Fresh, Real, Smoked, and Cured

Chaz & Odette (5102 Baum Blvd) isn’t “fine dining”, as I recently learned. But it is fresh, real, smoked, and cured; it’s sustainable, homemade, and locally sourced. During my visit to this Shadyside spot, I had the pleasure of getting to know some of the folks who make Chaz & Odette a place that deserves our attention: Jeremy, Sarah, and Stephanie, all of whom are a down-to-Pittsburgh crew that knows their craft and knows just how to make patrons feel welcomed and leave satisfied.

The interior of Chaz & Odette offers a casual dining room and a second-floor space for private events. There is plenty of natural light, and just enough décor to express the thoughtful approach that was taken to set the scene for their lovely menu. As one would expect from yours truly, I sat at the bar to open conversation with the staff and because sitting at the bar is my style (as one would expect). I ordered a variety of items that would provide what I hoped to be a diverse, yet great meal.

And it was.

My recommendations (for what they’re worth) would be to try the Charred Brussel Sprouts ($8, shallots, sunflower seeds, shaved parm, and honey balsamic), the Spring Rolls ($7, fresh vegetables, cellophane noodles, soft rice paper wrap, gluten-free soy dipping sauce), the Chicken Florentine Brick Oven Flatbread ($12, housemade chicken sausage, local fresh feta, market spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, honey balsamic), the Brisket Three Ways ($10, corned beef, pastrami, smoked brisket, pickled vegetables, local cheeses, sourdough puff bread). For something sweet, try the Crepes ($8 with fresh raspberries and mango), the Pickled Watermelon Rind (yes, you can eat it!), or the carefully crafted Limoncello (which upon drinking, I exclaimed “Ah hell!” because it was just that good).

I loved how the flatbread was authentic, made with a 2 1/2-year-old yeast starter, which makes the crust chewy and full of flavor. I appreciated how the meats were prepared in house with unique rubs and curing recipes, and then smoked with an original combination of fruit and hardwoods. The pickled vegetables are jarred and available for purchase ($5/pint, $10/quart, $17/half gallon), and are well worth the purchase.

Chaz & Odette is open on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m.; and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and they offer delivery through GrubHub and OrderUp. Call 412.683.8300 for reservations.