Shedd Events Boutique Experience SHEDD AQUARIUM Perfect for intimate gatherings
Discover another side of Shedd Aquarium— as the incomparable locale for your next special event.
The Shedd Events Boutique Experience was designed with small to medium sized groups in mind. For your event, we transform the Bubble Net seating area into an elegant event space. The food and beverage packages for this event space are designed for you to have an engaging event experience, with access to many of the Shedd Aquarium amenities that you love.
Let’s get started planning your gathering!
The Shedd Events Boutique Experience can accomodate between 30 and 100 guests. hors d´oeuvres PASSED HORS D�OEUVRES - COLD
All hors d�oeuvres are priced per 50 pieces. Please select up to four total passed hors d'Oeuvres.
Mediterranean Antipasto Skewer, GF 200 Sun-Dried Grape Tomato, Marinated Artichoke, Kalamata Olive, Marinated Mozzarella
Tuxedo Truffle 155 Goat Cheese Grape Truffles Rolled in Sesame Seeds, Beet Red, Parsley Green and Original White
Classic Bruschetta 175 Roma Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Butter Tarlet
Vegan Bruschetta with Tofu, VGN 165 Roma Tomato, Fresh Basil, and Seared Tofu
Tarragon Chicken Salad 155 Diced Chicken, Celery, and Tarragon Aioli on Specialty Bread
Beef Tenderloin 225 Horseradish Crème, Red Onion Marmalade, Crostini
California Rolls 260 Avocado, Crab, Cucumber Served with Soy Sauce, Ginger and Wasabi
Mini Lobster Rolls 285 Traditional Lobster Salad served in a Mini Brioche Bun
Sweet Chili & Pineapple Marinated Shrimp in a Snow Pea, GF 265
Shrimp Cocktail Shooter 275
Caprese Spoon 195 Miniature ladle with Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Reduction
Ahi Tuna Poke 275 Spicy Guacamole, Wonton Cup
Edamame Salad on Miso Spoon, VGN, GF 275 Miso Spoon, Hummus, Edamame, Sweet Red Pepper
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees PASSED HORS D´OEUVRES - HOT
All hors d�oeuvres are priced per 50 pieces. Please select up to four total passed hors d'Oeuvres.
Artichoke Beignet 195 Lemon Aioli
Brie & Raspberry Tart 205
Mini Deep Dish Pizzas 195 Cheese or Sausage
Chimichurri Marinated Beef & Pepper Kabobs, GF 260
Short Rib, Fig & Blue Cheese Tart 225
Chicken Satay, GF 195 Soy Sesame Peanut Sauce
Cozy Shrimp in Phyllo 216 Sweet Chili Sauce
Mini Crab Cakes 230 Red Pepper Aioli
Seared Scallop, GF 195 Tomato-Bacon Jam, Pickled Mustard Seeds Served on a Miso Spoon
Caribbean Risotto Cake, VGN 195 Pineapple-Mango Salsa
Cuban Spring Roll 185 Ham, Pork, Swiss, Mustard, Dill Pickle, Crispy Spring Roll, Mustard Dipping Sauce
Brie En Croute 205 Cranberry Compote
Mediterranean Phyllo Purse, VGN 180 Mediterranean-Inspired Spiced Sun-Dried Tomato, Kalamata Olive, Artichoke Heart, Phyllo Purse
Vegan Meatballs, VGN 140 Celery, Panko, Seasonings
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees HORS D´OEUVRES STATIONS
Choose up to two hors d'oeuvres display stations. Displays sold per person.
