meetinchicago.com CATERERS Helmed by acclaimed pitmaster Dominique Leach and her wife, Tanisha Griffin Leach, Lexington Betty Smokehouse serves delicious, tender barbecue and soulful sides. Pick a combination of meats like smoked chicken, pulled pork, and juicy brisket, plus gooey gouda mac ‘n’ cheese or sweet candied yams. Or reserve the Betty Food Truck for catering on wheels. Woman-owned and operated Paramount Events brings exceptional, restaurant-quality dining to Chicago events. To keep their menus as sustainable and local as possible, Paramount has an on-site greenhouse where they grow produce year-round. Their mixology team can create custom cocktails to further personalize your event. For morning events, plan a coffee bar or fresh-pressed juices. Bring authentic Michoacán cuisine to your Chicago event from Atzimba Catering & Events . Executive chef and owner Atzimba Perez makes rich moles, Jalisco-style beef birria, and indulgent tres leches cake. Her food has been enjoyed by the Mexican Consulate in Chicago and served at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Chef-owner Veah Larde of Two Sisters Catering makes lighter versions of Southern favorites. Her homemade buttermilk cornbread, ground turkey meatloaf, and herb-baked chicken are popular favorites. For dessert, don’t skip the Louisiana crunch cake, a family recipe topped with evaporated milk frosting, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans. vegan options — topped with her signature Sugar Bliss bloom made from rich frosting. Create custom merchandise for your company or event with TeeMart Decorated Apparel . You can source t-shirts, hats, jackets, mugs, tumblers, and more from this Black-owned, mother-and-son shop. Get as creative as you like with screenprinting or embroidery, and send your team home with something they’ll use again and again. Family-owned Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company has brought the richness of Kenyan beans to Chicago. Their specialty-grade coffees include bright Boma AB, fruity Kibano, and smooth Gakurari, each sourced from small farms and co-ops in Kenya that support the local community. Share their rich brew with your team through gifts of whole or ground coffee, along with signature stoneware mugs. Declare your Chicago pride with hip local merch by Latino shop Bronzeville Winery GIFTS Give the gift of sweets from award-winning Sugar Bliss . This cheerful bakery by founder and CEO Teresa Ging offers boxes of perfect French macarons in pastel colors and creative flavors. Or order boxes of cupcakes by the dozen — including gluten-free and
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2024: Page 35
