Chef Lee Wolen is an award-winning chef based in Chicago, Illinois. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Wolen honed his skills at iconic restaurants Moto and Butter in Chicago, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and El Bulli in Europe, and spent three years as Sous Chef at Eleven Madison Park in New York. In 2012, Wolen returned to his midwestern roots, joining The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago as Chef de Cuisine.

In 2014, Wolen joined Boka Restaurant as Executive Chef/Partner, where he was named "2014 Chef of the Year" by Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago, and was nominated as a finalist for a James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Great Lakes.” Boka has maintained a Michelin star from 2011 to 2024. Alla Vita, Wolen’s Italian eatery opened in 2021, followed closely by the neighborhood gem GG’s Chicken Shop in 2023, and Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna in 2025.

Now, Wolen brings his signature cuisine to St. Petersburg's Elliott Aster.