The Restaurant Formerly Known as Opera: A Peek Inside

The Scout: Under Construction
Walking along S. Wabash Ave., I noticed the doors open , so I took a look inside and took a few shots of the interior. Looks like they've got a long way to go, but progress is being made.

Coming to 1301 S. Wabash Ave.

Take a Peek Inside

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Gioco to Reopen in the South Loop?

In a story posted to Crain's ChicagoBusiness this afternoon, it was announced that KDK Restaurants is shutting down Wes Loop restaurant, Red Light, but will reopen Gioco.

When exactly Gioco will reopen is uncertain. A message on S.Wabash Italian eatery's answering machine says they hope to be open in a few weeks. The message goes on to apologize for any inconvenience and thanks customers for their patronage. A message on the restaurant's answering machine on Friday said they were experiencing a water problem and would be open today.

Gioco at 1312 S. Wabash Ave.

Red Light was operating with an expired state business license. Gioco had its license revoke for falling behind on employee withholding and state taxes. At the KDK Web site, it's business as usual, with no mention that Gioco or Red Light are closed.

The KDK empire used to be comprise of such high-end restaurants as Opera, Marché, and Le Lan and Soul. Opera closed in December, Le Lan and Soul closed down in May 2009, and Marché in June.

Lights Out in the West Loop: Red Light Closes

Red Light at 820 W. Randolph St has closed its doors according to an article in today's Crain's ChicagoBusiness. Just like it's sister restaurant, Gioco, a sign posted on the door Wednesday announced that it was closed. The reason for its closing: an expired state license. Gioco closed its doors on Wednesday too, for falling behind on employee withholding and sales tax payments.

Red Light was a popular pan-Asian restaurant located in the West Loop.

This is another blow to KDK Restaurants, Inc. Jerry Kleiner who said Gioco would be reopening is saying the same about Red Light, although now, he's directing all questions to his lawyer Howard Davis, a KDK partner as is Kleiner.

Gioco's closing was another in a list of restaurant closings on S. Wabash Ave. First Ole' Hardwood closed due to a fire that was called suspicious on December 30, 2010; Opera, another KDK restaurant closed it's doors after dinner service the following day.

In the West Loop, Marché also owned by KDK closed June 13, 2010 after 17 years at 833 W. Randolph St.

Gioco "Shuttered" Over Taxes

According to today's Crain's ChicagoBusiness, South Loop restaurant pioneer, Gioco, closed Wednesday due to falling behind on "employee withholding and sales tax payments."

Gioco was the first of the upscale restaurants on S. Wabash Ave. in the South Loop.

The popular Italian eatery at 1312 S. Wabash Ave. had its state license revoked, while the tax matter is being addressed. The Jerry Kleiner empire that once included such upscale fare as Marché, Room 21, and Opera, now includes only one restaurant--Red Light in the West Loop.

One of several identical signs posted on the windows of Gioco

According to Kleiner, Gioco is profitable, although no actual numbers were disclosed. Gioco's former neighbor, Opera is due to reopen as The Scout this spring.

What do you think? Will Gioco reopen? Would you be sorry to see it go?

Opera Gets a New Face

Something is happening at 1301 S. Wabash Ave. The building once occupied by Opera, is getting a makeover. According to earlier reports here and elsewhere, a new restaurant was scheduled to open within three to four months after Opera closed the end of last year. It looks like they may be on schedule. The word from partner Jerry Kleiner in December, was that it was reopening as a "gastropubby sports bar."

A group of preschoolers cross the street, stopping work outside.

A few weeks ago, it looked as if workers were changing out lights on the facade. But today, work started early in the morning and continued late in the day.

The bottle glass was removed this morning.

When I moved to the South Loop in 2004, Opera was one of the most popular restaurants in the city. It helped bolster the South Loop's image and proved that the north side didn't have a monopoly on all the cool restaurants.

New glass was installed by this evening.

I really enjoyed going to Opera. As mentioned before, it helped make the South Loop the "hottest neighborhood in the country," according to a cover story in Chicago Magazine a few seasons ago. Let's hope this new restaurant brings some excitement to S. Wabash Ave. and the South Loop.

The new entrance up close with what looks like flagstone bricks being installed on either side of the revolving door

Around the South Loop: 2011 Volume 5: The Big Thaw

It may have hit 60 degrees today, but the wind made it feel a little cooler than that. In spite of the wind, it still felt like spring. With the thaw came the puddles in the streets and on the sidewalks; if there was ever a day to wear rubbers on your shoes, today was that day. I enjoyed the warmer weather today by traveling around the city.

All I need to know I learned from the CTA.

Out with the old: getting ready for the new restaurant to replace Opera?

These Gery Chico signs didn't stay up very long, but I have the proof they existed.

Flirty Cupcakes was out and about; when this photo was taken, they were at Lake and Wells.

A lot of snow is melting in the South Loop.

South Loop Loses Another Restaurant

Goodbye, Opera
Ole' Hardwood went up in smoke yesterday after being in business for barely three months. Now, according to Metromix, Opera at 1301 S. Wabash Ave. will be closing after tonight's (New Year's Eve) dinner service. The plan is for the restaurant to be closed for three to four months, reopening as a "gastropubby sports bar," according to partner Jerry Kleiner.

Interior of Opera

Opera was one of the first "trendy" restaurants to open in the area helping to transform the South Loop into the established neighborhood it is today.