Venerable, but Disgraced Sloop Restaurant Acadia Officially Closes Its Doors at 1639 S. Wabash

Likely not the biggest surprise in the world, but it looks like the venerable - but recently disgraced - two Michelin-starred Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) has officially closed their doors (via Eater):

Acadia, the two Michelin-starred restaurant from Ryan McCaskey will not reopen, the chef and owner confirms to Eater Chicago. Earlier this month, “for lease” signs went up above the South Loop restaurant marking the official end of McCaskey’s time in Chicago. The restaurant actually closed in July 2020 shortly after a shockwave of allegations were levied against McCaskey by former employees. At the time, McCaskey said he planned to quickly reopen.

McCaskey has since moved to Maine, where he runs another restaurant, Acadia House Provisions. McCaskey says the ongoing pandemic changed his mind to reopen in Chicago. In a statement to Eater, he writes “we decided to close Acadia because of the mounting obstacles of owning a business, especially a restaurant business in Chicago.”

“Rising crime, burglary attempts, staffing shortages and declining revenue at our price point also forced us to shut the doors,” a portion of McCaskey’s statement reads.

While there may be some truth to McCaskey's statement, it was hard to see how this restaurant could reopen based on the explosive accusations about the toxicity and sexual harassment within this high-profile workplace.

The demise of Acadia is a sad tale for a restaurant that was consistently considered one of the best fine dinning spots in the city.  Furthermore, it was a rare restaurant in the Sloop and one that added a level of eating we simply didn't have before.

When Acadia opened in 2012, there was excitement and anticipation that usually isn't present for new restaurants in the neighborhood.  My wife and I saw the potential during our first visit just one week after it officially opened.

Eventually Acadia shifted to a tasting menu concept and took off.  First they earned one star from the famous Michelin guide in 2013.  Then in 2015 earned two stars from the guide - a distinction that put it in rarefied air with a handful of other top restaurants in Chicago.  It was on the dining map in Chicago and in the world.

During the fall of 2020 - in the midst of the pandemic - the Chicago Tribune published some explosive allegations about owner/chef Ryan McCaskey.  If you read the allegations it was pretty damning and pretty detailed.  At the time, McCaskey said these were untrue and vowed to fight them in court - which seems to be happening currently.

The fate of the restaurant was also in limbo.  It was closed "due to covid", but most felt that it couldn't continue to operate in the face of these allegations.  While there is likely more to this story, it seemed inevitable that they wouldn't be able to reopen.

While Acadia will undoubtedly be missed, fine dinning isn't completely gone in the neighborhood.  Moody Tongue (2515 S. Wabash) brewery surprisingly achieved a two star rating from Michelin last year and Apolonia (2201 S. Michigan) has also been praised and may earn some awards as well.  

That said - Acadia exploded onto the scene about a decade ago, but leaves unceremoniously and disgraced.  A sad story no doubt.

Renowned Restaurant Acadia Faces Uncertainty as Owner/Head Chef Ryan McCaskey Continues to Face Serious Allegations of Fostering a Toxic Work Environment

The Chicago Tribune has an update regarding the serious allegations directed at Ryan McCaskey - the owner and head chef at the renowned Michelin two-starred South Loop restaurant Acadia (1639 S. Wabash):

After the last guests had left on a Sunday evening in March 2018, employees at Acadia pushed the tables and chairs aside in the restaurant’s private dining room and began unrolling sheets of plastic across the floor. A going-away party was planned for that Monday.

According to text messages shared with the Tribune, Ryan McCaskey, Acadia’s chef and owner, promised employees that the party would be an “extra naughty” affair. He said he would supply dollar bills to tip the strippers.

“He pretty much made it mandatory,” said Brendan Smith, a former Acadia cook who said he felt pressured to commute in from the suburbs on his day off to attend the party and a dinner beforehand.

