tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post7020108511471759043..comments2023-10-01T11:04:12.429-05:00Comments on Sloopin - A South Loop Blog: Ole Hardwood Coming to 1315 S Wabash?Sloopyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513112726608015138noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-5584699354740764982011-02-04T10:17:13.992-06:002011-02-04T10:17:13.992-06:00Check out this article on Ole' Hardwood:
http...Check out this article on Ole' Hardwood:<br /><br />http://chicagojournal.com/News/02-03-2011/Police_investigating_burned-down,_short-lived_South_Loop_BBQAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-69520962666128313892010-11-01T17:19:29.494-05:002010-11-01T17:19:29.494-05:00Yelp has 3 reviews -- 2 are meh and 1 is hilarious...Yelp has 3 reviews -- 2 are meh and 1 is hilariously fake<br />http://www.yelp.com/biz/ole-hardwood-chicagoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-87495170899293348872010-10-31T18:27:53.130-05:002010-10-31T18:27:53.130-05:00As I mentioned in my last comment that I would res...As I mentioned in my last comment that I would reserve my opinion until I have eaten at Ole Hardwood. This past weekend I have the pleasure to dine at Ole Hardwood. I must say this to the negative person or people who have been bashing this restaurant. You must have some kind of personal issues with the current or previous owner or management, because my experience was over the top with positivity. We had great unique foods & drinks, great service and just a truly great time. We also met Alexander the GM. He was a charm and very knowledgably about his product. I would recommend Ole Hardwood to all. For the negative comments that were posted on Sloopin by the angry writer, life is too short move on. I think Ole Hardwood is here to stay.Arnienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-17447515690758828872010-10-29T14:30:59.393-05:002010-10-29T14:30:59.393-05:00Alexander - Thank you for reaching out. There was ...Alexander - Thank you for reaching out. There was an article in the Red Eye today comparing Ole Hardwood vs Chicago Q. They edged you out by a nose, but the things they mention are very fixable. We are glad that you are here and will support you. Keep us updated on specials or special events.Ali (Motor Row)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-4961725615659013932010-10-29T09:59:26.015-05:002010-10-29T09:59:26.015-05:00Well said Alexander. I hope to come check your re...Well said Alexander. I hope to come check your restaurant out this weekend as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-22506429221458992502010-10-29T02:19:57.976-05:002010-10-29T02:19:57.976-05:00Sorry guys, haven't checked on this in a few d...Sorry guys, haven't checked on this in a few days. I understand the concerns regarding the former identities of this location. It is a burden I bear and I endeavor to overcome. I am from the east coast and new to chicago, and with me I bring a new concept to this beautiful city. Rather than dwell in the former, I would love to focus on what we are working on now which is providing great food at reasonable prices. Our quality is superb, but that will not reflect in your check. I will make sure the south loop is represented well and the neighbors will have a place to call their own. As a measure to introduce myself, a trained sommelier, I am hosting free wine tastings on Friday afternoons between 4-6pm to get to know the local faces. <br /><br />I would love to introduce myself personally, and put aside all speculations with great food, great service, and great conversation. We want to make the South Loop proud to call us neighbors. <br /><br />Cheers and thank you for the opportunity to let me cook for you. <br /><br />Regards,<br />Alexander Carlin<br />General Manager Ole HardwoodUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17930062830794197043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-79832599550948917882010-10-28T19:33:59.229-05:002010-10-28T19:33:59.229-05:00Old or new owners, it does not matter. The concept...Old or new owners, it does not matter. The concept sounds nice and the sloop can use a place to get good smoked foods. I am willing to give them a chance. I will reserve my comment until I try them this weekend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-55653904606618090032010-10-22T10:32:29.338-05:002010-10-22T10:32:29.338-05:00There were def people sitting in Ole Hardwood yest...There were def people sitting in Ole Hardwood yesterday around 6pm. Did anyone go for the soft opening ?Tony IInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-23804816712501928892010-10-22T08:28:12.913-05:002010-10-22T08:28:12.913-05:00I love you, Grace O'Malley's. No matter w...I love you, Grace O'Malley's. No matter what any of these other South Loopers say. Bloody Mary's - delicious, french fries - exquisite. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-78403749868143150092010-10-20T21:36:07.433-05:002010-10-20T21:36:07.433-05:00The fact that this place will feature "variou...The fact that this place will feature "various rib flavors," unfortunately means that the same mgmnt from utopia/exposure/now open/grand opening that clearly attempted to cater to the Bronzeville/Englewood crowd in the south loop is likely behind this future failure as well. I guess it's gotta be "three strikes and you're out" for these unqualified hacks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-11639152649892410322010-10-20T21:12:07.330-05:002010-10-20T21:12:07.330-05:00Alexander, can you confirm or deny any of this?Alexander, can you confirm or deny any of this?MarkChicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08776136299098724542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-24465604633699427952010-10-20T16:56:07.829-05:002010-10-20T16:56:07.829-05:00Checked the business incorporation, and there is s...Checked the business incorporation, and there is still a valid incorporation report for the Exposure/Utopia business, but not one for the new place, which tells me likely the original folks are involved, or they have some other LLC it is under.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-32612543699167304152010-10-20T12:44:02.696-05:002010-10-20T12:44:02.696-05:00VERY upsetting to hear that this place will be own...VERY upsetting to hear that this place will be owned, operated, managed, and run by the team behind exposure/utopia/now open/grand opening. These people just DO NOT get it. Terrible concept after terrible concept.