Triad Sushi Lounge Enjoyable, but Not Amazing

In an attempt to breakout of our standard restaurant rut, we decided it was time to walk down Triad Sushi Lounge (1933 S. Indiana) and give it a try. We've reviewed their menu many times online and have spoken to a couple people about their offerings (the website is snazzy and the reviews have just been ok).

It was a random Saturday night around 9pm and the place was relatively empty. There were three other couples in the main dinning room besides us. Their were some smallish, private dinning areas which looked to be occupied as well. The decor inside was nice and attempting to be trendy, but seemed a little dated to us.

However, the staff was very nice, prompt and polite which in our opinion is much more important then decor. Since it wasn't very busy we ordered quickly. We opted for some scallops for an appetizer and a specialty eel role and some Asian vegetable/noodle dish for the entree. Although we just got beer, we were intrigued by some of their specialty sake infused vodka martinis. In hindsight, we should have gone for those.

The scallops were good, but the portion was unfortunately small for the price. After we mowed those down our main dishes quickly came. The eel role also included salmon on the outside and some form of crunchy tempura like ingredient. It was probably the highlight of the meal. The vegetable/noodle dish was what it sounded like, nothing special but a relatively large portion.

All in all everything was ok. In our opinion, if you're looking for sushi go to South Coast. If you're looking for Asian go to Ma & I.

Regardless, it's still probably worth trying out for yourself, maybe you will have more luck then we did.

One more important note - it's BYOB if you want...we didn't, but wish we did!

Shots Around the Sloop: Museum Campus Sign

And it Begins...Let's Do This Hawks

Let's Do This Hawks! It starts tonight at 7pm!

And finally, how can you not love these "History Will Be Made" ads...I get goosebumps every time I watch them:

Buckingham Fountain Renovation Put on Hold

Although part of the renovations for the majestic Buckingham Fountain have been completed (and look much better), some of the piping and other renovations are on hold due to funding issues according to the Chicago Tribune:

Much of the renovation work left to be done is on the 82-year-old fountain itself, said Park District preservation architect Michael Fus. The project included plans to rebuild the fountain's 280-foot-long outer basin, refurbish and modernize the pump house and treat the marble coverings and bronze sculptures adorning the Chicago landmark, he said.

An Auction and a Foreclosure: Real Estate Round-up

Yesterday Crain's Chicago had two stories pertaining to South Loop real estate. The first had to deal with an auction for the parcel of land at 1000 S. Michigan. The land at one point had been a purposed high rise (however, what piece of land in the South Loop didn't?!?!?!). The land is still very desirable as it's on Grant Park and is on a pretty high profile stretch for the city.

The second real estate article we read yesterday was about the 35-story Lexington Park building (2138 S. Indiana). Many people on Sloopin have been trying to get to the bottom of what is going on with this building and this article definitely sheds some light on the situation. Amazingly only three units have closed in the building.

However, this past weekend we walked by the Lexington Park building and contemplated what might be eventually. Although the "Cermak corridor" has definitely felt the ramifications of the recession, many (including us) feel as if this area will at some point make a turn for the better. There is talk about a Green line stop on this stretch and now that the Ickes homes have begun to be cleared, our guess is that this stretch will move away from its negative connotation.

(Hat Tip: Solo & JG!)

House of Sole Has Your Tickets for Sex & the City 2

For all the Sex & the City fans out there, our local shoe mecca, House of Sole (1237 S. Michigan), has a promotion for you:

We are giving away tickets to opening weekend of Sex and the City 2.
With each purchase, the customer will be entered to win tickets to S&TC 2
opening weekend at Showplace ICON on Roosevelt. One winner will win VIP
tickets. We will also have Cosmos & Cocktails on opening night which
is May 27th.

(Hat Tip: T!)

(Image from Houseofsole.net)

Name Our New Neighbor at the Shedd

As one of the newest and probably cutest new neighbors in the Sloop needs a name. That's right, the Shedd's Baby Beluga Whale that was born this past December needs a name and you can vote on it!

We will do a short poll on Sloopin, but you can go to this website to register an official vote.

