SBR Event Catering is absolute perfection! We used them for our May 2026 wedding at Lincoln…read moreFarmstead, and they exceeded every expectation while remaining incredibly reasonable in price. I worked closely with Meghann Streicher to build our entire wedding day plan. She helped coordinate our timeline, cocktail hour, drinks, dinner, and dessert. Throughout months of planning, Meghann and her team were responsive, encouraging, and full of great ideas--without ever being pushy when we were indecisive. On the big day, our event director, Nate, was an absolute superstar. His calm presence instantly put us at ease. He is a true professional who kept everything running flawlessly. I loved that his staff quietly visited each table to dismiss guests for the buffet. This kept the atmosphere intimate and didn't interrupt the dinner music from our DJ (Windy City Sound). The food was spectacular--delicious, perfectly cooked, and served at the ideal temperature. Our guests raved about it! SBR was incredibly thoughtful with the details. They provided kids' meals with fruit cut into cute shapes, and they even reminded us to order vendor meals (which I had totally forgotten). One guest required a dairy-free meal and told us it was one of the best meals she had ever eaten, gushing over how attentive the staff was. As a full-service company, they truly handle everything. At the end of the night, they teamed up with the venue staff to box up leftovers, clear tables, and clean. I expected to help, but they had it completely covered and sent us on our way. Save yourself the stress and hire SBR!

I recently worked on a small film production and we shot a feature film in the Chicagoland area…read more Over the course of 5-6 weeks I worked with the team at Sweet Baby Ray's / True Cuisine to feed our crew of 50+ people twice daily. Simply put, Terrific Food & Wonderful Service! Our Cast & Crew really enjoyed the variety of meals ranging from Breakfast Burritos to Taco Tuesday, from BBQ Pull Pork to Pasta Nights, Mediterranean-theme to Chicago Italian Beef, etc. And that Brisket... so delish. Communication was crucial with our schedule updates / dietary notes; this catering team heard our changes and adjusted as necessary. They truly went the distance (far as Woodstock), delivered to our outdoor sets and arrived early to meet our meal times. To the team at Sweet Baby Ray's / True Cuisine Catering, we appreciate you taking care of our Cast & Crew! Shout out to your talent: Lauren, Rain, Jeff, Andrew, Alexis, Joanna, Sue, Jerry, Jacob... Many Thanks! - Ron

The variety of menu offerings is great, and each of the ethnic menus are fantastic. Greek, Asian,…read moreAmerican are delicious! I get lots of compliments every time I cater from Greg and his team.

Catering Made Simple Full Transparent Review - BRIDE BEWARE: How This Vendor Nearly Ruined My…read moreWedding (With Proof) LONGER AND FULL REVIEW IS ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE FROM ME and also in video format @blurrybutblooming on TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BLwhwhgft/?mibextid=wwXIfr If I could give zero stars, I would. Catering Made Simple was, without question, the most stressful, unprofessional, and disappointing vendor of my entire wedding. What makes it worse is that the owner chose coercion over accountability -- attempting to pressure me into deleting my review before even agreeing to speak with me. That alone should tell you how they handle their mistakes. I posted multiple public notices tagging them and gave them a deadline -- Friday, September 26 at 12:00 PM -- to reach out and make things right. Despite several attempts, they ignored every one. Planning Failures: Our contract clearly stated a plated dinner, and I provided a detailed color-coded diagram with guest names, allergies, and meal choices weeks in advance. Despite this, staff insisted it was a buffet while we were lined up for our ceremony. I had to walk into the reception in my gown minutes before walking down the aisle to correct them. Because of their confusion and refusal to listen, our ceremony was delayed -- critical time lost as we were already working around rain. Execution Failures: We paid for full cake service, but utensils were missing, and flimsy tools from a décor box labeled "Do not use" were handed to us. Our cake, made by a close friend, was ruined when staff shoved a fragile custom topper -- still in its frame -- into the cake, splitting the top tier. One staff member even called it "cheap." They also failed to provide the highboy table we paid for and placed our cake awkwardly in the back of the dessert table. Guest Service Failures: Staff hovered over tables and repeatedly asked guests if they were finished. My own half-eaten meal was cleared while I was in the restroom, leaving me hungry at my own wedding. When I asked for water, I was escorted to the bar instead of being served. Professionalism & Accountability: My coordinator was harassed to the point of tears, and staff even threatened to pull me aside during the reception to complain about her. The owner, Greg, was present all night, saw me address problems directly, and never once spoke to me or apologized. Instead, he posted defensive public comments and tried to coerce me into removing my review. The only positive: the food was warm, tasty, and as expected from the tasting -- but that's where the good ends. The impact on our wedding was significant: * Our ceremony was delayed. * My coordinator was harassed. * Our cake -- lovingly made by a friend -- was ruined. * Guests felt uncomfortable. * I was left hungry. * The owner refused to take responsibility. To top it all off, I have since been blocked from a major Chicago wedding vendor group -- likely due to a complaint from Catering Made Simple -- instead of them engaging in constructive dialogue. Catering Made Simple failed in planning, execution, professionalism, and accountability. They caused unnecessary stress and ruined key moments of a once-in-a-lifetime day -- and then tried to silence me. Brides and grooms: do not risk your wedding on this company.

