Sox Still King in the South Loop

Advance Lollapalooza Tickets On-Sale Today

If you're looking to go to Lollapalooza this year and weren't one of the lucky people to snatch up an early bird ticket, today is your chance to save $25 and get an advance ticket. It usually take awhile for these tickets to sell-out especially since the official lineup hasn't been announced yet.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the lineup will be announced next Tuesday on April 6th.

Update: Suspect Who Pointed Gun at Police Last Week Charged

An update to a hot topic last week:

A man who police shot at because he pointed a weapon at officers March 22nd
in the South Loop neighborhood near a popular restaurant where Mayor Richard M.
Daley is said to be a regular has been charged.

Giovanni Smith, 25, of the 2300 block of South Canal Street, was charged
with felony aggravated assault of a police officer and unlawful use of a weapon
according to police. The felony charges were approved Saturday at
1:30am.

For the back story check our post from last week.

Shots Around the Sloop: Flo & Santos Sign

It's coming:

(Hat Tip: PF!)

Bikram Yoga Delayed, but Plans to Open in the South Loop Eventually

A couple of weeks ago we posted about Bikram Yoga of Chicago opening up a studio at 1925 S. Michigan. A reader and emailer notified us that this studio hit a snag securing some space, so we figured we would email the studio to see what happened. Here is the response we got:

Hey Sloopin,

Thank you for sharing your energy in that fine blog. Bikram Yoga South Loop, indefatigable as Odysseyus upon the sea, aims to build and open its hot yoga room as soon as possible. Yes, we endure unexpected setbacks beyond our control. Things are clarifying but the current situation calls for quiet diplomacy. We will update you, sloopin, as soon as we have safely secured the details.

Good luck to them and hope they open in the Sloop sometime soon!

(Image from 105F.com)

YoChicago Posts About the Lot For Sale at Harrison and Wells

A link from YoChicago for the people interested in our post last Sunday about the lot that's for sale at Harrison and Wells.

Boss Man Fioretti?

We got a kick out of this article from the Chicago Reader looking at potential successors for Mayor if Daley doesn't run for another term. They size up 2nd ward Alderman, Bob Fioretti:

The City Council is hardly a bastion of independence or progressivism, and no
Daley loyalist in the bunch would run while the mayor's in the race. (Should he
retire, though, look out: "Hey, if he doesn't run, everybody in here's going for
it," one alderman says.)

But several of our bolder aldermen appear to be considering a challenge. Bob Fioretti of the Second Ward may be the most likely to pull the trigger. After just three years in office, Fioretti has become one of the real characters in local politics. His allure and his Achilles' heel are the same—he knows how to work all sides. He's comfortable cutting tax increment financing deals in the back room and then walking to the front and telling reporters about it. He's pushed to improve oversight of city contracting and the budget but voted in favor of the parking meter deal. He's a prosperous white
lawyer who spends a lot of time in the poor neighborhoods of his ward and is fairly well known on black radio.

(Hat Tip: Chicago Journal!)

Posture Perfect Pilates Moves in at 1247 S Wabash

We recently walked by the Smiling Bright office at 1247 S. Wabash and were surprised to see a sign for Posture Perfect Pilates in the window. From what it looks like, both of these businesses are sharing the retail space at 1247 S. Wabash.

There are a bunch of pilates machines in the window with a 'loft' wall separating the businesses.

Here is their website and business license application on everyblock for those interested in the business.

Good luck to PPP!

Rumor Has It...Trader Joe's Moving into Old Sams Space?

There has been a lot of speculation about what may or may not move into the empty, prime retail space at the Northeast corner of Wabash and Roosevelt (where the old Sam's used to be) and recently we received this email:

The building manager said that Trader Joe's was taking the Sam's spot and it is all but a done deal. Not sure how good the info is, but figured you might be interested.

We would love to see this and hope it's true. If anyone knows anything let us know. We will keep our ears and eyes open as well.

For some more discussion on this building check this old link.

(Hat Tip: RG!)

