1. food and drink
2. desserts and baking

The Historic Armour House
Mansion & Gardens
Corporate & Social Event
Guide - 2016
The Armour Ho use
Stylish Rec eptions on Chic ago’s No rth Sho re
Thank you for you interest in the Armour House for you special event. Reputation, quality,
creativity, quality services, and most importantly, price, are of great concern for you now. With
this in mind, the Armour House has developed a comprehensive catering package that you will
receive upon completing a tour of the mansion. It has been carefully designed to help you create
the perfect intimate party, or a grand formal affair.
The Armour House combines old world charm with the excitement of what is in vogue, the
elegance of art with the grandeur of nature. You will find dining at the Armour House is more
than a pleasurable experience. The warm glow of candlelight, the gentle aroma of fresh flowers, the
soft melody of music, the lovely view of the gardens create a serene atmosphere and will make the
dinner a unique experience.
From the moment you and your guests enter the Great Hall, a glowing sense of hospitality will
surround you. A step inside the house on your special day will reveal refreshing floral
arrangements and cozy sitting areas. Outdoors, flowers and formal gardens surround the
house in glorious color. The architecture in each of the rooms is exquisitely and tastefully
appointed, providing a lavish backdrop for your perfect day.
History of the Armour House Mansion & Grounds
In the first decade of the 1900s, Jonathan Ogden Armour acquired the 1200-acre property then called Mellody Farm.
When Mr. Armour bought Mellody Farm, his wife, Lolita Sheldon Armour, was visiting in Vienna, the purchase of the
land and planning of the 29,000 square foot Italianate mansion were arranged as a surprise for her. Under the direction
of the famous architect, Arthur Heun, they started building in 1904 on the grounds in which the mansion was raised,
where the lakes now known as Eagle and Willow were also created . They were reputed to have spent a total
of $10 million on the entire project: approximately $8 million on buildings and $2 million on landscaping
by noted landscape architect Jens Jensen. A private railroad siding was built so that freight cars could
bring in the huge marble slabs, the bronze stair railings, and the hand-carved panels.
The house, known today as Reid Hall, was completed in 1908. The family moved in on May 5, 1908, and lived there until
approximately September 1927. Many of the house’s mantle pieces (there are 15 fireplaces) and
the paneling of the library reading room, which the family used as a living room,
were imported from Paris, Vienna and London.
In the marble dining room, it is interesting to note that while the main walls are of Italian marble, the central panels
of each wall have been painted over the plaster to simulate actual marble. It is said that Mrs. Armour,
after enjoying the rare tapestries that hung in the room, she tired of them and engaged an artisan from
Italy to paint the bare plaster that was uncovered when the tapestries were removed.
On entering the room, the uncritical eye does not detect the camouflage.
It is also reputed that the marble staircase was built with the primary purpose in mind that their daughter,
Lolita Ogden Armour, would descend the curving stairway on her wedding day, which she did in 1921
when she married John J. Mitchell, Jr.
Mr. Armour had amassed an enormous fortune as president of the Armour Company and from successful
widespread investments, but after World War I, failed investments resulted in the surrender
of the estate a few months before his death.
Following the takeover of the Armour property by the bank, the property was to be a golf club but never
used and put into a private foundation which later sold to Lake Forest Academy in which to move
the school where classes began in 1948. Today’s Academy grounds total approximately 170 acres.