The best Chicago style beef delivered to your home. Better and cheaper than Portillo. Shipped…read morequickly in a cooler with dry ice! Fantastic.

When I had my pizzeria, I tried making Italian beef in house but I could never get it consistently…read moregood enough to my satisfaction. I tried various vendors and Bari was the best by far. Consistently solid Italian beef and gravy every time. Consistency is major in the restaurant industry. They have a retail outlet at their facility for the general public. Every once a while I make the trip out there to load up. It's not near me but worth the trip. Their beef is great and prices are too. 3, 4, + 5 pound packages along with the gravy are available at the outlet. If you're having an event, they're the way to go. They have a website where you can order and have it shipped to you anywhere. They also have sausage, meatballs, + giardiniera but I've never had anything but their Italian beef so I can't comment on those items. For their beef, they've got my vote. Italian beef sandwiches for supper tonight!

Very relaxed, fun cooking class. Don't worry, you don't have to be a pro to attend and it is not…read moreall couples either. This was a fun class where I really learned something about New Orleans cooking. Cheryl was so nice and made us feel so comfortable. I walked out of class feeling like i could make a great dinner and it wouldn't break the bank or take me 20 hours. The meal we made was delicious and most of the ingredients can be found at local stores including Walmart! This was not a stuffy pretentious class. This was a down to earth lets make good food class.

Chef Che' does a great job of preparing large portions of authentic New Orleans cuisine without…read morelosing the true flavor as what happens when cajun restaurants toss in frozen seafood and season salt to replace fresh ingredients. I attended a seafood boil cruise in St. Charles, hosted by Chef Che and also hired heard to cater a private event at my home. The food items at both were outstanding, but the service for both were a bit disappointing. As for the cruise, we pulled off later than scheduled and there was not enough food and daiquiris to go around. Additional food was being prepared at the dock and ultimately those who were missed and wanting more were taken care of. For my home gathering, Chef Che arrived more than an hour late. Chef did offer a discount for her tardiness but in looking at the final bill, it was higher than the original! Lol. Ultimately, she took off about 10%, which is less than hoped but better than nothing. That said, I would use her again but with better understanding and preparation of the time concerns. Would suggested requesting food 2.5 - 4 hours in advance of your private event. It was rather embarrassing to have 75% of my guest there ahead of the caterer.

I hired Party Time Caterers to cater my wedding on 4/21/18. They were terrific! Unfortunately, I…read moredon't remember the name of the guy who was working but he did an amazing job! He arrived early and set up quickly. He also made sure that my husband and I ate first and took good care of our guests. The price was cheaper than a lot of others we considered and the food was amazing!! Everyone is still talking about it and if I ever need a caterer again, they will be my first call!

Most reasonably priced caterer I found, plus good food, great service, along with an organized,…read moregood-natured, professional and kind owner. Flexible to ideas, but has tons and tons of knowledge and experience in the Chicago catering market that they are happy to share. And yet another reco for the bacon wrapped dates...everyone said they would never have ordered it, but lovvvvved it when they tried it.

Debra and Simply Elegant catered our wedding in July. They were amazing. Debra was professional,…read moreon top of everything, available and inspired a confidence the week of the wedding that allowed me to relax. The food was excellent, the service was impeccable and the cost was reasonable. Debra was a pleasure to work with and I would recommend this caterer to anyone planning a wedding. People are still telling me how great the food was and how wonderful the staff was during the wedding. An excellent choice for a wedding caterer.

REALLY good! This was a food truck that was at Art History in Geneva - we were actually late but…read morethe gentleman that was in the truck stayed late and we were SO glad he did! We tried RIBEYE MACARONI & CHEESE & the BEAT'BOPPIN BBQ RIBS - both were amazing! The meat was so easy to cut I used my plastic spoon! The flavors were so good - not spicy but super flavorful!!

The food is awesome!!! Finally soul food in the burbs!!! The mild sauce for wings if great, Italian…read morebeef seasoned perfect and Gyros are a hit!!!

Chef Doug and Jamie did a superb job catering a retirement party for 50 at our house. The food was…read moredelicious, the service was fantastic and their cleanup left the kitchen spotless. I would definitely recommend them for your event, they never disappoint!

Doug catered a dinner for 18 for my husband's birthday. The food was fantastic. We had 3 appetizers…read more& 3 delicious entrees. He & Jaimie worked seamlessly together throughout the evening. Things couldn't have gone better. I highly recommend them. They had been recommended to us by friends & we were delighted with the food, presentation, service, clean-up, & how well they worked surrounded by party goers.