Elsie’s Daughter, the second culinary venture of Chloe Wright + Ryan Smith of The Rosecomb, is set to open this fall at The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo.
The bistro will encapsulate “Appalachian inspiration, the essence of casual French culinary style, and timeless elegance.” The combination of Appalachian heartiness + French finesse is inspired by the history and familial ties of the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Lead architect Donn Barber used his studies from the École des Beaux-Arts school in Paris to influence Terminal Station’s design. The name Elsie’s Daughter is also in reference to Donn’s wife, daughter, and granddaughter who were all named Elsie.
Fun fact: Chloe’s family also has strong ties to the Choo Choo. Her father worked in the food + beverage department of the hotel during the late 80s and 90s, and she spent much of her childhood on the campus — making her return to the hotel full circle.
Along with the French inspiration, the bistro will stay true to the area’s Appalachian roots by utilizing locally-sourced ingredients. The food menu will rotate seasonally (think similar to Rosecomb with an intimate-sized menu).
Chloe + Ryan have enlisted the help of Chris Greer as their executive chef (you may recognize his name from Lil Oso + The Boneyard) who will serve up some delicious eats like oysters, bone marrow tartine, smoked trout, tartare, salads, and shareables.
The bar program will draw inspiration from “old world” spirits — think classic martinis, French apéritifs, digestifs, bubbles, and a curated cocktail menu to compliment the food offerings. Along with the restaurant, Elsie’s Daughter will have an auxiliary bar in a caboose next to the hotel’s pool + courtyard that will be open seasonally.
Speaking of the space. Elsie’s Daughter has been working closely with Tucker Build and Trestle Studio, the folks behind the redesign + renovation of The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo, to create a beautiful space in a once-hidden part of the Choo Choo’s campus. You can also expect an outside patio garden.
The main bar and dining room will have multiple entrances connecting to the hotel + an access point from Station Street (which previously did not exist).
“We wanted people who would be around places like Flying Squirrel, Niedlov’s, Main Street Meats, and that whole area to be able to have access to us, instead of having to walk around the entire property where you would be kind of closed off. We want it to be part of the city and open to all, so locals have a place to hang out.” — Ryan Smith
Along with embracing the hotel’s guests, the space is meant to welcome the local community. Chloe + Ryan hope to create the same essence of great food, drinks, and hospitality that The Rosecomb offers.
“I want people to feel like there’s a community in this space. It’s important for me to involve Chattanoogans who live here. They have to be present for it to be an authentic genuine Chattanooga experience for those visitors.” — Chloe Wright
Keep up with Elsie’s Daughter on Instagram + stay tuned for a sneak peek of some of the menu items coming soon.
