James Beard Award-winning chefs and spouses Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, the masterminds behind Chicago's acclaimed Korean-American restaurant Parachute, are embarking on a new chapter. After ten years of critical acclaim and a Michelin star, they've announced the closure of the original location and the exciting debut of "Parachute Hi-Fi" this summer.
"We want to grow Parachute," Kim and Clark said in a press release. "We believe that a restaurant can be more than one thing in more than one space."
Parachute Hi-Fi, located at 3500 N. Elston Ave. in Avondale, promises a casual and high-energy atmosphere. According to the press release, the concept centers around "culinary cocktails, high-fidelity sound, creative Korean-American cuisine, and a love for future nostalgia."
The new restaurant will showcase Kim and Clark's signature blend of Korean and American flavors, with the intriguing addition of bing bread, a Chinese-style wheat flour flatbread offered in limited quantities. Beverage enthusiasts can expect a unique cocktail program featuring "cool," a Korean rice wine.
Diners can also anticipate a more fluid service experience. Parachute Hi-Fi plans to break down traditional "front of house" and "back of house" divisions, with chefs, bartenders, and servers taking on expanded roles.
This evolution comes after last month's announcement that the original Parachute location would be renovated for a new concept. While details remain scarce, the Chicago Tribune reports that the original Parachute brand will move to The Loop.
Parachute Hi-Fi will operate on a walk-in basis, with no reservations available. With its focus on innovative cuisine, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, Parachute Hi-Fi seems poised to become a new Avondale destination.