Lost in Translation: Joy Yee's Noodles

It was the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend and my cousins and I decided to venture down to Chinatown. Without knowing exactly where we wanted to go, we wandered and almost entered a restaurant through the back door. Thankfully we found the proper entrance to the "China Place Street", which is essentially a walking street similar to what you would find in European cities.

Anyway, we ended up at Joy Yee's Noodles, which was bustling with people eating and also getting bubble teas and other unique drinks. After awkwardly figuring out how and where to sit, we were given a massive menu. Ok, so massive is an understatement. This menu was quite impressive as it had over 500 dishes (and most with pictures). It also had a ridiculously extensive drink menu and when I say drinks I don't mean of the alcoholic variety (bubble teas, yogurts, fruits, etc.).

After spending about 30 minutes looking through the menu, we decided on a wide variety of things to try. To be honest, I had a hard time focusing on the menu due to its volume of contet, so if you try this place out, make sure you're ready to focus and not be indecisive.

In terms of the food everything was solid. The highlight was a curry dish served with soft shell crab and chicken over white rice. The service was quick and good, but if you're looking to be waited on, this isn't the place. The decor was nice, simple and basic. If you like asian simplicity, design and soap operas, you will like the look and feel of the restaurant.

All in all, we had a nice time and were happy with the decision. Most likely will be heading back sometime in the near future.

Potential in the Near South Side

The Chicago Tribune has an article about some new loft developments just south of McCormick Place.  If you've ever looked into buying (or making an investment) in the South Loop, you've probably realized some of the points made by the article.  And as most of us know, the golden ticket is the possibility of the the 2016 Olympics.  This is especially the case for this area in the neighborhood:

"The proposed Olympic Village is planned on the Michael Reese Hospital site, so there's a lot of opportunity as far as neighborhood planning."  

Interesting Post from the Chicago Tribune about the Olympic Bid

Read this and take it for what it's worth. It sounds like some of the 2016 Bid Officials have been given pretty prominent roles in Obama's inaugural committee. Interesting:

President-elect Barack Obama's ties to the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid were
reinforced even more this week. Four of the five co-chairs of Obama's
inaugural committee announced Wednesday have roles in the Chicago bid. Two
are on Chicago 2016's 13-member board of directors: Patrick Ryan, the bid
committee chairman; and John Rogers.

Recent Pizzeria Openings

A couple weeks ago we mentioned that Lou Malnati's and Homemade Pizza Co. were working on opening restaurants in the South Loop.

Well in case anyone wants some pie, both places are now open.

David Barton Gym to Focus On South Loop Location

The Chicago Tribune reports that the David Barton Gym has decided to pull out of the much maligned Block 37 development. Instead, the Gym will focus on it's expansion at the Roosevelt Collection.

By the way, the construction teams at Roosevelt Collection are still had hard work. I recently went by the development and one of the wings looks to be almost fully enclosed.

Oh Snap - Chicagoist disses NYT

So on Wednesday I posted this story from the venerable New York Times talking about Chicago's recent blossoming. Well today I just read a great post by the Chicagoist taking issue with the article:

Have you ever heard a song by a band and totally been turned on to that band, rushing out to buy their record, listening to it, and then excitedly telling your friend all about your "discovery", saying, "Hey, have you ever heard of this band called The Rolling Stones??? They ROCK!" only to have your heart crushed when your friend tells you that band's old news? We hate to be "that friend," but...

Yesterday, the New York Times' Jeff Zeleny looked at the "renaissance" of Chicago in his cheekily titled article, "A New Wind Is Blowing in Chicago." One doesn't necessarily envision Zeleny and his colleagues (Maureen Dowd, perhaps?) sitting around a computer looking at pictures of Chicago with wonder and saying, "They have...buildings! And...parks!" but judging from the article it feels like they haven't actually stepped foot in Chicago in quite a while. It's all O'Hare, Obama, and Oprah to these people, isn't it?

Funny and maybe a little true...but to be honest, the Chicagoist is playing into the "inferiority complex" that most Chicagoans tend to have. We'll always be the second city, whatever that really means...