Charcuterie Board 8.75 Local Cheeses and Cured Meats, Garnished with Seasonal Berries, Dried Fruit, Olives and Nuts. Served with Assorted Crackers, Lavosh and Breads
Farmers Market Crudité 6.50 A Colorful, Vibrant Display of Multi-Colored Cauliflower, Carrots, Green Beans, Broccoli, Crisp Lavosh and Pita Bread with Hummus and Ranch Dips
Sushi Display, approximately 44 pieces MARKET Salmon, Shrimp, Yellow Tail & Barbecue Eel, Nigiri, California, Crab, Spicy Tuna, Salmon, Spider Rolls Served with Pickled Ginger, Wasabi and Soy Sauce
Bruschetta Bar 10 Classic Tomato Bruschetta, White Bean Bruschetta, Zucchini Bruschetta, Prosciutto, Arugula and Fresh Mozzarella Bruschetta, Sautéed Mushroom Asiago Ragout Bruschetta, Tomato, Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella Bruschetta
Spanish Tapas 11 Baked Goat Cheese in Romesco, Grilled Breads Spinach & Cheese Croquettes, Saffron Aioli Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Grilled Shrimp and Gazpacho Shooters Andalusian-Style Potatoes - Chorizo, Manchego Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper, Peas, Potato Cup
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees Dinner menus
The Shedd Events Boutique Experience is categorized by different dinner menus, specially tailored to your evening´s entertaining goals.
The Taste of Chicago Menu takes you on a culinary tour of the favorites of Chicago. Your group will be delighted with the windy city's classics from downtown to Greektown to Wrigleyville.
The Small Plates Menu lets you explore the diversity of palate and lets your guests experience the culinary acumen of our globally-trained chefs.
The city’s iconic skyline and Lake Michigan’s blue expanse create a stunning backdrop for the Shedd Events Boutique Experience. TASTE OF CHICAGO DINNER MENU
Build-your-own "Taste of Chicago" dining experience by selecting three of your favorites from below.
Wrigleyville 18 Mini Hot Dogs, Chicago-Style Toppings Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches House-Made Chips
Pilsen 20 Elote Salad Chicken Tinga Tacos, Mini Corn and Flour Tortillas Onion, Cilantro, Chipotle Crema Cilantro Lime Rice Tortilla Chips Fire-Roasted Salsa, Salsa Verde, Guacamole
Greektown 20 Cucumber Salad Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Grilled Pitas Greek Chicken Kabobs, Lemon Rice, Tzatziki Sauce
Chinatown 21 Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, Spicy Mustard, Soy Sauce Orange Chicken, Long Grain Rice Spicy Green Beans
Bronzeville 19 Smoky Bacon And Black-Eyed Pea Salad New Orleans Style Jambalaya Vegetarian Jambalaya Rice
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees SMALL PLATES DINNER MENU
Sample a collection of several dishes in small portions at your next event. Tasting plates are chef-prepared, served on individual plates each comprising of approximately 3-4 bites. Please select three options for your event.
12-Hour Braised Short Rib 17 Wild Mushroom Sauté, Creamy White Grits, Micro Green Salad
Street Tacos 16 Chicken Tinga Taco, Mini Flour and Corn Tortillas, Roasted Corn & Black Bean Salad, Chopped Onion, Cilantro, House-Made Guacamole
Petite Sliders Two selections 17 Served with a side of parmesan truffle chips Three selections 22 Angus Cheddar Brioche Slider, Tomato Bacon Jam Black Bean Slider with Guacamole, Queso Fresco, Candied Jalapeño Falafel Slider with Cucumber, Lemon Tzatziki, Roasted Red Pepper Mayo BBQ Pork Belly Slider, Caramelized Onion Slaw New England Lobster Slider, Toasted Buttery Roll
Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl 19 Diced Fresh Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Spicy Yum Yum Sauce, Green Onion, Red Tobiko Caviar, Sticky Rice
Beef Medallions 19 Seared Garlic Herb Beef Medallions, Horseradish Parsnip Mash, Pinot Noir Morel Mushroom Ragout
Garden Green Pea & Parmesan Arancini 18 Slow Cooked Risotto, Garden Peas, Crunchy Panko & Parmesan Crust, Traditional Red Gravy
Shrimp and Grits 19 Creamy Stone Ground Grits, Seared Cajun Shrimp
Jambalaya 17 Chef’s Special Southern-Style Jambalaya over Rice with a Corn Bread Muffin
Caribbean Dream 16 Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Red Beans & Rice, Island Slaw, Ginger Lime Dressing
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees An unbelievable experience
The Shedd Events Boutique Experience lets you get up close and personal with some of our favorite animals.
