When you’re talking about dining and hear the name Alain, it’ll probably be assumed you mean Alain Ducasse, the famous French chef with restaurants around the world. But right now, we’re talking about Alain Njike, the chef of Alain's, a new restaurant slated to open in November in the South Loop.
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, here’s another that might: Israel Idonije. Yes, the defensive end for the Chicago Bears is Njike’s business partner in the restaurant at 1355 S. Michigan Ave., just a few blocks away from Soldier Field. We talked to Njike by phone to learn more about his background and what’s to come at Alain’s.
So what can we expect to see at this new spot?
Njike describes his cuisine as contemporary American with a touch of Southern. “There is one dish we call a savory souffle, like a macaroni and cheese souffle. You can come in and have one souffle as an appetizer. We also going to have a lot of African American items like blackened catfish, shrimp and grits.” The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and supporting Midwest farms is also a priority, says Njike. “We’re trying to go back to organic. We try to stay away from all the chemicals and make healthy food. … We don’t try to reinvent the wheel, but we try to use fresh product.”Sounds like a great addition to this corner. The Chicago Firehouse has been a little lonely over the years and now with Alain's moving in across the street, it will make the corner of 14th and Michigan more lively.
(hat tip: NM!)
the article mentions it's slated to open in November. I can't see that happening since there was no kitchen previously and there is still signage from Entourage Man inside. Regardless of when it's opening, it's good news for a new restaurant coming. Interesting that they plan to be fairly upscale ($26-30) in a relatively smaller retail space. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI hope they aren't a couple of rookies when it comes to managing a restaurant. Seem a bit naive if they think they can open in a month. I am sure the city and unions will have something to say about that timeline. I also agree with Mark that it isn't a very large space for a full service upscale restaurant when you factor in kitchen space, etc..
ReplyDeleteI bet it never gets off the ground. Way to small of place and from what a guy who lives in that building told me the owners have/had no idea the money thats needed to bring a resturant up to code with ventilation and other gas lines that they will need.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good concept, maybe a 50 seat restaurant. A breakfast lunch and dinner concept is risky. Its hard to maintain upscale through each meal and still maintain the desired covers.
ReplyDeleteThe duct work for ventilation is extensive. Not to mention retrofitting equipment. November? No way!
But I wish the best of luck. Israel seems like a great guy and if he brings his fellow teammates to the neighborhood for a meal that would be great.
As a resident of south loop for 20 years and the oldest restaurant owner in SL, I welcome Israel and Alain. I wish them good luck and offer them any help needed. Welcome to my den brothers!
ReplyDeleteChef did you know that Lollapalooza has not done anything for this city since it was here in early August???
ReplyDeleteCan I get a "YAAAAAY"!!!! I don't know the first thing about the restaurant biz but as a hungry South Looper who loves a good Southern meal, I really hope this endeavor comes to fruition. Good luck guys!
ReplyDeleteStop Work Order up on the door. Place has gone sketch before it even took down the posters from Entourage Man.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Isreal, but I was not happy with this restaurant at this location.. I hope this does not go through. It is a more formal Flavor 180 on S MICHIGAN! Thank you City of Chicago!
ReplyDeleteIdonje is a good guy, but he is the face of this business only. The chef stinks and this is not a good location for them.
ReplyDeleteAnon December 2, 2011 8:58 AM, you are being way too picky. What would be wrong with another Flavor180 type place on Michigan?
ReplyDeleteThe chef was handing out bottled water in our building trying to promote this place before any work was done. I think he's a partner with Entertainment 720...?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailymotion.com/video/xit5oy_parks-and-recreation-all-about-entertainment-720_fun
Just an update - July 2012 - it is still not open, but the signage is up and the restaurant looks nearly complete. probably will be open for the football season?
ReplyDelete