[Photos: Jason Little Photography]
A day doesn't go by where we don't hear some news related to the Boka Restaurant Group with the anticipated openings of Balena and The Little Goat, and their success with Perennial Virant, GT Fish & Oyster, and Girl & The Goat. What we don't hear as much about is what's happening at Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm's original restaurant, Boka. That is, until now. Boka quietly underwent a renovation over the past few months and Eater was able to get a first look at the updated space.
Although the changes were fairly minor, taking place while the restaurant was still open, the overall look of the place is much more modern and sexy. The purple and blue tones have been replaced by various shades of silver and gray, with accents of white and cream. Across from the bar an intimate lounge area has been added with sleek silver benches contrasted by a cream and silver textured back lying up against patterned silver wallpaper.
Small updates were done to the bar as well including replacing the bar stool cushions with a white snake skin. The same upholstery is found on the the black framed chairs in the front room, which used to be wood framed with a leopard print patterned material.
In the main room, all of the banquettes were reupholstered with a modern cream, gray and green pattern as opposed to the more regal purple look of before. The back wall was also painted a dark gray to tie it all in and is a nice back drop against the black chairs and table settings.
If you are looking for an excuse to see the new space for yourself, Boka will be hosting a Joseph Phelps winemaker dinner on April 26 with a five course dinner created by chef Guiseppe Tentori. If you can't wait that long, they are currently participating in Restaurant Week and will also have a special during Chicago Chef Week, March 18-23.
