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
-
Santa Monica hotspot The Georgian Room is a rare, well-done steakhouse speakeasyHidden inside The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, a restored speakeasy that lovingly nods to its storied past
-
In St Barths, Cheval Blanc is an oceanside oasis soaking in turquoise viewsFollowing its 10th anniversary, Cheval Blanc St-Barth continues to shine as a pearl of the Caribbean
-
We celebrate the emerging London architects to be excited aboutThese emerging London architects are some of the capital's finest ground-breakers, movers and shakers; heralding a new generation of architecture
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the worldWe round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel deskWallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the refreshed W Hollywood: ‘more polish and less party’The W Hollywood introduces a top-to-bottom reimagining by the Rockwell Group, capturing the genuine warmth and spirit of Southern California
-
Arlo NoMad hotel makes the American diner officially cool againThe NoMad Diner NYC’s interiors and menu offer an elevated take on an American classic
-
Los Angeles’ best fine-dining restaurantsLA boasts a creative food scene driven by some of the world’s most innovative chefs. Browse the Wallpaper* guide to the city’s best fine-dining restaurants
-
Bold maximalism engulfs The Lafayette Hotel and Club in San DiegoThe Lafayette Hotel and Club, designed by Post Company, brings together a rich tapestry of patterns, themes and colours
