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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June 14, 2017

6 Push Pops to Help You Stay Cool This Summer In Chicago

June 14, 2017

6 Push Pops to Help You Stay Cool This Summer In Chicago

What could possibly be more fun this summer than a push pop? Nothing really. That’s why we’ve recreated our favorite childhood treat with a variety of fun, colorful, and refreshing fillings that make for a perfect addition to your summer entertaining.

First up is our frozen margarita push pops (adults only) cause no summer gathering is complete without a little boozy treat. And for the kiddos, we have our frozen watermelon push pops that will give your event (and their tongues) a real POP of color.

 Our “fruishi” push pops are a fun fishless and kid-friendly alternative to our traditional sushi push pops, using seasonal ingredients such as kiwi, strawberry, and mango. Or for those that prefer to include a fish option, our ceviche push pops are always a winner.

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April 11, 2017

Chicago Venues We Love: Independence Grove

April 11, 2017

Chicago Venues We Love: Independence Grove

If we could pick a favorite event venue, it would have to be Independence Grove. Ok, we’ll admit it – we’re a bit biased!

Events at Independence Grove: Quick Facts

Events at Independence Grove is the exclusive caterer and event management partner of Independence Grove Forest Preserve, and is a Catering by Michaels company. The venue opened in March of 2001, and was specifically designed with a premium visitor experience in mind. It is open year-round to host various events and celebrations.

Independence Grove is located in Libertyville, Illinois in a 1,100-acre nature preserve and recreation area. People know it for its pristine beauty and secluded setting. It’s been described as a Midwestern one-of-a-kind treasure because of its natural calmness, beautiful grassland and stunning lake views. Because of this, hosting an event at Independence Grove will provide a truly unique and memorable backdrop for any type of wedding, social or corporate event.

Independence Grove

There are three main event categories we normally get bookings for at Independence Grove.

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