Grant Achatz Reveals More on the New Alinea Group Project and More Intel

— After unleashing Aviary and The Office in NYC, Grant Achatz and the Alinea Group will soon turn their attention back to Chicago. In an interview with Modern Luxury, Achatz revealed a little more on their project in the former Moto space (and the former furniture store next door) at 945 W. Fulton Market, saying that construction is ongoing and that “our goal is to create a world-class music venue hand-in-hand with Alinea's food...that’s always been a very interesting challenge for us conceptually because there’s so many factors. Think of a bustling restaurant, a lot of musicians in particular are very picky about their venues and acoustics.” Achatz and team briefly held the Alinea: Progression popup in the space in 2016 before commencing construction in early 2017, and teased the food and music idea last May. They bought the space in early 2016.

— Customers hankering for cheezborgers on Michigan Avenue will have to wait at least a month. Billy Goat Tavern ownership temporarily closed the legendary subterranean eatery and bar on January 2 “to perform necessary updates of the infrastructure, such as improving electrical, plumbing, and the restrooms,” while promising to preserve its look and decor. Ownership hopes to reopen it sometime in February.

— Elephant Thai Cuisine, the Edgebrook mainstay that closed following a fire last March, will move across the street to 5353 W. Devon Avenue, ownership announced on Facebook. The post states that the new space is currently under construction and ownership won’t yet commit to a reopening timeframe.

— Regards to Edith, Heisler Hospitality’s Chicago street food-inspired restaurant in Fulton Market next to Prairie School, launched weekend brunch service on New Year’s Eve and will continue it every Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check out the menu here.

— And finally, in more brunch news, New York import Bareburger also now serves brunch in West Lakeview. The full menu was not available at press time, but confirmed dishes include breakfast tacos, a triple-decker chicken and waffle sandwich, and traditional breakfast food.