Long before Grant Achatz unfurled his New American menu at Alinea, Chicago’s inventive dining scene was already something of an open secret.
The arrival of Lee Wolen’s new Somerset restaurant on the ground floor of the Viceroy in the city’s Gold Coast quarter serves only to confirm that reputation. Designer firm AvroKO has disciplined a tricky double-volumed space with bold panels of deep marine blue, white piping and brass trims, the ensemble meant to recall the halcyon Kennedy era of country clubs and sail boats.
In the kitchen, Wolen – a Cleveland native who is also executive chef at Boka and who booked his credentials with celebrated stints at New York’s Eleven Madison Park, and Chicago’s The Lobby – works an all-day seasonal menu.
The showstoppers though emerge at dinner with smoked beet tartare with goat gouda, and duck leg gnochetti. Seasoned regulars will save room for pastry chef Meg Galus’ butterscotch pudding with coffee Kahlua ice-cream.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
1112 N State Street
-
Aston Martin DBX707 SUV is updated with a new interior and infotainmentThe new Aston Martin DBX707 has better tech, better design but the same raw power, keeping its spot at the top of the ultra-SUV tree
-
Dark watches show it’s time to embrace an inky paletteDiscover new dark watches from brands including Audemars Piguet, Omega, Chanel and Tudor
-
Maruni's new collections combine Japanese skills with humble functionalityPresented at Salone del Mobile 2024, Maruni's new collections include furniture by the brand's art director Naoto Fukasawa as well as Cecilie Manz and Jasper Morrison
-
Enjoy camp escapism at Hotel Bardo SavannahHotel Bardo Savannah is a sophisticated resort inspired by the grand tradition of the early 20th-century salon
-
Dario Restaurant brings a pink punk edge to Minneapolis’ North LoopMinneapolis’ Dario Restaurant dishes up homemade pasta in quirky interiors designed by Wittkamper Studio
-
Get groovy at The Pinky Ring, Las Vegas, a 1970s cocktail lounge shaking up the cityThe Pinky Ring is a Las Vegas cocktail and live music venue designed by Yabu Pushelberg for Bruno Mars
-
Tre Dita restaurant offers Tuscan cuisine and Italian glamour in ChicagoTre Dita at Chicago’s St Regis Hotel journeys through the small towns of Tuscany to dish up plates of authentic Italian cuisine
-
Inside the lavish, members-only Core Club New YorkCore Club opens a new flagship in New York, boasting top-tier hospitality and entertainment, and a terrace with panoramic Manhattan views
-
Warren Street Hotel is a colourful marvel in downtown TribecaThe Warren Street Hotel boasts a distinct blue façade and eclectic interiors by Kit Kemp Design Studio
-
San Sabino offers mellow Italian-American dining in New YorkSan Sabino debuts in New York’s West Village, helmed by Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli, with interiors by GRT Architects
-
Fried chicken fever? Coqodaq knows how to do itDevoted disciples of Korean fried chicken can worship at Manhattan’s Coqodaq, designed by the Rockwell Group
