Culinaryeventsbychefz

Culinaryeventsbychefz Chef Zack offers private chef services and curated in-home dining experiences in central Illinois for intimate dinners, celebrations, and dinner parties.

Enjoy elevated meals and personalized service while every detail is handled for you. Chef Z creates thoughtfully curated private dining experiences designed for connection and celebration, through unforgettable meals. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner, celebrating a milestone, or gathering friends for an elegant evening, Chef Z handles every detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience. About Chef Zack
I have always believed that food is more than something we eat. It is how we connect. I love creating dishes that blend unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and a little bit of imagination. There is nothing better than seeing people gather around a table, sharing stories and laughter over something made with care. For me, cooking is about bringing people together and turning everyday moments into lasting memories. Culinary Experience
- Graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Chicago
- Worked under Chef Art Smith at Table 52
- Continued his career in several acclaimed New York City restaurants
- Returned to Bloomington to work with 2 Blokes and a Bus
- Founder, owner, and chef of Braize
- Former chef at Epiphany Farms

Private Dining Experiences: All menus are seasonal and customizable, with pricing based on protein selection, service style, and guest count. Final menus are confirmed in advance to ensure the highest quality and experience.

- 3 Course Dinner Experience (8+ guests). A refined yet approachable dining experience perfect for dinner parties and small gatherings.
- 5 Course Dinner Experience (8+ guests). This experience offers a more immersive dining experience, perfect for guests who want to savor multiple courses and flavors.
- Intimate Chef's Table Experience (4–16 guests | 5–7 courses): A fully immersive dining experience where Chef Z creates a chef-driven tasting menu designed specifically for your group.
- Heavy Appetizer Party: A lively, cocktail-style dining experience designed to encourage guests to move, socialize, and enjoy flavor-packed small plates. To ensure the highest quality ingredients and preparation, a 25% grocery deposit is required five days prior to the event. The remaining balance is due per the agreed terms​. Guest minimums apply depending on the selected dining experience. Menus are finalized in advance to allow Chef Z to source the best seasonal ingredients available.

10/05/2026

Your next party called, and it said your cooking isn't going to cut it. Let Chef Z save the day. This is your sign.

10/01/2026

pov: your social media manager told you to get content...so you did what any responsible adult would do: cooked instead. 🍳

it's officially fall. and I'm serving up all the fall dishes. I catered this business luncheon at Vrooman Mansion for IN...
09/26/2026

it's officially fall. and I'm serving up all the fall dishes.

I catered this business luncheon at Vrooman Mansion for INSPYR Agency and brought all the fall vibes.

the luncheon menu:

Ham & Gruyère Baguette — sliced ham, Swiss, lettuce, Dijon-herb mayo on a fresh baguette

Turkey Bacon & Mozzarella Baguette — roasted turkey, crispy bacon, mozzarella, lettuce & Italian vinaigrette on a fresh baguette

Cucumber, Apple & Tomato Salad — cucumbers, onions, arugula, crisp apples, fresh herbs, whipped feta, lemon vinaigrette & a touch of hot honey

Homemade Kettle chips with whipped blue cheese dip

Apple cupcake with peach marmalade glaze and brown sugar crumble

09/22/2026

It's a beautiful sight. This crew making brazitos for all to enjoy! 🥪🥪🥪

We'll be serving up hot and fresh brazitos Duncan Manor at their Haunted House tours on 10/9 and 10/10. Join in on the fun.

Café Coral – Girls Lunch Club 🌺🥐I was asked to cater a French café themed lunch gathering for eight women. I wanted to k...
09/17/2026

Café Coral – Girls Lunch Club 🌺🥐

I was asked to cater a French café themed lunch gathering for eight women. I wanted to keep the menu light, on theme, and delicious.

How do you think I did with this menu?

Paris, cafe theme, Luncheon, themed party, coral, cafe coral, Bloomington IL

The Parisienne – Ham, cultured butter, Dijon, Gruyère and cornichons.

The Coral – chicken boulettes, fresh mozzarella, pistachio pesto, arugula and hot honey.

Cucumber & Melon Salad – Cucumber, summer melon and heirloom tomatoes with burnt-honey whipped feta, fresh mint, basil, lemon and extra virgin olive oil.

Shoestring Pommes Frites – Hand-cut crispy shoestring potatoes with flaky sea salt and Dijon-garlic aioli.

Peaches & Cream Crème Brûlée – Lemon-vanilla crème brûlée with roasted summer peaches, caramelized sugar, fresh berries and warm chocolate-croissant dippers.

09/11/2026

we're getting all ready for Brazito Fest tomorrow night Duncan Manor and we're just a little excited.

drop in for a hot minute and grab a Brazito. or stay for awhile. cooking up fresh Brazitos all evening long.

I'm pretty sure I'm happy anytime I eat any dish made by Zack Poleto 🍽️🍽️🍽️what's a dish you want to see him make next? ...
09/03/2026

I'm pretty sure I'm happy anytime I eat any dish made by Zack Poleto 🍽️🍽️🍽️

what's a dish you want to see him make next?

steak, dish, fine dining, elevated dining, luxury, farm fresh, chef life, farm to table, chef, key to happiness

08/31/2026

pov: my week as a private chef

prepping. cooking. delighting. repeat.

Do you remember the brazito? The hollowed out French bread stuffed with a savory meat saute and grilled to perfection? ...
08/27/2026

Do you remember the brazito? The hollowed out French bread stuffed with a savory meat saute and grilled to perfection? They started out at the Bloomington Legion and ended up moving to the Park Regency. Whether you loved them and missed them or want to try one for the first time, you are in luck because .events.by.chef.z is back! We are hosting a brazito party at our Harvest Party on Sept. 12 from 4-8pm.

We will also have the manor open for self-guided tours, there will be local vendors to shop, open mic, bar service, and wide open space to enjoy the fall weather!

We hope to see you here!

This is event is free, house tours are not. ;)
Manor tours: $10, kids 10 and under: $5
Guarantee your tour by getting yours early on our website!

Saturday Sept. 12 4-8pm

https://www.duncanmanorhouse.com/collections/events/products/harvest-party-sept-12-2026-4-8pm

If you’ve been yearning for a Brazito, here’s your chance! 🔥Join us for Brazito Fest at Duncan Manor on September 12 fro...
08/27/2026

If you’ve been yearning for a Brazito, here’s your chance! 🔥

Join us for Brazito Fest at Duncan Manor on September 12 from 4–8 PM at 1002 Towanda Barnes Rd., Towanda!

Come hungry and enjoy:

-Hot & fresh Brazitos
-Local vendors
-Open Mic Night
-Bar service
-Self-guided tours of the historic Duncan Manor
Admission: Adults $10 | Children 10 & under $5

Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and come see us serving up your favorite hot and fresh Brazitos!

Address

Bloomington
Bloomington, IL
61701

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