The Wellsley

"The Wellsley, formerly French restaurant Le Select, is now a private events venue operated by Boka. It will host the Balena pop-up from January 19 through January 26 at 504 N. Wells Street in Chicago." - Ashok Selvam

"Le Select, a French restaurant led by acclaimed chef Daniel Rose and owned by Boka Restaurant Group, closed after 10 months of operation. The space is being converted into the Wellsley." - Ashok Selvam

"An over-the-top brasserie from James Beard Award-winning Boka Restaurant Group, Le Select is a dazzling visual spectacle in the former home of infamous clubstaurant Bottled Blonde. Bask in the glitzy, cavernous space at happy hour with $10 cocktails and wines by the glass, plus burgers, oysters, and other bites." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam

"Perfect For: A Friend Date With Someone Who’s Aggressively Cheerful Someone who pathologically points out silver linings in everything can be just as annoying as a constant complainer. You’ll never get them to acknowledge that some people need to stay off social media, and they even have some spiel about how, actually, mosquitoes are good for the ecosystem. Have a little fun with it—choose a place that challenges their ability to put a positive spin on every little thing. Take them to Le Select and watch as they struggle to see the bright side of the loud, expensive, confusing dining experience they’re having. Yeah, you’re stuck eating that meal too, but it’s worth it if they’re suffering with you." - adrian kane

"After a spate of bad reviews for Le Select, the stunningly designed French restaurant that debuted in January in River North, Boka Restaurant Group has parted ways with star chef Daniel Rose in an equally stunning move four months after opening. Critics reacted lukewarmly to Le Select, with Michael Nagrant dubbing the restaurant 'Le Mid.' Shortly after opening, opening chef de cuisine Jason Heiman departed." - Ashok Selvam