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-67235546444094316852010-10-19T20:04:18.437-05:002010-10-19T20:04:18.437-05:00All - from what I understand, while the original &...All - from what I understand, while the original "mgt" has their hands in this new venture - they have all new investors and are looking forward to their new business model. Rumor has it there is a soft opening this Thursday night and they will officially open for business at some point this weekend - haven't heard the exact day - not sure why they are being so secretive. Neighborhood marketing is a must - not mystery. Let's hope the new concept makes a go of it. Although I was no fan of the old "concepts" if the new concept is that they claim it to be I will support it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-63946031426628753582010-10-19T19:05:27.059-05:002010-10-19T19:05:27.059-05:00Well the usual suspects showed up to trash another...Well the usual suspects showed up to trash another new business opening in the neighborhood with conflicting accusations. I'm happy that they've already taken steps to make the exterior more attractive. If they continue in that direction and manage to stay open, I'd be delighted!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-50541872260028865222010-10-19T17:44:37.655-05:002010-10-19T17:44:37.655-05:00That is very disappointing that this place is goin...That is very disappointing that this place is going to be under the same owners as Utopia. Let me get this straight. Exposure is a disaster and instead of going out of business and then they re concept and become utopia. Utopia is a disaster and then "closes" only to become another concept to become a bbq place. How the hell does this place have the money to have two failed businesses and open up a new one. Mark my words. This new place will be very over priced, it will still look a lot like Utopia and the fact it is called a gastro pub will only be another excuse to over pay for below average food.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-81760383783518821402010-10-19T10:50:38.194-05:002010-10-19T10:50:38.194-05:00I found a website for them. The website doesn'...I found a website for them. The website doesn't look to be completed yet, but I did notice that they are accepting reservations on Open Table starting this Friday.<br /><br />http://www.olehardwood.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-51485559990593880192010-10-19T09:04:08.671-05:002010-10-19T09:04:08.671-05:00anon 5:18am -
That's funny you say you have ...anon 5:18am - <br /><br />That's funny you say you have reliable sources, because we heard the exact opposite. We heard it was a new guy from the East coast responsible for this new concept. We also heard they're opening this week. I guess we will seeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-83875109816784822502010-10-19T05:20:46.315-05:002010-10-19T05:20:46.315-05:00This is from the same owners/management of Utopia/...This is from the same owners/management of Utopia/Exposure. Think about it people - no one received a post card from the ILLC that a new on premise liquor license was applied for - that's because they didn't need to - same people - new concept.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-8859039072027522502010-10-19T05:18:53.063-05:002010-10-19T05:18:53.063-05:00I have from a reliable source that this is from th...I have from a reliable source that this is from the same owners of Utopia and Exposure - think about it people - we never received a post card from the ILLC announcing a new liquor license was applied for - because its the old owners - they didn't need a new one....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-40265860110754360512010-10-18T15:14:25.934-05:002010-10-18T15:14:25.934-05:00Will welcome this place with open arms IF done rig...Will welcome this place with open arms IF done right. Glad to hear that there is zero affiliation with O'Malley.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-56353335471129846992010-10-17T16:29:44.023-05:002010-10-17T16:29:44.023-05:00Mainstay Properties: Wabash Tap - great neighborho...Mainstay Properties: Wabash Tap - great neighborhood bar, FireHouse - very nice, Grace O'Malley's def needs to change things up (food, tv's, layout, make it more lively in the evenings). Regarding Park Grille - if you were in on the inside, you would understand how to get things done. If you have the money, open a bar/restaurant yourself. Will be glad to see Ole Hardwood open up soon !Tony IInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-75237377219980322632010-10-17T15:55:41.255-05:002010-10-17T15:55:41.255-05:00So Alexander or anyone who knows what they are tal...So Alexander or anyone who knows what they are talking about.. Just to be clear because I really hope this is a nice addition to the neighborhood. This new restaurant has no affiliation with the former owners of utopia or mainstay hospitality? I sure hope not, as I completely agree with the lack of quality and effort that is put in Grace O'Mally's and Utopia/Exposure was a disaster.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-55655421918689646802010-10-17T12:41:30.187-05:002010-10-17T12:41:30.187-05:00Anon, have you seen some confirmation that the UNN...Anon, have you seen some confirmation that the UNNAMED Mainstay project is in fact Ole' Hardwood?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-23871899425630347492010-10-17T11:34:31.839-05:002010-10-17T11:34:31.839-05:00And then there's the whole sleazy deal involvi...And then there's <a href="http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/still-no-property-tax-bill-for-the-park-grill/Content?oid=1153186" rel="nofollow">the whole sleazy deal involving Park Grille, the restaurant in Millennium Park</a>. I've tried to avoid this guy's restaurants since, which has the taxpayers essentially subsidizing it. From the Reader article linked to above: "As the Sun-Times reported, the Park District gave the restaurant a sweet deal to boot, agreeing to pick up the cost of their water, gas, and garbage collection, which together may cost taxpayers at least as much as the restaurant pays to use the space.<br /><br />Even better, the grill was exempt from property taxes."<br /><br />JulieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com