We’ve all heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. With Father’s Day less just a few days away, we thought it would be fun to ask dads throughout the company about their favorite summer meals.

Here are some of the most common answers to this question, based on our own catering menu offerings:

• Mozzarella Tomato Salad
• Elote Corn
• Ceviche
• Shrimp Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Salsa Verde with Chips
• Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs
• Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders
• Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
• Blueberry Cobbler

Sensing a theme of fresh, grilled, and seasonal, we picked two of our favorite recipes to cook up for Dad next weekend. Make them yourself or put in a catering order and we’ll take over it for you!

MOZZARELLA TOMATO SALAD

Yield: 3lb

1 ½ lb mozzarella balls
1 ½ lb cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2/3 cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup baby spinach
½ tsp fresh peeled garlic, roughly chopped
¾ cup olive oil
½ cup white balsamic vinegar
¼ cup dark balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to season

Combine the basil, spinach and garlic in a blender. Drizzle in the olive oil slowly while the blender is running to emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste, then strain the mixture through cheesecloth if desired, or leave as is.  Reserve on the side.

Bring the white balsamic vinegar to a boil and reduce by half to thicken. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Reserve on the side.

Just before serving, toss the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, oil and reduced white balsamic.  Season with salt and pepper if needed, then drizzle with the dark balsamic glaze.

BLUEBERRY COBBLER

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Sustainability is a crucial responsibility for everyone in modern times, but companies that operate within the food industry are in the position to have a huge effect on the matter – negative or positive.

At Catering by Michaels, we recognize the great potential there is for both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste contributions for every event we cater. As such, we believe we have a larger than average responsibility to support sustainable development.

Catering by Michaels cares about sustainability. The proof is in the fact that we’re Green Seal Certified and Green Restaurant Certified – the only caterer in the world that can make the claim for both certifications. Sustainability factors into everything we do, and our company’s efforts range from:

• Waste minimization
• Energy efficiency
• Water efficiency
• Purchasing

We are also direct influences on employee commuting and education. By encouraging sustainable best practices beyond expectations on the job, our efforts can have a much bigger impact.

Now that you understand the high-level view of our commitment to sustainability, let’s take a look at easy ways to make your event more sustainable.

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Now that Mother’s Day is a happy memory for 2016, it’s time to focus on the other most important person in your life – dad. After all he’s done to help shape you into the amazing person you’ve become, it’s time to celebrate him – and spoil him a little!

As everyone knows, the way to dad’s heart is through his stomach. Show him you care with a menu that reflects his manly palette.

Here’s the special menu Catering by Michaels will be serving up this Father’s Day!

Sour Cherry Old Fashioned
Whiskey, cherry liqueur, cherry syrup, sour cherry garnish.

Chipotle BBQ Shrimp Skewers wrapped in Bacon

Tenderloin Sliders
Seared tenderloin, truffle aïoli, caramelized onions, brioche bun.

Beer & Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
Cavatappi noodles, beer & cheddar cheese sauce, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese.

Candy Bar Parfaits
Chocolate cremeux, salted peanut caramel, fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings.

Prepare to be refreshed. Our sour cherry old fashioned is a fresh, summery twist on an old favorite. Dad will love it, and we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy it, too. If only all cocktails had this much attention to detail.

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Congratulations to the graduating class of 2016, whether you’re just finishing middle school, transitioning from high school to college, or at the end of your educational career. We’re inspired by the young minds that will be shaping the future. And we also are excited to play a part in many local graduates’ party plans and helping them celebrate their achievements!

Catering by Michaels has two delivery menus that perfectly suit graduation parties set in the summer.

We have a Summer Menu, featuring fresh ingredients and bright colors. Entrees focus on handhelds, and desserts allow for a little bit of indulgence.

Then, there’s the Tailgating Menu that’s reminiscent of barbecue favorites and is sure to please even the pickiest eater at the party.

Let’s take a look at some of our customer’s favorites from each graduation party catering menu that may double as inspiration for your graduation party catering menu.

Summer Catering Menu

Start things out on a refreshingly healthy note with our watermelon and feta salad. This unexpected flavor pairing is just what a summer graduation party needs.

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Chicago has recently become more and more sought after as a destination for prestigious events that the whole nation watches eagerly. Most recently, Chicago played host to the James Beard Awards. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s basically the Oscars for restaurateurs. Just days before that, Chicago played host to the NFL Draft. Needless to say, it’s been a busy month in the second city!

2016 was actually the second time that both the James Beard Awards and the NFL Draft were in Chicago. We’re hoping to see both events in Chicago for the foreseeable future, and it’s looking like it may happen (with a definite yes for the James Beard Awards)!

On a more personal note with regards to these exciting happenings, Catering by Michaels was honored to be chosen as the exclusive caterer for this year’s NFL Draft Town VIP areas. Obviously, we were excited to have the event in Chicago again and even more excited to be able to take part in it!

Here’s a look at the event and the delicious treats we made for attendees.

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