Elevate Your Culinary Experience

Professional culinary services, exceptional catering, and personalized cooking education that transforms every meal into a memorable experience

Start Your Culinary Journey

About CookingMerit

With over 15 years of culinary excellence, CookingMerit has been transforming dining experiences across Chicago and beyond. Our team of certified chefs and culinary professionals brings together traditional techniques with innovative approaches to create unforgettable food experiences.

Founded in 2009, we've built our reputation on delivering exceptional quality, personalized service, and culinary education that empowers our clients to discover the joy of cooking. From intimate dinner parties to large corporate events, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering.

Our mission is to make exceptional culinary experiences accessible to everyone, whether through our professional catering services, hands-on cooking classes, or personalized menu consulting. We believe that great food brings people together and creates lasting memories.

Professional chef preparing gourmet dishes

Why Choose CookingMerit

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Expert Culinary Team

Our certified chefs bring years of experience from top restaurants and culinary institutes, ensuring professional excellence in every service.

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Personalized Menus

Custom-designed menus tailored to your preferences, dietary requirements, and event specifications for truly unique experiences.

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Premium Quality

We source only the finest ingredients from local farms and trusted suppliers to ensure exceptional quality in every dish.

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Educational Focus

Learn while you enjoy with our cooking classes and workshops designed to enhance your culinary skills and knowledge.

Our Culinary Services

Premium Catering Services

Full-service catering for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions. Our experienced team handles every detail to ensure your event is memorable and delicious.

  • Custom menu design and planning
  • Professional service staff
  • Complete setup and cleanup
  • Dietary accommodation specialists
  • Event coordination support

Hands-On Cooking Classes

Interactive cooking experiences designed for all skill levels. Learn professional techniques, discover new cuisines, and build confidence in the kitchen with our expert instructors.

  • Small group and private sessions
  • Technique-focused instruction
  • International cuisine workshops
  • Wine pairing education
  • Take-home recipe collections

Menu Development Consulting

Professional menu consulting services for restaurants, cafes, and food businesses. We help develop profitable, appealing menus that reflect your brand and satisfy your customers.

  • Market analysis and positioning
  • Cost optimization strategies
  • Seasonal menu planning
  • Staff training and implementation
  • Ongoing menu performance analysis

Private Chef Services

Enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own home. Our private chefs create personalized dining experiences tailored to your tastes and lifestyle.

  • Weekly meal prep services
  • Special occasion dinners
  • Nutritional consultation
  • Grocery shopping and preparation
  • Kitchen organization and setup

Corporate Culinary Programs

Team building through cooking, executive lunch programs, and office catering services designed to enhance workplace culture and productivity.

  • Team building cooking events
  • Executive dining services
  • Meeting and conference catering
  • Holiday party planning
  • Client entertainment experiences

Culinary Event Planning

Complete event planning services with a focus on exceptional food experiences. From concept to execution, we create memorable culinary events.

  • Themed dinner parties
  • Wine and food pairing events
  • Cooking competition organization
  • Food festival coordination
  • Vendor and venue management

Client Success Stories

"CookingMerit transformed our corporate retreat into an unforgettable experience. Their team-building cooking class was engaging, educational, and absolutely delicious. Our employees are still talking about it months later!"
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Sarah Mitchell

CEO, TechVision Inc.
"The private chef service exceeded all expectations. Chef Maria created a five-course tasting menu that rivaled any Michelin-starred restaurant. The attention to detail and personalized service was extraordinary."
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Michael Johnson

Private Client
"Their menu consulting service helped us increase our restaurant's profitability by 30% while improving customer satisfaction scores. The team's expertise in cost optimization and flavor development is unmatched."
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Elena Rodriguez

Restaurant Owner
"The cooking classes completely changed my relationship with food. I went from being intimidated by the kitchen to confidently hosting dinner parties. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly inspiring."
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David Thompson

Cooking Class Graduate
"CookingMerit catered our wedding reception and it was absolutely perfect. Every guest complimented the food, and the presentation was stunning. They made our special day even more memorable."
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Jennifer Liu

Wedding Client
"Their event planning service for our food festival was exceptional. They coordinated multiple vendors, managed logistics flawlessly, and ensured every attendee had an amazing experience. Truly professional."
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Robert Chen

Event Organizer

Get In Touch

Contact Information

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Address:
847 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: By Appointment