Chicago - March 16, 2007

Holy Ole

Ole Lounge Opens

You rebelled against the church when you were 15.

But you’ve matured since then (praise the Lord), and now find yourself searching for the Holy Grail several times a week.

Prime time for you to head to Olé Lounge, a late-night spot opening today in an old Bible school in Lakeview, where you can worship at the tapas altar.

Stews have replaced pews; waiters have replaced wafers. And low-slung candlelit tables and plush banquettes set the scene for chef Joel Cooper’s (of the Palmer House Hilton) menu.

Feast on hot and cold small plates like tortilla espanola (a Spanish chorizo omelet with roasted vegetables) and patatas bravas (fried fingerling potatoes in spicy tomato sauce). Wash it down with a mojito rojo, muddled with fresh berries and mint.

A DJ spins Thursday through Sunday, so after you dine, you can get your groove on.

Brace yourself for a religious experience.

Olé Lounge, 2812 North Lincoln Avenue, at Diversey Parkway (773-388-3500).

  Classic Cocktails, DJs, Late Night, Latin, Light Bites