Make it an Event by Jill Foucré

A number of years ago when the first twinklings of Marcel’s started to emerge in my mind, the part that I was in love with was the prospect of having cooking classes. I love to cook and entertain, I love to try new things, experiment with new recipes and techniques and make as many of the ingredients as possible from scratch. When I would attend classes at recreational cooking schools, I always learned something, had fun, had a great meal and was in the company of those who also shared my love of cooking and great food.

Marcel’s clearly evolved into both a cooking school and a beautiful retail store and I am so glad we can offer both and that they complement each other so well. I love everything about Marcel’s but my heart is in the kitchen. Since we opened almost two years ago we have held 368 classes and have had 113 private events – and have had over 6,000 students in our kitchen! The private events have been something I didn’t fully anticipate when we were initially planning Marcel’s. I thought we would do some events like this but not nearly the scope and quantity.

For private groups we have done everything from kid’s birthday parties to bachelorette parties and bridal showers to corporate groups (including some fun competitive formats!) to couples to friends to families. We like to tailor to the customer’s needs so we don’t have predetermined menus — we set a date, I book a chef, we plan menus, and then we’re ready for a great event! From personal classes for two people to cocktail party-style events for 60 and everything in between, we can format something for everyone. We also love to do add ons like favors or flowers or personalized aprons.

Recently we held our first ever open house for event and meeting planners to spread the word about Marcel’s and we have joined the Dupage Convention and Visitors Bureau so we can become a destination for those looking for the best venues in the area. And in the process, so many people are also discovering downtown Glen Ellyn — we regularly hear “I had no idea Glen Ellyn had such a great downtown!”

I am excited to be the host site for so many fun, memorable events – it truly embodies our quest to help everyone cook, create, and celebrate.