New Upscale Brunch Spot in South Loop
What happened
Brûlée, a new restaurant aiming to redefine the high-end brunch experience, has opened in Chicago's South Loop. The concept, from former private chef Emani Roberts, features a menu blending Southern comfort with modern flair, signaling a trend of private-dining intimacy entering the public restaurant space.
Why it matters
- Before opening Brûlée, Chef Emani Roberts served as a private chef for high-profile clients including singer Tyrese Gibson, actor Cameron Newton, and the music group Bell Biv Devoe, and she also toured with Bobby Brown. - The restaurant is a family venture, co-owned by Roberts and her mother, marking their first joint entry into the restaurant industry. The sous chef, Kennedy Bufford, has been a long-time mentee of Chef Roberts. - Brûlée's menu features high-end signature dishes such as a Lobster Sweet Potato Waffle priced around $48 and Oxtail & Grits at $42. Other notable items include Creole Shrimp & Grits and Crème Brûlée French Toast. - Located at 2036 S. Michigan Avenue, the restaurant is positioned to attract both South Loop residents and attendees of events at the nearby McCormick Place convention center. - The restaurant is open six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Wednesdays, catering exclusively to the breakfast and brunch dayparts. - Chef Roberts, a graduate of Chicago's Kendall College and The Art Institute of Atlanta, gained experience at Walt Disney World before launching her private chef career.
Key numbers
- Brûlée's menu features high-end signature dishes such as a Lobster Sweet Potato Waffle priced around $48 and Oxtail & Grits at $42.
- The restaurant is open six days a week, from 8 a.m.
- to 4 p.m., and closed on Wednesdays, catering exclusively to the breakfast and brunch dayparts.
Quick answers
What happened in New Upscale Brunch Spot in South Loop?
Brûlée, a new restaurant aiming to redefine the high-end brunch experience, has opened in Chicago's South Loop. The concept, from former private chef Emani Roberts, features a menu blending Southern comfort with modern flair, signaling a trend of private-dining intimacy entering the public restaurant space.
Why does New Upscale Brunch Spot in South Loop matter?
Before opening Brûlée, Chef Emani Roberts served as a private chef for high-profile clients including singer Tyrese Gibson, actor Cameron Newton, and the music group Bell Biv Devoe, and she also toured with Bobby Brown. The restaurant is a family venture, co-owned by Roberts and her mother, marking their first joint entry into the restaurant industry. The sous chef, Kennedy Bufford, has been a long-time mentee of Chef Roberts. Brûlée's menu features high-end signature dishes such as a Lobster Sweet Potato Waffle priced around $48 and Oxtail & Grits at $42. Other notable items include Creole Shrimp & Grits and Crème Brûlée French Toast. Located at 2036 S. Michigan Avenue, the restaurant is positioned to attract both South Loop residents and attendees of events at the nearby McCormick Place convention center. The restaurant is open six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Wednesdays, catering exclusively to the breakfast and brunch dayparts. Chef Roberts, a graduate of Chicago's Kendall College and The Art Institute of Atlanta, gained experience at Walt Disney World before launching her private chef career.
