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2. food
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The Historic Armour House
Mansion & Gardens
Wedding Guide - 2016
The Armour Ho use Stylish Rec eptions on Chic ago’s No rth Sho re
Welcome to the Historic Armour House Mansions and Gardens at Lake Forest Academy.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this prestigiously located Italian Villa
combines old world charm with a surprising contemporary style. It is with you in mind
that we proudly present this exquisite catering menu featuring the superb quality
of our Executive Chef’s celebrated creativity and our dedication to satisfying any culinary request.
Accentuated by the warm glow of candlelight, the breathtaking grandeur of the Great Hall
displays elegance in a free-flowing style for mingling and dining. The outdoors, the
refreshing scents and brilliant colors of the floral gardens, and the beautifully
manicured lawns invite you to a romantic stroll under a bejeweled blanket of stars.
Back inside, the rhythm of music and dancing echo the boundless happiness
surrounding the unique occasion.
We, the Armour House staff, are ready to receive you with the promise of excellent service
upholding flawless reputation in hospitality and client satisfaction.
We wish you much joy as you embark on this memorable journey and thank you for
making us a part of it; together we will orchestrate the event of your dreams.
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.
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
The Plated Dinner Menu
Your dinner includes a premium bar, together with a selection of five passed Hors d’oeuvres during Cocktail Hour,
followed by a Three Course Formal Dinner with Wine Pairing, Champagne Toast and a Custom designed
Wedding Cake or Dessert and Coffee and Tea Service.
Salad Course
Followed by Gourmet Bread Basket
* Wild Greens with Pinenuts, Pansies & Balsamic Vinaigrette
* Bibb Lettuce with Red Pepper, Jicama Batons & Lemon
Vinaigrette
* Bibb Lettuce with Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Glazed
*
Heirloom Tomato Salad, Basil Aioli, Burrata, & Aged
Balsamic
*
Baby Iceberg Wedge, Crumbled Feta, Bacon Lardons,
Grape Tomatoes & Buttermilk Ranch Dressing or
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Walnuts & Raspberry Vinaigrette
* Baby Spinach, Strawberries, Toasted Pecans, & Poppy Seed
Dressing
* Romaine Hearts, Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, Ripe
Olives, & Red Wine Dressing
Intermezzo
Raspberry, Pineapple, Mango or Lemon Sorbet
Entree
See page 5 for options.Additional courses, such as plated
appetizer or soup, also available.
Plated Appetizers
Prices reflective per person
Seafood
Poultry
Vegetarian
Seared Scallop, spring onion
Chili pepper grilled quail,
Asparagus and goat cheese tartlet
puree, crème fraiche
mushroom ragu
with basil cream
Lobster tarragon soufflé,
Seared breast of duck, celery root purée,
Parmesan Risotto, asparagus,
truffle saffron cream
crispy skin, jus
brown butter sauce
Crab Mornay Crepes
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)
Plated Entrees
Prices are reflected as per person.
Sides include choice of garlic mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, creamy polenta or
potenta cakes, wild rice pilaf accompanied by french green beans and baby carrots.
Duet Plated Options
Grilled Petite Filet of Beef with Bordelaise Sauce and…
*
*
Lobster Tail Poached in Butter and Garlic
*
Statler Chicken or Breast of Chicken with Black Pepper, Madeira
Grilled Salmon Filet, Herbed Butter Sauce
Single Plated Options
Beef:
*
*
*
Red wine braised short ribs
Grilled filet of beef with thyme or bordelaise sauce
Grilled filet of beef with exotic mushroom sauce
Fish:
Grilled salmon or salmon en croute with spinach, herbed butter sauce
*
*
Macadamia crusted grouper, mango chutney or pistachio nut crusted halibut
Prosciutto and sage wrapped halibut, creamy lemon and butter sauce
*
Pork:
*
Berkshire bone-in pork chop
Chicken:
*
*
Statler breast of chicken, wild exotic mushrooms, port wine sauce
Boneless breast of chicken stuffed with artichokes, sundried tomatoes, capers or ricotta,
spinach, pinenuts, parmesan sauce
*
Boneless breast of chicken with black pepper and madeira
Vegetarian Options
*
Grilled eggplant involtini, ricotta, parmesan cheese,
spinach, roasted tomato concasse
*
Portobello mushroom cap with grilled vegetable tower,
couscous, roasted red pepper coulis (vegan)
*
Pasta and vegetable rotello, creamy tomato basil sauce
*
Exotic mushroom risotto, grilled asparagus
The Station Party
Your Station Party price includes Premium Bar, Five Butler Passed Hors D’Oeuvres, Plated Salad (see options
under Dinner Menu), Gourmet Bread Basket, Intermezzo, Two Food Stations, Wine and a Champagne
Toast during Dinner, Custom Wedding Cake or Dessert with Coffee and Tea Service.
