Boka Restaurant Group Claims Four Jean Banchet Awards

Boka Restaurant Group cleaned up on Friday at the 18th annual Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, claiming four out of 12 awards.

The big day culminated in a win in the Restaurant of the Year category, with the group's namesake, Boka, taking home the honor. The restaurant's Lee Wolen also earned Chef of the Year. Genie Kwon from Boka and GT Fish and Oyster claimed Rising Chef of the Year, while the group's new Japanese joint — Momotaro — won for Best Restaurant Design.

The Best Neighborhood Restaurant category was new this year, and La Sirena Clandestina won the inaugural award. Parachute, the acclaimed Korean-American spot, was recognized as Best New Restaurant. Jake Bickelhaupt, of Michelin two-starred 42 Grams, won Rising Chef of the Year.

The Jean Banchet Awards are a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser in its 18th year. Check out the full list of honorees:

• Chef of the Year: Lee Wolen (Boka)
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Dana Cree (Blackbird)
• Best Chef-de-Cuisine: Erling Wu-Bower (Nico Osteria),
• Rising Chef of the Year: Jake Bickelhaupt (42 grams)
• Rising Pastry Chef of the Year presented by Nielsen Massey-Vanillas: Genie Kwon (Boka/GT Fish and Oyster)
• Best Sommelier: Arthur Hon (Sepia)
• Best Mixologist: Alex Bachman (Billy Sunday)
• Best Restaurant Design: Momotaro
• Best Restaurant Service: Embeya
• Best New Restaurant: Parachute
• Best Neighborhood Restaurant: La Sirena Clandestina
• Restaurant of the Year presented by the Illinois Restaurant Association: Boka