The annual NICE Awards recognize Chicagoland members of NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) and ILEA (International Live Events Association) for their accomplishments within the special events industry. The joint awards ceremony celebrates achievements in the areas of event planning, catering, entertainment, creative and support services. We are proud that Catering By Michaels is nominated for (and the recipient of!) many of these awards each year.

2017 NICE Awards

This year, Catering by Michaels is honored to have won the following awards:

• Best Catered Event, On or Off Premise – The NFL Draft.
• Best Buffet Presentation, On or Off Premise – Ramen Station at Modern Luxury Magazine’s Issue Release Party. 
• Best Plated Presentation, On or Off Premise – Mediterranean Sea bass at the ILEA Chicago Masters Dinner.
• Best Creative Cocktail or Beverage Presentation – Martini’s & Oysters were a fan favorite.

Ramen Station at Modern Luxury Magazine’s Issue Release Party

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Congratulations to our 2017 graduating class! It’s time to celebrate the achievements of your high school or college graduate with a memorable party for their closest friends and family. Make this day extra special and stress-free with graduation party food catered straight to your home or another location.

Read on for everything you need to throw the perfect grad party, with a focus on the food of course.

Throw a Backyard BBQ Party

Choose from a selection of traditional and unique BBQ packages. Or, hand select à la carte items and mouthwatering desserts from our new summer delivery menu. An outdoor party is simple and fun, especially when the weather is nice.

Entrees

• Pulled BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
• Orange Herb Grilled Salmon (gluten-free)
• Taco Bar*

*Let guests make their own tacos with our Miniature Tinga De Pollo Taco Bar. The taco bar includes shredded chicken that has been slow cooked, plus queso fresca, and additional toppings.

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Feel like you’re scrambling to plan a Mother’s Day that’s special and memorable for all? Don’t stress, we have just the answer. This Mother’s Day, skip going out for an overpriced meal on this busy day, and instead host a fabulous champagne brunch at home, the park, or another special location. Here’s everything you’ll need to impress mom and your guests.

Mother’s Day: The Food

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Spring may be in the air, but this week we’re reminiscing about James + Jane’s romantic winter wedding at Ovation. Maybe it was the light snow falling, or the flickering candlelight and perfectly placed succulents + florals that made this wedding one to remember. Either way, it was an absolute pleasure to work with these Chicago natives, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of their very magical day.

All photography provided by the very talented Jordan Imhoff.

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Catering By Michaels understands the importance of common food allergies and intolerances, including gluten sensitivity. For our guests who are gluten-free, we are happy to offer a large selection of gluten-free menu options that are thoughtfully crafted to ensure that they still taste delicious. All of our full-service and delivery menus include appetizers, entrees, and desserts that your gluten-free guests (and gluten guests!) are sure to love.

Here are some of our customer favorites:

CAPRESE BITES 

Cherry tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella marinated in balsamico and pesto, garnished with a Parmesan frico chip.

CHIPOTLE SHRIMP ELOTE CUPS

Grilled & marinated chipotle BBQ shrimp on a bed of Mexican corn salad set in a tortilla cup, garnished with crumbled feta cheese, Mexican crema and cilantro.

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