Whether or not you have experience working with catering companies, it can be hard to choose the best service option for your specific event. What’s the difference between full service and delivery? Let’s break it down and take a look at each different service type and what they include.
Here’s a quick visual summary via an infographic:
And now we’ll take a more in-depth look at each…
With 4th of July landing on a Wednesday this year, festivities are taking place all week long. For some, 4th of July means packing the cooler with sandwiches and drinks and heading straight to the beach all day long. For others, it means gathering all your friends and family over for a BBQ at the house or in the park.
If you are planning a BBQ, we know hosting can be a handful, especially when it comes to planning the menu. It’s your party! You should be able to mix and mingle freely and not feel trapped in the kitchen.
If you’re familiar with Catering by Michaels, you know seasonality is important to us. Our chefs work hard to put together dishes that not only taste great but plate great as well. Our summer menu offers small bites, side dishes, main dishes, and desserts. So, whether you are interested in a fully catered menu or just some additional side dishes, we will work with you to make sure everything is perfect.
If a BBQ means taking out the grill and throwing on some meat and veggies, we can leave the mains to you while taking care of any additional side dishes and apps.
Our summer menu features a variety of fresh, crisp salad options. From our classic BBQ Chicken Salad to our Watermelon & Feta Salad, you’ll be able to satisfy both vegetarians and meat lovers, alike.
If you’re planning a long day of enjoyment, you’ll have no problem keeping everyone’s appetite at bay with our selection of starters. Our customers are loving our Sliced Domestic Cheese Basket, Summer Maki Roll Assortment, and Summer Jump Shrimp Sampler.
We get it (and don’t blame you) if you don’t feel like cooking. We will happily cater your whole menu! A few recommendations from our staff: Bone-In BBQ Marinated Chicken, Pulled BBQ Pork, and Beef Tenderloin. Or choose from one of our many other main dish options.
All of our items come already cooked and prepared. All you have to worry about is what to eat first!
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:
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!
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.
The hamburger is an American staple and can be enjoyed at restaurants around the world. Many chefs have tried to master the ultimate burger but Au Cheval has the battle for best burger under wraps.
Chicago is a city known for exceptional cuisine and although Au Cheval has only been around since 2012, it has more than earned its reputation. Patrons will stand in line for hours just to taste what Bon Appetit and The Food Network call “America’s best burger”. The lines may be long but we promise, it’s worth the wait. Locals, tourists, foodies, and celebrities all agree that if you’re going to eat a burger in Chicago, this is the place to go.
The restaurant is set up like a diner with long countertops and an open kitchen concept, making guests feel right at home. The menu serves up classics—but with their own twist. Patron’s favorites include Au Cheval’s crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy, scrambled eggs with foie gras, and of course, the burger.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Au Cheval
The famed Au Cheval burger is simple: it’s the combination of and attention to detail with ingredients that make it so great. Each and every ingredient adds another layer of flavor, building it up to masterpiece status.
The patty is made with prime beef and is grilled to a perfect medium rare (don’t you dare ask for yours to be “well done”!). After the meat is sizzling hot, a layer of American cheese is melted between each patty. The cheesy burger is then placed onto a gently toasted bun, delivered fresh from Z Bakery and then toasted under the salamander-like broiler, on both sides.
Once you’ve got the basics covered, you can order your burger naked or dressed. If you opt for the “dressed” route, expect a final product that’s smothered in dijonnaise: a dangerously delicious sauce made of lemon juice, mayo, and dijon mustard.
If you are feeling fancy, you can even add on a fried egg (au cheval translates in French to “on horseback”, or in this case, refers to “a fried egg on top”), some thick-cut bacon, or three ounces of silky foie gras. You’ll also have the choice between a single (two patties) or a double (three patties). The burger sits high on its white throne, next to a crisp pickle. If you still have room left, give one of their thick, creamy floats a whirl.
Located at 800 W Randolph St., if the line doesn’t catch your eye, the smell certainly will. So, next time you find yourself in the windy city, add Au Cheval to your list of restaurants to visit.
What’s your favorite thing about the warmer weather? For us, it’s weekends spent with good friends and great food.
With Spring coming to an end, and Summer right around the corner, we’ve got just the recipe for BBQ fun in the sun!
When it comes to throwing the perfect party, we know how important the menu is. When you’re a social butterfly, finding time to cook and entertain can be a challenge. Trying to please everyone when one guest is gluten-free and another is a vegetarian (and don’t forget about diary allergies) can really cut into your available time to enjoy the party! We understand the struggle, which is why our chefs work hard to ensure that there’s a bite of something delicious for everyone.
Seasonality is a foodie’s best friend, which is why we focus on seasonal ingredients that are sure to delight. By selecting fruits and veggies in season, everyone gets a fresh meal that they can feel good about.
Locking down a winning menu for your backyard BBQ is priority number one. When the sun is beating hot, nothing cools guests down quite like our refreshing watermelon & feta salad (which is both gluten-free and vegetarian). This Summer favorite tames sweet and salty cravings in one flavorful forkful.
Will you and guests be throwing back a beer or two? Pair your brews with our mini sandwiches. A recommendation? The miniature Piri-Piri Turkey Sandwich. It’s made up of smoked turkey breast, piri-piri sauce, avocado, sunflower seed aillade, tomato, mixed greens and garlic aioli on a freshly baked herbed ciabatta roll. Or our mini Italian beef sandwiches.
Of course, with so many tasty options available, you’ll want to take a peek at our full Summer menu.
