Klas is closing its doors. Klas is located on the street named for Chicago's best known Bohemian Anton Cermak and therestaurant that once served as a meal/meeting destination for Al Capone. Another landmark Chicago family restaurant disappears.
My God, what is next? The magnificent Italian strip in the Heart of Italy?
The food was exquisite and atmosphere delightful. It was no faux-hipper-than-thou foodie mecca surrounded by tinted glass, chrome and zinc bar affectations. It was gloriously Old World - not global.
I will miss this place, already panged by the thought that another piece of solid Chicago is tossed into the Orwellian memory-hole.
Others feel the pain. My pal Daniel Kelley, attorney and Chicago folklorist and Chicago's greatest historian Richard Lindberg forwarded this poem/parody to the tune of the Rolling Stones - last time.
Ode to Klas ( This Could be the Last time)by Jim A. Moran
“This Could Be the Last Time”
Well I told you once and I told you twice
I like my dumplings washed down with Weiss
Oompa bands try very hard to please me
Where the potato pancakes go down so easy
Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I dont know. oh no. oh no
Well, I’m sorry girl but I can’t stay
My beef ghoulash is on the way
When Klas shuts down there’ll be much sorrow
Gonna get weiner schnitzel there tomorrow
Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I dont know. oh no. oh no
Well I told you once and I told you twice
Kolackies are included in the price
But here's a chance to change your mind
cuz I’m going there for pork tenderloin
Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I dont know. oh no. oh no
Well, this could be the last time . . .
James A. Moran
Sounds like it is, Jim.
