Australian Breakfast Is Now Available at Chapel Street Cafe in Streeterville | Eater Chicago
"Opened to the public on Friday, January 3, this Australian-style breakfast cafe occupies a renovated 3,500-square-foot ground-level space in the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites that formerly housed Southern Cut Barbecue; the name references a famous shopping-and-dining corridor in owner Shawn Uldridge’s hometown of Melbourne, according to Crain’s Chicago. The project is the latest from Australia native Shawn Uldridge, who also runs the Publishing House Bed & Breakfast in West Loop and previously opened the Press Room wine bar (he is no longer involved with the latter). The interior, renovated over several months according to Block Club Chicago, seats 80 in a dining room accented with hanging plants and flowers, tables made from Australian red eucalyptus wood, communal seating, and a library nook, and it opens through sliding glass doors onto an outdoor patio with seating for 40; counter service is available for to-go orders. Helming the kitchen is executive chef Valentin Hernandez; the menu ranges from grab-and-go pastries like Melbourne hot jam doughnuts and baby boule loaves (sourdough or ancient grains) to soups and salads and a lineup of traditional Australian-style breakfasts, including a hearty plate of two pasture-raised eggs, bacon, roasted tomatoes, sliced avocado, Aussie baked beans, breakfast potatoes, and fresh sourdough. A short dinner menu features pastas, small plates, and the Glenmore burger (a third-pound beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, a fried egg, and chips) with optional add-ons such as pickled beets and grilled pineapple “to make it Aussie.” Beverages include a brief wine-by-the-glass list exclusively of Australian labels, fresh juices, teas, and coffee and espresso drinks like flat whites prepared on a La Marzocco machine with on-site coffee roasting; Uldridge told Block Club Chicago he wanted to emulate the long-lunch concept popular in his home country, which can last several hours and involve numerous courses. Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m." - Serena Maria Daniels
