Brunch is one of the best parts of the weekend and soon, you’ll be able to enjoy it all day long—seven days a week—at Time Out Market Chicago.
Chef Jamie Gilmore is opening Southern Bites, a new brunch kitchen that will offer a host of refined Southern specialties. Diners may recognize Gilmore: The dental-pro-turned-chef brought her full-service brunch restaurant Lizzy J Cafe to the second floor of the Market in 2023. At Southern Bites, a lot of familiar favorites will be on the menu alongside some exciting new options.
“I’ve always thought about doing a fast-casual concept so people can experience what [Lizzy J Cafe] does on the go,” Gilmore said.
You’ll be able to satisfy the sweet tooth with bourbon-glazed French toast topped with fruits and whipped cream, or lemon ricotta pancakes kissed with powdered sugar. If it’s something savory you’re after, the signature biscuits and gravy or the “Fish-wich”—fried catfish filet dressed with lettuce, tomato, cheddar and spicy rémoulade—are excellent choices.
Of course, Gilmore is also known for her Creole flavors so it’s no surprise the Southern Bites menu will feature a few classic dishes. The shrimp and grits presents crawfish étouffée and andouille sausage married with smoked gouda and cheddar grits, while the gumbo is made with crawfish étouffée, fried catfish and blackened shrimp over rice.
Saving room for dessert is highly encouraged, as Gilmore whips up peach cobbler and banana pudding for an indulgent ending. And a selection of bottled teas complements the food.
Southern Bites isn’t the only new addition to the Market; chef Art Smith’s Sporty Bird is celebrating its own launch with a grand opening party on May 8. Members of the Chicago Hounds—the professional rugby team Smith co-owns—will be at the Market handing out samples of food, and live bagpipers are slated to perform at noon along with other festivities.
Check out more images of Southern Bites below.
