FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First we want to get to know you - in order to design menu options, we want to get a sense of your food style and event vision. What is your favorite casual restaurant? What about a special occasion? Are you thinking low-key creative comfort food or intricate avant garde? Heavy hors d'oeuvres all night, interactive stations or a sit-down dinner? It only takes a few minutes, then we can move forward with designing a proposal that reflects your desires. After that a tasting typically ensues and we can start finalizing details - layout, timeline, etc.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Our Story: Exec. Chef/Owner, Jim Benson A Baltimore native, Chef Jim Bensons first and only culinary job before launching Eleven Courses was illegal. Just barely a teenager, not officially old enough to work, Jim got a job at a local grocery store in the produce department. He fell in love with the simplicity, beauty and freshness that surrounded him every day and started bringing his work home. Over a decade later, after graduating college, countless dinner parties for friends and family and extensive international travel, Jim created Eleven Courses with his wife, Melissa. Jim is regularly featured on FOX, ABC, CBS, and USA for the latest in wedding, food and event trends. Event Director/Owner, Melissa Benson Melissa grew up in a very food centric family exposed to great restaurants from a young age and use to something always cooking in the kitchen. Family dinners were a big deal in my house and I loved every night was a true celebration of good food and people. Jim and I met in college and he started spoiling me with his cooking right away. We entertained all of the time and I was constantly going out and buying new places settings, centerpieces, etc. to design the perfect event. After one epic eleven course dinner party, our journey began weddings, galas, corporate affairs and soirees of all kinds. Melissa often joins Jim on his television appearance as a design & event expert.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Eleven Courses specializes in event catering: weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, sweet 16's, bar/bat mitzvahs and corporate catering. We have worked with the Dutch Embassy, US Army, Explora Securities, Gunnison, St. Jude, March of Dimes, several schools and many many couples!