My name is Lisa Ware and I am the Director of Business Development & Special Projects at Catering by Michaels. I have been writing each week about our journey through COVID-19. This is about my personal experience as we have been living through COVID-19 in our business. If you have not yet read the previous episodes – be sure to start from the beginning!
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.
Handy Tips for Planning a Chicago New Year’s Eve Event
For many people, nothing beats spending New Year’s Eve at home. The calm of knowing you won’t miss a table at your favorite restaurant or have to make compromises because things don’t go as planned is an appealing way to usher in the new year.
Whether you chill out on the couch all night or have some friends and family over, these tips will help ensure a great night:
Avoid FOMO
FOMO is the fear of missing out on something legendary which might happen…and you won’t be there to witness it. Being anxious that you’re missing out on something big somewhere else (fireworks, anyone?) isn’t the best way to spend your time.
The goal is to enjoy your space, with your couch and with your friends. Don’t be all over social media viewing everyone’s posts or glancing longingly out the window — unless you have a great view.
If you think you might miss something important, then perhaps you should go out. Who knows, you might actually have fun!
4 Things to Do in Chicago this Christmas
Christmas in Chicago is certainly something to be excited about! The city offers something for everyone looking to enjoy and spread the cheer. This happy holiday mood starts at Thanksgiving and lasts all through New Year’s Eve.
You will definitely find seasonal fun in the many magical traditions; from the displays, to the ceremonies, and the food (ah, yes, the food!). If you’re torn when it comes to deciding on things to do with your loved ones celebrating Christmas in Chicago this year, get inspired by these activities to provide a memorable holiday experience.
#1: Attend top Christmas shows and concerts
Is there a better way to spread the cheer than to sing along to Christmas carols, jingle bells, and Handel? While some of the most high-profile concerts of the season don’t happen until the last day on New Year’s Eve, there’s still plenty to see during the rest of the Christmas season.
One of the most interesting shows to attend is Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”. Showing at the beautiful Auditorium Theater, from November 30 to December 29, The Nutcracker is an annual holiday ballet that pays homage to the city and its inhabitants. It has been showing since 1987!
Additionally, Mannheim Steamroller, the top-selling holiday act of all time, continues to spread the Yuletide cheer throughout the US and luckily, they will be performing in Chicago.
A Special Father’s Day Menu
Now that Mother’s Day is over, it’s time to give Dad’s day the attention it deserves. Last year, we shared a Father’s Day menu that we catered for the holiday. This year, we’re serving up another special menu we created just for Father’s Day, along with a shrimp pico de gallo recipe that Dad is sure to love — and you can make anytime!
BOURBON MAPLE SMASH
Bourbon, maple syrup, fresh orange juice,
angostura bitters, sparkling water, orange garnish.
SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP PICO DE GALLO
Baby shrimp, avocado, onion, tomato and cilantro,
served with homemade lime yellow corn tortilla chips.
MINIATURE SIRLOIN & SLAW SANDWICHES
Marinated sirloin, wasabi mayonnaise, sesame slaw
and red cabbage on a miniature pretzel round.
SMOKED GOUDA MACARONI & CHEESE
Cavatappi noodles tossed with smoked Gouda cheese sauce,
topped with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese,
and baked until golden brown.
ROCKY ROAD COOKIES
Topped with mini marshmallows, pecans and chocolate drizzle.
Our Bourbon Maple Smash drink is perfect for the Dad that enjoys the finer things in life, but appreciates a new take on an old classic. We’re willing to bet that even the most Bourbon-averse person at the party won’t be able to resist a sip.