Last week we posted about Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) nearing the "homestretch" and that it would be opening soon. Well today is December 21st and it appears it is officially opening day. We've read some positive write-ups about the restaurant on Eater Chicago and Chicago Magazine's Grub Street. We're looking forward to hear if any of our readers try it out.It's great to have a new "high-profile" restaurant in the neighborhood and we hope it's a start of a trend for the hood. However, we have a bone to pick with the author of the Grub Street write-up based on this statement:
Now that the dust has settled after our first hard hat tour of South Loop hotspot Acadia, chef/owner Ryan McCaskey is ready to unveil his restaurant to the world—and it's stunning. This isn't just because of the sophisticated interior by KI Design or McCaskey's elegant menu with opulent ingredients like foie gras, Wagyu beef, and lobster. Polished touches are expected from a fine dining chef who once helmed the kitchen of Michelin-rated restaurant Courtright's. It's mostly impressive because all of these elements coexist in the South Loop.Ouch! Slap in the face!
While some might consider opening in the mostly vacated neighborhood to be
a somewhat ambitious move, McCaskey seems to have picked excellent timing. As we noted before, the restaurant will soon boast some of the most spectacular city views with a new city park being built across the street.
However, don't fret Sloopers, this author seems to forget that every census tract in the South Loop saw an increase in it's population in the 2010 census (versus the 2000 census). And if you look at the census tack where Acadia is opening, this neighborhood saw a 232% increase in its population. Not really sure what she means by "mostly vacated neighborhood".
Furthermore, the city park that she speaks of that will give the restaurant its "spectacular city views" won't be across the street - it will actually be next door.
Just saying...
(Hat tip: LR3!)
(Image from Eater Chicago)
I suspect they mean vacated by other restaurants - which that stretch of Wabash certainly is.
ReplyDeletelooks gorgeous inside!
ReplyDeleteA does of reality bites, doesn't it? No need for the author to justify that comment. She's right! Desolate, Abandoned, Vacate. Those words all describe the commercial state of that stretch of the sloop. Go to the Metromix' "countdown" section and compare all the other restaurants on that list to this one. Acadia is the ONLY spot on that list that does not have one single other restaurant near it within a city block in all directions.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to trying out Acadia very soon. Welcome to the neighborhood. I hope it leads to other restaurantuers thinking about opening up shop around here.
ReplyDeleteA good way to check the place out is to go in and have at least a drink if you are not ready to go eat there before the New Years.
ReplyDeleteRome wasn't built in a day and I think this will be a great addition.
ReplyDeleteVery excited, place looks great!
ReplyDeleteLooks cool. Hope two people can eat and drink for under 150$. I know that number sounds random but a place reaches a price point where it is tough to go their more than a few times. I also think that many of us will go to different hoods for a change of pace to eat in that price point. Really hope the bar menu is approachable and really hope the place does well.
ReplyDeleteI wish them the best, but I am skeptical. That area is pretty desolate, and I don't think a higher end destination restaurant will work there.
ReplyDeleteThe area needs street traffic. And this isn't going to do it. Hope I'm wrong.
Reminds me of when MK opened adjacent to Cabrini Green and everyone thought they were crazy to go there... the neighborhood has grown very well around it.
ReplyDeleteAnyone go last night? If so, how was it?
ReplyDeleteAte there on Wednesday, their opening night. Wonderful staff and wonderful food. (Very inventive combinations on the menu.) Not a single snafu, impressive for an opening night. Regarding an earlier post, the bill for an average amount of food/drink for two added up to $115 before tax and tip. So it's not an every day stop, but a great choice for any special occasion.
ReplyDeleteI also ate there Wednesday night. Great drinks, great food! You couldn't even tell it was their opening night. These guys know what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteNothing missed and I can't wait to go back!
Has anyone eaten at the bar area?
ReplyDeleteHere is an article about the BAR area at Acadia... http://www.redeyechicago.com/entertainment/restaurants-bars/redeye-acadia-in-south-loop-20111229,0,1233502.story
ReplyDeleteAcadia Bar Menu : Allagash steamed mussels, grilled foccacia, shallot, garlic, sweet herbs, coriander and mustard seeds. Or try the Acadia burger- 1/2 # with Chistou cheese, onion bacon jam, dijonaise and butter pickles. Bagaduce River oysters- migonette, lemon and sriracha. And the real deal Maine lobster roll. Buns smuggled in from Maine. 2/3 of a lobster, buttered bun, paprika, salt and vinegar chips.
ReplyDelete