On Occasion Catering & Events

The food was great! Our guests asked over and over where the food came from. The produce was fresh, the cheese platter amazing. Order an extra marcapone torte to enjoy yourself the day after your party!
We served hor’deauves and desserts during our wine tasting party for 25 people. We will definitely use On Occasion for our next party!

We hired On Occasion for my daughters surprise 25^th and the Bartender that came was beyond my expectations I have been to venues outside of ours and the food and the staff is simply amazing

I own Lili Marie Parties, a party planning business, and I have to say On Occasion Catering has been one of the best catering companies I’ve worked with. I hired them for a client’s Christmas party and every part of the party was a success. The staff was professional and friendly, food was delicious and presentation was beautiful. Kathy and Leslie were beyond patient in helping me create and recreate my menu. I will 100% work with On Occasion for future parties!

We recently hired On Occasion Catering for some parties we hosted at our home. All of our guests were raving about the delicious food they served. Not only was the food ridiculously good, the service staff they provided are professional, personable, and proficient. Hats off to On Occasion… I highly recommend them!

Kathy and her staff are extremely attentive to the smallest detail. We have been to quite a few events that Kathy catered, and every one was awesome. The food is delicious and the presentation is beautiful. Kathy works very hard to make sure you and your guests enjoy the event. Be sure to try the Tuesday Evening Dinner Pickup. Fat Bottomed Girls Artisan Deserts and Pastries is also available for your sweet tooth.

Let me start off by saying that I am kind of picky. Okay, I am very picky. Just a fact. I was concerned that I wouldn’t find a catering company to appease my guests unfortunate food allergies and dislikes.
I hired Kathy and On Occasion for my best friend’s 50^th birthday party to be held in my home. As aforementioned, I had reservations because of the many requests that I had. Not only did Kathy go over a detailed menu with me, full of many options, but she also allowed four of us to come for a tasting to make sure that it was suitable. She really went well above and beyond was appropriate and I truly appreciated it.
The food that night was absolutely delicious. We had many different dishes and desserts and not one of them disappointed. Some of the really delicious dishes we had were pulled pork with whiskied onions, shaved tenderloin on parmesan crisps with carmelized onion and Dijon crème fresh, eggplant crisps with mozzarella and roasted tomatoes, a gorgeous bruschetta cascade with all kinds of grilled vegetables and crostinis and the list goes on. We also had some mouth watering desserts. Some stand outs were the selection of bars (lemon, raspberry, pecan with multiple cream cheese dips) and the chocolate dipped macaroons. But seriously, nothing was short of delicious.
The quality of all the food was so fresh and it really made a huge difference. Kathy made sure everything was served at the right temperatures and I swear my kitchen was cleaner when she left than when she got there. I will not hesitate to recommend her and her company to anyone interested in a party from 20 – 200 people. Thanks On Occasion for help making the party such a huge success!!!

It doesn’t get any better than this! If you are looking for anything from a wedding to a rehearsal to brunch, On Occasion can handle it all. Handle it they did… we hired Kathy for my daughters bridal shower and wedding dessert table and her wedding cake and morning after brunch. Kathy was able to create the best tasting desserts as well as the best brunch. It was the best I have ever had.
The desserts were to die for, the wedding cake was spectacular, the brunch was outstanding! It was not only great tasting, but the presentation was terrific. Kathy was able to create a beautiful table that guests are still raving about.
Kathy is great to work with and will listen to your needs and help to ease any stress. she handles it all… It not only tasted good but the presentation is fabulous.
Look no further

Kathy and Lori helped us with an open house for our new office space. From the beginning, Lori guided me through the selection process. She worked within my budget and came up with very creative ideas and complimentary combinations of appetizers. The set-​up and service was organized and efficient. They had lovely table linens and elegant serving dishes. The food was WONDERFUL and we received my compliments from our guests. At the end, they did a wonderful job of cleaning up and packaging the leftovers neatly in containers, which they provided. They took care of all the work so I could be free to talk with guests. I would certainly use them again for our next event.

I found this caterer thru Unilocal and the five star rating is justified. They treat the word «cater» like the verb is should be. They were very helpful with me for two events back-​to-​back. At home, I needed a few dishes to supplement a party I was throwing to take some work off my plate. They made me a wonderful fig marscapone appetizer with sliced baguettes… a huge veggie tray with a wonderful homemade dressing… a grilled pear mixed green salad that was a huge hit and cake pops that wowed my guests. I changed my mind at least twice and they were supportive every time. Then, the next day, they fully catered my all-​company work event for 52 people. Not a single complaint! (which is rare when trying to please 50 people)
I will use them again!

Though I haven’t hired On Occasion, I did have the pleasure of tasting some of their food at a recent wine tasting event (Uncork Barrington). Even though their dish was very simple, it was still unique and honestly one of the best things I had at the fest. They brought a mascarpone fig concoction that they spread on a little bread and it was so delicious. Writing about it makes me crave it right now! My only complaint is that they didn’t bring more of their goodies!

My fiancée and I didn’t actually contract with On Occasion, but we almost did, and I think you should know why. Fair warning: this review is wedding-​centric.
First, On Occasion doesn’t have a menu, but rather will create whatever you want. Of course, that may not be as great if you’re hoping to stick to a budget; but we told our contact person (Sarah) both what our budget was and what we wanted, and she did a really great job of managing both. Additionally, Sarah was very knowledgeable about wedding receptions (and planning the same) generally and offered really great suggestions throughout our planning process.
I think it’s also worth mentioning that On Occasion was very flexible in working with our budget. Having surveyed dozens of Chicagoland caterers, and having actually asked for proposals from four or five, I can tell you that On Occasion is among the most flexible caterers I have seen.
Highly recommend them; their service is top notch. And while I haven’t seen their final product, the other reviews I’ve read would make me 100% comfortable relying on On Occasion for just about any special event.

Oh my goodness, I cannot rave about this place enough! They catered my friend Meg’s bridal shower and each dish was better than the next.
From the small bites served during mingling, salad, chicken alfredo pasta, asparagus perfectly prepared, olive tapenade & breads, to the MOST DELICIOUS Red Velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting I have ever had. I’m serious. This cupcake was heavenly and near-​orgasmic and if I were on death row i would want this cupcake to be my last taste ever.
There was another dessert (the cupcake was the take-​home favor) which I remember was also yummy but upon tasting the cupcake all other memories were erased and replaced with this delectable perfection.

Here’s a commercial kitchen that you can rent by the hour!!! (WoodCraft Plaza — Palatine)
In addition to the rental kitchen, they also have a walk in-​lunch café as well as a custom catering service. On Occasion also has a corporate lunch menu and I think provides delivery, as well.
The owner Kathy, has worked with some of the leading executive chefs throughout the Chicagoland area. The Chicago White Sox even serve her desserts at their upscale dining room.
I’ve hired On Occasion for several events (both large & small) and have always been satisfied. I even got my Thanksgiving turkey from them, which gave me time to fuss with the side dishes and preparing my house! What a relief! Thanks On Occasion Catering & Events!!!