Police Shoot at Motorist After Vehicle Stopped

We've had a couple people email and comment about this shooting last night in the South Loop, so we thought we would link to the story and post a blurb:

Two officers got out of their vehicle and as they were approaching it the suspect -- who was in the driver’s seat -- pointed a gun at police and an officer fired at the suspect, Gaines said.

Police said the suspect -- who was the only one inside the white, 4-door vehicle which fled the scene -- is a known criminal and a search was under way as of early Tuesday for him.

(Hat Tip: ND & JDZ)

Last Chance to Check out the Field's Diamond Exhibit

Since my men's NCAA basketball bracket was super busted, it was time to get off the couch and do something besides watch basketball this weekend. So we headed to the Field Museum to check out their temporary "Nature of Diamonds" exhibit.

The exhibit has been at the museum since late October of 2009 and wraps up this Sunday (March 28th). If you're interested in Diamonds we highly suggest you check it out.

The first part of the exhibit primarily gives you the history and science behind Diamonds. The second half actually displays spectacular diamonds, rings, necklaces, and so on. Personally, we found this portion of the exhibit the best.

Since the exhibit will be gone soon, we just wanted to let everyone know that if they had interest in checking it out, they better go soon!

Big Decreases at the Prairie Point Auction

On Sunday, March 14th, another South Loop high rise auctioned off some of their remaining units. Prairie Point (1600 S. Prairie) didn't have a lot of units left, but the people who participated in the auction seem to have had a pretty good deal.

YoChicago has a nice article from last week about the auction. According to their google spreadsheet, most of the units sold at a decrease of 39 to 53% (not including parking).

High Profile South Loop Real Estate Lot Up For Sale

The empty parcel of land nestled next to the Chicago River on the west, Wells on the East and Harrison on the North is up for sale according to the Chicago Sun-Times. This high profile and huge lot has been rumored for various mixed-used developments, but those plans never materialized as a result of the economy (among other things):

The property is eight acres at the southwest corner of Harrison and Wells, which several investors have taken a crack at. It has been vacant since 1971, when the Grand Central Station rail terminal was torn down, to the horror of people who loved the architecture.

Russland Capital Group Inc. of Skokie owns the largest part of the tract, 6.6 acres, and is marketing it for $41 million. The remaining 1.5 acres is at the corner. Its owner, D2 Realty Services Inc., is trying to sell it, but a price could not be learned. It had tried to peddle it for $15 million, but the contract never closed.

Russland's part includes frontage on the Chicago River, so developers have eyed it for a residential and retail mix. The housing collapse and credit squeeze upset those plans.

It's a great piece of property and hopefully turns out well. The Sun-Times article also references that a smaller lot at that intersection is up for sale, but according to an email from a reader who lives in the area, she received an application notification for a new parking lot:

The Property is located at the southwest corner of Harrison and Wells Streets and is currently vacant. The Applicant proposes to improve the Property with a non-accessory parking lot for 218 vehicles. The parking lot will contain perimeter and internal landscaping. It will operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Here is a map from the Sun-Times. The striped portion is where the proposed parking lot will be built. The other portion of the map is up for sale.

(Hat Tip: DM & FGFM!)

Annual Shamrock Shuffle Comes Through the Sloop Tomorrow

The annual shamrock shuffle race hits the downtown area tomorrow and that means various streets in the South Loop will be closed in the morning. The race starts at 9am and ends at 11:30am. The weather looks brutal tomorrow (high 30s to low 40s and a mix of rain & snow), so if you're nice head out and root them on.

For more information check this link or the map below:

LeBron James Shrine Party Recap

Not a ton of meat to the article, but if you were curious to hear who popped the bubbly on Thursday, here is a link from the Chicago Tribune.

Shots Around the Sloop: All Roads Lead to the Shedd

Or at least it looks like Roosevelt does:

Shots Around the Sloop

(Hat Tip DWK!)

