Fall starts next week! Can you believe it? That means we all need to be gearing up and hunkering down with delicious food for winter. Break out your sweaters and a big glass of red wine…it’s time to start planning your holidays. If you think we’re crazy, you’re wrong. We caught up with Jennifer Shoop, the Director of Operations at PROSECCO {710 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.951.9500} and she is telling us why we all need to be blocking our calendars ASAP.
It’s time to make sure you’re making the most of Chicago’s holiday season, and PROSECCO is here to help you plan parties, family dinners, and even an elevated date night. Their Piazza Dining Room hosts 50 for seated dinner, making it great for a formal company party or even a rehearsal dinner. The La Cantinella room is a great spot for a larger party with cocktails and celebrations. Definitely book the Doge’s Room for New Year’s Eve dinner—the private table seats up to eight people, so you can pop the bubbly with all your favorite people.
Shoop tells us more about the upcoming holiday season at PROSECCO, and gives us her best tips for planning your private dining experience…
DiningOut: The holidays are coming up! How soon should people be planning their events?
Shoop: Yesterday! I’ve had a few key dates booked for months. We are very fortunate to have a lot of repeat business. We have clients that book their event for the following year the day after their event.
What makes the holidays special at PROSECCO?
We really do it up with holiday décor at the restaurant. Our lower level private space is already so luxurious, so when we add the holiday elements, it really shines.
How does your event team work to customize each event?
It’s never as simple as just planning a menu. It’s putting on special touches, like procuring holiday treats for guests, customized menus, beautiful floral arrangements, and even specialty cocktails created just for their event.
What is the most memorable event you have hosted?
That’s tough; we have so many special clients, and all of their events are special to them, and we strive to make each event the most important one we host. We do an annual post-holiday party for one of our best customers. They always do karaoke, and it’s an absolute blast. We’re in the business of making our guests feel special, but they truly let us in on the fun. We’ve gotten to know these guests over the last six years of doing their party, and it truly is a pleasure. Of course, the celebrity dinners are fun to host, but having our regulars in for more than just dinner is such a joy.
What is a special feature you can only receive with private dining?
Every guest is special here. So whether you are planning an intimate dinner for two or a soirée fit for a king, our dedicated staff will be on hand every step of the way. We always say you can count on being an impressed guest at your own event. One-on-one menu planning with Chef Mark, wine tastings with our wine director to make sure the menu pairs perfectly, customized wine labels, hand-embellished menus etc.
Tell us about the private dining menu.
It’s so customizable. There’s standard menus, and then if you want, we can get really creative and pull out all the stops. The sky is the limit. If you came once two years ago and had a Chef special that evening and can’t get it out of your head, Chef Mark will accommodate. He’s passionate about his food and is fueled by guests’ satisfaction!
What are some tips people should keep in mind when they start looking to plan a party?
My first piece of advice: check the convention calendar! Newly engaged couples would never think to do it. They pick a date and then all of a sudden hotels are booked, and they are having trouble booking rehearsal dinners, hotel blocks, etc. Chicago conventions have a huge impact on event bookings around the city.
Does PROSECCO have any fun plans for the coming holiday season?
Winter months bring Italian truffles. I’m not talking chocolate, I’m talking the tubers that grow in the south of Italy that are as pricy as gold. We typically host two over-the-top, lavish, truffle dinners paired with fabulous wine. These dinners kick off our holiday season in a big way. Be on the lookout for date announcements soon. It’s not to be missed.
What are you personally looking forward to for the holidays?
The holidays can be overwhelming for service professionals. We are so busy making sure everyone is having a great holiday that we sometimes forget about ourselves. But the hustle and bustle of the restaurant around the holidays is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. We come together as a team, and like a perfectly choreographed dance, we help celebrate our guests’ celebration until it’s our turn to let our hair down, and then we celebrate as a restaurant family in mid-January. But on a more personal level, I love giving gifts. And even more than giving gifts, I love wrapping them. If I could be a professional gift wrapper, it would be my dream job. There’s something about a handmade bow that gets me all jazzed up!
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
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