Karamela Kafe closes, Asian Outpost to open “soon”

Doors are locked and pastry display is gone.

It looks like Karamela Kafe, 1250 S. Michigan Ave., is closed. The doors are locked and their pastry display is no longer part of its unique rectangular counter. The last update to their Facebook page was made February 15, 2013. It was a comfortable place with good coffee and pastries, as well as crepes. A nice concept for the neighborhood, but apparently they weren’t able to make a go of it.

Asian Outpost, 1315 S. Wabash Ave., will be opening in the space formerly occupied by Ole Hardwood (closed due to fire in December 2010). According a post in ChicagoMag.com, David and Lois Lee, owners of the Chicago chain Hot Woks Cool Sushi will be serving up “rustic” mid-priced Asian fare. The Lees plan on opening their new restaurant midsummer. You can like their Facebook page to check for opening updates.

Asian Outpost will open in the the former Ole Hardwood
space at 1315 S. Michigan Ave.

Thinking about Asian Outpost, it will be great to have that section of Wabash Ave. occupied with several interesting dining options.