Whether you are looking to host an intimate formal dinner or lively reception, your guests can get up close with nature at Shedd Aquarium.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres begin in the otter overlook area of the Aquarium before dinner is served in the newly-renovated Bubble Net space. DESSERT DISPLAYS
Simply Sweet 10 Brownie Bites, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Blondie Bars, Lemon Bars, Sliced Seasonal Fruit
Sweet Tooth 14 Macaroons, Macarons, Assorted Local Truffles, Berry Shortcakes, Mousse Shooters, Fruit Tarts
Candy Sushi 10 Mini Rice Krispie Treat Gummy Candies, Wrapped to Resemble Sushi
Mini Bundt Cakes 10 Waffle Marble Cream Cheese, Chocolate Chip, Banana Walnut, Lemon, Additional Seasonal Options Available
Custom Cookies CUSTOM Whether you're looking for a custom cookie to showcase your company logo or conference brand or a seasonal holiday offering, our team is happy to help!
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees BAR PACKAGES
Standard Bar Package 1 Hour: $15 | 2 Hours: $21 | 3 Hours: $25 | 4 Hours: $29
Standard Brand Liquor Dewar�s Scotch, Jim Beam Bourbon, Canadian Club Whiskey, Beefeater�s Gin, Absolut Vodka, Bacardi Rum, Sauza Tequila Resposado, Amaretto
Beer MGD, Miller Lite, Sharp�s, Heineken, Amstel Light, Assorted Craft Beer
House Wine Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Soft Drinks Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani Water, Club Soda & Tonic
Premium Bar Package 1 Hour: $18 | 2 Hours: $25 | 3 Hours: $30 | 4 Hours: $35
Premium Brand Liquor Black Label Scotch Whiskey, Makers Mark Bourbon, Crown Royal Whiskey, Tanqueray Gin, Hennessey, Grey Goose Vodka, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Don Julio Resposado, Amaretto
Beer MGD, Miller Lite, Sharp�s, Heineken, Amstel Light, Assorted Craft Beer
House Wine Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Soft Drinks Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani Water, Club Soda and Tonic
Non-alcoholic beverage bar 1 Hour: $7 | 2 Hours: $9 | 3 Hours: $12 | 4 Hours: $14 Soft Drinks, Sparkling Water, Fruit Juices
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees BEER & WINE PACKAGES
Wine & Beer Packages - Standard 1 Hour: $11 | 2 Hours: $15 | 3 Hours: $20 | 4 Hours: $23
Standard Beer MGD, Miller Lite, Sharp�s
Wine Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Soft Drinks Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani Water
Wine & Beer Packages - Premium 1 Hour: $15 | 2 Hours: $19 | 3 Hours: $23 | 4 Hours: $26
Beer MGD, Miller Lite, Sharps, Heineken, Amstel Light, Assorted Craft Beer
Wine Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Soft Drinks Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani Water
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees PRICING GUIDELINES FOR THE SHEDD EVENTS BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE
Please use the below pricing guidelines to help you determine your overall event budget. Once you have made your food and beverage selections, we will work with you and deliver a formal final proposal.
ITEM PRICE RANGE*
Hors d'oeuvres 5-35
Stations 55-80
Bar Packages 11-35
Linen 10
Equipment 12
Shedd Facility Admission Fee 2500 (flat rate)
Staffing Fee 22.0%
Sales Tax 11.5%
*Pricing on some items is dependent on numbers of guests, tables or vendor pricing.
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees DECOR AND ENTERTAINMENT UPGRADES
ITEM PRICE RANGE*
Upgraded Linen +6-40 Elegant Bengaline, Lamour or Shantung linen will enhance your evening at the Shedd Aquarium.
Upgraded Drapery +15-55 Coordinate the drapery color with your brand colors or the color of your theme.
Neighborhood Station Dramatic Display Decor +22-175 These towering station markers will be a thrilling sight for your guests.
Table Floral +10-25
Abbott Oceanarium Access +1000 Begin the evening with a cocktail reception on the mezzanine level overlooking a stunning re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastline. Guests can stroll down to the water’s edge to visit with Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, and more!