Don't Confuse Blackies in Printers Row With Boston Blackie's

Hear this Sloopers, Blackie's (at 755 S. Clark) is not affiliated with the Boston Blackie's chain. There has been a lot of press about a check fraud scheme by the owners of the Boston Blackie's chain, but the Blackie's in the South Loop was the original and has been dealing with this confusion for awhile:

Some joker swung open the door at Blackies in Printers Row to scream at an unsuspecting bartender, "Your boss is going to jail, ha ha." Owner Jeffery Thomas says his workers have been getting a lot of that since his longtime nemesis, Nick Giannis -- who owns the Boston Blackies bar-and-grill chain -- was arrested with two other men while trying to flee the country ahead of check-kiting charges last week.

Giannis, a major contributor to U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias, along with his son Chris and bar manager Andy Bakopoulos, allegedly defrauded Charter One and Washington Mutual banks of nearly $2 million.

"I'm getting zillions of calls and people coming in saying, 'I hope you all go to jail,'" Thomas said. "They think it's funny."

So Thomas wants those blowhards, and newspaper headline writers for that matter, to know that his Blackies -- the bar his grandfather opened in 1939 -- isn't connected with the alleged crooks who run the chain of bars with the similar name, menu and art deco decor.

The article is a fun read, so enjoy and spread the gospel: Our Blackie's is the original!

Rumor Has It....Cuatro Loses it's Liquor License?

Not sure if this is true, but a reader writes:

I have heard rumors that Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash) lost their liquor license. Any truth to this? If it is true does that mean we can BYOB?

This is news to us, but according to the front page of the Cuatro website "We are now BYOB". I wonder how this will affect their business.

(Hat Tip MF!)

In Search of a Late Night Bar in the Sloop

A couple of weekends ago, we were out with some friends on the west side getting some drinks, listening to live music and enjoying the night. As often happens in Chicago, 2am sneaks up on you, but you're not ready to go home.

None of us lived on the west side, so it was time to go somewhere closer to home, but where? We weren't aware of any late night spots in the Sloop, but thought to give Reggie's (2109 S. Sate) a call. We looked them up on our phone, gave them a shout but unfortunately it was closing time. Luckily someone at Reggie's did pick up the phone and suggested a bar called George's Cocktail Lounge on Wabash and Balbo (646 S. Wabash).

We like to think that we know a lot about the neighborhood, but have never heard of George's and we've walked by that intersection a thousand times. Regardless, we were intrigued so it was off to George's Cocktail Lounge. As our cab sped down Congress, I couldn't help but try to think of what this place might be. As we arrived and saw the sign it all made sense...sort of.

You've probably walked or driven by George's Cocktail Lounge many times, but never ever thought twice about going in. From the exterior it looks like a run down liquor store and to be fair, it actually is. However, as we strolled in at about 2:30am lo and behold it was also a bar, with a decent amount of characters enjoying the early morning.

To say George's is a 'lounge' is comical. It's more like a liquor store, with tables that allow people to stay and drink past the typical 2pm closing time. It has popcorn and a big screen projector TV from the late 90s. As we walked in, the scene was interesting. The bartender, who we presumed was a 40ish year old woman of Eastern European decent, was yelling and angrily cutting off three Hispanic men (who understandably quickly got up and left the establishment).

As I approached the bar to get a pitcher of beer, the bartender quickly looked over me and started yelling at a foreigner standing next to me (why? I have no clue). The bartender and foreigner awkwardly tried to converse for 20 second before I stepped in and started talking to the foreigner to break up this sad attempt at communication.

The foreigner was a late 50 year old man from Finland and his English was spotty (however presumably better then my Finnish). Once I got the pitcher of beer, I went back to a table where my friends were sitting. I invited the foreigner to our table because he was having trouble staying out of trouble (not completely his fault, just that the bartender couldn't really communicate with him).

Our Finnish friend was excited to talk with us and as a result proceeded to give us his perspective on life, Chicago, the US, women, rural life, marriage, hockey, and on and on. It was pretty entertaining, but after 45 minutes it began to be a little much. Luckily for us, some floozy (who was spending most of the time 'talking' to his Finnish friend) grabbed our Finnish friend and started dancing. Wow was that a hilarious sight!

As 3:30ish came, we figured it was about time to leave. It goes without saying but the place left an impression on us. Although it's a little dicey and not classiest joint in the Sloop, it definitely has character and is what I would consider the epitome of a dive bar.

