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 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. As a child, Kelly split her time between Indiana and Anguilla, and has also traveled extensively.

Her cooking style is heavily influenced by her global experiences. Kelly is passionate about creating new and exciting flavors and is strongly committed to utilizing local, organically grown ingredients whenever possible. She has been named one of the Top Ten Chefs in Indiana in the book Indiana Cooks! by Bloomington food critic Christine Barbour, and her recipes have been featured in Bon Appetit, Better Homes and Gardens Simply Perfect Desserts and Midwest Living. She has had the honor of cooking for the likes of Mayor Richard Daley, Liv Tyler & Steve Buscemi.

Kelly Jae's Café is jointly run by partner Karen Kennedy. Karen has managed restaurants in Chicago (for such noted restaurant groups as Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises at Chicago's Pump Room) and in Vermont. She is also an experienced singer and stage performer.

Kelly and Karen ran The Checkerberry Inn together for eight years, and co-created Citrus, an American Bistro. They are energetic, passionate, hands-on owner/operators who can be found serving guests nearly every day at Kelly Jae's Café. 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. Chef/Owner Kelly Jae Graff, formerly Executive Chef of the Checkerberry Inn's restaurant, Citrus an American Bistro, has been featured as one of the top fifteen chefs in the state of Indiana in the cookbook, "Indiana Cooks" by Bloomington author Christine Barbour. Her recipes have also appeared in "Bon Appetit," "Midwest Living," and Better Homes and Gardens "Simply Perfect Desserts."

The interior of Kelly Jae's Cafe is simply beautiful. Hardwood floors and antique brick walls set the atmosphere while the scent of delicious food accents it perfectly. With a unique dining experience, Kelly Jae's can serve as a casual or formal meeting place. You simply need to see it to believe it.

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'