Corporate Small Plates
Priced Per Person
Coffee Break
Bottled Water, Seattle’s Best Regular and decaf coffee, assorted Bigelow Teas and Soft Drinks
Sweet Treats
Assorted Sodas and Bottled Water
Whole Seasonal Fruit
Chef’s Choice of Pastry (Classic: Gourmet Cookies, Fudge Brownies, Lemon Bars,
Blond Brownies and Pecan Squares or European: eclairs, tarts, mousse cups, crème puffs)
Continental Breakfast
Sliced Fresh Fruit
Assorted Juices (to include Orange, Cranberry and Tomato)
Chef’s Choice of Breakfast Pastry (Scones, Fruit Muffins, Danish, Sweet Rolls, Donuts and Banana Bread)
Coffee and assorted Bigelow Teas
Salty Snacks
Cheesy or Buttered Popcorn, Pretzel Sticks, Roasted Assorted Nuts
Bottled Water and assorted Soft Drinks
Gourmet Cheese Spread
Local Midwest cheeses, Sweet & Savory Chutneys
Dried Exotic Fruits and a Hearty variety of Crispy Breadsticks and Crackers
Guiltless Treats
Regular Trail mix, Granola, lightly sweetened yogurts, Gluten- free Soy Trail mix and
Go-Picnic Gluten-free crackers and spreads
Corporate Luncheon Entrees
Includes Bread Sticks, Fresh Baked Roll (except Sandwiches), Dessert and Beverage (non-alcoholic)
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Romaine Lettuce Tossed with Caesar Dressing, Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast, Garlic Croutons,
Tomato and Hard Boiled Egg
Asian Chicken Salad
Marinated Chicken Breast on Lo Mein Noodles with Asparagus, Pea Pods, Red Pepper, Water Chestnuts,
Carrots and Oriental Dressing
Poached Salmon Salad
Chilled Poached Salmon Filet on Mixed Greens with Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion Rings, Olives
and Creamy Dill Dressing
London Broil
Grilled Marinated Flank Steak served with Herbed Crushed Potato, Mixed Squash, Red Pepper
and Portobello Sauce
Roast Breast of Chicken
With Provolone Sauce served with Sugar Snap Peas and Diced Tomato accompanied by
Sautéed Tri-Color Rotini
Beefeaters Salad
Sliced Beef Tenderloin on Mixed Greens, garnished with Grilled Vegetables, Tossed with Dijon Vinaigrette
Grilled Marinated Gulf Shrimp
On a bed of Vegetable Couscous with Glazed Pea Pods and Carrots
Petite Filet Mignon
With Exotic Mushroom Sauce served with Swiss Custard Potato and Fresh Asparagus
Corporate Sandwiches Selections
Includes Dessert and Beverage (non-alcoholic)
Fresh Whole Grain Roll with Marinated Grilled Red Pepper,
Zucchini Squash and Portabella Mushroom Cap, served with Vegetable Chips
Spinach Tortilla Roll-up filled with Smoked Turkey Breast, Cajun Cream Cheese,
Shredded Lettuce and sliced Tomato, served with Sweet Corn Salad
Fresh Baked Sourdough Roll with Southwestern Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast,
served with Nacho Chips and Tomato Salsa
Roasted asparagus and red peppers wrapped in a whole wheat wrap,
Boursin cheese and Baby Spinach, served with Savory Terra chips
Pimento cheese and Whole Wheat Bread, Baby Bibb lettuce and Hot House Heirloom
Tomatoes, served with Whole Grain Farro Salad
Italian Focaccia Bread Filled with Italian Salami, Turkey Breast, Provolone Cheese, Lettuce,
Tomato and Herbed Mayonnaise, served with Fresh Sweet Potato Chips
Warm Portobello Mushrooms, Gruyere cheese and Basil Pesto Panini, served with
Local Mesculin Greens and Cucumber Salad, tossed in Red Wine Vinaigrette
Social Plated Dinner Menu
Your dinner includes a selection of five passed Hors d’oeuvres during the Cocktail Hour, followed by
a Formal plated Dinner with coffee and tea service.
(Bar service available at additional cost.)
Plated Appetizers
Lobster and tarragon soufflé with white truffle saffron cream
Seared scallop, spring onion puree, crème fraiche
Chili pepper grilled quail with exotic mushroom ragu
Oven baked asparagus and goat cheese tartlet with basil cream
If you prefer to serve both soup and salad, there is an additional charge.