That drizzly Monday night, about 15 people — Acadia staff, their friends and significant others — filed into the private dining room at one of just four Chicago restaurants to have earned at least two Michelin stars. From chairs usually occupied by customers spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an evening of food, wine and cocktails, McCaskey’s guests watched a raucous evening unfold.

The two performers quickly became naked and encouraged onlookers to use sex toys on them, people in attendance said. McCaskey was an eager participant, some in attendance said, licking whipped cream from the genital region of one of the performers. According to attendees, McCaskey encouraged others to become involved and chided those who did not participate, including calling Smith a homophobic term for declining to take a turn.

In an interview in September with the Tribune, McCaskey acknowledged hosting the going-away party in Acadia’s private dining room — he called it “a bad judgment decision” — and hiring the strippers to perform. He also confirmed licking whipped cream from the performer’s body.

The article continues to paint a damning picture of the work environment at Acadia.  McCaskey has attempted to brush away the stories and accusations, but it's hard to know what the path forward is for him and his restaurant.

Covid-19 has provided rationale and time for him to close up shop while he sorts these things out.  It seems like it is unlikely that he will reopen the restaurant - but hasn't confirmed one way or the other.  

Acadia & Chef/Owner Ryan McCaskey Earns Two Michelin Star; Joins Rarefied Chicago Fine Dining Group

Ryan McCaskey at Acadia (1639 S. Wabash)

If you were hoping to get a reservation at Acadia, our South Loop fine dining option at 1639 S. Wabash, it may have become a little harder (via Chicago Tribune):

Acadia, Ryan McCaskey's fine-dining restaurant in the South Loop, was boosted to two Michelin stars, and Parachute and Dusek's Board & Beer received one star apiece, as the Michelin Guide announced its star selection for Chicago restaurants Tuesday.  

"McCaskey's got it all," said Michael Ellis, international director of the Michelin Guide. "He has great technique and produces elegant food that tastes great. For a restaurant to go from one star to two, that's what we like to see."  

Acadia's promotion and the first-ever star awards for Parachute and Dusek's were the happy surprises on a list that otherwise varied little from the Michelin list of a year ago.

This is a pretty remarkable honor for McCaskey and his team.  This essentially means that Acadia is one of the top 5 restaurants in Chicago according to the Michelin Guide (arguable in the #3-5 range behind Alinea & Grace).

For those unfamiliar with the Michelin Guide it is considered by most Chefs and Foodies to be the preeminent rating guide for restaurants worldwide.

This is the 4th year in a row that Acadia has been honored by the Michelin Guide, but the first year it earned a two star rating.  Interestingly enough, last year we were wondering if Acadia could potentially win that second star.  Well guess we were a little early in our prediction - but regardless congrats to McCaskey and team and glad you call the Sloop home!

McCaskey Restaurant to be Called Acadia and Slated to Open in December

The Chicago Magazine Blog, Dish, has an update on Ryan McCaskey's new restaurant at 1639 S. Wabash:

The hunger for the new South Loop restaurant from the chef Ryan McCaskey (Tuttaposto, Vivere, Rushmore, Tizi Melloul, Courtright’s) growls a little stronger as he teases future diners with new details. For one, the name: Acadia (1639 S. Wabash Ave.; no phone yet). “I wanted to find a name that tied into my ties to Maine,” McCaskey says. “I spent summers growing up in Maine and have a lot of dear, close friends there still. It’s like my second home. A lot of the seafood product that I’m getting is going to be from the area.” For another, McCaskey’s sous-chef: Chris Walker (Pops for Champagne, Bistro Bordeaux). Acadia is scheduled to open in December. By then, we’ll be ready for the Maine course.

Glad to hear that they're opening this year (even if it's later than originally expected). However, it wouldn't surprise us if it didn't open until 2012.

For more Sloopin posts on the topic click here.

(Hat tip: SoloMotorRow!)

Article on Prix-Fixe Menus Gets Us Dreaming of McCaskey Casual Restaurant Concept

Acadia featured in Crain's article talking about Prix-Fixe Menus:

Chicago's diners increasingly are willing to hand over a few hours, a few hundred bucks and total control of their dining fate to chefs.  

