Event Eats with Katrina Whaley

With the holidays in full swing, let’s take a moment to think about the holiday tradition that Americans love the most – eating!

Most of us have food traditions at the holidays – many passed down culturally or through generations of our family. One of my new traditions has been taking a break from the crush of work that marks autumn in the meeting industry and attending Signature Luncheon.

This year’s Signature Luncheon was a delicious journey through the offerings at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, beginning with a caprese-style salad that layered a variety of sweet and bitter greens with succulent tomatoes, huge chunks of mozzarella, and a balsamic dressing. My allergy was handled without question at this event. They took my card and then brought it back with a salad that substituted the balsamic with olive oil and spices. It still tasted so good that I ate every bite. The tomatoes prevented it from tasting dry, and the mozzarella gave it enough of a savory flavor that I hardly missed the dressing.

The main course combined chicken and gravy with seasonal root vegetables. No one at my table chose a vegetarian or vegan option, so I didn’t see what that entrée was, but the chicken was perfect – mostly boneless for ease of eating at a business event with a salty gravy balanced by the mix of sweet and savory vegetables.

Finally we came to dessert – a pumpkin pie tart that was as whimsical as it was delicious. The crust was filled with rich pumpkin filling and decorated with whipped cream, chocolate straws, pumpkin seed brittle, and sugar stars. I tried to savor it, but it was gone too soon!

As we continue the holiday season, eat safely and enjoy every bite!

Thank you to ETHOS Event Collective for their festive decor, and Marriott Marquis Chicago for the delicious meal at MPI CAC's Signature Luncheon 2022.