From Private Chef to South Loop Star: Brûlée Brings Elevated Brunch Magic to Michigan Avenue

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · March 11, 2026

South Loop brunch lovers have a delicious new ritual. Brûlée, the buzzy breakfast and brunch restaurant at 2036 S. Michigan Avenue, has quickly become one of the neighborhood's most talked-about new dining destinations — and the story behind it is just as satisfying as the food.

Chef and owner Emani Roberts never planned on running a restaurant. A sought-after private chef who once cooked on tour for legendary R&B group New Edition, Roberts returned to Chicago just before the pandemic and built her reputation through catering and prepared meals. Word of her lavish brunch spreads spread fast, and with encouragement from her mother, Brûlée was born. The menu is a love letter to Southern comfort and creativity — think a namesake French toast with a signature sugar crust, an avocado "croast" on a buttery croissant with Calabrian chili, and a waffle topped with sweet potato and lobster. A deeply personal dish, Virgil's Special — fried chicken or catfish over candied yams and collard greens — pays homage to a mentor who called himself "a proud dad" at the soft opening. Brûlée is open daily (except Wednesdays) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Roberts is already dreaming about what a second location might look like.

It's exactly the kind of homegrown, community-rooted story that makes South Loop such a special place. Have you made it to Brûlée yet? Share your order with the Socialhood community!

Sources:
1. https://blog.resy.com/2026/02/brulee-chicago/
2. https://thetriibe.com/2025/12/here-are-some-new-black-owned-spots-in-chicago-to-try-in-2026/