Soup
HOT
COLD
Wild Mushroom Bisque
Classic Tomato Gazpacho
Winter Vegetable
Melon, Lime and Mint
Lobster or crab bisque
Vichyssoise (potato)
Salads
Wild Greens with Pine nuts, Pansies and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Baby Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Toasted Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing
Romaine Hearts with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, Ripe Olives and Red Wine Dressing
Bibb Lettuce with Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Glazed Walnuts and Raspberry Vinaigrette
Bibb Lettuce with Red Pepper, Jicama Batons and Lemon Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato salad, Basil Aioli, Burrata, Aged Balsamic
Baby Iceberg Wedge, Crumbled Feta, Bacon Lardons, Grape Tomatoes and
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing or Balsamic Vinaigrette
Intermezzo
Choice of Raspberry, Pineapple or Lemon Sorbet
Cold Hors D’ Oeuvres
Your Wedding Package includes a selection of Five Butler Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres; additional options available upon request.
Seafood
Smoked Salmon Mousse on Cucumber
English cucumber slice topped with salmon mousse of capers, onion, dill
*
Ahi Tuna
Pepper crusted on a crisp wonton chip, wasabi aioli
*
Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
*
Jumbo shrimp, traditional or mexican style cocktail sauce
Citrus Crab Salad
*
Served on toasted crouton or tasting spoon
Ceviche
*
Mahi mahi, lime, fruit relish, cilantro served served in tasting spoon
Meat or Poultry
Fresh Fig with Gorgonzola
*
Wrapped in prosciutto
Thai Beef Salad
*
Tender sliced beef, scallions, carrots served in cucumber cup or tasting spoon
Horseradish Roast Beef
*
Horseradish cream, mini roll or Croissant
Curried Chicken Salad Canapé
Mango Chutney, dark rye, brioche
*
Vegetarian
Antipasti Kabob
*
Grape tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, aged balsamic vinaigrette
Feta Cheese & Tomato Bruschetta
*
Endive spears or garlic crostini
Soup Shooter
*
Watermelon, avocado, classic green gazpacho
Hot Hors D’ Oeuvres
Your Wedding Package includes a selection of Five Butler Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres; additional options available upon request.
Seafood
Crab Cakes
Lump crab meat, green and red peppers, cayenne, breaded in Panko and fried
*
Scallops
*
Bacon Wrapped or Gratineed with creamy gruyere served in tasting spoon
Meat or Poultry
Mini Beef Wellington
*
Tender beef, mushroom duxelle in puff pastry
Chicken or Vegetarian Empanadas
*
Classic Spanish turnover; choice of seasoned chicken or vegetable
Grilled Beef Rolls or Chicken Rolls Skewers w/Ginger Sauce
*
Tender beef rolled with carrots, scallions or chicken with chestnut and ginger
Baby Potatoes
*
Roasted baby potatoes, brie cheese and pancetta or classic cheddar and bacon
Potstickers
*
Vegetarian or Pork
Mini Tacos, Tostados or Taquitos (station only)
*
Beef, chicken, shrimp or vegetarian
BBQ Pork Sliders
*
Pork shoulder, cabbage slaw, citrus BBQ sauce
Vegetarian
Caramelized Onion Tartlet
*
Tartlet shell filled with sweet caramelized onion and goat cheese
Spanikopita
*
Spinach, feta and pinenuts wrapped in phyllo, baked
Mixed Flatbreads
*
Gorgonzola and caramelized onion; Exotic mushroom with Fontina;
Sundried Tomato pesto with roasted vegetables, goat cheese
Brie, Raspberry & Almond Bites
*
Phyllo tartlet shell, brie, toasted almonds, raspberry jam
Entree Options
Duet
Petite Filet of Beef with Bordelaise Sauce and Lobster Tail Poached in Butter and Garlic
Petite Filet of Beef with Bordelaise Sauce and Grilled Salmon Filet with Herbed Butter Sauce
Petite Filet of Beef with Bordelaise Sauce and Breast of Chicken with Artichokes, sundried Tomatoes,
Capers
Single
Red wine braised short ribs
Grilled Filet of Beef with Exotic Mushroom Sauce
Grilled Filet of Beef with Thyme or Bordelaise Sauce
Prosciutto and Sage Wrapped Sustainable Halibut Filet with Creamy Lemon and Butter Sauce
Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper with Mango Chutney
Grilled Salmon or Salmon en Croute with Spinach and Herbed Butter Sauce
Berkshire bone-in pork chop
Statler Breast of Chicken with Wild Exotic Mushrooms and Port Wine Sauce
Boneless Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Artichokes, Sundried Tomatoes, Capers with Parmesan Sauce
Boneless Breast of Chicken with Black Pepper and Madeira
Vegetarian Options
Grilled Eggplant Involtini with Ricotta, Parmesan Cheese and Spinach with Roasted Concassee
Pasta and Vegetable Rotello with Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce
Portobello Mushroom Cap with Grilled Vegetable Tower
Exotic Mushroom Strudel with Red Pepper Coulis and Balsamic Vinaigrette
The Station Party
Your Station Party price includes
Five Butler Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres, Plated Salad (see options under Dinner Menu),
Gourmet Bread Basket, Two Food Stations, Coffee and Tea Service.
