What's replacing Chalet?

[elc515]

I am still mourning the loss of Chalet in the Gold Coast. We are seriously lacking a good place to buy wine, cheese and other specialty foods in the area. I have noticed quite a bit of activity going on in the empty space. Does anyone know what's going to open? I'm hoping for a good addition to the neighborhood!

[bbinchi]

I am devastated to learn this news! Just tonight I recommended the Chalet to a friend who is visiting Chicago this week. I am stunned. Having lived in Chicago eight years before moving to Seattle in 2002, I can't tell you how many times I visited this wonderful shop. Does anyone know if Gary, Celal, and Keith moved to the Binny's on Grand?

[malone]

Celal is now at the Ivanhoe Binnys.

[Chicago Mike]

Probably the best wine store near you is now the Binny's on Grand near Wells... it's actually more well-stocked than the Chalet, but obviously not as convenient. Everyone will miss the Chalet :(

FWIW, there's also a pretty fair wine shop at that grocery on Clark just south of North Ave (on east side)... next to the Latin School. In the basement of that grocery they have a respectable wine selection. Also there's a passable collection at Holiday Liquors, Chicago Ave just west of State.

[NDJ]

Binny's owned Chalet and a lot of the old Chalet workers moved to the Binny's you referenced. It certainly feels more corporate than Chalet, but they still have good service...just does not feel as special.

[aelph]

I see that this is a few months old, but someone else popped it up further downthread and I wanted to clarify the above comment:

the "grocery on Clark...next to the Latin School" is a Potash Bros. and, indeed, the wine cellar's worth a gander especially when the wine manager is in; he's a convivial, extremely-knowledgable guy always on the lookout for a unique find

[NinaS]

A high-end fashion boutique..... Friends of mine live in that building and this is what the folks at Chalet had told them....

[NinaS]

Oh, I forgot....for specialty foods, try Goddess & Grocer, next to Cru Wine Bar... Not the biggest selection of cheeses and specialty foods, but everything I've tried so far has been excellent.....