*Pricing on some items is dependent on numbers of guests, tables or vendor pricing.
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees TERMS & CONDITIONS
Menus/Catering Service Shedd Aquarium�s in-house, on-site caterer, Sodexo Sports & Leisure, will assist you with your food and beverage selections. The aforementioned catering menus are for your review and consideration. We would be happy to create customized menus for your event. Simply ask your catering event manager.
The attached menus do not include the costs for any of these additional items: Rental china, glassware and flatware, labor setup fees, floral centerpieces, candles, theme props or special lighting, and audiovisual enhancements.
The charges for these items will depend upon your specific needs. We can discuss these arrangements at your convenience. Prior to the event, please make an appointment to visit the aquarium and discuss all the final arrangements with our events and catering staff.
Dietary Needs and Restrictions Specialty dietary needs or restrictions need to be communicated to your catering event manager no later than 12 business days prior to your event.
Guarantee of Attendance The client will provide the aquarium�s events and catering department with a guaranteed guest count 7-10 business days prior to the event. During the event, the aquarium staff will take an accurate guest count at the entrance. The aquarium will then base its rate on that guarantee or the event count, whichever number is greater.
Staffing Charge The staffing charge is not a gratuity, but covers labor expenses for staffing the food and beverage portion of your event and may exceed our actual labor cost. Additional line-item labor charges for chefs, bartenders, and additional service staff may still apply and will be charged separately.
AV/IT Needs Due to time sensitivity, and to ensure that your electronic/DVD files work correctly with our in-house systems, we require all electronic files and DVDs in our possession no later than 5 business day prior to your event or additional fees will apply.
Smoking The aquarium and outdoor terraces are non-smoking in compliance with the 2008 Illinois state law and Chicago building, and fire codes.
Tax: 11.50% tax or current applicable tax will be added to your account on all food, beverage, labor and staffing charges. Illinois state law taxes the 22% staffing charge. 11.50% Illinois rental usage tax will be added to your account on equipment rentals, linen rentals, delivery fees, auxiliary lighting, or audiovisual rentals.
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees TERMS & CONDITIONS
Decorations/Flowers/Linen We can arrange for decorations, floral centerpieces and linen rental for your event. If you should decide to book these arrangements yourself, it is necessary to comply with the Chicago Fire Code. All decorations must have prior approval from the Events Catering Office. Due to the sensitivity of the exhibits within the aquarium and for the safety of the environment, the following are not allowed on site: confetti, live fish, seashells or dried marine life, glitter, rice, monofilament or mylar/foil balloons. Balloons cause environmental damage and pose a health risk to marine mammals. Therefore, no helium-filled balloons are allowed.
Promotional Copy, Invitations and Printed Materials The terms "John G. Shedd Aquarium" and "Shedd Aquarium" are registered trademarks. All promotional copy, invitations and other printed materials including these terms must be submitted to the aquarium for review and approval before being printed. Please allow sufficient time for this approval. We require a formal copy of the invitation for our files.
Deposits & Payments All payments and deposits are to be made payable to Sodexo, the Shedd Aquarium�s on-site food and beverage provider. We accept Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. We will require a $5,000 non refundable deposit to hold your event. This deposit will go toward your estimated balance due.
Final guest count and final payment are due 10 business days prior to your event. Any additional charges are charged the day after the event on a pre-authorized CC.
Payments and deposits should be sent to the following:
Sodexo at Shedd Aquarium Attn.: Events Catering Office 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60605
Cancellation In the event that you must cancel after booking, the aquarium will require a cancellation fee. The cancellation fee charged is to be determined according to the following schedule:
*100% of expected revenue if canceled within 72 hours of the event. * 75% of expected revenue if canceled 4 days to 30 days prior to the event. * 50% of expected revenue if canceled 31 days to 60 days prior to the event. * 25% of expected revenue if canceled 61 days to 120 days prior to the event.
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Shedd Events Boutique Experience menu | menu revision 12.2019 | Pricing subject to taxes, labor and administrative fees