An Austin Holiday Tradition for 37 Years: Chez Zee Brings Its Famous Pies, Cakes and Scratch-Made Favorites to Family Tables

AUSTIN, TX, November 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For 37 years, Chez Zee American Bistro has been part of Austin's celebrations, from birthdays and anniversaries to Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings and countless moments shared around the table. This holiday season, the beloved locally owned restaurant is once again inviting Austinites to bring a little Chez Zee home with its annual Pies & Sides Holiday Catering menu, offering "Everything But the Turkey!"

Founded by Sharon Watkins in 1989, Chez Zee is 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," said Sharon Watkins, founder and owner of Chez Zee. "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."

A Dessert for Every Tradition — and a Few New Ones
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 Chez Zee 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:
• Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake: A striking layered dessert combining rich chocolate and pumpkin cheesecake, finished with a decorative chocolate lattice.
• White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake with Grand Marnier: A beautiful seasonal cheesecake topped with glossy cranberries.
• Orange Chiffon Cake: A returning favorite featuring delicate layers of orange-flavored cake and creamy frosting.
• Traditional Yule Log Cake: A holiday classic that brings a little old-fashioned charm to the Christmas table.

Other seasonal favorites include the Andes Chocolate Crème de Menthe Cheesecake, affectionately nicknamed "The Grinch," along with gluten-free dessert selections 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.

The restaurant's scratch-made sides combine Southern comfort food with a little Austin personality. Favorites include 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 Chez Zee's signature Crème Brulée French Toast, available to prepare and enjoy at home.

Whether customers need one special pie, a few favorite side dishes or an assortment for a holiday gathering, Chez Zee offers a way to make entertaining a little easier without giving up the care and flavor of food prepared from scratch.

The People Behind the Traditions
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.

They're the unsung heroes behind countless local celebrations. Their skill, dedication and consistency are an essential part of the restaurant's success. Together with the rest of the Chez Zee team, they continue the tradition of preparing food in-house, from scratch, without relying on frozen or commercially prepared dishes.

It's a commitment that has helped make Chez Zee a place where generations of customers can return and find the familiar flavors they remember.

A Little Taste of Austin, From Wherever You Are
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.

It's an especially personal gift for anyone who knows and loves Austin — or someone who deserves an introduction to one of the city's longtime favorites.

For holiday gift-giving, Chez Zee is also offering a special promotion: Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 gift card for yourself. It's a little something extra for sharing a favorite Austin dining experience with someone special.

Holiday Ordering Information
Chez Zee's Pies & Sides Holiday Catering menu is available for Thanksgiving, Christmas and seasonal gatherings.

Thanksgiving 2026
• Order deadline: Monday, November 23, at 5 p.m.
• Pickup deadline: Wednesday, November 25, at 3 p.m.

Christmas 2026
• Order deadline: Monday, December 21, at 5 p.m.
• Pickup deadline: Thursday, December 24, at 2 p.m.

Orders may be placed online, by phone or in person. All holiday catering orders are available for pickup at Chez Zee; shipping is not available.

Chez Zee American Bistro
5406 Balcones Drive
Austin, Texas 78731
512-454-2666
www.chez-zee.com

Founded in 1989 by Sharon Watkins, Chez Zee American Bistro is a locally owned, family-run Austin restaurant known for its elevated casual dining, Southern-inspired cuisine, extensive scratch-made dessert selection and welcoming atmosphere. For 37 years, Chez Zee has been a gathering place for generations of Austinites celebrating life's everyday moments and special occasions.

Media Opportunities
Interviews with founder Sharon Watkins, conversations with the longtime culinary team, behind-the-scenes kitchen visits and photos of Chez Zee's holiday desserts and catering selections are available upon request.

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