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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Due to the nature of our business, we find ourselves involved in a number of spectacular events each year. As 2016 winds down, we’ve taken a step back to look at all the amazing special events we were privileged to be a part of and wanted to share a few of our favorites.

Here are our top 10 events on 2016:

1.  Modern Luxury Magazine Promotional Event at Artifact Events
   

   Working alongside an incredible vendor team, we put together an amazing promotional event for Modern Luxury Magazine at one of our favorite event spaces – Artifact Events. Here are some of the food items we served that are making us hungry just thinking about them:

SWEET PEA PANNA COTTA

Shrimp, green machine sautée, bacon cube, lemon aïoli,
pain de tuille served in a disposable oval dish.

MINIATURE SPICY TUNA MAKI PUSH-POPS

Layers of ahi tuna, cucumber and spicy Japanese aioli
garnished with red tobikko.

DUCK FAT FRIED CHICKEN STATION

Presented in a smoke infused glass dome.

Duck fat fried chicken drizzled with smoky sriracha sauce
and served over house made cheddar bacon popcorn.

Event Rentals: Tablescapes | Decor: Kehoe Designs | Venue: Artifact Events

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Chicago and it’s neighboring areas provide many exciting opportunities for companies looking for different ways to bring employees together – specifically, team outings. While the standard go-to may point to a White Sox outing or group day at Six Flags Great America, we challenge you to consider something a little more low key. Catering By Michaels is helping Chicagoland companies bring employees together with corporate picnics.

Here’s why corporate picnics are so much better than the aforementioned alternatives.

Food brings people together

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It’s festival season in Chicago and our favorite music festival, Lollapalooza, is right around the corner! We’ve been privileged to take part in catering Lollapalooza for the VIP & Platinum Lounges for the past 6 years. In the spirit of this upcoming event, we’d love to share the positive impact we’ve had in our previous involvements with the festival.

For those of you not familiar with this popular festival, here are some impressive Lollapalooza facts by the numbers:

• Over 160,000 fans in attendance over 3 days (this year it will be 4 days!)
• 130+ performing musical artists (both emerging and world famous)
• 115 acres within Grant Park and multiple stages spread out to take advantage of the space
• 25+ years of continued excellence

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Are you looking for a little something extra from your catering company?

We love full service events, because they give us the chance to bring new life to our catering offerings, and customize dishes based on each guest’s unique preferences

We’re talking of course about our various action stations – staffed by friendly and knowledgeable chefs trained to put a smile on your face while your dish is being prepared.

Our most requested action stations include:

• Ramen Station
• Raclette Station
• Champagne & Seafood Cart

Let’s take a look at what makes each one special.

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