(Bar service available at additional cost.)
Carving Station
Choice of two entrees:
Roasted Tenderloin of Beef,
Exotic Mushroom Stuffed or Dijon Glazed Pork Loin or
Honey Glazed Bone-in Ham, Grilled Salmon Filet, Swordfish or Lemon Sole in Herb Butter sauce.
Entrees served with Roasted Red Potatoes, Oven Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Mayonnaise, Horseradish, Mustard and a
Variety of Silver Dollar Rolls.
Pasta Station
Choice of three pastas:
Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Whole Wheat Fettuccine, Rainbow Cheese Tortellini, Penne, Bow Tie or Cavatelli.
Choice of three sauces: Pesto, Garlic Cream, Tomato Basil,
Bolognese (meat sauce) or Portobello Cream.
Pasta and sauces served with Fresh Basil, Garlic and Focaccia Bread.
Heavy Hors D’ Oeuvres Reception
To include action stations and five Butler style hors d’oeuvres (Bar service available at additional cost.)
Reception to include suggested format and menu as follows:
Selected Five Butler Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres
Chef Carved Beef Tenderloin and Mushroom Stuffed or Dijon Glazed Pork Loin or
Honey Glazed Bone-in Ham with assorted rolls and accompaniments
Jumbo Shrimp on Ice with Cocktail Sauce and Aioli Roasted Vegetable Antipasto and Breadsticks
Italian Style Grape Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Salad,
Tapenade with French Breads, Domestic and Imported Cheese and Crackers with Grapes,
Crudities with Herb Dip
Mini Dessert Buffet and Coffee and Tea Service
Desserts
Below is a selection of wonderful desserts. Select one of these to compliment your menu or
offer a wider variety by choosing either a Sample Plate or Dessert Buffet.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cappuccino Cheesecake
White Chocolate Mousse Cake with Raspberry Sauce
Boston Cream Pie
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce
Raspberry Sacher Torte
Black Forest Cake
German Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Torte
Deep Dish Apple Pie
Mixed Fruit Tart
Bailey’s Irish Cream Pie
Seasonal Fresh Berries with Anglaise Sauce
Traditional New York Style Cheese Cake
White Chocolate Mousse with Berries
Turtle Cheesecake
Key Lime Pie
White Chocolate Cheese Cake
Other Dessert Options
Full Dessert Buffet
A beautiful presentation that will allow your guests to sample an array of special desserts including deluxe
coffee service. This is the perfect compliment to end the evening magnificently.
Assorted Tartlets
Assorted Mini Cheesecakes
Cannoli
Chocolate Dipped Fruits
Truffles
Butter Cookies
Pastries
Mini Dessert Buffet
A simpler version of the Dessert Buffet excluding coffee service.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Milk & Cookies
Cupcake Tower
Selection of Seasonal Fresh Fruits
Truffles and chocolate Dipped Fruits and Deluxe Coffee Service
S’mores Bar
Chocolate Fountain
Milkshake Shooters or Root Beer Floats
A $2.50 per person service fee will be assessed for parties wishing to provide their own sweet table.
