Our Picks: CHēZ

Published 9:00 am Thursday, March 7, 2024

CHēZ is a French-inspired wine bar and charcuterie shop in Seaside, cheerfully decorated with pastel hues, comfortable seating, fresh flowers, plants and paintings of beautiful vineyards.

They offer a large selection of wines including local, French and Spanish wines and some ciders. Their chef-crafted menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, small plates, oysters and a variety of charcuterie boards.

There are vegan and vegetarian options as well. Sunday specials include beignets, $5 mimosas and $2 oysters.

The owners, BraeAnn Bartlett and Destiny Deras, were previously private chefs in the area for over five years before deciding to open the restaurant. Bartlett is the restaurant’s chef and Deras is the cheesemonger and sommelier.

Bartlett and Deras still operate their catering business, Culinary Concierge, creating meals in peoples’ homes and catering events like private parties, business events, weddings and anniversaries.

Their creamy clam chowder won first place in last year’s Chubby Chowder Cook-Off in Seaside. It’s served in a cup or bowl alongside a slice of freshly baked focaccia bread. Cheese and meat are available by the pound, and one can order charcuterie boards filled with selections of delicious cheeses, meats, pickles, olives, nuts and breads.

CHēZ offers sandwiches such as rosemary French ham and Emmenthal cheese, tuna steak or assorted cured meats, cheese and micro greens on a baguette, caprese, muffuletta, tri-tip and the classic grilled cheese.

In addition to their usual hours, they offer winemaker dinners by subscription on the first Wednesday of every month. These are small gatherings with local winemakers where they serve appetizers and four-course meals, and includes wine pairings.