave., 773-384-7827). This Ukrainian Village newcomer has finally found a customer base for its homestyle sandwiches and unique coffee drinks.

Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark St., 773-929-3680 or 1401 W. Devon Ave., 773-465-9801). What started off as a simple neighborhood coffeehouse is now a phenomenon in Lakeview and Edgewater with this venue that embraces local, sustainable and fair trade products as well as local talent.

Second ENO wine bar arrives in late spring

So the good folks over at the Fairmont Hotel (200 N. Columbus Dr., 312-565-8000) in the North Loop give up the goods on what's going on with that second ENO outpost. The boutique wine-chocolate-cheese lounge, which took off like crazy when it opened in the Inter-Continental Hotel (505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-4100) a little over a year ago, is set to open in late April or early May in the Fairmont's lobby.

Thank GOD they're not replacing Aria, that perfect date spot offering exotic cocktails and Japanese bites. But it'll be interesting to see how they carve out this space for ENO because in the Michigan Ave. digs they've got that cool leather floor and custom-designed wine cellar that also serves as a showpiece for the room. We'll see soon enough. Developing . . .

File this under: WTF?!?!?!??!?!

Would you eat a cheeseburger in a can?!

What not to do when you go out

Just dug up this really helpful thread from the Zagat boards on how to conduct yourselves at restaurants. It's a pretty lively discussion between industry types and customers. Good stuff!