Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Perry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Liz. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always loved food, entertaining and travel. In my 20’s I was a travel consultant and partner in a travel agency. I did a lot of travelling and had great fun entertaining friends and family in our home. In my 30’s I started a family and really began to enjoy cooking and catering. In my 40’s I started taking culinary courses at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. as well as working part time jobs in places such as, Dinner by Design, Edible Arrangements, The Little Gourmet, Pina’s Culinary Experience, Whole Foods and the Lifetime Fitness Cafe, all while raising my family. Once the kids were in high school and off to college the opportunity to have my own business arose. So with lots of encouragement and support by my husband I became a partner and My Chef Station began. Today I am the owner and Chef.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been mostly smooth. The struggles ….It’s a very physical job at times, with long hours, nights and weekends which can take you away from your family and friends.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My Chef Station is a small boutique culinary business offering cooking classes and parties in our large commercial kitchen and intimate dining area. We offer hands on cooking classes for adults and children. Classes are open to the public or book your own private event. We usually cook a full dinner menu in class with participants working in pairs on part of the night’s menu, which may consist of an appetizer, soup, salad, main course, sides and dessert. It all depends on the size of the class or group! You get a full meal and no one ever goes home hungry. Great for Team building, birthday parties, showers, bachelorette, or a girl’s night out. When you book a private event you have the place to yourself. I have had companies come in for the day. They start with breakfast while holding their meeting in the dining room. We all cook lunch together – team build – they have another meeting after lunch and are done by 4 or 5! Kids’ birthday parties are all inclusive, I do all the work for you.
We do cooking demonstrations off site. Kitchen rentals to help others with their culinary businesses that require a commercial kitchen. We have a catering menu, but nearly all of my catering is customized for each client. I use fresh whole foods and organics whenever possible and help make sure you have a well-rounded menu for your event.
What were you like growing up?
Strong willed and adventurous. Played sports and enjoyed drawing and art. Loved travelling with my family. Enjoyed food but really had no interest in cooking it myself. My mom was a great cook as was my grandmother.
Pricing:
- Cooking Classes start @ $65.00 per person
- Private Events start @ $700.00 for 10 people
- Children’s Birthday Packages start @ $350.00 for 10 kids
Contact Info:
- Address: 632 E Irving Park Road
- Website: MyChefStation.Com
- Phone: 630-529-3070
- Email: mychefstation@att.net
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