HUB 51
BROADCAST JULY 11, 2008
312-828-0051
51 West Hubbard
Hub 51 at 51 West Hubbard could also be known as Melman 2.0. Hub 51 is 2nd generation Rich Melman. The successful restaurateur’s two sons have gone out on their own to open a bar/lounge and restaurant meant to cater specifically to their age group, the 20 somethings.
Think of it as R.J. Grunts, 2008. Grunt's was Papa Melman's first restaurant, and now his sons are doing what he did, of course in their own version. I suspect Pops comes around to stir the soup from time to time. In fact, I saw him the night we were in schmoozing with guests, but keeping his third eye out for what was happening on the dining floor.
Aside from the opening tweaks and kinks, Hub 51 seems to be off to a pretty good start. Warm wood mixes with industrial ceiling lights and sheet metal ductwork in a large and open space which is part bar, and part restaurant. In warm weather, overhead garage doors are opened to bring the outside in. Downstairs is a lower level bar and dance club which is most likely hot on busy nights regardless of heat or air conditioning.
Hub 51's menu is a mix of better grade bar food and some genuine full scale entrees. We began with a couple of the apps. Pulled chicken nachos are killer with two cheeses, flaky crisp nachos that are unlike anything found in a supermarket. The real clincher is salsa which makes good even better. This is clearly an appetizer that works for a table of four diners.
The menu lists a small assortment of maki and sushi rolls. The sweet potato maki which we tried was on the mark, with cubes of its namesake vegetable in tightly packed rice wrapped in seaweed. A dab of wasabi and perhaps a splash of soy is available, though not necessary, depending on taste. Other sushi and maki selections include Rainbow and California maki and a few fish specialties.
Sandwiches are ample enough to serve as an entree if my turkey meatloaf is typical. It’s a sort of creamed meatloaf with a texture I'm not sure is right. Our very pleasant server allowed only as how its recipe was a secret.
We also ordered a dinner sized seafood salad. In this case, pieces of crabmeat and shrimp sit atop a pyramid of chopped celery, carrots and other veggies with edamame beans liberally part of the mix. If there is a dressing, I could not taste any. I think a light mustard aoili would work wonders.
There are only three desserts. We took the Hub 51 ICB, or ice cream bar...vanilla ice cream with a chocolate crust resting in crushed Snickers...simple, and to the point.
Expect to spend about $60 a couple plus the usual add ons. There is valet parking. Hub 51 is at 51 West Hubbard and has a K/RATING of 18/20.
AMBIANCE 4/4 HOSPITALITY 5/5 FOOD 9/11
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