Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Food Chain / Food & Drink Closings: Restaurants Without Publicists Edition
Posted by Mike Sula on Tue, Aug 4, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Yesterday came the much-lamented news that Mohammad Islam and Malika Ameen's River North Aigre Doux had closed its doors. And then before anyone had time step away from their keyboards it was spilled that Sam's Wines and Spirits was closing its South Loop store (I might add its Marcey Street location feels a little funereal too).
Meanwhile I've been trying to confirm a pair of closings of lesser known but equally important restaurants that didn't have the benefit of PR firms to ring the death knell.
First, the phone number at the Reader's 2008 pick for best soul food, Doggy's S.S. Soul Eatery, is disconnected. I have little more information than that, though someone over on LTHFourm claims to have spoken to a principal who said the, you know, bad economy did the place in.
The second is hardly new news at all, but most of the city's restaurant databases (present company previously included) haven't seemed to have noticed that Mama Desta's Red Sea closed way back in February. That's particularly notable in that it was the city's very first Ethiopian restaurant, having opened in 1984, a full year before the Horn of Africa became popularly associated, not with heaping platters of spicy stews and vegetables atop spongy injera, but with famine and starvation.
Owner Tekle Gabriel says the cost of repairing structural problems with the building became too much to bear. Not to mention he's exhausted and wants to take a break. There are, however, potential investors expressing interest in backing him in a new spot, he says, and he may entertain the idea of reopening sometime down the line. Let's hope it happens.
Showing 1-2 of 2
RIP Doggy's S.S. Soul. I never made it during the right month for rabbit, but their smothered pork chops and chicken-and-dumpling soup were awesome. I think everything tastes better when eaten beneath an entire wall of drag-racing trophies.
Held a corporate dinner event at Aigre Doux. Guests agreed food was just okay and service was exceedingly slow.
Latest in The Blog
-
Too New to Review: Prairie Fire, Leo's Coney Island, the Southern, Revolution Brewing Company, and More
Prairie Fire, Leo's Coney Island of Chicago, the Southern, and other restaurants too new to review.
- Feb 8, 2010
-
Fewer Shoes on the North Side
Times are tough for shoe stores too.
- Feb 8, 2010
-
When Golden Earring Were Good
Wait, Golden Earring was good?
- Feb 8, 2010
- More»
Author Archives
-
Thai Potato Chips and a Secret Late-Night Congee Menu at Me Dee Cafe
The goodies at the tiny Ravenswood Thai restaurant Me Dee Cafe include an unusual number of desserts, several varieties of Lay's Thai potato chips, and a secret late-night congee menu.
- Nov 17, 2009
-
Transformations
John Manion gooses West Town's Branch 27, Andy Motto makes Quince a destination, and Sun Wah BBQ and Salam expand. Plus: other West Town dining options.
- Jan 28, 2010
-
What's New
Big Star's perfect drinking food, the Hearty Boys' retooled comfort dishes, and unbalanced burgers from a steak-house scion
- Dec 31, 2009
- More»
Top Commenters
Comments (2) RSS