Restaurant veterans Chef John Asbaty and restaurateur Alain Uy are set to launch Brick & Mortar, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood this summer. With a shared history at dining destinations throughout Chicago, the duo will open a modern, Midwestern restaurant that serves as their tribute to food, drinks and hospitality.
The name "Brick & Mortar" symbolizes more than a physical location. The name is inspired by the essential parts of hospitality and a desire to build a foundation in a city that has supported the two throughout their careers. It also reflects the spirit of their journey together, shaped by countless conversations and shared experiences opening restaurants over the years.
In 2003, the pair met at Evanston’s Trio. There, Asbaty and Uy met Chef Grant Achatz and Chef Curtis Duffy. Asbaty went on with Achatz as part of Alinea’s opening team, and would later join as a member of the Culinary Director Team at Hogsalt Hospitality among several other posts. While Asbaty joined Alinea, Uy began with Chef Homaru Cantu at Moto followed by leadership roles at The Peninsula Chicago, Coco Pazzo and Hogsalt Hospitality. Uy then reunited with Asbaty to launch the hospitality program at RH (Restoration Hardware) alongside Brendan Sodikoff, including the 2015 opening of the 3 Arts Club Café in Chicago's Gold Coast, among other locations nationally and internationally.
Brick & Mortar will offer a refreshed approach to classic Midwestern ingredients and dishes, highlighting the region’s flavors with elevated touches. Inspired by their experiences and travels, the menu will transform familiar comfort food, and locally sourced ingredients over the glowing embers of the restaurant’s wood-burning hearth. The menu celebrates the Midwest by supporting local farmers and producers, emphasizing an ethos of simplicity and seasonality. A curated beverage list will feature spirits, craft beers and wines from the Midwest.
The restaurant’s design reflects a sense of warmth and comfort with natural materials and arranged lounge seating, booths and banquettes, and a private dining room inspired by a kitchen library.
Restaurant veterans Chef John Asbaty and restaurateur Alain Uy are set to launch Brick & Mortar, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood this summer. With a shared history at dining destinations throughout Chicago, the duo will open a modern, Midwestern restaurant that serves as their tribute to food, drinks and hospitality.
The name "Brick & Mortar" symbolizes more than a physical location. The name is inspired by the essential parts of hospitality and a desire to build a foundation in a city that has supported the two throughout their careers. It also reflects the spirit of their journey together, shaped by countless conversations and shared experiences opening restaurants over the years.
In 2003, the pair met at Evanston’s Trio. There, Asbaty and Uy met Chef Grant Achatz and Chef Curtis Duffy. Asbaty went on with Achatz as part of Alinea’s opening team, and would later join as a member of the Culinary Director Team at Hogsalt Hospitality among several other posts. While Asbaty joined Alinea, Uy began with Chef Homaru Cantu at Moto followed by leadership roles at The Peninsula Chicago, Coco Pazzo and Hogsalt Hospitality. Uy then reunited with Asbaty to launch the hospitality program at RH (Restoration Hardware) alongside Brendan Sodikoff, including the 2015 opening of the 3 Arts Club Café in Chicago's Gold Coast, among other locations nationally and internationally.
Brick & Mortar will offer a refreshed approach to classic Midwestern ingredients and dishes, highlighting the region’s flavors with elevated touches. Inspired by their experiences and travels, the menu will transform familiar comfort food, and locally sourced ingredients over the glowing embers of the restaurant’s wood-burning hearth. The menu celebrates the Midwest by supporting local farmers and producers, emphasizing an ethos of simplicity and seasonality. A curated beverage list will feature spirits, craft beers and wines from the Midwest.
The restaurant’s design reflects a sense of warmth and comfort with natural materials and arranged lounge seating, booths and banquettes, and a private dining room inspired by a kitchen library.
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