Carving Station
Choice of two entrees:
Roasted Tenderloin of Beef,
Exotic Mushroom Stuffed OR Dijon Glazed Pork Loin,
Honey Glazed Bone-in Ham,
Grilled Salmon, 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 from the following:
Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Whole Wheat Fettuccine, Rainbow Cheese Tortellini, Penne, Bow Tie or Cavatelli.
Choice of three sauces from the following:
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
Below is only a suggested menu and other selections are available upon request.
Reception to include suggested format and menu as follows:
Premium Bar
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, Wedding Cake and Coffee and Tea Service
The Armour House Brunch Reception
Your brunch includes a champagne toast, three passed Hors D’oeuvres, Two Food Stations, Custom Designed
Wedding Cake and Coffee and Tea Service.
Breakfast Station
Chef to prepare Waffles with Maple Syrup and Fruit Toppings
Assorted Miniature Muffins, Bagels and Rolls
Fresh Fruit Panache
Baked Egg Strata with Asparagus and Red Peppers
Hardwood Smoked Bacon and Sausage
Country Potatoes
Lunch Station
Beef Tenderloin with Bordelaise, Thyme, or Exotic Mushrooms Sauce***
Grilled Chicken Breast marinated with garlic and herbs
Mixed Wild Rice Pilaf
Chef Selection of Seasonal Vegetables
Rainbow Cheese Tortellini, Tri color Rotini, Bowtie pasta or Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli (select one) served with
Tomato Basil and Garlic Cream Sauce
Fresh Basil and Garlic
Spinach Salad with Strawberries Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing
***Note: Chef Carved station can be included for an additional $50
Bar Service
Two Hour Minimum Bartender
The Wedding Cake
The Armour House is happy to assist you with your Wedding Cake. Our bakery partners work with you directly on a custom design.
There are a variety of styles and flavors to choose from, from the traditional, to the more creative as part of your wedding
package. If you have a design of your own in mind, we would be delighted to work with you to achieve your style.
Cake selection is done during the menu planning process.
Ordering Information
Your Wedding Cake must be ordered at least three weeks prior to the wedding date.
A 22” silver cake riser is available for an additional charge.
Deluxe Signature Coffee Service
Freshly Brewed Starbucks Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee,
Assorted Hot Teas, Cinnamon Sticks, Rock Candy Sticks, Chocolate Stirrers, Freshly Prepared Whipped Cream
Deluxe Signature Coffee Service with Cordials
Includes items above and cordials such as: Baileys, Kahlua, Amaretto, Sambuca, Courvoisier, Brandy, Frangelico,
DiSaronno, or Grand Manier
Desserts
Selections to make your event even sweeter.
Milk Shake Shooters or Root Beer Floats
Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry milkshakes.
Add Mini Doughnuts for an additional charge.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Up to three chosen ice cream flavors with toppings like candy or cookie crumbles, nuts, sprinkles, sauces and
freshly made whipped cream.
Milk & Cookies
Specially chosen mix of cookies, regular and chocolate milk.
Cupcake Tower
S’Mores Bar
Make your own S’Mores with classic Hershey bar, marshmallows and graham crackers.
Selection of Seasonal Fresh Fruits
Assorted Pies & Mini Pies
Chocolate Fountain
Chocolate fountain includes a variety of dipping options and fresh fruits.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Deluxe Coffee Service
Mini Dessert Buffet
A sample of specially chosen mini desserts, including Coffee and Tea Service
(options vary depending on the bakery chosen for Wedding cake).
A small per person service fee will be assessed for parties
wishing to provide their own sweets table.
Desserts in lieu of a
Wedding cake pricing determined on a as needed basis.
Late Night Snacks*
Keep the party going with the following. Additional options available upon request.
Windy City
Mini Chicago style hot dogs or mini Italian Beef with fries.
Tailgate Snacks
Mini burgers, chicken wings, onion rings.
Mashed Potato Martini Bar
Mashed potato puree, steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, shredded cheeses, bacon bits, crème fraiche, chives, butter.
Mac & Cheese
Mac and Cheese with bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, scallions, roasted red peppers,
spring peas, shredded cheese.
Chicago Style Pizza Party
Lou Malnati’s or Ferentinos, think or thin style
Build Your Own Burger
Premium beef burgers, assortment of toppings and fries.
Diner Dash
Scrambled eggs, hashbrowns or tater tots, bacon or sausage, mini pancakes and syrup.
Taco Stand
Beef or chicken, assorted toppings, corn and flour tortillas.
Domestic or Imported Cheese Platter
A variety of gourmet cheeses and accompaniments, Gourmet crackers and flatbreads.