So if you're ever looking to keep the night going after 2pm in the Sloop we highly suggest checking out George's Cocktail Lounge. You might be a little scared, but you will definitely be entertained!

Cops Send Out Alert After Woman Attacked in Chinatown

We quickly wanted to post an alert from the Chicago Police Department in relation to an attack of a 36 year-old women in Chinatown over the weekend. Although this isn't what we consider the South Loop, it's pretty close to our neighborhood:

Chicago police say they're looking for three males who robbed and beat a woman in the South Loop (more Chinatown in our opinion) over the weekend.

The males, dressed in dark clothing, left a gray vehicle in the 2200 block of South Stewart Street at about 5 a.m. Sunday, robbed the 36-year-old woman and fled, police said in a community alert issued today.

Police urged people to take precautions:Walk in groups and in well-lighted areas, keep keys in your hand when walking to your car or home; if walking alone, give the impression of talking on your cell phone; be suspicious of people loitering.

Anyone with information should contact the Area One detective division, (312) 747-8382.

A'Cappela Bistro Slowly Trying to Open?

The A'Cappela Bistro (on the Southeast corner of 13th and Michigan) looks like it could open any second, but for whatever reason it hasn't. In January of this past year, we received emails from some readers saying they've seen some movement inside the mysterious bistro (post here).

Over two months have passed and from what we could tell, not much has changed. So we decided to do some Internet searching to see what was going on and it appears they just got another license for a 'Retail Food Establishment' on March 9th according to everyblock. So it looks like their has been some progress.

Another sign of progress is their website. When we checked it in January, there wasn't much to it. But today it looks slightly better. It's not a fancy, sexy website, but it does look better then we remember.

Anyway, just thought we would pass along some info on this bistro. We know many of you are watching it carefully and so are we.

Last Second Deal at WineStyles

If you like wine, act quickly...a good deal at WineStyles (1240 S. Michigan) is here. It's over soon, so hurry.

Bron Bron to Host Event at The Shrine

We've still never been to the Shrine, but the Sloop's hip hop hot-spot continues to be a top draw for solid musical acts and this week will host sports royalty. Via the Around Town NBC website, King James (aka LeBron James) will host a party this Thursday (3/18) at The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash).

Bron Bron will be in town as his Cleveland Cavaliers take on the sputtering Chicago Bulls on Friday at the United Center. A who's who of Chicago sports stars and others are expected to come:

"The Blackout" party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is hosted by King James himself, so expect to see plenty of other sporty types in the house from Bulls, Bears and other Cavs -- including, potentially Shaquille O'Neal.

But the most interesting question is whether Jay-Z, who performs at the United Center the same evening, will also walk the black carpet. Hova, a part owner of the New Jersey-soon-to-be-Brooklyn Nets, has been known to pop bottles with James in the past, and will certainly be one of the executives angling for James' services the NBA's free agent spending frenzy this summer.

Kroll's and Reggies Win March Madness Bar Bracket

Last week we posted about a promotion by Heineken Light where various Chicagoland bars were pitted against each other in a sixteen bracket showdown (in honor of the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament).

To the amazement of some, Kroll's (1736 S. Michigan) and Reggies (2105 S. State) pulled out victories:

As a result both bars will be hosting back-to-back events for March madness this week:

Each week, new match ups will be posted and on March 8, the top bar will be crowned the 2010 Heineken Light Super Sixteen Champion. In fact, the two bars with the most votes will host back-to-back Waddle & Silvy live broadcasts on March 18 and 19 to kick off the Tournament.

Although it seems hard to fathom that both of our great (but much more low key) bars, could beat out the likes of two wildly popular bars in Chicago (McFadden's in the Gold Coast & Glascott's in Lincoln Park), it's great to see them win. We're all for supporting local establishments so it's great to see two solid spots in the Sloop get some publicity and support.

(Image from ESPN Chicago)

Shots Around the Sloop: A Door to Nowhere

Where is this?

