Pasha
802 W Randolph St, at Halsted; West Loop; 312.243.4442
They say there are no second acts in American life, unless you bring back the place where you had the first act, but own it this time. Then you can pretty much do whatever. Owning their second act, the dudes behind Pasha.
Opening Thursday, Pasha is a West Loop reincarnation of the onetime River North supper venue (that eventually became Manor) back in part by the band that used to regularly perform there, featuring a new stage, red banquette seating and a massive abstract mural that represents Chicago loosely, like your slutty cousin from St. Charles. Being a feast for all senses, southern Spanish fare kicks off with chicken-chorizo croquettes, crispy Point Judith calamari in sherry-tomato stew, and Adafina, an egg/veal broth with garbanzo beans and lamb dumplings, which you should avoid stepping in, partly because they're so damn cute. Main options continue the Iberian vibe with a classic paella (chicken, chorizo, clams, calamari), serrano-wrapped cod with a saffron rice croquette/salsa verde, and cider-braised garlic sausage with apples and wilted lettuce (better that than the sausage).
Thirst quenching comes from an all-Spanish wine list and specialty cocktails like a Johnny Walker Black/egg whites/fresh sour concoction called the Bandolero, which should loosen you up for the band's weekly Thursday and Saturday performances -- meaning the only way to avoid this American second act is by not going on Saturday.
