Chef Shuffles

Andrew Brochu Joins Phillip Foss at EL

Andrew Brochu decided to team up with Phillip Foss.
Andrew Brochu decided to team up with Phillip Foss. Photo: Galdones Photography

If you thought the surprises were over for Phillip Foss’s EL — which just held its first trial run last week — then get ready for some big news: the Tribune reports that Andrew Brochu will be joining the brand new concept. Foss apparently reached out to Brochu immediately after Kith & Kin closed in May. He certainly won’t be Foss’s sous chef; instead, they will function as partners. In fact, the two will operate the kitchen completely on their own, without the help of any other chefs.

Talking to the Tribune, Foss said that the two have very different styles: “He’s got a background in more modern gastronomy, mine is more classically-rooted, and I thought that if we worked together, we’d enhance each other’s products.” EL only plans to serve six covers each night, with each person paying a $150 after tax and tip for the experience.

If you’re interested to see what the two will be doing, you’ll need to make reservations by e-mailing the restaurant. The first planned dinner is predicted to happen on July 7. Luckily, Foss just released more details about how the reservation system will actually work, and we’ve included all the necessary information below.

EL, 2419 W. 14th Street, Chicago, IL 60608

Phillip Foss and Andrew Brochu teams up for ‘El’ [Chicago Tribune]

Things You Should Know About EL:

  • To enter our reservation lottery to be conducted in about a week’s time, please send your request to reservations@elideas.com and please include a telephone number, desired table size, preferred dates to join us, and read below.

  • We are taking requests for tables seating anywhere from 1-8 guests.

  • We will be serving ELeven course for one hundred and ELeven dollars.

  • We will be opening with one seating at 6:00 PM Thursday - Saturday.

  • Be prompt. Those arriving late will receive the current dish in the menu’s progression and may not be able to enjoy dishes served prior to their arrival.

  • EL Ideas is BYOB and we do not charge a corkage fee.

  • Food allergies will be observed when possible, but dietary preferences will not.

  • A 50% deposit of the total reservation will be taken at the point the reservation is confirmed.

  • If you cancel and the table goes unused, the deposit will not be refunded.

  • If you cancel and find a replacement, the deposit will be refunded.

  • If you cancel and we fill the table, the deposit will be refunded.

  • Our address is at 2419 W. 14th Street in Chicago and we have parking available. Phone number will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, I can be reached at 312-315-6127

  • We are NOT a ‘pop up’ or ‘underground’ restaurant. We have already popped and are very much above the ground… ‘Back Alley ELegance’, would describe us better than anything else.

  • Please remember that as this is a very new and unique business model, flexibility as we define ourselves is greatly appreciated. This said, it is our unwavering ambition to provide the finest in cuisine and most interactive services all in one of the most unique settings in Chicago. Hope you can come along for the ride!



  • Andrew Brochu Joins Phillip Foss at EL