Southern-Inspired Brunch Restaurant Brûlée Opens in South Loop
What happened
A new Southern-inspired brunch restaurant named Brûlée has opened in Chicago's South Loop. The establishment aims to provide an upscale brunch experience for the neighborhood. Its menu features a refined take on classic Southern breakfast and lunch dishes.
Why it matters
- Brûlée is a mother-daughter owned establishment; the culinary vision is led by Chef Emani Roberts, while her mother, Shronda Dunn, serves as the co-owner and general manager. - Chef Emani Roberts was previously a private chef for celebrities, including the R&B group New Edition, and her reputation for lavish brunch spreads led to the opening of the restaurant. - The restaurant's South Loop location at 2036 S. Michigan Ave. was chosen to cater to residents and the large crowds from nearby McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, and Soldier Field. - The menu has a distinct soul food influence, which Chef Roberts developed during the nearly ten years she spent in Atlanta working with her mentor, chef Virgil Harper. - Signature dishes include a salted-caramel and sweet potato Belgian waffle with Cajun-fried lobster tails and a smoked brisket grilled cheese served with tomato bisque. - The restaurant is open six days a week, including Mondays and Tuesdays, which are days restaurants are traditionally closed, to serve the convention center traffic. - Brûlée features a coffee lounge serving Dark Matter coffee, intended to function as a neighborhood third space for local residents. - Seating is limited to 60 minutes for reservations and 45 minutes at the bar, with the kitchen closing at 3:00 PM.
Key numbers
- The restaurant's South Loop location at 2036 S.
- Seating is limited to 60 minutes for reservations and 45 minutes at the bar, with the kitchen closing at 3:00 PM.
What happens next
- The establishment aims to provide an upscale brunch experience for the neighborhood.
Quick answers
What happened in Southern-Inspired Brunch Restaurant Brûlée Opens in South Loop?
A new Southern-inspired brunch restaurant named Brûlée has opened in Chicago's South Loop. The establishment aims to provide an upscale brunch experience for the neighborhood. Its menu features a refined take on classic Southern breakfast and lunch dishes.
Why does Southern-Inspired Brunch Restaurant Brûlée Opens in South Loop matter?
Brûlée is a mother-daughter owned establishment; the culinary vision is led by Chef Emani Roberts, while her mother, Shronda Dunn, serves as the co-owner and general manager. Chef Emani Roberts was previously a private chef for celebrities, including the R&B group New Edition, and her reputation for lavish brunch spreads led to the opening of the restaurant. The restaurant's South Loop location at 2036 S. Michigan Ave. was chosen to cater to residents and the large crowds from nearby McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, and Soldier Field. The menu has a distinct soul food influence, which Chef Roberts developed during the nearly ten years she spent in Atlanta working with her mentor, chef Virgil Harper. Signature dishes include a salted-caramel and sweet potato Belgian waffle with Cajun-fried lobster tails and a smoked brisket grilled cheese served with tomato bisque. The restaurant is open six days a week, including Mondays and Tuesdays, which are days restaurants are traditionally closed, to serve the convention center traffic. Brûlée features a coffee lounge serving Dark Matter coffee, intended to function as a neighborhood third space for local residents. Seating is limited to 60 minutes for reservations and 45 minutes at the bar, with the kitchen closing at 3:00 PM.
