October, 2007
1315 S. Wabash Ave.Chicago, IL 60605
www.exposuretapas.com
312-662-1060
The South Loop is fast becoming the place to be. The new hot spot in the South Loop is Exposure.
Eats
Exposure is primarily a restaurant that specializes in small plates. But never fear Exposure’s portions are larger than most tapas restaurants. I ordered the calamari and it was quite filling. The flavor was both spicy and tangy. It was cooked exactly right, tender, and not tough or chewy. Several patrons I spoke to about this dish said it was their favorite on the menu (apparently it’s the owner’s favorite as well). I also ordered oysters on the half shell. I preferred the east coast oysters to the west coast oysters, but that is just personal taste. Other picks: Ahi tuna, shrimp and artichoke tempura, lobster and sweet corn spring roll. After visiting this restaurant several times my take away is that people really like the food. Prices for most tapas range from $5 to $13, but they also serve a few dinner plates too that are priced in the mid-20s.
Social Scene
Exposure has only been open a couple of months, but the word is spreading fast. Early in the week the bar is frequented by South Loopers enjoying the new find. Fridays, after work, a very nice professional crowd stops by to relax and toast the end of the work week (hopefully it’s the end). The political crowd has also discovered Exposure, as it has been chosen to host at least one high-profile fundraiser.
Unfortunately, the area designated as the bar and lounge area is small and can get very crowded. Yet, the owners have managed to create a cozy nook with lots of seating for the space. There are plans to use the 12,000 square foot space downstairs for live entertainment in the near future. Stay tuned for details…
The Bar
The bar is stocked with all the expected top shelf liquors and a few not so well known gems. The bar staff is friendly and they mix quality cocktails. So I have only one complaint. The bar staff is slow. Like I said, Exposure has quickly caught on as the new hot spot in the South Loop. The problem is the current bartending staff must not have experience in high volume environments (i.e., in industry terms: “Being in the Weeds”). Not Good. Speed bartending requires 2 hands – not one. The result is loss of high margin sales for Exposure and more importantly frustrated customers on busy nights. Customers that may not choose to drink there next time. I am hopeful that this is just temporary and the staff will improve their ability to work quickly under pressure. Suggestion: Hire at least one bartender who has experience working in an upscale nightclub Friday and Saturday nights. The others will get up to speed after checking this person’s tips.
Overall Great Addition to the South Loop. 4 Stars
Prices: $$
No comments:
Post a Comment