Who hasn’t had one of those moments after a hectic and exhausting day when you ask, “Can’t somebody just come over to my house and cook for me?”
When Karen Wilets, owner of the Good Life Catering company, recognized
this niche in the culinary world, she sought to fill it. Wilets’
success story began when she started supplementing her income by making
desserts for the restaurant where she was employed. Her reputation for
phenomenal sweets grew, and people started to ask when she was going to
make other foods. Three years ago, the demand for Wilets’ food was so
great, she was able to leave her job and commit herself to the Good
Life, her homegrown business specializing in catering and personal chef
services.
“People don’t have to go out to a restaurant to get a perfectly plated, creative and delicious meal,” Wilets explains. “I want my clients and their friends to feel like they just had food from the best restaurant in town, but in the comfort of their own home.”
While the Good Life
accommodates cocktail parties, gourmet champagne brunches and catered
corporate events, the business is gaining notice for its creative take
on a private, in-home multi-course dinner with wine pairing. For a
“Mystery Dinner,” a host or hostess invites 10 to 20 guests with
instructions to bring their own “portion of protein,” anything from
alligator to textured vegetable protein. Without any knowledge of what
the guests will be bringing, chef Wilets, with a nod to “Iron Chef,”
designs an eight-course meal around the ingredients.
“The last
time I made a mystery dinner I was given four live lobsters,” Wilets
says. “Whatever it is, I will make it work.”
She has a gift for spontaneous recipes that carry the flavor and texture of a dish that has been time-tested. Guests can expect petite plates that arrange color and dimension in a presentation that reflects the art degree Wilets earned from UW-Madison.
The
Good Life also offers intimate cooking classes for four that teach
students recipes and culinary techniques ranging from South American
cuisine to sushi rolling. Once they have completed at least four
classes, Wilets treats students to a dinner for two. “For me, eating
scrumptious food and having fun with friends is the good life,” Wilets
says. “I try to bring the good life to every event we’re invited to.”
For more information on the Good Life Catering, call (414) 416-2005 or visit www.glcatering.com.
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