Boka Group's Hyper-Anticipated Somerset Opens Today In Gold Coast

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Sep 6, 2017 7:02PM

Courtesy of Boka Restaurant Group

What with this year's seemingly endless rash of restaurant closures in Chicago, it's a joy to report not only a notable opening—but one of the most anticipated openings of 2017. Somerset, the latest offering from the heavyweight Boka Restaurant Group, opens today.

The concept is a luxe throwback to the country clubs of the 1960s yacht set, located at 1112 N State Street in Gold Coast. It teams Boka (restaurants include Balena, Momotaro, Girl & the Goat and its sundry offshoots) with acclaimed Chef Lee Wolen—who helmed the group's celebrated eponymous flagship spot. Wolen, you might recall, was a finalist for Best Chef-Great Lakes honors at last year's James Beard Awards for his work there.

Fellow Beard nominee for Outstanding Pastry Chef Meg Galus handles desserts, and onetime General Manager at bitters paradise Billy Sunday Lee Zaremba is on board as beverage director. So yes, it's certainly got the pedigree.

Somerset focuses on seasonality and locally sourced wood-grilled veggies, pastas, fish and meat. (Sample dishes include a Smoked Beet Tartare—with cumin yogurt, goat gouda cheese—and a Spicy Lamb Merguez Linguini that combines feta and chili with fresh kale.)

“Somerset’s menu focuses on the food that I think people genuinely want to eat. It was fun to think about all three meals and what I like to order when going out to dine with my family or friends. There will be something for everyone on the menu,” said Wolen in a release.

The Boka newcomer is open for dinner nightly, with breakfast Monday through Friday and weekend brunch service. Reservations are available here.