Star Chef Takes Over Lincoln Park's Perennial

Paul Virant named partner, chef

Chicago's ever-changing restaurant scene just got a little more interesting.

After days of Twitter speculation and hints, the Boka Group named superstar chef Paul Virant as the new partner and executive chef of Lincoln Park's Perennial -- which will now be known as Perennial Virant.

The announcement was released Wednesday morning via this YouTube video.

Virant has a host of accolades on his resume, including being named Food and Wine's Best New Chef in 2007, a James Beard semi-finalist and a Michelin star in 2011 for his acclaimed Western Springs, IL restaurant, Vie. He also competed on Iron Chef America in 2009.

Perennial's executive chef position opened after Ryan Poli announced he was leaving to take on the head duties at Tavernita, a new restaurant from the team behind Mercadito, scheduled to open in July at LaSalle and Erie.

The Boka Group is behind other Chicago restaurants such as Landmark and Girl & the Goat.

Virant will not be leaving Vie in order to take on his new duties.

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