In the aftermath of the long-running “casualization” of fine dining in Chicago, a phenomenon marked by the proliferation of high-end restaurants pushing small plates made to share, loud music and a dressed-down vibe, a cadre of well-known chefs is embracing the sine qua non of fine dining: the prix fixe meal.  

Celebrity chef Tony Mantuano took his 30-year-old Spiaggia to a tasting menu format late last summer. Ryan McCaskey made the switch at his two-Michelin-starred South Loop restaurant Acadia in November.

It's a fun thing to do every once in awhile, but honestly it's a little much for us.  It's definitely an experience, but in terms of sustenance it leaves us yearning for something else (but that's clearly not the purpose of this style of dining, right?).

Another interesting quote was this:

McCaskey, for instance, wants to open a more casual restaurant in the next two years that pumps out more volume at higher margins and provides him with more financial cushion. “I wish I had a better car and a better house and a new jacket for winter,” he says. “I never had people trying to give me money before. I had nobody. Now it's to the point where it's happening all the time. People want to be part of (my) next success.”

Could a new McCaskey casual dining restaurant be in the work?

Another Shout-out for Acadia in Chicago Magazine

A quick shout-out in Chicago Magazine for Acadia:

COMING: Acadia

“I’m pretty old,” muses Ryan McCaskey, who’s only 37. But the seasoned chef (Rushmore, Tizi Melloul, Courtright’s) takes cues from his past at the 60-seat Acadia, a contemporary American eatery nostalgically named for the coastal Maine region where McCaskey summered as a kid. The classic menu will also source seafood from McCaskey’s fisherman pals in that area. “We will have all the amenities of high-end restaurants, but also fun bar food that is approachable and geared toward the neighborhood,” McCaskey says. Sounds quite hip, old-timer. 1639 S. Wabash Ave.

No Contact Order Extended as Founder/Chef of Acadia Faces Serious Harassment Allegations

There has been a lot of discussion and accusations online about Ryan McCaskey - the founder and chef at Michelin starred Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) - and this week a judge granted a former employee an extension on a no contact order.

The story is ugly and you can read the full background on Chicago Tribune, but essentially:

Cody Nason, a former employee at McCaskey’s fine dining restaurant, Acadia, was granted a no contact order last month after alleging in a court petition that the chef created a website, multiple email addresses and fake online reviews to harass him.

“We want to conduct discovery and figure out who actually did this,” McCaskey’s attorney, Roger Malavia, said during Monday’s hearing.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Levander Smith Jr. set a hearing for Oct. 22. The no-contact order will remain in effect at least until then.

Last month a judge ordered the chef and owner of the Michelin-starred Acadia not to contact Nason after Nason alleged in a court petition that McCaskey launched the website codynason.com on Aug. 13, posting Nason’s photo, phone number and home address, along with claims that Nason is “a pedophile.”

Acadia temporarily closed in August "due to the pandemic’s impact.”  It remains unclear if/how this story has contributed to that closure.

From a culinary standpoint, Acadia is the Sloop's most high-profile restaurant and has consistently been credited as one of the best in the city.  We've had good experiences, but that doesn't mean much as it relates to the inner workings of the business.  

We will stay tuned to hear how this progresses and what impact it has on the future of the restaurant.

Trib: "The Kitchen is Absolutely Killing it Right Now" at Acadia

White-asparagus cremeaux anchors a miniature garden of baby vegetables
that is surrounded by a hot, charred-onion broth. (Via Chicago Tribune)

This is a relatively old review (back in April of 2016), but a good and descriptive read of the Sloop's preeminent fine dinning experience (via ChicagoTribune):

True enough, Acadia, just south of 16th Street on Wabash Avenue, doesn't present much to the outside world. From the street, it's a drab little building on a very quiet stretch (at 10 p.m. that night, the sidewalk was populated by me, the car valet and a guy walking his dog). But once you walk through the front door, it's like Dorothy stepping out of her farmhouse.  

