Whatever happened to Derek and Lucas Gamlins’ plans to open a steakhouse in the old Liluma space in the Central West End? We were asking the same question, considering that the brothers, who also own Sub Zero Vodka Bar, had announced the venture back in November and pegged this month to open their contemporary American steakhouse.
Today, Derek Gamlin provided an update regarding action at the space at 236 N. Euclid Ave. The restaurant, whose name had been heretofore undisclosed, will be called Gamlin Whiskey House. While it will still be a steakhouse as previously planned, Gamlin emphasized that it would not be an “old-school” steakhouse. Rather, it will have a casual feel and be “bar forward.” As the name implies, Gamlin Whiskey House will carry an extensive selection of whiskey, with an emphasis on bourbon. The Gamlins, along with bar manager Dustin Parres (who currently oversees bar operations at Sub Zero) will be hand-selecting barrels of bourbon and making the spirit available on tap. “Eventually, we want to have six barrels on tap,” Gamlin said.
Gamlin declined to provide details of the food menu; however, he confirmed, that Ian Craig, executive chef at Sub Zero, is still slated for the top kitchen spot at the steakhouse. Jim Fiala, chef-owner of The Crossing, Acero and the shuttered Liluma, continues to be involved in the project, per Gamlin.
When asked what had delayed the project, Gamlin explained, “There was a snag in the lease.” The Gamlins expect to sign a renegotiated lease next week, and he noted that the restaurant has already been given its liquor license. Construction is expected to commence in two weeks; June 1 is the target opening date.
This article appears in March 2013.