Reese Hospital a Possibility for Olympic Village Again

About 2 or 3 months ago, word got out that the negotiation to turn Michael Reese Hospital into the 2016 Olympic Village had stalled. The reason was said to be due to demolition and environmental clean-up costs which had significantly changed. This in turn, through the whole negotiation off supposedly.

Well according to the Sun Times, the negotiation is back on and Pat Ryan is on the case (Chairman of the Olympic Bid, Former President of Aon, and Big Bad Chicago Businessman). If it doesn't work out, I'm sure he can foot the bill, he definitely has the money.

Another interesting thing coming from this article is that Ryan expects to show off the city's final Olympic plan in Mid-December.

Maybe they incorporated Sloopin's Grand Plan? Doubtful though.

Transcript of Obama Video at EOC Annual Olympic Convention

As Part of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid presentation to the European Olympic Committee's Annual convention, President-Elect Obama had an 85 second video addressing convention. Here is a transcript from the video...pretty good stuff for Chicago:

``Mr. (IOC) President, members of the International Olympic Committee, ladies and gentlemen.

``While I am unable to be there in person, I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you because I deeply believe in the Olympic movement and have long supported hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in my home city of Chicago.

``Over the past two years, I have spoken often about my belief that while we may come from different places and backgrounds, there are certain shared values that unite us, values at the heart of the Olympic movement: friendship, excellence and mutual respect.

``In the coming years, my administration will bring a fresh perspective on America's role and responsibilities around the world. But if we are to truly meet our shared challenges, we must all work together. By uniting the world in a peaceful celebration of human achievement, the Olympic Games reminds us that this is possible.

``The United States would be honored to have the opportunity to host the Games and serve the Olympic movement. As President-elect, I see the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an opportunity for our nation to reach out, welcome the world to our shores and strengthen our friendships across the globe.

``Thank you very much.''

Obama Loves Corned Beef!

And so do I, especially from Manny's in the South Loop at 1141 S. Jefferson.

The President Elect hit up Manny's, which was referred to as a "Chicago Institution", for Lunch today. Money Quote:

Asked about a federal bailout for the auto industry, Obama responded: "I got the corned beef."

2016 Candidate Cities Invade Turkey

It's the first Olympic Committee meeting since Obama has been elected and that seems to be the talk of the convention. This week, the EOC or European Olympic Committee convenes for there annual meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. All four 2016 finalists will be present and giving presentation about their bids.

The most interesting development seems to be from Rio, who has adopted Obama's candidacy message of change. They also have stolen his "Yes, we can" rally call:

Chicago's rivals are adjusting to the Obama factor. Rio is even using his "Yes, we can" and time-for-change slogan as an example of why the Olympics should go to Brazil and South America for the first time.

Kinda funny...Hillary and McCain also tried to play off of and steal some of Obama's "marketing" thunder but it didn't work for them. Maybe it will work for Rio.

More Talk About New Green Line El Stations in the South Loop

About a month ago on Sloopin, we talked about the possibility of two locations for new Green Line El stops in the South Loop.

Well today, one of the urban planners came back with their first thoughts. He cited the North, Damen and Milwaukee intersection and El stop as an example of what he envisioned for this area. I don't see how it would be like that, but regardless there is definitely potential for both of these stops (either 18th street and/or Cermack).

Here is a picture of the area proposed (yellow is residential, orange is hotels and gray is retail):


I sure hope they're taking the 2016 Olympic Bid into consideration while planning. I know the Olympic Bid could speed up the process for these projects to get the green light, but still it seems like development down here could be a big opportunity for the bid. I'm pretty sure they're smart enough to consider this, but I've seen our fabulous government do some pretty stupid things before.

Chicago's Blossoming?

I'll be honest, this article in the New York Times doesn't have much to do with the South Loop (however it does briefly talk about the 2016 Olympic Bid), but it has some good information about Chicago's recent "blossoming".

It also talks about Obama replacing Oprah:

One sign that the Obama brand is replacing the Oprah brand? The talk show tycoon is not mentioned in the city’s new tourism campaign, which invites visitors to “Experience the city the Obamas enjoy.” Ms. Winfrey’s studio is not mentioned along the list of stops, which range from Mr. Bayless’s restaurants to a bookstore in the Obamas’ Hyde Park neighborhood to Promontory Point along Lake Michigan. And souvenirs are on sale across town, with Obama shirts, hats and knickknacks arriving just in time for holiday shopping.

