May 4, 2017

How to Plan a Memorable Mother’s Day Brunch

May 4, 2017

How to Plan a Memorable Mother’s Day Brunch

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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March 28, 2017

Celebrating Passover

March 28, 2017

Celebrating Passover

We love catering Jewish holidays and celebrations, like Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.

This year, Passover begins on Tuesday, April 11th. The eight-day festival is a commemoration of the Jewish people’s freedom from slavery in Egypt. Food is especially important in the observance of this holiday. When the Jewish people left Egypt, they didn’t have time to wait for their bread to rise, so they ate unleavened bread. That is why matzo is eaten during Passover.

Catering by Michaels’ Passover menu includes unique takes on traditional matzah such as Apple Matzo Kugel, Matzo Crusted Mozzarella Sticks, and Honey Pecan Matzo-crusted Chicken. Of course, everyone’s favorite Matzo Ball Soup is also available.

Passover Matzo ball soup

Matzo Farfel Stuffed Apricot Chicken

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What better time than the week of St. Patrick’s Day to talk about a green event I love?

For some, this year’s Spring Columbia College Chicago (CCC) Open House is just another event on campus. But for Catering by Michaels, it represents a real sense of nostalgia for our company’s sustainability mission. 

Let’s back up a bit…

Columbia College Chicago hosts an open house for both undergraduate and graduate admissions twice a year. It’s the largest admissions event on campus, with anywhere between 5,000 and 7,000 guests on campus each semester. Our team has been honored to have a consistent role in these events, catering every Open House since 2011. Here’s a little known fact: It’s actually our partnership with Columbia College Chicago that kickstarted our commitment to sustainability. 

I had been working with them for some time, and they asked what we could do to make the event more sustainable. As one of our biggest clients, I was obliged to do anything in my power to fulfill their request. I brought the topic to our management, and the rest is history! It’s been really exciting to see how Catering by Michaels and Columbia College have grown in the direction of sustainability together.

For this particular event, we send all food in reusable baskets, and on platters and trays. Additionally, we provide compostable plate ware, flatware, and napkins. Our staff is trained up on recycling and composting best practices, and guides any confused guests through what goes where. 

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December 13, 2016

Hanukkah Holiday Treats + Eats

December 13, 2016

Hanukkah Holiday Treats + Eats

Gather round the table, we’ll give you a treat. Spinning tops to play with and good things to eat. Cheer comes in all forms throughout the holiday season and for those of Jewish faith, it takes shape through the celebration of Hanukkah (aka The Festival of Lights).

Unlike other holidays within the Jewish calendar that require individuals to fast and abstain from work, such as Passover, Sukkot, and Yom Kippur, Hanukkah festivities are filled with games, gifts, and feasting. Beginning the evening of December 24, many families light menorahs, one candle each night and children receive gifts throughout, such as gelt or money. Games using small wooden tops called dreidels are also played. The dreidel is adorned with lettering across each of its sides that when read together translates to — a great miracle happened there.

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November 8, 2016

Thanksgiving Without the Stress and Mess!

November 8, 2016

Thanksgiving Without the Stress and Mess!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and waiting till the last minute to plan can add unnecessary stress. Thanksgiving is the time to enjoy family and food, and give thanks for your good fortune. But, all of that can get undercut if you’re overwhelmed by all the prep that goes into hosting a big turkey dinner. This year, let us handle the stress and mess, so that you can maximize family time.

Catering by Michaels will deliver a delicious Thanksgiving feast right to your door. Enjoy a traditional homemade dinner without the workload. And choose from a variety of traditional or non-traditional sides and pies to customize your Thanksgiving meal.

Guests will definitely go back for seconds of Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, and our Butter Toffee Apple Pie always gets rave reviews. Add don’t forget to order our favorite White Cheddar Mac & Cheese for those picky eaters or just to up the comfort quotient.

View our entire Thanksgiving menu here.

Thanksgiving Herb crusted turkey and Thanksgiving dinner

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