Assorted Sushi (market price)
* Late night pricing based on 50% of event guest guarantee plus tax and service.
Bridal/Groom Suite Catering
Select the following BEFORE the big event (priced per person). Additional options available upon request.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Soft drinks, water, coffee and tea.
Bagels and Cream Cheese
Variety of bagels, cream cheeses, coffee, tea, water, juice.
Champagne Toast
Champagne and Pellegrino. (limit 2 bottles per party of 6)
Beer & Beverages
Assorted beers, bottled water and soft drinks (limit two per person).
Deli
Mini sandwiches: Ham & Cheddar, Turkey & Swiss, Roasted Vegetable Wraps, Chips, variety of soft drinks, water.
Crudite
Variety of fresh vegetables, ranch dip
Mediterranean
Hummus, Pita, Olives.
Continental Breakfast
Variety of pastries, breads, yogurt, granola bars, coffee, tea, water, juice.
Seasonal Fruit Platter
Domestic or Imported Cheese Platter
A variety of gourmet cheeses and accompaniments, Gourmet crackers and flatbreads.
Premium Liquor List
Spirits
Ketel One & Absolute Vodka
Jack Daniel’s
Tanqueray Gin
Maker’s Mark
Bacardi Rum
Jameson Irish
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Cuervo Gold Tequila
Seagram’s Seven & VO
Crown Royal & Canadian Club
Glen Livet Scotch, J&B Scotch & Dewar’s Scotch
Amaretto / Peach Schnapps
(Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Chivas Regal Scotch and other fine spirits available at an additional cost.)
Beer & Cider
Heineken
Amstel Light
Miller Light
Shocktop
Corona
Stella Artois Beer & Cidre
Coors Light
312
Samuel Adams
Seasonal options
(A local craft brew may be available upon request for a minimal charge.)
Wines*
Pinot Grigio
Red Blend
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec
Chandon Brut Champagne
Cordials
(Available at Additional Cost)
E&J Brandy
Sandeman’s Port
Disaronno Amaretto
B&B
Kahlua
Courvoisier
Grand Marnier
Drambuie
Frangelico
Chambord
Bailey’s
Godiva Chocolate Liquor
*Substitutions may incur upcharges or corkage fees.
Specialty Beverage Packages
Enhance your event with one of these unique offerings.
Mimosa Bar
Variety of fruit purees, champagne, fresh fruit garnishes.
Champagne Tower
Includes specialty glasses (minimum of 50 guest count)
Beer Tasting Station
Whiskey Tasting Station
You choose the theme (domestic or imported), specialty glasses.
Bloody Mary Bar
Blood mary mix, vodka, cheddar cheese cubes, sausage sticks, salami, shrimp, olives, celery, bacon strips, celery salt, hot sauce.
Infused Waters
Choose from a variety of waters, such as: Lemon, Cucumber & Mint, Blackberry & Mint,
Strawberry and Pink Grapefruit or Lemon & Raspberry. Available before ceremony, if desired.
Signature Lemonades or Cocktails
- Pricing may vary -
Cost Analysis
Client is responsible for floral, music/lighting, photography, and A/V systems.
Special Event Fee
All charges are based on the minimum number of guests required. The minimum for a Saturday evening is 150 adults.
Rental of the historic mansion and gardens are $30.00 for events scheduled in 2016.
Entrée Price Includes
Premium bar, champagne, hors d’oeuvres for the cocktail hour, wine with your meal, a formal dinner, the wedding cake with
coffee service. (Prices subject to change without notice.)
Alcohol Service Policy
In accordance with liquor laws governing the state of Illinois and the city of Lake Forest, it is our policy that all liquor, wine and
beer be supplied Lake Forest Academy, with service no earlier than 5:00 PM. We require that only our servers and bartenders dispense alcoholic beverages and will request photo identification of any person who appears to be under legal drinking age. We reserve the right to refuse alcoholic beverage service if a person is either under age or cannot produce proper identification and also
to any person who, in our judgment, appears to be intoxicated. Liquor is for on-site consumption only and may not be removed
from premises.
Tax
7.5% sales tax applied to your billing.
Service Charges
All food and beverage is subject to 21% service charge.
Equipment
Rounds: 60” and 72”, indoor and outdoor chairs, china, flatware, and glassware. Buffet equipment includes silver chaffers, platters, coffee and tea service. Elegance, Classic or Poplin Style linens and napkins are included, with several color options.
Patterned or Satin Specialty Linens available at an additional rental charge.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available upon request serviced by three outside insured companies.
Additional Charges
Contact Dean Dutko at (847) 615-3219 or Christine Gaither at (847) 615-3295 for more information