I’ve got an event coming up this weekend in Chicago and will have a small reception afterwards for about 50-75 people. I would like to get some middle eastern vegetarian food for the reception. Things like spinach pies (fatayer), baba ghanoush, zaatar bread, hummus, and baklava. Vegetarian kibbeh if you know a guy.
I’m coming in from out of town, and when I lived here 15 years ago, I was too broke to eat out or get catered food, so I’ve got no starting point.
Event is in Ukrainian village on Saturday morning. Reception around noon.
Any recommendations for places that I can put in an order that’s not terribly far away? Willing to drive a little ways on Friday but prefer to be as close as possible to event for ease of access and transportation.
Middle East Bakery or Libanais are probably your best bets.
Seconding Libanais. They catered my father-in-law’s memorial. They will deliver, too.
Libanais is fantastic- I use them all the time for work. I love Middle East bakery but their catering operation is less professional than Libanais!
I love Middle East Bakery, too! Their pies and lahmajoun are better than Libanais but Libanais is a more full-service restaurant. Better desserts, too.
I would add Kabobi at 3224 W Lawrence. Their food is great and they have a catering menu.
Kabobi Mediterranean catering package is a little lack luster although they are a great company (I do a ton of vegetarian catering for my job)
Highly recommend Sanabel Bakery and Grocery. Will be cheaper than ordering from a restaurant.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NNxXX7Xx9GCa1n2N9?g_st=ic
While all the restaurant recommendations for catering seem like great options, this is much more in line with what I had in mind. In my home town, I use a business just like this for catering needs because of the difference in cost compared to restaurant catering.
Middle East Bakery seems to fit the bill as well. Time for phone calls.
Thank you!
The owner is very friendly too. They also have great Manakeesh.
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HoneyDoe (https://www.instagram.com/honeydoe.chicago) is perfect for this.
Bawadi
Kind of a haul for UKV, but Hala In in Mayfair is my go-to. The first time I had their food was actually at a catered event. Honestly my favorite falafel in the city.
Rumi on the 1500 block of Milwaukee is really good. Very nice family too.
Cedar’s Palestine Kitchen - https://www.eatcedars.com In Hyde park, but they do catering. They will go beyond what is here if you call.
Or Andies, or chicagofalafel.com, or Frato’s or The Nile
Middle East Bakery could probably handle your order. They have a restaurant and a grocery store attached that has a deli counter + bakery. Across the street is Taste of Lebanon. It's better, imo, but they might not be able to cover 50-75 people.
Fafalfel and Grill on Milwaukee and Division? Or maybe Nabala Cafe in Uptown?
Contact Yaba's on Armitage. Precisely the guy for this.