CHICAGO (March 1, 2007) - Partners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz are pleased to announce the appointment of Giuseppe Tentori as executive chef of their acclaimed restaurant, Boka in Lincoln Park (1729 N. Halsted St.), beginning Monday, March 5. Chef Tentori, 34, arrives from the world-famous kitchen of Charlie Trotter's, where he most recently served as chef de cuisine.
"Chef Tentori is an emerging culinary star," says partner Rob Katz. "Kevin and I were immediately taken by his clean, simple approach. We are thrilled to have him as our executive chef and believe this is an exciting start of a new chapter for Boka."
Hailing from Lodi, a small city outside of Milan, Italy, Chef Tentori spent a total of eight years at Charlie Trotter's; for the past year and a half, he served as chef de cuisine. Prior to Charlie Trotter's, Tentori served as a sous chef at the former Metropolitan in Salt Lake City, Utah, and did a stint with chef Gabriel Viti at his eponymous restaurant in Highland Park, Ill. Tentori, who knew he wanted to become a chef by the age of 14, studied at Antica Osteria la Rampina in Milan.
Chef Tentori's influence will newly inspire the Boka menu in the weeks and months ahead. "Progressive American cuisine is still very much the direction of our menu," explains partner Kevin Boehm. "Chef Tentori plans to stay in this spirit, but will bring a lighter, more contemporary touch." He will showcase an intriguing, seasonal ingredient each month throughout the à la carte and chef's degustation menus. "It may be unexpected, but not unattainable - perhaps kumquat, or stinging nettle," Chef Tentori explains.
Along with Chef Tentori's arrival come fresh, new décor changes for Boka. The 4,000-square-foot space, which seats 90 (and 75 on the patio), is filled with a new, light color palette. Walls are adorned with elegant silk curtains and glowing votives atop floating shelves. The 20-seat bar now features uplit stone, mirror and leather elements; the dining room, sleek, black leather chairs and all-new china and Riedel stemware.
"We are looking forward to introducing Chef Tentori, and our renewed space, to guests familiar and new," say Boehm and Katz. "Boka is about to be taken to the next level."
Boka - derived from the last names of partners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz - offers progressive, American cuisine by Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori. Established in 2003, Boka was designed by Bogdanow Partners, a New York-based firm responsible for the Tribeca Grand Hotel, Rubicon, Union Pacific, Union Square Cafe, City Hall and many others. Interesting elements include a stainless steel water trough that illuminates the entrance wall, fabric sculptures in the main dining room, and a subtle, light color palette. Located on what Travel + Leisure called the "Hottest Restaurant Block in Chicago", Katz and Boehm's vision - along with Chef Tentori's talent - will continue to influence the landscape of fine dining in Lincoln Park.
Boka serves dinner Sunday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. (bar open until 2am); and Saturday from 5 to 11pm (bar open until 3am). The restaurant accepts all major credit cards, and valet parking is available. To make a reservation, please call (312) 337-6070 or visit www.bokachicago.com.