The dining room is drop-dead gorgeous, a warmly minimalist, softly lit and serenely quiet space with alabaster walls, neutral carpeting and beaded-metal curtains. Seating, replaced a year ago, is plush and comfortable.  And the kitchen is absolutely killing it right now, producing a parade of eye-candy dishes that display intelligence, humor and, occasionally, clever riffs on the food of chef/owner Ryan McCaskey's beloved New England region.  

Had McCaskey opened Acadia on Randolph Street four years ago, he'd probably be driving a Lexus by now.  

"I think about it every week," McCaskey said, in a mixture of ruefulness and defiance. "Whenever I talk to Nick Kokonas (Alinea, Aviary, Next, Roister), he tells me, 'You know, you'd have doubled your revenue in the West Loop.' But the South Loop will have its day; I know it's going to happen."

The article goes on to give a vivid description of what you can expect when dinning at Acadia.  Beyond this, the Tribune has rated the restaurant the #7th best in Chicago (you can find an interactive maps here).

Lucky to have this one in the neighborhood.

McCaskey Restaurant Slated to Open in September

We recently read some new news via Metromix on the Ryan McCaskey "upscale dinning" restaurant that will be coming to 1639 S. Wabash:

When this seasonal American spot opens in early September, it will take its place among the early pioneers of the South Loop’s fine dining scene, with customizable five- or eleven-course tasting menus, as well as a la carte options and a bar menu for neighborhood noshers who want to stop by after work.

Executive chef Ryan McCaskey (formerly of Rushmore and Courtright’s) has lived in the ‘hood for more than 11 years and is looking to fill a niche in upscale dining. As for the menu (which is still being dreamed up), the eats
reflect a “contemporary classic” influence with inventive takes on traditional favorites.

This is the first time we've heard a date put on the project, so mark your calendars for the fall. We also found out some information about the space:

The two-story space itself overlooks a park plaza, and there are plans for a small outdoor patio for the summer months.

As we all know, the park has yet to break ground, but glad to hear that this restaurant will take advantage of the planned park which will be next door to the North. We're excited for this addition...stay tuned.

(Image from Grubstreet)

Construction Begins at McCaskey's Restaurant at S Wabash

The picture above doesn't look like much now, but sometime in the near future we imagine neighbors and visitors in the South Loop will be enjoying this space. The building, which is located at 1639 S. Wabash, has been getting some attention lately.

Recently a couple readers left comments saying they noticed some construction going on at the future Ryan McCaskey restaurant, so yesterday we walked by to take a look. Sure enough, they were right.

Besides the cutouts on the Northern wall of the building (which will eventually face a new public park), the inside is also under construction. It still has a way to go, but it's encouraging to see progress on this project.

Last we heard, Ryan McCaskey's unnamed restaurant was slated to open in September. While that might be possible, we imagine it will open later. From what we've heard this restaurant was always tied to the public park that will flank it on the North and last we heard the park opening was pushed to 2012 (which judging by the park area in the picture it seems like 2012 is accurate).

We will remain patient...as long as we continue to see progress. Looking forward to this one as well. Maybe the Red Eye was right, the "South Loop is on the verge of eatery expansion!"

What's Next for Ryan McCaskey - Chef/Owner of Acadia?

It's well documented at this point that Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) won an illustrious star in this years Michellin Guide.

Image from Eater Chicago

So what's a hot restaurant and it's owner/chef to do after it reaches a milestone?

Well besides striving for a two star rating, Ryan McCaskey has some additional goals (via Eater Chicago):

McCaskey's long-term goal is to make Acadia the cornerstone of his restaurant empire and branch out into more casual endeavors. "I want to open up a bar and a more casual spot. A dingy clubby little restaurant. I want to open a breakfast/lunch place. Right now I'm kind of in the mood to open up a killer bar with family meal food," he says.

