Michael Manning, his sister, Lesli ("Poni") Manning Doughty, and his mother, Chung Lee Figura, opened a new Korean restaurant, Soju on July 20th, 1999. Being half Korean, Mike and Lesli had long been interested in introducing Chicago to Korean food: one of the least well known of Asian cuisines. In the past, most Korean restaurants emphasized the quality of food rather than service or surroundings. Recently, however, trendy restaurants such as Bop in New York City have started to offer the best of Korean cuisine in stylish settings.
The family has done the same at its new restaurant Soju in the heart of trendy Wicker Park. Named after the potent Korean vodka, Soju is located in a former Pentecostal church that Mike spent two years renovating. Soju offers moderately priced specialties such as Kalbi: thin slices of prime marinated beef grilled over an open flame, Kimchi Bokum: spicy vegetable pancakes served with dipping sauce, and Boys’ Noodles: rice vermicelli tossed with crispy lettuce, scallions, and a spicy bean sauce. All entrees are served with the traditional assortment of Pajum: a variety of small dishes selected to complement the main course.
Soju consists of two floors, each with a full bar. On the main floor, Soju’s brick walls are decorated with modern Korean art. Broad windows allow natural light or a view of the action on North Avenue, while the wood floor with its deep red stain and indigo-blue lighting and upholstery create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Downstairs, Soju emphasizes fun, serving drinks and appetizers. The owners commissioned two young Korean artists to create a series of animation cels that tell the adventures of Soju Girl, a cartoon heroine.
Soju has been the beneficiary of uniformly good reviews since opening from The Chicago Tribune, WBEZ, Newcity, and Metromix, who appreciate both the food and the setting.
Soju offers beer, wine, sake, and a wide variety of exotic cocktails, including the Lava Lamp (Champagne, Absolut Mandarin, ginger liqueur, and pomegranate seeds), the Soju Natural Blonde (Soju, Peach Schnapps, ginger ale, and lemon), the Soju Bloody Mary (made with a mixture of Wasabi and horseradish), and the Purple Rain (Sake, Parfait Amour, and yogurt drink).
On select Saturday nights after 10PM, Soju's "Cold Room" transforms into a nightclub, featuring the house music selections of DJ Pap of Music Vision Records and Naked Soul Productions. There is no cover charge -- call 773.782.9000 for the schedule.
Soju also offers event catering, such as cocktail parties, Christmas parties, rehearsal dinners, private club events, and corporate meetings. It can serve up to 80 persons at a sit-down dinner or an authentic Korean buffet. with a fixed beverage menu or with an open bar. Soju can offer an assortment of Korean barbeque and other meat dishes, as well as vegetarian specialties that will please all attendees. Soju can also accommodate larger groups with a cocktail party that features exotic cocktails and Korean appetizers. Live music or a DJ can be arranged if desired. Call Mickey or Mike at 773.782.9000 for sample menus and prices.
Soju is open daily for dinner Monday through Thursday from 6PM to 10PM, Friday and Saturday from 6PM to 11PM and is closed on Sundays.
Prices are moderate, and takeout is available.
