Q&A: Chef Ryan Poli, Tavernita, Chicago

Ryan Poli is bringing a new style of Spanish dining to Chicago.

Poli, who won critical acclaim while running the kitchen at Perennial, a restaurant owned by the BOKA Restaurant Group in Chicago, has since joined Mercadito Hospitality. There, he is chef–partner at Tavernita and its sister concept, Barcito, which are scheduled to open in December.

Tavernita will encompass a 120-seat restaurant and 70-seat lounge serving Spanish and Latin-inspired tapas. Menu items will range