Chef Art Smith and longtime partners Naushab Ahmed and Manolis Alpogianis, announced the opening of Chef Art Smith Catering Company during a party at his Reunion restaurant on Navy Pier. (Photo Candace Jordan)
At a packed party at Reunion restaurant on Sept. 17, Chef Art Smith hosted an experience that was a foodie lovers paradise. The event served as the official announcement of Art’s latest venture, Chef Art Smith Catering Company. As he told the crowd, he’s always been a “caterer.” First, starting at his mother Addie Mae’s knee and then to his own house parties in Hyde Park, right up to today for celebrities, royalty and people like us. So, this is really nothing new for him, but now that it's official, we all get a chance to sample Art's famous hospitality.
Party guests Peter Kambreros, Sylvia Perez, Randy Montesinos, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Jamie Gabala. (Candace Jordan photo)
The restaurant was filled with fans, friends, supporters and foodies, all excited to hear the announcement. As everyone knows, EVERY party/event that Art hosts is exciting and this night was no exception.
Chef Art added a unique food station to the mix too. A huge wheel of parmesan had been carved out and filled with elbow macaroni. The chef stirred and stirred adding cream to the most delicious mac’ n’ cheese dish I’ve ever tasted! The lines were longgggggg at this station.
Mac filled parmesan wheel. (Candace Jordan photo)
Other delicious offerings included his famous fried chicken, of course, coffee rubbed tenderloin, maple apple roasted turkey breast, rosemary parmesan herb breadcrumb baby lamb chops, homemade biscuits and bread, fruit trays, desserts on amazing cake stands, crispy chicken sliders, Church Lady deviled eggs, shrimp and grits cups, Hummingbird cupcakes and so much more. It was a celebratory feast introducing Chef Art Smith Catering Company.
Reunion executive chef Rey Villalobos. (Candace Jordan photo)
Over 200 were in attendance including Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Peter Kambreros, Sylvia Perez, Leah Chavie, Julia Jacobs, Randy Montesinos, Jamie Gabala, Adrienne Squires, Sue-Gray Goller, Sanjay Sharma, Mayari Pritzer, Jon and Andrew Landan, Kiki Alpogianis, Rhonda Sanderson, Sheree Schimmer, Chuck Jordan and others.
The catering team will be comprised of Art and his longtime partners Manolis Alpogianis and Naushab Ahmed, among others. For all details, click here.
You may also like Chef Art's recipe for fried chicken!
Chef Art's Reunion party gallery photos
Jon and Andrew Landan and friends.
Reunion party guests.
Rhonda Sanderson.
Sanjay Sharma and Sue-Gray Goller. (Candace Jordan photo)
Chef Art Smith announces new catering business.
Chef Art Smith Catering Company details and discount offer.
Chef Art with fans Leah Chavie and Julia Jacobs. (Candace Jordan photo)
Jim Cobb and Ernie.
Randy Montesinos and Jamie Gabala.
Elizabeth and friend at Reunion party for Chef Art's Catering Company announcement.
Sheree Schimmer.
Chef Art and friend at Reunion party.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas having fun at Reunion party.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas having fun at Reunion party.
Party guests at Reunion.
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