Marcel's Culinary Experience, Glen Ellyn, Announces New Gift Boxes, Private/Corporate Event Options

Marcel's Culinary Experience (www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com), a gourmet retail store and recreational cooking school in downtown Glen Ellyn, is gearing up for the year-end holidays with new gift boxes and private event options.

"With the improving economy, our customers are getting into holiday mode earlier this year. Many weekend evenings already are booked with corporate and family holiday parties, and we've been getting inquiries about gift baskets and boxes for a while," says Marcel's Proprietor Jill Foucré.

With gift giving and entertaining in mind, Marcel's staff has assembled six collections of small-batch specialty foods, starting at $75, that come attractively packaged in a Marcel's branded box for pick up at the store or shipment anywhere in North America. Themes include Taste of Italy, Party Starter and Marcel's Favorites (as selected by the staff). Many items are made by Chicago area and regional purveyors.

"We also can create custom-designed gift baskets or boxes, based on a customer's preferred theme and budget, and we can even include a bottle of wine," says Foucré.

She encourages individuals and corporate event planners looking to create fun, food-oriented holiday parties, private group classes and other special events to contact her soon, especially if they have a specific date in mind. "Weekends are booking up quickly, as is the entire month of December," she says.

Since its September 2011 opening, Marcel's has been the site of an increasing number of private events, including birthday and anniversary parties, baby and bridal showers, club meetings, corporate team-building outings, and company celebrations of all types. With its beautifully appointed, professional quality kitchen, skilled chefs, and wide choice of menus, Marcel's lends itself to a variety of event themes and formats. Options range from cocktail parties to demonstration and participatory cooking classes for all skill levels (including kids and teens) to seated meals and everything in between.

"Guests can create an unforgettable meal under the guidance of one of our professional chefs, or they can sit back, relax, savor a glass of wine and watch as our chef takes the reins on their culinary journey," says Foucré.

The Marcel's staff works with each host to tailor the menu, beverages and guest participation levels according to the specific budget. Events typically range from 10 to 60 people, depending on format and events for smaller groups are available as well.

In addition to food and beverages prepared and served at each event, guests receive copies of the featured recipes, a Marcel's apron, and a 10% discount on all purchases made at Marcel's that day.

For more information about gift boxes or hosting a party or other event at Marcel's Culinary Experience, stop by the store at 490 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, call 630-790-8500 or visit www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com.