Comings and Goings in the South Loop

There’s been a lot of activity in the South Loop lately. Several businesses have announced openings here, but two look like they’re moving ahead and may open before the summer ends.

Kurah is located at 1355 S. Michigan Ave.

The sign is up at 1355 S. Michigan Ave. for Kurah Mediterranean. It looks like there’s still a lot more to do inside, but things appear to be moving along.

New windows being installed at Asian Outpost, 1315 S. Wabash Ave.

Asian Outpost at 1315 S. Wabash has replaced windows and according to a recent post to their Facebook page, they’ve been painting and installing hardwood floors.

Wabash and Roosevelt: Is this the best spot for this bike-sharing outpost?

At Roosevelt and Wabash, Divvy has installed one of its bike-sharing outposts According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, there are plans for 380 docking stations in the city’s “most densely populated areas.”

And going is the Caring Hands Pet Spa at 1400 S. Michigan Ave. Will they be missed?

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.