Bio
Known for his live-fire cooking, it all began when John Manion moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, when he was eight years old. With his family he spent the following five years soaking in the culture and, most importantly, the food of a place very far from home. Chef John Manion brings decades of experience to both his concepts - El Che & Brasero. Manion’s passion for South American flavors animates the spirited dishes and sultry ambiance of his restaurants throughout the years. In 2017 and 2020, Manion was nominated for “Chef of the Year” at the acclaimed Jean Banchet Awards. El Che Steakhouse & Bar earned a coveted three-star rating from the Chicago Tribune and is consistently ranked as one of the best steakhouses in Chicago. In 2024, Chef John opened Brasero. The concept was born of Chef Manion's love for the live-fire cooking of Brazil that captured his imagination as an eight-year-old living in San Paolo. The menu blends South American culinary traditions with a Midwestern sensibility