Cleo's Southern Cuisine - Chicago
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Bronzeville – 
and now in a new Time Out Market location -- is winning regional and national acclaim for Chef Kristen Ashley’s Creole and southern-style cuisine.
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine has been getting a lot of very good press in places like the Wall Street Journal and also Essence magazine, which reports that “The warm, friendly atmosphere of the restaurant will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a close-knit congregation. Staff dish up food behind the counter, and a chalkboard menu takes up a large part of one wall.”
It’s in this warm, casual atmosphere that Chef Ashley – and the rest of her family – serve up hearty, heart-warming dishes.
Ashley’s fried chicken is renown, but credit for such culinary achievements must also be extended to her excellent preparations of other southern classics, like Creole Buttered Colossal Crab and catfish in several different preparations.
Classic Baked Mac n’ Cheese is the side dish most likely to be ordered by regulars, as is Buttered Herb Rice and Sweet Buttered Corn. But there’s a whole lot more to enjoy.
The chicken, whether sauced or straight-up, is fantastic, but for those who prefer heart-healthy entrees from the sea, there’s salmon in a number of palate-pleasing preparations. Salmon comes in tantalizing dishes like Red Chili Pan-Seared, Mango-Habanero Pan-Seared and Hot Honey with Shrimp and Grits (a classic southern favorite).
For dessert, there’s Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Pudding, a cool and complementary “twist” on a classic, and Watermelon Italian Ice, a winning take on the classic Italian refreshment, and a perfect conclusion to a meal of down-home classics.
