Leña Brava
Client: Chef Rick Bayless, Frontera Restaurants
Project: Leña Brava
Location: Chicago, IL
Meaning ‘ferocious wood,’ Leña Brava employs bold, rustic materials to evoke elements of earth, sky, fire and ice. Requiring a complete gut renovation, the 19th century produce market building includes a ground floor dining room with twin focal elements; an open kitchen with wood-fired grill and a Oaxacan-inspired Mezcal bar. Black volcanic tile floors throughout anchor a chiseled stone chefs counter, roughcast plaster walls, onyx accents, earthenware tiles, rustic wood and volcanic stone evoking the natural elements of Oaxaca and Baja. Bronze windows and exterior brick wrap into and through the space reinforcing the urban environment. Second floor bar and dining spaces maximize natural light and views of the Chicago skyline offering guests a refined environment for private entertaining. LEED certified silver winner of a Chicago Landmarks Award.