Liluma, Jim Fiala’s upscale bistro at 236 N. Euclid Ave., in the Central West End, will close this year and be converted into a steakhouse that’s set to open in 2013. Liluma’s Side Door, the small plates concept that Fiala launched in Liluma’s back room in August, is also closing.
While considering making changes to Liluma earlier this year, Fiala was approached by Derek Gamlin, who owns Sub Zero Vodka Bar with his brother, Lucas, about converting the Liluma space into a steakhouse. Fiala quickly accepted the offer to be a partner, excited that the concept would make the neighborhood residents happy. “Liluma has been there for 10 years and has run its course,” Fiala said.
The steakhouse will be a contemporary American steakhouse with an affordable price point. Ian Craig, currently the executive chef at Sub Zero, will take the top spot in the kitchen at the steakhouse, and the Gamlin brothers will promote from within to appoint a new chef at Sub Zero. Dustin Parres will oversee bar operations at the steakhouse while also continuing his role as bar manager at Sub Zero. The name of the steakhouse is set to be revealed in the next few weeks.
Fiala will stay on as a consultant and be “a touch more than a silent partner because of my skill set. I can offer knowledge on food and wine and service,” he explained. “I didn’t want to leave the Central West End. This keeps me in the West End, even though it might be more limited.” The change will also give Fiala more time at his other restuarants, The Crossing in Clayton and Acero in Maplewood.
The space will be given a total gut rehab to “put the Sub Zero and Gamlin twist on it,” said Derek Gamlin. “This is not a Fiala Food restaurant,” he continued. “It’s totally different; it’s from our corporate side.” Though no exact date has been given, Fiala said that Liluma will close sometime in December, possibly as late as December 31. Construction will begin on January 1, and the steakhouse is tentatively slated to open on March 1. More as we learn it.
This article appears in November 2012.