It's Official, Bob Running for Mayor

Our second ward alderman, Bob Fioretti, is officially running for Mayor according to WBEZ 91.5:

Fioretti's been talking like a candidate for mayor for some time, and now...

FIORETTI: I have made it public that I will be seeking the position of mayor of the city of Chicago.

A formal campaign kickoff could come as soon as next Wednesday, complete with a campaign platform.

FIORETTI: How we survive in the next five years, how we create multiple budget analysis for the city, how we bring in jobs, how we deal with the public safety issues and education.

Although it seems like a long shot that Fioretti can win, you never know...

Pita Corner and India Grill Appear to Have Problems

We've been talking about and excited that the Pita Corner was coming to the South Michigan Ave. Unfortunately, it appears there are some snags with this place. As you might have seen earlier in July and August there were signs outside the store saying it was going to open in August 2010.

Well September is about to pass and still no grand opening. We peak in quite often and little progress seems to be made. Does anyone have any additional information on this place? Could it be following the same path as the mysterious A'Cappella Bistro that looked like it was going to open and did numerous years later?

In other South Loop restaurant news, it also appears India Grill (1112 S. Wabash) might be closed:

Dear Sloopin,

Has the India Grill closed?

It seems to always be dark and closed these days.

We've noticed the same thing at India Grill and always have questioned how it could stay open based on the lack of people in the place when we walked by.

(Hat Tip: DK!)

Shots Around the Sloop: BMX with a View

Fioretti a Proponent of a Downtown Casino?

Casino conversations seem to always be a hot topic among Chicago politicians and citizens. However, we've never heard or read anything about our Alderman, Bob Fioretti, talking negatively or favorably about casinos. That's why we were surprised when a reader sent us this article about Fioretti talking about Casinos close to the Sloop:

A Chicago alderman who's mulling a race for mayor proposed Tuesday that McCormick Place East be converted into a giant, but temporary, casino and that Chicago begin the search for a permanent gambling site.

Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd) mentioned as possible sites for a permanent casino the 37-acre former site of Michael Reese Hospital, the old Chicago post office and 67 vacant acres at Roosevelt Road and Clark Street once owned by convicted businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a friend and major fundraiser for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Generally speaking, this isn't a good thing for the neighborhood. Yes, it would bring another "destination" to the neighborhood, which would probably bring additional people, businesses and restaurants, but a Casino crowd isn't what most people in the Sloop want. Right now, the South Loop is relatively quiet and it seems like a lot of people raise families in the area. Casino's and families just don't mix well in our opinion.

Anyway, this tends to be a controversial subject, so let loose and let us know what you think. Good? Bad? Indifferent?

(Hat tip: SoloMotorRow!)

Colosimo's Restaurant on HBO's Empire Boardwalk

So last Sunday we watched the premiere episode of HBO's new show Boardwalk Empire. Whenever HBO puts out a new show (especially one about gangsters and crime) we're eager to watch it. Anyway, the show was good which wasn't much of a surprise. However, we were surprised to see a piece of South Loop history utilized and subtlety referenced in the show.

We won't ruin the show, but the infamous Chicago Gangster "Big Jim Colosimo" goes to Atlantic City for some "business". He then returns to Chicago and is hanging out at his restaurant "Colosimo's" in the Sloop (used to be at 2128 S. Wabash) where he was shot dead. Although that was the extent of the role for the neighborhood, it was still interesting to randomly see that piece of South Loop history.

If you're interested here is a link with more information and pictures of Colosimo's.

Thanks to this weeks Sponsor: Infinity Strategic Group

Sponsored Post

Thanks again to this weeks Sloopin sponsor Infinity Strategic Group!

Infinity Strategic Group specializes in estate planning and is offering Sloopin readers a free consultation. If you're interested please click on this link to go to their site.

You will find the ad on the right side of the page for the rest of the month, so thanks to them and please call to setup an appointment!

Olympic Deja Vu?

We were suprised to see this on the Chicago Tribune website this morning...regardless we doubt it's going to happen:

The United States Olympic Committee has not ruled out a bid for the 2020 Summer
Olympics and the timing of the process makes it likely 2016 loser Chicago would be its most viable candidate.