Consensus: Congress is the Northern Boundary of the South Loop

Two Different Experiences at South Coast Sushi

We have our favorite restaurants in the Sloop and in terms of food quality, South Coast Sushi (1700 S. Michigan) is up there. We've been there twice in the past couple of weeks and had very different experiences.

The first trip recently was great. It was on a Monday night, so not exactly the prime dinning day of the week. Speaking of which, if you're in the mood for booze it's half off sake and wine on Monday nights.

Anyway, back to the real reason for the post. The food was great and the service was prompt and friendly. We didn't have anything very exotic, so we expected it to be quick and it was.

We went back about two Mondays after and unfortunately had a much worse experience in regard to the service. Like I said it was Monday, so the place wasn't that busy (maybe 5 or 6 other tables). However, the service was very very slow. Whether it was putting in our order, getting our soup or paying the bill, everything was slow. In their defense, the food was still very good.

Finally, we're going to leave you with one piece of advice if you go to South Coast, get the spicy miso soup...it was lovely!

A High-Speed Rail Station Proposal Close to the Sloop?

It's been hard to miss the talk about infrastructure improvements proposed by Barack Obama's White House. The one component that has us most excited is the potential for high-speed rail and Chicago serving as the main hub for the Midwest network. We've posted about this before here.

Today we read a post by the Chicago Tribune Cityscapes blog about a conceptual sketch for a high speed rail station on Harrison just west of the Chicago River. Although this is just an idea and by no means probably happening, it would be great to have this asset in the Sloop (or very close to the Sloop since this area is up for dispute as to whether or not it's in the Sloop).

Anyway, a good read if you're into the high speed rail discussion.

(Image from Chicagotribune.com)

A Look at Googles Bike Path Feature for the Sloop

It's raining yes, but the temperature has been inching higher over the last couple of days and to us that means it's almost time to dust off the bike and start riding around the city. The South Loop has quick access to the lakefront paths, which is great, but where else can you find bicycle lanes in the neighborhood?

One new option is to head to Google maps and find the 'bicycling' option. We took a snapshot of what you will find in the South Loop (routes in green):
According to this, if you're heading East or West, Roosevelt or 18th street is your best option. North/South options seem to be a little more limited in the city. If your South of Roosevelt, Wabash has a designated lane and if you're North of Roosevelt, Canal and Clinton look to be the best option. And of course there is always the lakefront path.

It's a nice feature, but not nearly as robust as the cities bike route maps. However, the city maps are static and lack the interactive features that many people have come to rely on from Google maps.

Happy riding and hopefully the weather keeps on going in the right direction! However, I'm not holding my breath for that.we're not holding our breath

The Class Action Lawsuit Against Groupon

We're big fans of Groupon. We've recently purchased 5 Groupons to one of our favorite spots in the Sloop, Panozzo's. The gift certificate said that it expires in one year, but it sounds like this expiration date is against Illinois law.

Edelson McGuire, LLC, a law firm in Chicago, has filed a class action lawsuit against Groupon:

Now a North Side man is suing Groupon — the company behind the wildly popular website offering daily deals at everything from eateries to retail outlets — alleging the discounted gift certificates he purchased to a local florist weren’t quite the deal he thought they were.

Specifically, Daniel Keeler purchased three $40 gift certificates, each valued at $80, for Grow Flower Shop in the NBC Tower, but when he attempted to redeem them earlier this year, he was told he’d have to pony up $20 for each of the three arrangements he wanted to send, according to the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

The suit not only alleges breach of contract, but accuses the company of violating Illinois law by offering non-food gift certificates with expiration periods shorter than five years.

One of Groupon's main Chicago competitors, YouSwoop, was also sued, but it appears that they've acted a little quicker to come to a settlement. It will be interesting to see how this turns out for Groupon.

For the law junkies, the Consumer Protection law in Illinois states:

On or after January 1, 2008, no person shall sell a gift certificate that is
subject to: (1) an expiration date earlier than 5 years after the date of
issuance; or (2) a post-purchase fee.

We definitely were not familiar with this law, but glad we know now. We actually had a similar issue with a restaurants.com gift certificate that we tried to use at Savoy Bar & Grill in the Essex Inn (800 S. Michigan Ave). It didn't expire but somehow they wouldn't honor the gift certificate.

