Noah Sandoval's Oriole Heading to Secluded West Loop Side Street

Nearly two months ago, former Senza chef Noah Sandoval, Cara Sandoval, and Boka former pastry chef Genie Kwon announced their first restaurant but wouldn't reveal its exact location, saying "you'll see" why. It turns out that Oriole will indeed be in the restaurant-saturated West Loop, but on a secluded side street—Walnut Street—about a block southeast of Carnivale. The 661 W. Walnut St. address is listed on a liquor license application that was first reported by Crain's, subsequently confirmed by an Oriole rep, and added to the restaurant's Facebook page.

To recap, chef Sandoval and his wife Cara gained back-to-back Michelin stars and more critical accolades for Senza in East Lakeview before the unique chef-driven gluten-free tasting menu and bakery restaurant shuttered in January. The Sandovals decided to venture on their own, adding acclaimed pastry wizard Kwon, and announcing their own tasting-menu restaurant in the fall.

With just 28 seats, an intimate setting should match the secluded locale. Neither reps nor Sandoval himself would comment further on the space, so it appears that you'll have to wait until closer to the planned winter opening to find out more. Stay tuned.