Seasonal Fall Salad from Tarragon Catering

So many of our Brides today are planning non-traditional weddings either outdoors or in a unique space where hiring a caterer is needed. It can be difficult finding a Chef who will work with you to bring your culinary vision to life. I recently had the pleasure of planning my own event with Executive Chef Douglas Yeomans, owner of Tarragon Catering in the Fox Valley, and all I can say about his food is WOW!  Our event had a New York City theme and Chef Doug worked with us to create an upscale, yet delicious riff on New York street food. His Unique twist on pizza and brisket had our guests coming back for more. He even made homemade pizza dough that was absolutely delicious.  Every ingredient used was either locally sourced or came out of his own garden!  I had the opportunity to ask Chef Doug some questions about his business and love for cooking.

Tell me about yourself & your business: I have been a professional chef for over 20 yrs.  I am a St. Charles native who has travelled the country and worked in multiple kitchens throughout the West Coast.   I bring that regional diversity back with me making me widely versed in a wide variety of cuisines, cultures and techniques.  I am probably the most passionate chef you will ever meet, I do what I do because I love it.  I eat, sleep and breath food!!   I am the epitome of the guy who gets paid to do what he loves and my customers taste my passion for cooking in everything I serve.

How did your culinary career begin? I am a culinary school graduate who graduated at the top of his class with both culinary and pastry degrees, which adds a diversity to my menus that most chefs don’t bring to the table.  I have had the opportunity to work with multiple celebrity chefs doing high profile menu design projects as well as preparing food for multiple high profile celebrities including President Obama.   I was selected to the US Austrian Culinary Competition team and I am also certified in HACCP and sanitation.  Tarragon Catering is the only Catering business in the Fox Valley who is an  upstanding member of the BBB and I was also a recent recipient of the Talk of the Town Award.

What sets Tarragon Catering apart from other companies? Tarragon Catering is the personification of my passion for food and customer service.  I started Tarragon 5 years ago while I was working as a corporate Executive Chef for American Airlines.  I wanted my own food service business where I could focus primarily on food quality with constantly evolving menus, pulling on seasonal and local product as much as possible while staying on the cutting edge of culinary trends.

How would you describe your catering style? I would describe Tarragon’s catering style as healthy fresh menus thats are constantly evolving and focus on showcasing the flavors of the highest quality ingredients through exacting preparation and our extensive culinary experience. We prepare everything from scratch to ensure every menu item is amazing and every event is unforgettable.

How would you approach working with a Bride for her Wedding? Tarragon Catering creates amazing seasonal menus that are custom tailored for each and every event.  From a bride who wants a Pig Roast for her casual backyard reception to an upscale plated dinner of filet and shrimp, I will create the menu in your vision.  I truly provide a personal touch for every Bride & Groom.   When you care about your wedding and what you serve your guests you will call Tarragon Catering.

If you had to choose your last meal, what would it be? My last meal would have to be a huge 20 oz slice of prime rib with a chili relleno on the side…don’t ask questions…LOL Its my last meal!!!

I would not laugh at all as my last meal would include banana pudding, ice cream, and probably a black & white cookie from NYC!

If you would like to learn more about Chef Doug and his amazing culinary delights, please visit www.tarragoncatering.vpweb.com