Congress Parkway the Consensus Northern Boundary of the South Loop

Cocaine Bust at 1500 Block of South State

In case you missed this story on Friday, we felt it was worth posting about today:

Execution of a Chicago Police Department search warrant yields the recovery of over 600 grams of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia and cash.

Michael Wright, 50, of the 1500 block of South State Street, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Street value of the seized loot exceeds $80,000

A reader writes about this story:

Not sure if you wanted to make a post about this...but we need to get rid of riff raff like this loser... And making his face known can only help send him deeper into the shadows.

Dude was working, allegedly, right out of one of the biggest condo buildings in the S Loop... and with tons of kids in the building. Just makes me sick.

(Hat Tip to MW!)
(Image from WGN.com)

Groupon Today: $20 for Beer, Meat and Cheese at Villains

We're big fans of Villain's Bar & Grill (629 S. Clark) and that's why we were excited to wake up this morning, check email and see today's Groupon promotion. For $20 you get to sample Beer, Meat and Cheese:

While fresh, local foods get a lot of hype, vampires and Abe Vigoda know that
eating aged and fermented foods can lead to immortality and enhanced eyebrow
dexterity. For $20, today's Groupon lets you taste a triumvirate of
well-aged cheeses, meats, and craft beers at Villain's Bar & Grill in
Printer's Row (a $47 value).

Act quick it ends today!

Ora Dental Gets Good Marks

A reader writes about Ora Dental Studio (1827 S Michigan):

Ora dental studios get two thumbs up from me! Don't know if you've been
there or not but it's a nice place with a nice staff!

We haven't been, but good to hear a good review about it.


(Hat Tip PF!)

Two South Loop Bars in the Final Four

Time to represent the hood. It looks like Reggie's and Kroll's have made it to the final four of a Heineken Light bar bracket. Voting ends tomorrow, so get your vote in now!

(Hat Tip LH!)

(Image from ESPN)

Shots Around the Sloop: The Chicago River

(Hat tip DWK!)

Free Poundcake for National Poundcake Day!

I know National Poundcake Day is almost over, but that shouldn't stop you from signing up for a free slice of poundcake from ComfortCake (which is an online shop based in the South Loop at 1243 S. Wabash Suite 201). They recently reached out to us and will be sending us some of their poundcake in honor of this glorious day. According to them, if you want a free slice here is how you get it:

Either go to www.comfortcake.com or www.nationalpoundcakeday.com (links to our site). They should click on 'email list' and we’ll contact them from there to get their address and mail it to them…absolutely free!

Looking forward to trying it!

Good Info in Most Recent Alderman Newsletter

Alderman Fioretti's newsletter is hit or miss, but this time it was a hit. In case you don't get the newsletter, the first thing is an announcement and celebration for the improvements on the recently refurbished South Wabash street:

At 11 a.m. on Monday, March 8, I (alderman Fioretti) am
hosting a street celebration at 11th and Wabash. This event will commemorate
recent improvements and mark the end of the Wabash Avenue streetscape and
roadway reconstruction project.

The Columbia College Jazz Band will open the event and local
restaurants are offering complimentary drinks and snacks.

The South Loop has seen tremendous growth and development in the past
decade. In cooperation with the community and CDOT, we wanted to ensure this
important thoroughfare was brought up to the level of quality that the growth
and new character of the neighborhood deserves. This has become one of the most
desirable places in the city to live, do business, go to school or work. These
improvements will serve to only further that desire by attracting commerce and
residents.

Second, a chance to get some trees planted in your area of the Sloop:

Would you like a tree planted in the parkway in front of your property? If no
tree is currently there, I will direct the Bureau of Forestry to plant
one. At least 100 new trees will be planted in the 2nd Ward this Spring, adding
to the 300 we planted last fall. We must get our locations to the Bureau as soon
as possible this month, so please let us know of your wishes soon. On a
related note, if there is a dead tree in your parkway please let us know right
away. Contact Tim Stevens via email at: timothy.stevens@cityofchicago.org

Finally, an announcement to to apply for block party and garage sale permits:

Now is the time to start putting in your requests for block party and garage
sale permits. To do so visit our website and complete the application under the
"For Residents" tab and submit that application to my office at 429 S.
Dearborn.