Sounds intriguing to us...hopefully he continues to build his empire in the Sloop!

The Lobster Roll Trend on Display in the Sloop

Lobster Roll on the Bar Menu at Acadia (1639 S. Wabash)

If the Lobster Roll is trend...call us trendy, because we like the damn thing.  Our go to spot for food news in the city, Chicago Eater, had an in-depth recent post on the trend.  They checked in with Ryan McCaskey of Acadia on the topic and dissected what a good Lobster Roll consists of:

A lobster roll's essential ingredients are simply a top split bun (so, it opens on top instead of the side) and lobster meat. Like so many sandwiches that have come before, the bread is of the utmost importance. It's so vital that McCaskey worked out a deal with his lobster purveyor for them to buy and send packages of a specific type of bread, used for lobster rolls, and only sold in Maine (and not available for interstate shipping) with his order. "I tried making buns in house and they just aren't the same. The bread," he explains, "should be buttery and crispy on the outside and steam on the inside—warming the lobster with the steam." 

And what of the lobster—which part makes for the best roll? Claw, tail and knuckles are used for the filling, but McCaskey says his favorite part is the knuckle meat 'because it's sweet and more toothsome than the other parts.' The meat is quickly cooked in hot water, broken down, chopped, mixed with some mayonnaise, a squeeze of lemon and some chives. A high quality paprika blend is sprinkled over the top to give a bit of depth. He explains the spice is a traditional garnish on Maine lobster rolls. Armed with definite opinions on what goes into a good roll, he tells us he finds the addition of celery "kinda gross" and views lettuce "as just a filler…because I'd rather have more lobster." He quickly adds that these opinions are based on what he ate there as a child. "This is what I grew up with, its what I know." So instead of giving a gussied up version of his childhood fare, he focuses on offering the best, most authentic version of its simple self. "I'm a purist at heart," he says, "I wanted to give an authentic experience, not try to change it."

........[mouth watering]......[noises coming out].....[hungry]........oh yeah we need to finish this post.

We don't particularly like mayonnaise but that doesn't stop us and we suggest that it shouldn't stop you either.

Signs of Life on South Wabash South of 16th Street

To most people who don't reside in the South Loop, South of 16th street is still way out of their "comfort zone". Although we usually try to talk them out of this mindset, the fact is that it's still relatively desolate South of 16th street. Yes, Michigan Avenue has move in ready retail space and businesses are slowly moving in, but West of that is pretty bare.

But there have been some recent positive signs. Who can forget the beautiful and unique Columbia College Media Production Center on South State street or the new Clark-N-Oak Animal Hospital opening across the street. We also were sent an email with a link to a new day care going in at the 1900 block of South State called Summa Cum Laude Early Learning Center.

Wabash is showing some interesting signs of life as well. If you read Sloopin, you know about the controversy around a proposed park at 16th and Wabash. Regardless of how you feel about the topic, in our opinion a park of any kind is an improvement over an empty lot. We also found out some interesting information from Alderman Fioretti's newsletter which mentioned that South of the park would be a "private commercial property, which will be a new restaurant".

Well according to Chicago Magazine, it appears that this restaurant is a new high end "to be named" project by Ryan McCaskey:

The South Loop teems with newly built condo skyscrapers, but somehow, fancy restaurants have materialized much more slowly. Into this breach steps Ryan McCaskey, who sports lines on his resumé from Tuttaposto, Vivere, Rushmore, Courtright’s, and Tizi Melloul (which now seems to be like the Taxi of Chicago restaurants, with alumni going on to ambitious projects left and right). In late summer or early fall, McCaskey plans to open a “contemporary classic American” spot at 1639 South Wabash Avenue.

This is definitely welcomed news for this strip, but it ain't going to be cheap at approximately $60-$70 a person. Regardless in our opinion this is great!

It also provides some Southward movement for the Wabash restaurant row. The 1300 block of South Wabash currently boasts 5 "nicer" restaurants. Maybe this will cause similar restaurants to open up shop on South Wabash (yes, we know that Cuatro and Room 21 didn't exactly cause a similar trend, but those were much further South). We can dream...