Bar Service
Available at additional cost, three hour minimum
Full Service Premium Bar
Premium Beer, Wine and Soda
Available at the Bar
Ketel One Vodka
Southern Comfort
Tanqueray Gin
Crown Royal
Bacardi Rum
Grey Goose Vodka at additional cost
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Bombay Sapphire Gin at additional cost
Seagram’s Seven
Chivas Regal Scotch at additional cost
Glenlivet Scotch
Seagram’s VO at additional cost
Dewar’s Scotch
Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila at additional cost
Jack Daniel’s
E&J Brandy at additional cost
Maker’s Mark
Beer
Wine
Cordials
(not available at bar - special order only)
Heineken
Miller Light
Mezzacorona Pinot
Grigio
Corona
Beringer Chardonnay
Bud Light
14 Hands Merlot
Samuel Adams
14 Hands Cabernet
Amstel Light
Domaine St. Michelle
Brut
Champagne
Miller Sharps
Non-Alcoholic Beer
Disaronno Amaretto
Courvoisier
Kahlua
Crème Decasis
Grad Marnier
Benedictine
Frangelico
Drambuie
Bailey’s
Annisette
Sandeman’s Port
Chambord
B&B
Godiva Chocolate Liquor
Cost Analysis
SPECIAL EVENT FEE:
All charges are based on the minimum number of guestsDESSERTS
required. The minimum for a Saturday evening is
to make
event even
sweeter (priced
person ).
150 adults. Rental of Selections
the house
andyour
grounds
is $30.00
per per
person.
Milk
Shake Shooters
or Root Beer Floats
ENTRÉE
PRICE
INCLUDES:
$3.00
Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry milkshakes.
Hors d’oeuvres, a formal dinner and coffee service. Bar service available at additional cost. Contact us for
Add Mini Doughnuts
$4.00
pricing details. All prices subject to change without notice.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
ALCOHOL SERVICE
POLICY:
$4.50
Up to three chosen ice cream flavors with toppings like candy or cookie crumbles, nuts, sprinkles, sauces and freshly made whipped cream.
In accordance with liquor laws governing the state of Illinois and the city of Lake Forest, it is our policy that
Milk & Cookies
$5.00
all liquor, wine and beer be supplied Lake Forest Academy.
We require
that only our servers and
Specially
mix of
cookies,
regular and chocolate
milk.person who appears
bartenders dispense alcoholic beverages. We
willchosen
request
photo
identification
of any
to be under legal drinking age. We reserve the right to refuse alcoholic beverage service if a person is either
Cupcake Tower
$5.00
under age or cannot produce proper identification and also to any person who, in our judgment,
appears to be intoxicated.
S’Mores Bar
$10.00
TAX:
Make your own S’Mores with classic Hershey bar,
marshmallows and graham crackers.
7.5% sales tax applied to your billing.
Selection of Seasonal Fresh Fruits
GRATUITY:
Assorted Pies & Mini Pies
$10.00
$10.00
All food and beverage is subject to a 21% service charge.
Chocolate Fountain
ALL
EQUIPMENT:
$10.00 (50 guest minimum)
Chocolate fountain includes a variety of dipping options and fresh fruits.
60” and 72” round tables, indoor and outdoor chairs, china, flatware, and glassware. Buffet equipment,
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Deluxe Coffee Service
$12.00
where applicable, includes silver chaffers,
platters, coffee and tea service. White linens
and napkins.
Mini Dessert Buffet
VALET PARKING:
$12.00
A sample of specially chosen mini desserts, including Coffee and Tea Service (options vary depending on the bakery chosen for Wedding cake).
Valet parking is available upon request.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
A $2.50 per person service fee will be assessed for parties
Additional Chair Styles available for additional charges
wishing to provide their own sweets table. Desserts in lieu of a Wedding cake pricing determined on a as needed basis.
Colored or Patterned Linens available with additional rental charge (depending on the style chosen)
Dinner for Professionals and Children’s Meals available