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…


March 5, 2020

ILEA Masters’ Dinner 2020

March 5, 2020

ILEA Masters’ Dinner 2020

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…


February 25, 2020

Our Favorite Recipes: Parmesan Artichoke Dip

February 25, 2020

Our Favorite Recipes: Parmesan Artichoke Dip

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.

Catering by Michaels Artichoke Parmesan Dip

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July 29, 2019

The Geraghty: Redefining Chicago Event Venues

July 29, 2019

The Geraghty: Redefining Chicago Event Venues

From acclaimed events designer and tastemaker Tom Kehoe comes The Geraghty, a sophisticated and diverse space intent on redefining the standard for custom event venues. Located in the up-and-coming Pilsen neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, it is the perfect place for all your social events.

With his background as an event designer, Kehoe has brought together everything you need to pull off a flawless event. From the size and design of the place, to the smallest decor details, The Geraghty’s purpose is to make events easier to plan and manage. 

Designed by industry visionaries, The Geraghty was built to be fully customizable: the perfect backdrop for event designers to execute any vision. But even if you don’t have an event designer in mind for an event you want to plan, there’s no need to worry.

The Geraghty is owned by a decor company that offers in-house separators and drapes that you can hang from their 22-foot ceilings to change up how different rooms are defined for specific events. The 25,000 square feet of open space can seat 800 guests comfortably and can fit up to 1000 standing guests or more (with the right permits).

Beautiful indoor space for weddings, corporate and social events

Visit The Geraghty on a normal day and you’ll be impressed by the modern industrial feel of the place.

When you walk in, you’ll be greeted with giant chandeliers in mixed metal at the entryway. Walk into the event space itself and you’ll find high-end decor, custom chandeliers, and lounge furniture that you can also use for your event. 

The Geraghty's state-of-the-art technology venue

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I feel like we say this every year, but 2017 truly was one for the books. Once again, we found ourselves involved with a number of innovative events that pushed us to be more creative than ever. But no challenge is too great for our team! We relish in the opportunity to design and cater unique events that our clients and their guests will be talking about for years to come.

To get a taste of what we were up to in 2017, here are 7 events that truly defined the year:

  1. ILEA Chicago Master’s Dinner

    ILEA is the International Live Events Association. During their signature Masters Dinner, we take the opportunity to showcase our creativity through brand new plated menu items. With plenty of industry peers in attendance, the pressure is on to go above and beyond! 

Beef Tartare Setup at ILIA Master's Dinner

For this event, the first course, main course, and dessert were all new items. Pictured above, a special set up for Beef Tartare. Below, a Plated Heirloom Root Vegetable Salad.

Heirloom Root Vegetable Salad ILEA Master's Dinner

Linens: BBJ Linen | Decor: HMR Designs | Venue: Chez Chicago

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