“Gluten Free can be AMAZING!”

[rating=5] I have a friend who , because of health reasons, should have a “gluten-Free” diet. He tells me that this is hard work and when going out to restaurant, very limited. Over the last few years, dealing with the myriad of restaurants we have, I have noticed more and more “gluten-Free” menu items, but a complete menu- all “Gluten-Free”. Is it possible!

Tonight, nestled in a strip shopping center in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, we found THE place to dine! Not only to enjoy great Creole/Cajun cuisine, but GLUTEN -FREE Creole and Cajun cuisine! Located next to an auto and tire shop in a Jewel Food Store strip mall at 3235C West Addison Street ( this is where Addison intersects Elston and then Kedzie. Many of us know this area as the location of the “White castle” on the way to and from Wrigley Field. It is also directly across the street from the Dunkin Donuts as you approach the Kennedy Highway. The area has changed over the years and has become a little more upscale- the restaurant is called CheSa’s Bistro & Bar and is a delightful addition to the Avondale area.

My parents always said “never judge a book by its cover”, and I firmly believe that this is true. By the same token, I do not believe that one should judge food until tasted. I was never sure what Gluten-free meant. Did it mean something was missing? Of course, gluten was missing! But I can tell you that the flavors of the food we dined on were terrific. We were doing this for the site, the radio show and we also taped the TV show, “Keeping You In Da Loop”. We met with Ms Chesaree Rollins who explained her reason for starting the restaurant- her health. She began during the pandemic with a food truck and now has two plus the ritzy looking sit-down restaurant that we visited.

During our set-up time ( waiting for Frank and Mike), we had some great drinks. The bar is one that is exciting with a barkeep that is willing to experiment with flavor and does so with great excitement for your palate. I enjoyed a Mango Margarita ( that had a great little “kick”) and Jane had the Peach Passion- the perfect drink for a non-drinker. When Frank arrived, he did a tray of different items.

Our dinner was kind of a tasting sample of the items that are the most popular. Cheddar Jalapeno Hush Puppies, Lump Crab Cake Balls ( to die for),  We also had a Wagu beef slider that was the best ever!

The Jambalaya and Catfish platter was pretty awesome. The fish was as tender and flavorful as I might have expected in any upscale restaurant with let’s say tilapia. I have never had catfish this tasty and the Jambalaya was not too spicy with shrimp that were outstanding.

By the way, the corn bread was another surprise. I always find that most of my cornbread ends up as crumbs on the table, floor and my clothing, with very little being digested. I was able to eat 99 % of this one- delicious. We also enjoyed lobster Mac and cheese ( I love mac n’ cheese) and to be honest I could have taken a few orders home for the week-end. Yes, mac’n cheese lovers, if you order this you will feel as if you had gone to heaven and dined with the angels!

As if we hadn’t had enough,  Chesaree had them bring us her chocolate mousse dessert. It was scrumptious but I also know that she has a “peach pockets” on the menu so in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll Be Back!!!”

There are lots of good looking items on their menu, so this can become a regular spot for diners. Understand that Jane and I have no need for a gluten-free diet ( except it is healthier) but the dinner we had was just an awesome dining experience and a meal that was flavorful and memorable.

Her desire is for people to have an enjoyable experience, eating upscale menu items that just happen to be gluten -free. Hooray!

Che Sa’s Bistro & Bar is open for dinner at 5 p.m.- during luncheon, you can have the food truck ( they have two) come to you for an event or party planning your menu for your crowd. The restaurant is located at 3235 C west Addison street in Chicago with loads of free parking. their website is www.chesasbistro.com and phone is 773-754-8523.

Again- forget about how healthy your meal will be, just love the fabulous flavors you will enjoy and the atmosphere. You will quickly forget that you are in a strip shopping center kitty-corner from White Castle. You will feel that you have found the perfect spot for great food that just happens to be healthy as well. Enjoy! I know we did!