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)