"I think it would be challenging for any other city to organize a bid in that time frame but not impossible," U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Larry Probst told the Tribune after delivering his state of the USOC address to the organization's general assembly Friday.

Doubtful that Fioretti Can Win Mayoral Race

Shootings in the Sloop (the good kind!)

Two days ago we got a couple emails and comments wondering about the new production shooting around the Sloop. It appears Fox has a new police drama called "Ride-Along" set in Chicago that is supposed to start mid-season:

Anyway, here are some shots that people sent to us.

13th and State:

Manny's (ironically we tried to get a sandwich and they were shut down for the shooting):

It looks interesting in our opinion, however some of the stuff seems cheesy (ie - the opening line in the trailer - "Chicago is known as the city that works...some people don't understand that it works in a lot of different ways"). Regardless we will definitely check it out, if only to see some professional Shots Around the Sloop.

(Hat Tip: Nick D, JR, PF, PS!)

In Search of a Work/Study Spot in the Sloop

A reader writes:

I often have meetings/work sessions for a non-profit in the evening. I already work from home so I need to get out of my place to stay focused. Is there a cafe or something like it that Southloopers can recommend where I can work? Preferably something open until midnight with wifi access.

We know of the Panera (State and Congress), the Caribou Coffee (9th and Wabash), or the Panera in Southgate Market (Roosevelt and Canal) but besides that we're unsure of other spots in the Sloop. Any suggestions?

It seems like we're missing a mom and pop local place...wish we had one of those in the Sloop!

Maybe the new Gretta's place at 13th and Wabash could fill this void, however we doubt it will be open until midnight.

Correction: We meant Donna's at 13th and State (not Gretta's).

(Hat Tip: AV!)

Living large like a Chicago Hip-Hop Star in the Sloop

When you think 'living like a Rap star' you think over the top non-sense and tons of bling. Well that's not the case with one of Chicago's brightest and best rappers, Common. Anyway, we got a chuckle when we read YoChicago last week and saw that Common's 2bd/2br condo at 1400 S. Michigan is available for rent:

For $2,500 a month, plus $150 per parking, you can live in a 1,248 square-foot, two-bedroom / two-bath condo in the (relatively) new 1400 Museum Park, 100 E 14th St in the South Loop, and have Common as your landlord, according to the Sun-Times.

The South Side native — who, at the best of times, has played ego Kanye’s id — bought the condo a couple years ago for $408,000 and spruced it up with custom lighting, a custom paint job, and built-in closets, says listing agent Jaueline Smith. The home features floor-to-ceiling windows, a separate den / office, a private balcony, and a stone master bath with shower seat sprays. (Smith’s listing mentions views of the Museum Campus, but I don’t see how that’s possible, given that the 09 tier faces west, overlooking Michigan Avenue just north of the 14th Street intersection.)

As a fan of Common's this was intriguing to us. For people who don't know some of his work, here is one of our favorite songs/videos (with some great Chicago scenery):

Which Cell Network Would Your Recommend in the Sloop?

A South Loop newbie is having issues with getting good cell reception from Verizon and wants your recommendation:

As a newbie to the South Loop, I was surprised by the lackluster cell phone
reception we get (using Verizon). My plan is up and I'm thinking about
switching... any recs for strong signals in the neighborhood?

Personally, Verizon works pretty good for us.

(hat tip: TJ!)

Creepy Clowns = Halloween in the Sloop

Don't be scared, but creepy clowns in random windows only means that Halloween is just around the corner. The one above is in the window at the building at 9th and Wabash. If you're new to the neighborhood this usually vacant retail space is converted into a pop-up Halloween store every fall. So if you need to locate a costume, we highly suggest going here.

Also, we've been told that the retail space at the corner of 9th and State also has a pop-up store for Haloween. Sounds like the area is covered well for Halloween.

Thanks to this weeks Sponsor: Infinity Strategic Group

Sponsored Post

Thanks to this weeks Sloopin sponsor Infinity Strategic Group!

Infinity Strategic Group specializes in estate planning and is offering Sloopin readers a free consultation. If you're interested please click on this link to go to their site.

You will find the ad on the right side of the page for the rest of the month, so thanks to them and please call to setup an appointment!