Restaurant Sat Oct 11 2008

Drive-Thru Exclusive: "Take Me Out" Hot Wings Return to Pilsen on October 18th

Local foodies will recall on the morning of August 11th, 2008, newly opened and critically lauded Asian hot wings joint Take Me Out got taken out by a major fire in the Pilsen neighborhood. (Much to this scribe's chagrin, I had only recently discovered--and fallen in love with--the place).

I'm happy to report that, according to co-owner Karen Lim (who owns the storefront with husband Nathan), Take Me Out will repoen for business on Saturday, October 18th. This a great boon for anyone who's ever sampled her "little hotties"--Korean-inspired, caramelized, ginger-chili hot wings based on a a recipe borrowed from her parents' longtime North Side eatery, Great Sea. Lim tells Drive-Thru she'll give out the fabulous bird bits for free on re-opening day.

You can read the story of the restaurant and its almost early demise in our previous coverage of the August fire, and browse other positive opinions about the place on Yelp and at the foodie-centric LTH Forum.

Last time I sampled the hot wings, shortly before the fire, I ended up dramatically fleeing from Chicago's mid-summer massive tornado warning. I attributed all the excitement, however, to the hot wings. And if you're wise enough to give them a sample starting October 18th, you likely will to.

Should you become hopelessly addicted to them, don't say we didn't warn you. Welcome back, Karen and Nathan!

- Mike Doyle