(Hat tip: SoloMotorRow & JP!)

Acadia Earns One Star Rating from Michelin Guide for Third Consecutive Year

McCaskey and team in Acadia Kitchen (via Facebook)

Last week it was the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.  This week, it's time for the big dogs...the Michelin Guide stars!

Honestly though, it was relatively uneventful.

The big news was that Grace, the West Loop restaurant at 652 w. Randolph joined Alinea as the only restaurants in Chicago to be awarded the sought after three stars rating.

In local Sloop news, our venerable neighborhood restaurant Acadia earned a one star rating for the third consecutive year.  While we know Ryan McCaskey and team are really shooting for a second star, maintaining their one star rating is still nothing to sneeze at.

If that's not enough for McCaskey maybe he can hang his hat on the fact that he recently won the judges award at the inaugural Ramenfest at BellyQ this past weekend.  Maybe not as prestigious, but probably more fun.

In other local Michelin star news, Everest, the classy French Lettuce Entertain You restaurant at 440 s. LaSalle, also retained their one star rating.

Congrats to everyone and our South Loop restaurants!

(Hat tip:  BR!)

Court Case Continues Against Ryan McCaskey - Chef/Owner of Acclaimed South Loop Restaurant Acadia

The drama around Ryan McCaskey's Michelin starred South Loop restaurant Acadia continues to swirl.  

You can read more about the current state of the allegations on Eater Chicago, but the things that stood out to us was this update about the restaurant:

Acadia has remained closed since the summer, but McCaskey tells Eater Chicago that he intends to eventually reopen.

It's been unclear what the path forward is for the restaurant with many people assuming there isn't one.  We will undoubtedly hear more about this in the future, but it seems like the door isn't completely closed on Acadia (yet).

Acadia Set to Open Tonight

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.

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.

Ouch! Slap in the face!

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)

Fred Anderson Park Nears Completion; Shooting for Mid-Jan Opening Pending Post Construction "Punch List" Review

Looks like Fred Anderson Park continues to progress.  Last week we posted about a potential "design fail" but regardless of that things are moving forward.  A reader writes:

The turf is in !!! Under heated, makeshift tents installers laid in the turf over the course of last Friday, Saturday and Monday, and it was unveiled for all to see on Tuesday. Looks pretty, hope the glue holds !!! 

Latest word from the Chicago Park District is that the park will open in mid-January. The construction will be completed before then, but there is a 30-day punch list period during which the contractor must address anything identified as needing attention after 'completion'. The South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative (SLDogPAC) is on board to participate in that punch list process.

In other related news, DNAinfo sat down with Acadia Chef/Owner Ryan McCaskey who operates his well regarded eatery next door to the soon to be open park.  The article mostly talks about his restaurant receiving its third consecutive one-star rating from the Michelin guide, but also talks about the restaurants newest neighbor to the north:

Yet for now he'd settle for the dog park to finish construction, which would allow him to put in an outdoor patio for cocktails. "I knew this was coming in years before I got this space," McCaskey said. "There will be some green space, I hope.  

"This makes me nervous," McCaskey said, looking out the window at the fenced-off construction zone. "It looks like they're building Jurassic Park. But we'll see how it pans out for us."v

Sounds like you may be sipping on Acadia cocktails (see post about the Sloopin cocktail at Acadia) while watching fido frolic.

(Hat tip:  BE!)

Acadia's McCaskey Outlines His Sloop Favorites

We recently read a post on Serious Eats Chicago about Ryan McCaskey's (owner of fine dining establishment Acadia) favorite spots in the Sloop.

It's worth a read as it gives you tips on where to find the best milkshakes, coffee, burger, pizza, Thai, Vietnamese, BBQ Duck and sandwhich in our neighborhood.

