Crafted Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres

chef-crafted bites for your special occasion.

Our cocktail and hors d’oeuvres services are ideal for gatherings of every kind. Our team of chefs, sommeliers and mixologists will work with you to create a customized menu featuring the finest ingredients and modern techniques. From delectable appetizers to sophisticated signature cocktails, every menu item is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.

elite hospitality. perfect beverage pairings.

Our hospitality professionals have spent years honing their craft in the world’s best restaurants, and pride themselves on providing exceptional service to you and your guests.

In addition to polished service, we also offer cocktail pairings that perfectly complement your food service. Our expert sommeliers and mixologists will work with you to create the perfect drinks to enhance your event.

world class food & beverage team.

Led by Executive Chef Austin Yancey, Elite Personal Chefs (EPC) defines itself by the elegance, passion and precision forged through years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, international culinary competitions, and leading educational institutions.

Our chefs, sommeliers and mixologists are not only masters of their craft, but also friendly, professional, and attentive to your needs. They will work with you to create a personalized menu that reflects your unique vision, and will execute every menu item with precision and care.

our process:

  • Our process starts with a consultation with one of our experienced chefs, who will work with you to create a customized menu based on your preferences, dietary needs, and event theme. We'll also discuss logistics, such as the date, time, and location of your event, and any equipment or space requirements we may have.

  • Once we have a clear understanding of your needs and preferences, we'll create a detailed plan for your event, including the ingredients and equipment needed, the timeline for cooking and serving, and any special requests or accommodations.

  • On the day of your event, our chef will arrive at your home with all the necessary ingredients and equipment, and begin preparing your customized menu. We use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, and our chefs are experts in a wide range of cuisines and techniques.

  • Once the dishes are prepared, our chef will serve them to you and your guests, with impeccable attention to detail and presentation. We can also provide wine pairing recommendations, or work with your own sommelier or bartender to create the perfect pairing.

  • After the meal is over, we'll take care of all the cleaning and tidying up, so you can relax and enjoy the rest of your evening. We pride ourselves on leaving your kitchen cleaner than we found it, so you can continue to enjoy the experience long after we're gone.

sample menus

Our top-notch food and beverage team excels at bringing your vision to life with incredible food and beverages and world-class service – customized specifically to your tastes, preferences and budget.

Below are sample menus for inspiration. We are happy to modify any of these items to fit your specific needs, or create a fully customized menu for your event.

We look forward to working with you.


  • Summer Gazpacho Shooter

    cucumber, tomato, cilantro, onion, lime

    Wine Pairing: Vino Verde

    _________

    Chilled Octopus Salad

    blistered peaches, scallion, marinated apple

    Wine Pairing: Txakoli

    _________

    Roasted Octopus

    blistered tomatoes, charred scallion, puffed grains

    Charcuterie Skewer

    cured meat, cheese, olives, pickled pepper

    Wine Pairing: Gruner Veltliner

    _________

    Marinated Peaches w/ Buratta

    balsamic reduction, infused olive oil, basil puree

    Sausage Stuffed Dates

    roasted red pepper & tomato gravy

    Wine Pairing: Mencia

    _________

    Dry Aged Ribeye

    charred, fresh chimichurri, chili flake

    Wine Pairing: Priorat Red

    _________

    Olive Oil Soaked Crumb Cake

    black pepper, strawberries, fresh mint

    Wine Pairing: Recioto di Soave

  • Food

    Marinated Cucumber & Goat Cheese

    fresh lemon zest, black pepper, olive oil whip

    Grilled Prawns

    blistered peaches, scallion, tomato onion jam

    Charcuterie Board

    cured meat, cheese, olives, pickled pepper

    Marinated Tomatoes w/ Buratta

    balsamic reduction, infused olive oil, basil puree

    Roasted Figs

    local honey, basil, soft cheese

    Marinated & Grilled Beef

    compound butter, fresh herbs

    Mini Creme Caramel

    black pepper, strawberries, fresh mint

    _________

    Drinks

    Old Fashioned

    bourbon, demerara, bitters

    Gin Daisy

    gin, aperol, st. germain, lemon

    Dirty Martini

    vodka, olive brine, blue cheese olives

    Negroni

    gin, campari, sweet vermouth

    Sazerac

    rye whiskey, absinthe, peychauds

  • Cucumber & Goat Cheese

    fresh lemon zest, black pepper, olive oil whip

    Grilled Prawns

    blistered peaches, scallion, tomato onion jam

    Charcuterie Skewers

    cured meat, cheese, olives

    Marinated Tomatoes & Buratta

    balsamic reduction, infused olive oil, basil puree

    Roasted Figs

    local honey, basil, soft cheese

    Marinated & Grilled Beef

    house chimichurri, pickled onions

    White Bean Bruschetta

    sundried tomato chutney

    Smoked Salmon

    charred lemon, dill, herb cracker

    Wild Mushroom & Gruyere Flatbread

    arugula, caramelized onion

    Blackberry Duck Toast

    thyme infused blackberry, duck pate, mini-brioche

    Baked Brie

    puff pastry, roasted grapes, pistachio, caramelized onion, chili aioli

    — inquire for wine pairings —

praise.

  • "We hired EPC for a large family dinner. French was the cuisine we landed on and EPC came up with the entire menu. We learned, ate, drank and laughed all night long. We ate excellent food that introduced us to new dishes that I would typically not have ordered on my own. The night is something we will all remember for a long time. We look forward to having Austin and his team back again and again."

    — Kyle H., Chicago, IL

  • “We hired Chef Alyssa through Elite Personal Chefs for a small dinner party at our condo. Despite it being extremely last minute, she threw together an awesome menu and was still able to accommodate the changes we asked for. She was right on time, great to talk to and left our kitchen even cleaner then how she found it. Best of all, she cooked us an amazing dinner! Each course better then the last. Would definitely recommend and look forward to working with Alyssa again!”

    – Jack L., Chicago, IL

  • “Elite Personal Chefs came to my home to do an Easter event this year. It was the most exciting, fun experience we have ever had at our home. The food was outstanding. From the first introduction phone call that I had with Austin Yancey to the minute he and his team left our home, my husband and I felt well taken care of. I highly recommend Elite Personal Chefs.”

    – Lara K., Skokie, IL

  • “The EPC experience was nothing short of magical, we would recommend this team for any event. They made our wedding one of a kind and memorable for both us and our guests. EPC’s staff is professional and friendly, even our tasting was an event in itself. Should we need a catering company or personal chef for any event in the future, Elite Personal Chefs will be the #1 company we consider.”

    – Marton H. & Blaine S., Chicago, IL

Let’s get started.

We look forward to crafting the perfect menu for you.