March Madness is here! Are you ready to get crazy?

The next four weeks will have you running through all of your emotions in short succession: screaming, laughing, and crying.

It’s all part of the process of determining who will be the next NCAA basketball champions. And if you are going to make it through the championship game, you’ll need to provide fuel for your viewing party guests.

The best way to do that is to have a fantastic line-up — of treats! Doing this will keep everyone energized, focused, and sharp throughout the game.

Here are our picks for five easy-to-make snacks that everyone will love. You’ll have a big win with these refreshments, even if your team loses.Read More…

We were proud to be the caterer once again for the ILEA (International Live Events Association) Chicago Chapter’s annual Masters’ Dinner.

The dinner took place after the Day of Education. Invited attendees included only those ILEA members who have worked in the special events industry for a minimum of 10 years or have been a business owner for a minimum of 5. Conversation and conviviality filled this lovely evening!Read More…

It’s no secret we love food. We love to cook it, eat it, and share it. To celebrate the vast Catering by Michaels repertoire, we want to take an opportunity to share some of those items which have become perennial favorites with clients and the entire Catering by Michaels family alike.

Today, we take a look at the humble and oh-so-delicious Parmesan Artichoke Dip.

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Who else is excited to see which food trends kick start the 2020’s?

Foodies are trendsetters, so we know most of our readers are eager to dig in!

The role of the Culinary Analyst at Catering by Michaels serves as the point person in the perfect position to see what our clients prefer at any particular time — with implications for the general population.

Last year (2019) was a big year for special dietary needs. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free foods were very popular, and we frequently catered to more unique diets such as keto and paleo.

Plant-based meat substitutes are also growing in demand. Nowadays, we always have an option for non-meat eaters which is something our industry didn’t really do 10 to 15 years ago.

As with all the rest of these food trends in 2020, we’re excited to be able to offer many options for all event guests.

The Top Food Trends for 2020

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Valentine’s Day is the day to show those you love how much you care. Some people believe it’s only for romantic love, but the truth is far from it.

Research has shown that sometimes more people celebrate February 14th with their friends and family, rather than their lovers (Valentine’s Day, anyone?).

In 2015, U.S. News reported on a survey from the National Retail Federation that revealed almost 60% of shoppers in the US planned to give gifts to their family and friends for Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, over 20% were shopping for their pets!

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