About – Kelly Jae's Cafe

Kelly Jae's Café is the vision of Kelly Graff, a self-taught chef who grew up in the hospitality industry. Her parents, John and Susie Graff built a small resort on the Caribbean island of Anguilla called Skiffles, and also The Checkerberry Inn in Goshen, which was featured in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Kelly's childhood living was split between Indiana and Anguilla. As an adult, Kelly became Executive Chef of the Checkerberry Inn's restaurant, Citrus an American Bistro, a role she held for eight years.

Because of her extensive global travels, Kelly's cooking style is heavily influenced by these experiences. She is passionate about creating new and exciting flavors and is strongly committed to utilizing local, organically grown ingredients whenever possible. Kelly has been named one of the Top Ten Chefs in Indiana in the book "Indiana Cooks!", authored by food critic Christine Barbour. In addition, Kelly's unique recipes have been featured in such popular magazines as Bon Appetit, Better Homes & Gardens Simply Perfect Desserts and Midwest Living. She also has had the honor of cooking for the likes of Mayor Richard Daley; Actress Liv Tyler; Actor Steve Buscemi; news & weather anchor, Al Roker of Today's Show; and Olympian ice skater, Scott Hamilton.

Kelly Jae's Cafe, located in the heart of historic downtown Goshen's shopping district, offers an eclectic menu featuring a Spanish tapas concept with an Asian flair. The menu is complemented by a full bar of liquor, beer and wine.

Like most businesses in downtown Goshen, Kelly Jae's Cafe is in a beautifully restored storefront... it was a 5 and 10 back in the day! Hardwood floors, brick walls and an original tin ceiling lend an urban feel and set the stage for a stunning dining experience. While some like to get dressed up to celebrate a special occasion at Kelly Jae's, there is no dress code. Come as you are!

Historic downtown Goshen is a vibrant shopping, dining, and arts district. Visitors will find a unique array of antique stores, book stores, boutiques and retail stores, art galleries, a Farmer's Market, old-style candy stores, live theatre, and of course... Kelly Jae's Cafe!

Kelly is featured in Bloomington food critic Christine Barbour's book "Indiana Cooks!" as one of the top fifteen chefs in Indiana. Recipes include her signature Wasabi-Pea Encrusted Salmon with Soy Ginger Glaze and her fabulous Crabcakes with Tomato-Caper Aioli. You can buy this book at Better World Books, just around the corner from Kelly Jae's Cafe! Kelly's recipes have been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens "Simply Perfect Desserts" In 2006, we were contacted by Bon Appetit Magazine, at the request of Kendra Hendon of Mishawaka for Kelly's recipe for Lamb Meatballs with Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli. Kelly's recipe was featured in the December, 2006 issue of Bon Appetit! Fans of Kelly's cooking include: Liv Tyler, Steve Buscemi, Mary Kay Place, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and his wife Maggie, Al Roker from the "Today Show," Scott Hamilton. Here's what Liv Tyler, who stayed with us during the filming of the movie "Lonesome Jim" has to say about Kelly's food - "I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in New York and around the world. Kelly's amazing food rivals any of the restaurants I've ever been to. Thanks for all the great meals! Love... Liv'