What's a Cuban Sandwich?

I've never had one, but judging from this review in the Chicago Reader, it sounds like the shiznit.

Cafetico has only been open for 4 months...has anyone been there? How is it?

Two South Loop High Rises Get the Axe

Not a huge surprise given the market and financial issues right now, but today Crains Chicago reports that developer Warren Barr has decided to not move forward with two high rises at 830 S. Michigan and 1000 S. Michigan.

830 S. Michigan would have been the tallest building in the South Loop standing at 80 stories and 855 feet.

New Yoga Joint Invades the South Loop

I can barely touch my knees, so as you can imagine, yoga ain't my thing. But if it's yours, CorePower Yoga just opened it's first Illinois studio in the South Loop at 555 W. Roosevelt (in the same building as Best Buy). Judging by their pictures online, the studio looks pretty sweet, especially if you enjoy becoming limber and looking at our beautiful skyline:


For a more detailed summary on what makes CorePower Yoga different then other studios check out this review in the Chicago Examiner.

Hangover Cure: Bongo Room

After a long night of drinking and debauchery, some friends of Sloopin decided to hit up Bongo Room (1152 S. Wabash) for brunch.  All I can say is that Bongo Room evidently is the cure for a hangover.  One of Sloopin's friends was ridiculously hung over prior to Bongo Room.  An hour and a half later, she came back a new person.  Their eggs must be magic. 

Restaurant Review: Room 21

This past Friday we went to Jerry Kleiner's latest dinning creation, Room 21.  The restaurant is located on Wabash, just south of 21st street (2110 S. Wabash).  For those who don't know Jerry Kleiner, his restaurants tend to have extravagant, eclectic and over the top decor.  If you're into his restaurants, then you will love Room 21.  

Out of all the Kleiner restaurants I've been to (Opera, Gioco, Marche, Red Light, Carnivale) this is probably the most interesting in terms of design and history.  According to Kleiner, Room 21's building used to be Al Capone's largest liquor warehouse and speakeasy.  When renovating the building, they accidentally stumbled onto a secret passage and found a door leading to 21st street that said "Room 21".  He tells the story better then I do:  

If you made it to the end of the video, you saw the private dinning room that overlooks the kitchen.  This was by far the coolest thing about the restaurant (and to be honest probably the coolest thing I've ever seen at a restaurant).  However, they did tell us that it takes a lot of coin to eat in the private dinning room.  A minimum of $1000 on the weekends and $500 on the weekdays.

In my eyes, the building and history kind of overshadow the food.  Although everything we had was really good, nothing was amazing.  However, with most Kleiner dinning experiences the food is only part of the package.

Besides the large dinning area, their is a large bar/lounge and a nice outdoor patio.  I'm also a big fan of Eric Clapton and they must have played 3 or 4 Clapton songs, so in my mind the music was great.  The service was prompt, but our waiter was kind of spacey and wasn't the best.  However, after dinner we asked the manager for the "tour" and he spent about 5 minutes telling us about the history of the building and so on, which we all appreciated.

So all in all, Room 21 is a very cool and interesting place and Sloopin would highly recommend it.  If you go, don't forget to ask the manager for the tour of the building, you won't regret it.

November 4th Revisited

It's been 12 days, but I was just thinking about the Obama rally and the spectacle it was to behold.  The whole thing was so surreal.  The craziest thing was the crowd after the rally. Everyone was peaceful, happy and plainly just enjoying the moment:

Dance Party at The Congress Theater

So I've never been to the Congress Theater or been to a Girl Talk concert, but judging by what I've read and watched in this video it looks like it would have been fun:

However, I did have a co-worker that went to the show and he said it was horrible.

Backdraft Filmed in The South Loop

A friend of mine recently went to The Chicago Firehouse  and mentioned that he really enjoyed the historic building and the great food.  I haven't been there in awhile, so I decided to look at their website again and learned something new.  According to the website, the movie Backdraft was filmed in the building. 

This isn't important information to know, but regardless an interesting fact for those who like these types of things.