Austin's holiday tables will again feature the familiar flavors of Chez Zee American Bistro as the locally owned restaurant marks its 37th year with the return of its Pies & Sides Holiday Catering menu, branded "Everything But the Turkey!" The milestone underscores the restaurant's long-standing role in the community and offers a convenient, scratch-made option for families looking to simplify holiday entertaining without sacrificing quality.
Founded by Sharon Watkins in 1989, Chez Zee has become an Austin institution known for its welcoming atmosphere, memorable desserts and great variety, with everything made from scratch. Over the decades, its cakes, pies and signature dishes have become traditions, with families returning year after year for the favorites they love. Last holiday season alone, more than 1,000 Austin family tables featured at least one Chez Zee dessert or side dish — a testament to the restaurant's enduring place in the community.
"When we opened Chez Zee 37 years ago, I never imagined how many family celebrations we would become part of," Watkins said. "It's wonderful to know that something made in our kitchen might be the pie a family looks forward to every Thanksgiving or the cake they share every Christmas. We're grateful that Austin has invited us to be part of those traditions."
With more than 30 varieties of whole cakes, pies and cheesecakes on its holiday menu, Chez Zee offers an extraordinary selection of desserts, all prepared from scratch in its own kitchen. Traditional favorites include Pumpkin Praline Pie, Apple Pie with Streusel Topping, Bourbon Pecan Pie, Italian Cream Cake, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Cheesecake and Chocolate Decadence Cake. Signature creations include the Lemon Rosemary Cake, Apple Cranberry Pie, Coconut Tres Leches Cake, Strawberry Palooza Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake and Maida's Cake, a gluten-free favorite.
This year's holiday offerings also include some especially eye-catching creations: a Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with a decorative chocolate lattice; a White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake with Grand Marnier topped with glossy cranberries; a returning Orange Chiffon Cake; and a Traditional Yule Log Cake. Other seasonal favorites include the Andes Chocolate Crème de Menthe Cheesecake, nicknamed "The Grinch," along with gluten-free options such as Maida's Cake and Mocha Fudge Torte.
For families who want to spend less time cooking and more time together, Chez Zee's holiday menu goes well beyond dessert. Scratch-made sides combine Southern comfort food with a little Austin personality, including Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Pudding, Macaroni & Cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach. Other selections range from Roasted Maple Carrots and Parmesan Risotto to Brussels Sprouts with Asian Dressing, Southern Pecan Gravy and Cranberry Chutney. The extensive menu also includes charcuterie boards, quiches, salads, appetizers and breakfast specialties, including the signature Crème Brulée French Toast.
Part of what makes Chez Zee special is the remarkable continuity of its kitchen team. Executive Chef Vicente Jaramillo, Sous Chef Javier Aviles, Assistant Kitchen Manager Jose Guerrero and Bakery Manager Carlos Guerrero are among the dedicated professionals whose talent and commitment help make Chez Zee an Austin favorite. Their skill, dedication and consistency are an essential part of the restaurant's success, continuing the tradition of preparing food in-house, from scratch, without relying on frozen or commercially prepared dishes.
For those with friends or family living in Austin, Chez Zee also offers a thoughtful way to send a little local love from afar. Out-of-town family members, former Austinites and friends can purchase cakes, pies and other favorites for loved ones to pick up at the restaurant. Pie gift vouchers are also available, allowing recipients to arrange pickup at their convenience. For holiday gift-giving, Chez Zee is offering a special promotion: purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 gift card for yourself.
The Pies & Sides Holiday Catering menu is available for Thanksgiving, Christmas and seasonal gatherings. Thanksgiving orders are due by Monday, November 23, at 5 p.m., with pickup by Wednesday, November 25, at 3 p.m. Christmas orders are due by Monday, December 21, at 5 p.m., with pickup by Thursday, December 24, at 2 p.m. Orders may be placed online, by phone or in person at 5406 Balcones Drive, Austin, Texas 78731, or by calling 512-454-2666. All holiday catering orders are available for pickup only; shipping is not available. For more information, visit www.chez-zee.com.
