Dinner Party FAQ’s
You asked, we answered! This week, we are pulling back the curtain on our private dining experiences by answering your most frequently asked questions. As a niche concept in Chicago, we want to fill you in what its really like to have a Vendador dinner party in your home.
What is Private Dining?
Think of us as a Chef’s Table experience at your own table. In-home private dining with Vendador is Michelin-trained restaurant service in the privacy of your own home or at a location of your choosing. This exclusive dining experience offers a unique alternative to traditional restaurant dining, allowing you to entertain guests in a more intimate setting while enjoying high end, restaurant-quality cuisine. We bring the restaurant to you and alleviate every element of party planning, prep, cooking, and cleaning.
What does the process for a personalized menu look like?
One of our favorite parts. We give you a quick 5 to 10 minute call and take notes on all your favorite foods, your aversions, and what kind of cuisine you’re thinking for the party. For example, maybe your favorite place in the world is Tuscany and you want a Tuscan-inspired tasting menu. Or perhaps your father was a sailor and you want to celebrate him with a seafood forward dinner! We then spend time on our own creatively designing your menu and send it your way for suggestions and approval. We work with your recommendations until its perfect for your event.
What is the smallest and largest event size you do?
We design culinary experiences for groups of 2 to 200. Our flexibility is dependent on the style of dining and we are open to discussions about events larger than 200 guests.
Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
Yes, we are happy accommodate all allergies and dietary restrictions. We love to design menus based on your preferences. and aversions.
Do you teach cooking classes?
In lieu of cooking classes, we offer cooking demonstrations as an add-on to your dining experience. We are happy to demo the techniques of the dish of your choice, whether that be how to make fresh pasta, how to cook the perfect steak, how to shuck oysters, etc. If there is something you’ve always wanted to see the process of, ask during your consultation! Sharing our knowledge is a vital part of Vendador.
Can I use my own plates and silverware?
We provide all the plateware, silverware, glassware, flatware, serviceware, cooking equipment, and linen napkins for your dining experience. Our goal is that you never have to lift a finger, and part of that means providing enough dishes and flatware for every course. We love working with our inventory of hand selected ceramics and high quality stemware.
Do you only do formal dinners?
Your options for enjoying high quality cuisine are not limited to a sit down dinner! We provide food for all occasions and styles of dining are flexible based on the needs of your event. We offer elevated buffet service, food stations, backyard Robata and al fresco dining, raw bars, and passed canapés for events of all sizes, including corporate lunches. We also offer wine and cocktail classes or cooking demos as an add-on experience before your meal. If you have something special in mind, reach out! We love to make it happen.
What does the day-of timeline look like?
We will arrive approximately 2 hours before your guests to set up. We prepare all elements of your meal from scratch at our commercial kitchen, and cook everything in your home. You never have to lift a finger! We have cooked in all kinds of kitchens, and bring everything we need. Once we arrive, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the feeling of being a guest at your own party. After the event concludes, we work efficiently to pack up and clean, leaving your kitchen more spotless than when we arrived.
The Vendador Table at Home
Craving a gourmet dining experience more exclusive than the Chef’s table? Let us bring the restaurant to you for a night of culinary indulgence in the comfort of your home. Savor valuable time with your guests and allow us to carefully handle every element of your dinner party. Be a guest at your own party and never lift a finger as our Michelin-trained private chefs make for effortless entertaining.