Taco Bell put a name to the concept of snacking after dinner, which you may be familiar with as the “Fourth Meal”. Since dinner tends to happen early in the evening when it comes to staying up late, guests may be craving the extra energy that late night snacks can provide.

Including late night snacks as part of your party catering is a must if you want your guests to stick around and dance the night away. Though late night snacks seem to be most popular at weddings, they really are a must-have for any late night event. 

Let’s set the stage: your guests are partying it up on your big wedding day. They’ve already been going for hours in terms of attending the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and socializing with other guests.

By the time the dance floor opens up, they’ll only have a little bit of energy left—even if you just dug into dinner! Multiple cocktails and a champagne toast are further adding to their need for a late night pick me up. Are you starting to see how late night snacks can be the cherry on top of a perfect night?

Here are a few guest favorites:

Ramen Station: Assisted by a Uniformed Chef

Miniature Tilapia Tacos + Warm Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets

Miniature Choco Tacos

Mini Beef BLT Burger + Firecracker Shrimp

Strawberry Banana Pop Rock Truffles

Which late night snacks will you serve at your next late night event? Check out Catering by Michael’s favorite menu offerings for some inspiration. We apologize in advance for making you hungry.

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! 

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.

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

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Summers are made for salads! We’re talking big, green, leafy deliciousness filled with all the great fruits and vegetables the season has to offer. It’s the perfect strategic combination of these yummy seasonal ingredients that result in light salads with BIG flavor. 

With summer officially kicking off, we asked Chef Mike to share his top 10 favorite salads he’s whipping up this season, along with a recipe for one of his personal favorites that you can make at home on your own. These light and fresh salads are the perfect sides for grilled main dishes at picnics and potlucks, and are always a standout at backyard barbecues.

WATERMELON & FETA SALAD

Served on a bed of arugula, garnished with sliced almonds and fresh mint.

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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.

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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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