Chez Zee's Holiday Catering Brings Austin Tradition Home

Chez Zee American Bistro, the beloved Austin institution founded by Sharon Watkins in 1989, is celebrating its 37th holiday season with the return of its annual Pies & Sides Holiday Catering menu, offering “Everything But the Turkey!” The locally owned restaurant, known for its scratch-made desserts and Southern-inspired cuisine, is inviting Austinites to bring a little Chez Zee home for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Last year 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,” said Watkins. “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.”

The holiday menu boasts more than 30 varieties of whole cakes, pies, and cheesecakes, all prepared from scratch. 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 feature 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 eye-catching additions include a Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with a decorative chocolate lattice, a White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake with Grand Marnier, an Orange Chiffon Cake, and a Traditional Yule Log Cake. Other seasonal delights include the Andes Chocolate Crème de Menthe Cheesecake, nicknamed “The Grinch,” along with gluten-free options like Maida’s Cake and Mocha Fudge Torte. Beyond desserts, the scratch-made sides combine Southern comfort with Austin personality—think Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Pudding, Macaroni & Cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, Roasted Maple Carrots, Parmesan Risotto, Brussels Sprouts with Asian Dressing, Southern Pecan Gravy, and Cranberry Chutney. The menu also offers charcuterie boards, quiches, salads, appetizers, and breakfast specialties like the signature Crème Brulée French Toast.

Behind the scenes, Executive Chef Vicente Jaramillo, Sous Chef Javier Aviles, Assistant Kitchen Manager Jose Guerrero, and Bakery Manager Carlos Guerrero lead a dedicated team committed to preparing everything in-house without frozen or commercially prepared dishes. For those with loved ones in Austin, Chez Zee offers a thoughtful way to send a taste of home from afar: out-of-town family and friends can purchase cakes, pies, and other favorites for pickup, and pie gift vouchers are available. A special holiday promotion also offers a $20 gift card for the purchaser with every $100 in gift cards bought. Orders for Thanksgiving must be placed 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 can be placed online, by phone, or in person at 5406 Balcones Drive, Austin, Texas 78731, or via www.chez-zee.com.