Harper Gallery Opens at 1915 S. Michigan

A reader writes:

I visited the grand opening of Harper Gallery last week and found it to be
a perfect addition to the South Loop. Chicago Journal had an article about
the gallery and I took a couple of pictures while there (posted below, but may
show up very small).

http://chicagojournal.com/Blogs/02-28-2010/The_dawn_of_a_new_gallery

Glad to see another store opening up on that stretch of South Michigan Avenue. We will definitely be checking it out soon.

For those also interested in the area we had a post about two more places opening up on the 1900 block of south Michigan Avenue.

(Hat Tip: SoloMotorow!)

Columbia College Student Reported Missing

Many Chicago news outlets have articles reporting that there is missing Columbia College student:

Jay Polhill, 20, was last seen Feb. 28 in the 500 block of South State Street, according to police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak.

Family and friends were reaching out to the online community Wednesday, posting a message on Reddit.com in hopes of finding Polhill, a Columbia student.

He was last seen at University Center, Congress and State, where he is a resident, according to the posting.

Here is the link to the Chicago Sun-times article and here is a reddit link where information is being shared.

Tekka Don at Ma & I: Great Presentation, but Not the Best Tuna Dish

We're huge fans of Ma & I (1234 S. Michigan) and go there often. When I'm in the mood for raw or seared tuna, I always opt for the 'Sear Tuna Salad' which is probably one of my favorite dishes in the South Loop. But for some reason I thought it was time to try something new. Still craving tuna, the 'Tekka Don' (which is described as Tuna Sashimi over sushi rice) entree sparked some interest. I asked the waitress what to expect, but she didn't give me the clearest explanation. Regardless, it went for it anyway. As the entree came out, my first impression was 'wow! talk about food presentation!':


This picture probably doesn't do justice to the dish's presentation, but if you look at the Tuna it was cut and contorted in the shape of a rose. Although I'm not sure how difficult this is to do, it seemed very impressive to everyone at the table.

However, besides the presentation the dish was just OK in my opinion. The tuna was tender and of good quality, but the overall dish just wasn't my favorite. If you're in mood for a Tuna dish that has a stunning presentation go for the 'Tekka Don' dish, if not go for the 'Sear Tuna Salad'. It's better and will save you a couple bucks!

A Beautiful Building

Not sure if the lighting is new or if it's simply the first time we've noticed it, but the building on the Northeast corner of Roosevelt and Wabash (where Potbelly's is and Sam's used to be) looks great! The lighting truly adds to the beauty of the building:

We received an email stating a rumor about a 'high-end' restaurant moving into the building back in December, but that hasn't happened yet. It's a great building, in a prominent location and in our opinion would be a great place for a restaurant or a sports bar given it's proximity to Solider Field. The only problem is that its current floor plan has a ton of square footage, but if the right tenant emerged, we're sure it could be split up if necessary.

Regardless, the new lighting looks great in our opinion (if it really is new).

And the Sloopin 2010 T-Shirt Contest Winner is...

Drum roll please...And the winner of the Sloopin 2010 T-Shirt Contest is Entry #2 - Sloopster!


Thanks for everyone who voted, submitted shirts and gave feedback. The next step is for us to finalize a t-shirt vendor (which were hoping we can do this month). After that we will do a couple of posts explaining how you can buy the t-shirts.

As a reminder, the goal of this contest is to raise funds so we can implement some new features on the blog. If you're interested in pre-ordering a t-shirt please email us at sloopin@gmail.com.

Finally, for those of you who are interested the final voting results were:

Entry #1: Map (4 votes)
Entry #2: Sloopster (16 votes)
Entry #3: Sloopin Ain't Easy (4 votes)
Entry#4: I've been Sloopin Around (10 votes)
Entry #5: I heart Sloopin (2 votes)
Entry #6: Everybody Sloops (2 votes)