Exciting Culinary Debut: Gingie Opens in River North
On March 26, 2026, Boka Restaurant Group (BRG) unveiled its latest culinary venture, Gingie. Spearheaded by Chef Partner Brian Lockwood, this contemporary restaurant is set to redefine the dining experience in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, live-fire cooking, and classical techniques, Gingie promises a dining adventure that feels both familiar and delightfully unpredictable.
The Vision Behind Gingie
Brian Lockwood, known for his exceptional culinary journey through prestigious establishments such as Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, brings his expertise to Gingie. Lockwood’s partnership with Boka Restaurant Group emerged after his role as consulting chef on the acclaimed series The Bear. This collaboration marks Lockwood’s first solo concept, one that embodies his passion for innovative dining.
“Brian is one of the most impressive culinary talents Rob and I have ever met,” said Kevin Boehm, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Boka Restaurant Group. “We couldn’t be more excited to help him bring his first solo concept to life.”
A Culinary Exploration: The Menu at Gingie
Gingie’s menu is a testament to Lockwood’s fine dining background, offering a fresh take on à la carte dishes that encourage sharing and celebration. Guests can indulge in a variety of creative options:
- DIY Handroll Sets: Featuring Jonah Crab with miso-egg yolk and horseradish, Tempura Rock Shrimp with shisho and sriracha emulsion, and Salmon topped with bonito cream and smoked trout roe.
- Starters: Dishes like Spicy Tuna Dip, enriched with fermented jalapeño, sesame, and avocado, and the Potato-Parmesan Frico, which includes smoked trout roe and sour cream.
- Mid-Course Delights: Creative pastas such as Gnocchi with cheddar, and Lobster Lasagnette with butternut squash.
- Main Courses: Highlights include Wagyu Ribeye, Sablefish, and a vegetarian Maitake “Steak” served with ginger toast.
- Desserts: Collaboratively crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Kristine Antonian, sweet offerings like Honey Meringue with milk ice cream promise to delight.
An Innovative Beverage Program
Overseen by Ashley Santoro, BRG’s Director of Beverage and Strategic Operations, the beverage menu at Gingie emphasizes savory stirred drinks alongside a selection of old world wines from sustainable producers. Signature cocktails include:
- Gingie Martini: A unique blend of gin, carrot and shallot brine, and vermouth.
- Grapefruit Song: A refreshing drink made with Sicilian grapefruit gin and chamomile vodka.
- Sour Lime Smoke Show: A mezcal-based cocktail that provides a smoky kick.
- Zero-Proof Offerings: Elevate the experience with drinks like No A–Noa, a delightful mix of grenadine, ginger, lime, and club soda.
Designed for Elegance: The Ambience at Gingie
Local designer Anna Filatov has curated an interior that feels both timeless and luxurious. The space features:
- Burgundy marble and rich velvets with glowing chandeliers, creating an inviting atmosphere.
- White oak wall paneling that keeps the restaurant bright and welcoming.
- A chic mirrored back bar and checkered marble floor tile, complemented by comfortable upholstered seating.
The restaurant’s centerpiece is a custom mural by artist Emily Parkinson, paying homage to Chicago’s most beloved restaurants. This artistic touch adds a whimsical layer to the dining experience.
A Strategic Location in Chicago
Rob Katz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Boka Restaurant Group, emphasizes the significance of Gingie within the context of Chicago’s culinary landscape. “Gingie is an important addition to the Boka Restaurant Group portfolio, and to Chicago as a whole,” he states. The restaurant opens its doors at a time when the Wells Street area is undergoing a vibrant resurgence, making it an exciting destination for locals and tourists alike.
Visit Gingie Today
Gingie is open daily, offering dinner service from Sunday to Thursday (5-10 PM) and Friday to Saturday (5-10:30 PM). Reservations can be made via OpenTable. For more information, check out gingiechicago.com or follow them on Instagram @gingiechicago.
As the culinary world continues to evolve, keep an eye on chefs like Brian Lockwood who are pushing boundaries and redefining dining experiences. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Gingie and what you find most exciting about this new venture in the comments below!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
