For those who know the Chicago culinary scene, it is no surprise to see restaurants, bars, and professionals in the food and beverage world named among the best in America by the James Beard Foundation. Known as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards are among the highest honors for those in the food and beverage industry in the U.S., from chefs to food journalists.

The Windy City had no issues blowing the competition out of the water in the “Best Chef: Great Lakes” category with 13 out of 20 individuals named showcasing their work in Chicago. However, the city’s dominance extended far beyond regional success.

Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, of Boka Restaurant Group, made the list of “Best Restaurateurs”.

Michelin-starred Boka was the groups’ first restaurant, opening in 2013. Today, it is one of 19 individually crafted, conceptually unique entities under the group’s umbrella. Also in its impressive portfolio, you’ll find Girl & the Goat (one of the most difficult places to get a reservation in the country—but worth the effort) and GT Fish & Oyster.

Chicago’s culinary scene also saw a couple rising stars make the list of “Best New Restaurants”. Chef Diana Davila brings to life a whirlwind mixture of regional Mexican specialties, Mexican fusion, and established favorites at Mi Tocaya Antojeria. Last year, Eater named Mi Tocaya Antojeria as “the new star of Chicago’s Mexican scene”—and it seems that those handing out awards at the James Beard Foundation were keen to agree.

Also on the list of best new restaurants in the nation was Lost Lake, which plates up a “tropical oasis-meets-flotsam strewn island hut” vibe.

However, it was North Pond, headed by Chef Bruce Sherman, that stepped up to make the list of “Outstanding Restaurants” in this year’s awards. In the middle of Lincoln Park, the restaurant serves dishes inspired by ingredients found in local markets at the height of their season, creating complex, subtle layers of flavor.

Though Chef Sherman’s restaurant might have garnered a prestigious JBA accolade, Chef Tony Mantuano, of Spiaggia, and Chef Carrie Nahabedian, of NAHA, made it on the “Outstanding Chef” list.

Operating Chicago’s only four-star Italian restaurant, Chef Mantuano is no stranger to the receiving a JBA, having secured “Best Chef: Midwest” in 2005. Prior to opening Spiaggia in 1984, Chef Mantuano worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy. Clearly, there really was no surprise to see him among those honored with a JBA this year.

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Moms do so much for us. They’re always willing to give advice (solicited or not!), always have a shoulder to cry on when things get tough, and best of all—they love us no matter what. Then there’s the fact that they’re the reason why we’re here in the first place!

With all of these things in mind, it only seems fair to give back on Mother’s Day. Moms give so much every day of the year—the least we can do is give them a day of relaxation and appreciation!

One way to show mom just how much she means to you is by organizing a Mother’s Day brunch in her honor. And just so mom doesn’t feel any pressure to cook or clean up on her special day, consider ordering a delicious delivered brunch from Catering by Michaels.

Below are a few brunch ideas, but as always, we can customize a menu based on mom’s favorites:

SWEET STARTERS/BUFFET SELECTION

MINIATURE SWEETS DU JOUR

Assorted quickbreads, scones, muffins, danish and croissants.

HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY & COCONUT GRANOLA BARS

FRENCH TOAST KEBOBS

Glazed with a caramel Grand Marnier sauce with fresh grilled pineapple and strawberry.

APPETIZERS AND SIDES

DEVILED EGGS WITH SMOKED SALMON & TOBIKKO

SPRINGTIME SALAD 

Mesclun greens, romaine, red leaf lettuce and spinach, celery, scallions, mandarin oranges, strawberries and glazed sliced almonds in our homemade strawberry vinaigrette.

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Recent findings by MIT showed that after factoring in costs like car insurance, gas, and wear and tear while on the job, the average driver in a ride-sharing program like Uber or Lyft makes just $3.37 per hour.

And that’s not the only reason why you might want to consider an alternative to this typical side hustle staple—those working as contractors for companies like Uber, Lyft, and Postmates have to deal with customers without a lot of support. If they’re angry about a ride or order, or have dangerous tendencies, you’re on your own when it comes to finding a resolution within that interaction.

Plus, there’s the fact that working as an independent contractor can get downright lonely sometimes. Although it’s empowering to set your own hours, you definitely miss out on the friendly banter and the team feel that comes with a slightly more organized work structure.

What if we told you that you could design a side hustle around your schedule, while providing the support (and camaraderie) of a team, with the promise of up to $16/hour plus tips?

Catering as a Side Hustle: Is it For You?

Whether you have a current gig or not, working in catering is great for earning in the hours outside of the typical 9 to 5 job.

The most opportunities to fit in shifts occur during the summer, where graduation parties and other outside celebrations run rampant. With this in mind, many of our part-timers are teachers—looking to earn a bit more during their downtime, perhaps to make money for a downpayment on a house or new car.

Like many other positions currently available in the gig economy, you don’t need a lot of experience to apply to the roles currently open at Catering by Michaels!

Here are the basic traits we look for in new employees:

• Responsible
• Reliable
• Passionate
• Good presentation
• Available to work in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs OR Independence Grove in Libertyville
• Good English speaking skills or (preferably) bilingual English/Spanish
• Have a car—we often work outside of public transportation accessible areas

If you embody these traits and fit these requirements, we have an opportunity for almost any type of interest.

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Whether you’re a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan, there’s no getting around that giddy feeling of the Major League Baseball season opening in Chicago. The first recorded game in Chicago was played in August 1851—to give you some perspective on how deep you have to dig to find the sport’s roots in the Windy City.

Much to the chagrin of New York Yankee standout Derek Jeter, now the owner of the Miami Marlins, the Cubs started the season hitting it out of the park—quite literally.

The Cub’s leadoff batter and center fielder Ian Happ took a swing at the first pitch of the season, a middle-middle fastball from the Marlins’ Jose Urena. Happ sent the ball over the right-field fence before jogging in the first of eight runs to leave the Cubs on top, 8-4.

It’s simply hard to think of a better way for the Cubbies to start the season.

The Sox rolled up their sleeves and got to work late last month, after having been pummeled in Spring training by the Kansas City Royals. Thankfully, when it counts, the Southsiders were able to walk away with back-to-back wins against the Royals, 14-7 and 4-3.

Even if the Cubs or Sox didn’t manage to put their best foot forward at the beginning of the season, there’s no doubt that every true fan in the city would do everything in their power to be at the first home game—rain, snow, or shine.

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The Windy City is full of opportunities to set your wedding, reception, corporate event, fundraiser, gala dinner, silent auction, fashion show or other special event apart.

The variety of unique venues that work with Catering by Michaels are bound to be able to provide the exact atmosphere, mood, and moments you want to capture at your next big event.

Embrace the Outdoors

Opened in March 2001, Independence Grove is a 1,100-acre preserve and recreational area in Libertyville, Illinois.

Prepared to host events throughout the year, Independence Grove offers a variety of venues among the sprawling fields and forested areas:

• The Native Garden, complete with a waterfall, wildflowers, and greenery.
• The Beach, which can be booked from June to Labor Day.
• The rustic Audubon Hall, built from cedar, stone, and glass, complete with a fireplace, built-in bar and panoramic view of the lake.

And, there are a number of additional options—both indoor and outdoor—that celebrate the beauty of the preserve!

Between a Book’s Covers

When most people think of the Chicago Public Library, they do not think “event venue.” However, the Harold Washington Library Center offers a number of unique settings for your next event.

On the ninth floor, there is the spacious atrium of the Winter Garden—the architectural centerpiece of the Harold Washington Library Center. With marble floors and a terrazzo, this location can offer seating for up to 400 people.

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