Korean-inspired restaurant to offer ‘Kozy’ atmosphere and menu

A modern Korean-inspired restaurant and bar offering “approachable” comfort food and crafted cocktails will be the next occupant of a familiar corner space in downtown Libertyville.

Interior work continues for the anticipated spring opening of Kozy at the northeast corner of School Street and Milwaukee Avenue, which has been home to restaurants for many years.

In 2018, hometown brothers and trained chefs Nick and Theo Dimitrious opened Chrissoulas offering reimagined Mediterranean dishes. They shifted to West Side Ramen in the same spot before closing last summer to pursue a new venture.

Libertyville caught the attention of Jay Lim, a Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago trained-chef and restaurateur, who created a separate concept specifically for the village.

He explained via email that he was attracted to the corner of 602 N. Milwaukee Ave., by Libertyville’s strong sense of community, vibrant downtown and support for independent restaurants.

“The timing felt right to introduce a concept that’s both new to the area and welcoming to a broad audience,” he explained.

The name “Kozy” reflects the idea of enjoying Korean food in a relaxed, comfortable setting, he added.

The concept is to present “approachable” food rooted in the neighborhood that feels familiar and welcoming rather than formal or traditional, Lim said.

Lim was born and raised in Busan, South Korea. He began his professional culinary career after moving to the U.S. and has worked in Michelin-recognized kitchens, farm-to-table restaurants and traditional Japanese cuisines.

An Arlington Heights resident, Lim is the former chef/owner of a contemporary Japanese restaurant in that community, that has provided the hands-on experience to build and run a neighborhood-focused restaurant, he said.

Kozy draws from his diverse experiences, Lim explained, and the menu will focus on modern Korean comfort food dishes designed for sharing.

Examples include small plates like duck confit egg rolls; Korean fried chicken; Korean-stye grilled dishes featuring meats and seafood; Korean-inspired fresh noodle pasta and dumplings; and, house-made kimchi and seasonal complements.

“The concept is rooted in Korean flavors, but approachable through local ingredients and American and Western cooking techniques, making the food familiar, comfortable, and easy to enjoy — even for guests who may be new to Korean cuisine,” he said.

Kozy will seat about 55 including bar seating.