While we don't agree with them all, his Thai recommendation is spot on:

Thai: Opart Thai on State Street. They're really good and have one of my favorite Thai dishes, I think it's called Tiger Cry or Crying Tiger. It's marinated beef that's grilled and served with cucumbers and this kind of sweet and vinegary spicy sauce. It's an appetizer, but oh my gosh, I could eat plates of it.

Moody Tongue (2515 S. Wabash) Achieves Rare Two Stars from Michelin Guide

Wow - big moves by the crew at Moody Tongue Brewery at 2515 S. Wabash!  They earned a prestigious recognition by the crew at Michelin (via Curbed):

Alinea in Lincoln Park remains Chicago’s only three-starred restaurant. The full three stars is a rare honor that’s been bestowed on about 130 restaurants worldwide. There was speculation that Smyth (two stars) in Fulton Market would join chef Grant Achatz’s restaurant, but that didn’t happen. In a rare move, Michelin did award two stars to a pair of new restaurants during their first year of eligibility: Ever and Moody Tongue.

The post on Curbed Chicago goes on about Moody:

Meanwhile, near McCormick Place, Moody Tongue effectively replaces Band of Bohemia as Chicago’s only Michelin-starred brewpub. Moody Tongue relocated from Pilsen, not only moving its brewing operations but also adding a full-service restaurant with a tasting menu. The brewery also brought over Jared Wentworth, a chef who presided over Longman & Eagle in Logan Square during its Michelin-starred days.

While many were optimistic that they would earn a star from Michelin, getting a second star in their first year puts them at the top of the game in Chicago.  For this year's iteration of the list there are only six restaurants in the whole area earning two or more stars:

Three Stars

Alinea

Two Stars

Acadia

Ever (first year)

Moody Tongue (first year)

Oriole

Smyth

If you're a perceptive reader, you will also know that the Sloop's other highly regarded restaurant - Acadia - also is on the list.  That does come as a bit of a surprise given some of the controversy surrounding the restaurant and owner/chef Ryan McCaskey.  As a reminder, there have been allegations of a toxic work environment at Acadia and the restaurant has been closed throughout most of the pandemic.  McCaskey wants to reopen but that remains unclear how and when.

Also of note, the longstanding French staple just north of the Sloop - Everest is off the list.  They closed after a super long run at the end of 2020.  Everest was a consistent Michelin one star restaurant since the inception of the list. 

But the big story is Moody Tongue.  Sure, it's debatable whether or not we can claim them since in our opinion they are technically a little south of the Sloop, but it's not hard to get down to their establishment from the Sloop (although it might be harder to get a table or reservation now....).

As a reminder, word came down in March of 2019 that the Moody Tongue crew would be moving into the space formerly occupied by the Baderbrau Brewery.  They officially opened late in 2019 and all the reviews were very favorable.  The Tribune suspected a Michelin star was in their grasp and Eater Chicago struck a similar sentiment.

Everything we were reading and seeing had us excited.  Just take a look at some of these pictures:

Another interesting twist is the fact that "brewpubs" aren't usually looked upon as favorably as traditional dining concepts.  Despite that perceived challenge it makes Moody's achievement that much more impressive and unique.

Unfortunately we still haven't had a chance to try them out.  We actually had a reservation in April of 2020, but then the pandemic happened - ugh!  Really looking forward to heading down there...assuming we can get in.

Congrats to the crew at Moody Tongue and glad to have you in close proximity to the Sloop! 

Acadia Owner Honored as Guest Chef at NYC James Beard House

We're big fans of Acadia and appears that others are as well.  According to the Tribune: 

Ryan McCaskey, chef/owner of Acadia (1639 S. Wabash Ave., 312-360-9500), will be guest-chef at New York City's James Beard House later this month. It's a nice showcase for any chef, and participants usually spare no effort to impress the influential diners there. 

You could fly to New York for the August 22 dinner. Or, you could make reservations at Acadia this weekend, when the menu McCaskey will prepare in New York will be available here.

(Hat tip: C!)