Finally, here is a video of the birth of the yet to be named Baby Beluga

Protesters at Roosevelt and Wabash BP

A reader writes:

I was walking home from Whole Foods and when I turned down Wabash I saw this protest. It was going on around 3:30pm today. There were people with cameras but no major stations or networks present when I was there. They were chanting "Don't pay the bill, for the spill!" I took one shot from the west side of Wabash and figured I'd get a close up on the other side. I walked up and who should be front and center? Jesse Jackson! There were a few cops hanging around but overall it was pretty tame and straight forward. BP bad. Environment good. Please enjoy my pics. I enjoy your site.

Thanks for the complement. We enjoy your pics!

(Hat Tip: MD!)

Renovations at Old Sam's Space?

A reader writes:

It appears that there is some demolition work being done in the old Sam's space - does anyone have an update?

We went by last week in the morning and noticed some men working on something as well. It doesn't look noticeable different in our opinion (so maybe it was just standard upkeep), but since there is a lot of interest in this space, does anyone have an update?

As many of you probably remember we posted about a rumor in regard to Trader Joe's coming to this space, but as of today we haven't heard anything more on this topic.

(Hat Tip: SP!)

t appears that there is some demolition work being done in the old Sam’s space – does anyone have an update?

Mixed Feelings on the New Subway Store at Roosevelt and Michigan

The new Subway is open and ready for business. It also appears that it is open 24 hours, which is unique for Subways (as far as we know).

Loud Feedback on State Between 13th and 14th?

A reader writes:

What's that annoying shrill beeping on State St. (b/w 13th and 14th streets)? You guys always seem to be in the know... there is this obnoxiously shrill beeping that's been going on since Sat. evening. We can't even leave our windows open anymore it's so annoying--kind of like feedback from electronics but on a bigger scale. Better yet, who do you even contact about something so weird?! 311?

We're not sure, but we're hoping someone else on the interwebs can help you out. I would think the Alderman's office or police department would be the best resource.

Also, the email reminded us of something we heard about the new Pritzker Park at the corner of State and Van Buren. A friend mentioned that there was some loud sounds that would go off every once in awhile and that it was to deter bums from hanging around the park. Not sure if this is true or even plausible but we're just saying...

2nd Annual Boat & Tackle Market Comes to Soldier Field this Sunday

If you're into boats or fishing, you're in luck:

Soldier Field invites you to the 2nd Annual Boat & Tackle Market on Sunday, May 23rd. The market is open to all to buy, sell or hook a deal on new and used boating, fishing and other outdoor equipment. There will be all kinds of games and activities for kids and adults throughout the day to add a fun festival atmosphere to the day. The event will take place in the South Festival Lot. There is a $5 entry fee at the entrance (free for kids under 12), but parking in the South Parking Lot is FREE!

For additional information, here is the website.

(Hat Tip: Nick Deezy!)

Why Can't We Get 4th Meal?

A good friend of the blog recently emailed us wondering what was going on with the Taco Bell on Congress. As veteran Sloopers would remember it was supposedly being renovated, but appears to have stalled:

Do you have any info on why the Subway/Taco Bell on Dearborn and Congress has
yet to re-open? Signs on the door have said that they are re-opening under
new management soon, but these signs have been there for a few years now.
It looked like they started doing renovations but they halted. I haven't
been past there for a bit so it may be open now. If not, I think this a
job for Sloopin'!

It's a great question and something we haven't heard much about. Any insight?

(Hat Tip: K-PAX!)

Exposure/Utopia Removes Awnings

A couple of readers have sent us some emails about Utopia (1313 S. Wabash) finally removing the awnings that displayed the name of the former resident, Exposure Tapas:

I'm writing because I noticed something on Wabash (1300 block) on my way home
this evening - the Exposure / Utopia awnings are gone. I believe this happened
today. See attached. Do you have any dirt on what might be going on? I've never
been a fan of this dumpy, shady place and I hope this means it's gone.

As far as we can tell they're still open and we're curious to see if they put anything up. Personally, now that the windows aren't blocked by the awnings we think the place looks much classier. The windows are huge and look to be in pretty good shape.

(Hat Tip: MD & ED!)