Avanti Gourmet Catering by Chef Charles Webb

Welp, Chef Charles just hung up on me, so his professionalism leaves something to be desired. He knew I found him on Unilocal and then also a friend had mentioned him, so probably should have taken the few extra seconds to just say goodbye.
His menu sounded tasty, but I kept asking for a few different options just to make the most of the experience. If you plan an event, or even go to a restaurant, you get a chance to pick from a few things right? I was giving payment over the phone for a deposit and just asked politely again that it would be nice to see some menus he did for other clients, had any signature dishes he particularly liked to cook.
He then talks about how he can do anything and has cooked all over the world. And then says how some people’s friends eat at the Olive Garden and some people are well traveled, namely him, and he didn’t want to go above their palettes.
Um, sorry I did not know I had to provide you with my foodie and travel expertise in order to hear some options. Just FYI, I’ve eaten in many Michelin restaurants all over the world, but that shouldn’t even matter.
He made me feel bad/​that I was inconveniencing him and said that we don’t have to work together. I was like okay… I guess so if this seems to be so much trouble. He then proceeded to hang up on me.
Kind of just left me scratching my head. Seriously, just trying to ask for a few different options– you’re willing to dump a lot of potential clients over this? Just don’t get it.
Only reason he gets 2 stars is because his initial response time was quick compared to others I’ve reached out to.

Chef Charles prepared an amazing dinner at our house for us and 8 guests. The food was amazing and he was able to accommodate all of our guests food allergies and preferences. He even did the dishes before he left.
We could not recommend Chef Charles more highly. He’s a very nice guy with a lot of cool travel stories that influence his cooking.

Went to a dinner party hosted by Chef Charles this weekend and could not have had a better time. The menu was perfect, braised short ribs, prosciutto wrapped halibut and the best burrata I have ever had.
The entire experience was augmented not only by the perfect Chicago night and bottles of wine outside, but also by the chef describing techniques, recommending restaurants and telling stories about his experiences with mega yachts and arms dealers. He poured the wine, did the dishes and maintained the pace and spacing of the evening in an expert manner. The whole meal was as comprehensive and complete as the ass kicking that I gave out in Scattergories afterwards.
I am interested in exploring the hands-​on cooking classes, but may need to adjust the guest list as my lack of grace in victory could have burned a bridge or two

Chef Charles is awesome. I hosted an event for 8 friends. He served a 5 course, small plates meal that was fabulous. Burrata cheese and radicchio– yum. Short ribs– amazing! Wine pairing recs were terrific. Charles is knowledgable, on top of it, and fun. Perfect night.

Delicious!
Best short ribs I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a bunch. I am now on a mission to reproduce them.
The rest of the courses were incredible. Best balanced flour-​less chocolate cake I’ve had – not overly sweet, not overly chocolaty – with perfect consistency. Great wine pairings.
If you need a personal chef, hire Charles!

Chef Charles was OUTSTANDING! We had him over for a group of 15 for a birthday party. The food was to die for and he paired each course with some amazing wines to compliment. He was extremely easy to work with, came prepared and ready to go and even cleaned up the dishes! We can’t wait for our next party!

Chef Charles and his crew were extremely professional and the food was absolutely amazing. All of my guests were absolutely impressed and the party was an amazing success.

We had the opportunity to work with Chef Charles when he catered my surprise 30^th birthday in March 2012 that my husband threw for me. Approximately 36 of our friends and family were present for the celebration visiting from both coasts.
We hosted the party in our home where Charles transformed our kitchen into that which would be seen on one to those cooking channels.
He was extremely professional and interacted wonderfully with all the guests. In fact, the guests never left the kitchen as they were enjoying themselves trying different food while watching Charles prepare and serve along with his assistant.
This definitely was a completely different experience and warm welcomed one opposed to going with a corporate style catering company or simply ordering bulk food from a caterer. Everyone was able to try many different styles of cuisine with vast cooking styles.
Without exaggeration, people continue to compliment us on a fabulous evening enjoyed by all. Given the superior world class quality of food the price was extremely reasonable especially when considering all that Charles brought to the table.
We will most certainly use Chef Charles and Avanti Catering again for our future gatherings especially around the holidays.
Chef Charles and Avanti Catering are truly wonderful!