Inspired Cuisine

CUSTOM MENUS FOR ANY EVENT

Our cuisines feature sustainable seafood and seasonal, locally sourced and responsibly grown or raised ingredients wherever possible.

Guests will enjoy world-class food and beverage options created by our talented chefs who let their culinary curiosity drive every dish. Finding inspiration in the challenge to meet every client’s evolving needs and expectations, our team can delight each guest whether they’re looking for healthy options, comfort food, adventure, or indulgence.

With over 20 years of experience, executive chef Rafael Aguiniga’s passion and expertise encompass all aspects of the dining experience. He inspires the entire Azure team with his impeccable standards, extensive knowledge, and endless innovation. Chef Aguiniga is responsible for leading Azure’s culinary direction and delivering an impeccable guest experience for every event.

Hors D’oeuvres

Hors D’oeuvres

We offer a variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and delicious displays of vegetables, fruits, sustainable seafood, cheeses and meats in mouthwatering combinations.

Hors D’oeuvres

We offer a variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and delicious displays of vegetables, fruits, sustainable seafood, cheeses and meats in mouthwatering combinations.

Strolling Reception

Our strolling reception stations offer guests the opportunity to sample a variety of Chicago’s famous flavor profiles and cuisines in an engaging atmosphere. Menus are specially designed to include three or more stations.

Strolling Reception

Strolling Reception

Our strolling reception stations offer guests the opportunity to sample a variety of Chicago’s famous flavor profiles and cuisines in an engaging atmosphere. Menus are specially designed to include three or more stations.

Steak and Lobster

Seated Dinners

Our diverse team of accomplished chefs are fluent in a variety of cuisines and will customize your event menu to create a flawless experience for every guest.

Seated Dinners

Our diverse team of accomplished chefs are fluent in a variety of cuisines and will customize your event menu to create a flawless experience for every guest.

Desserts

Our culinary team will prepare the perfect selection of delicious desserts and sweet treats to tempt your guests. Special celebration cakes from a local bakery can also be delivered and served.

Desserts

Desserts

Our culinary team will prepare the perfect selection of delicious desserts and sweet treats to tempt your guests. Special celebration cakes from a local bakery can also be delivered and served.

Azure at Shedd Logo

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Event@SheddAquarium.org | (312) 692-3275
Quick Links: Shedd Aquarium

Chef Matt, Executive Chef

Chef Matt is a seasoned culinary professional with a diverse background in hospitality. With extensive experience from renowned establishments like Aramark at Soldier Field and Alliance Hospitality's Delta Hotel by Marriott, Matt has honed his skills in creative menu development, kitchen management, and event execution.

Throughout his career, Matt has led innovative initiatives, from opening new venues to crafting restaurant menus and training staff. His expertise includes extensive menu development, vendor management, and budgeting, ensuring both exclusive culinary craft and incredible staff efficiency.

An award-winning executive chef, Matt consistently raises guest satisfaction scores and enhances dining experiences. His commitment to culinary excellence and innovation enriches the Sodexo Live! team at the Shedd Aquarium.

 

Chef Anna, Banquet Sous Chef

Chef Anna is a seasoned culinary professional with diverse experience in the food industry, spanning healthcare, resorts, banquets, and breweries. Highly motivated and adept at multitasking, Anna excels in prioritizing workloads under pressure while maintaining a commitment to quality and variety.

In her previous roles, Anna has demonstrated strong leadership skills and excellent interpersonal communication. As Head Chef at Phase Three Brewing Company, she created menus, developed recipes, managed inventory, and ensured the quality of dishes. Additionally, as Sous Chef at Cherry Circle Room in Chicago, Anna oversaw day-to-day kitchen operations, managed staff, and conducted research and development for future menu items.

Anna's experience also includes serving as Sous Chef at the Denver Art Museum, where she organized and planned events, managed teams, and curated beautiful displays and platings for banquets. Her ability to handle large-scale events and meticulous attention to detail make her a valuable asset to the Sodexo Live! team at the Shedd Aquarium.

 

Chef Chelsea, Sous Chef

Chef Chelsea is a highly skilled culinary professional with expertise in various cuisines, menu development, event planning, and inventory control. Known for her visionary approach and ability to lead teams effectively, she has excelled in roles such as Kitchen Manager and Director of Culinary Operations at Beautiful Rind in Chicago, where she innovated menus and ensured food safety standards.

With experience spanning roles like Expediter/Lead at Ardor and Sous Chef at Mount Hawley Country Club, Chelsea has demonstrated her talent in directing high-volume food preparation and managing kitchen operations. Additionally, her tenure as a Caterer/Culinary Teaching Assistant at The Cookery showcases her versatility in menu development and event management.

Chelsea's diverse background and expertise in restaurant management, hospitality, and cooking make her a valuable addition to the Sodexo Live! team at the Shedd Aquarium.