“Welcome back to CheSa’s Bistro”

***** It has been a while since we visited the charming CheSa’s  Bistro, located in the Jewel Shopping Center on Addison and Kedzie in Chicago’ At that time her newly opened dining spot with the heart that is “gluten-free” was going from her original food truck/catering business to a sit-down, marvelous dining spot that proves that no matter where you place it, a quality restaurant will draw the people. The restaurant has been doing that, but along the way, the creator/owner-chef Chesaree Rollins had a health situation. After a few months of coddling and re-training, she is back and raring to go.

Her aim is to come back at a slower pace to ensure that those who rely on the restaurant, both employees and customers will be able to enjoy it for years to come. In order to do this properly, she has started her re-opening process with week-ends and “brunch” menus. Labor Day week-end was her starting point, and rather than stop by when she was navigating through the re-opening process, Jane and I stopped by on a weeknight, as the only clients in the shop. This allowed the chef to prepare each and every morsel and then sit with us to answer questions and explain what we were dining on.

With only two of us there we could not do the entire menu, but I must tell you, as someone who has truly developed a love for the brunch, this is one of the top meals I have ever had.

We were joined by public relations person Cindy Kurman, who did all the photos and shared the moments that we had with Chef Chesaree.

Our BRUNCH ( albeit at 6 p.m. on a Tuesday) started with Garlic lamb Chops ( with smothered potatoes and some well-done

scrambled eggs) and a catfish skillet. I am not one that ever loved catfish, but must tell you this fish was far from “fishy” and tasted as if it were some fancy fish that was impossible to find. WOW!

The flavors of this restaurant are very “Southern”, so it was no surprise to have this next plate- Fried Chicken & Beignet Waffles—to die for! Crispy chicken breast cut into thin strips and fried just right. Crispy crust and tender and juicy in side ( sheer perfection) and the waffles with just some jam and the powdered sugar are a delight.

The other items- the ones we did not sample tonight ( but will be back for) are the Black Angus Short Ribs and Red Grit- creamy purple and red grits cooked in a cheese and butter sauce, and the salmon croquettes, the bone-in pork chop, the Bourbon Peach Cobbler Waffles , the Avocado Flatbread ( or toast) and of course, the benedicts- Lobster and crab cake. Of course, you can just get eggs ( but why miss out on these amazing dishes) and of course bacon and cheddar biscuits are available.

They have a bar so of course, what is brunch without Mimosas and or margaritas.

Ladies and gentleman- your table awaits and you will enjoy a 100% gluten free brunch in Chicago. Chef Chesaree is back on track and bringing you flavors to savor at her Bistro located at 3235 West Addison Street in Chicago ( at the corner of Addison Street and Kedzie/Elston Avenues where the Jewel Tea store resides.

To make a reservation for the upcoming wee-end call 773-754-8523

the are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m with plenty of free parking.

While you are enjoying your amazing “Gluten-Free” brunch, you will be entertained with music from area DJ’s to create the holiday and festive mood that will be coming out of the kitchen. The bar is open so your experience can be complete.

The website is www.chesasbistro.com

CheSa’s Bistro also does private parties and catering- again, everything, Gluten Free so everyone can eat healthy and enjoy!