Caterer in Evanston area?

I'm looking for a caterer in or around Evanston for a party of 100 later this year. Pretty much any cuisine is fine as long as it's not too spicy. Our budget is small; we're looking for enough appetizers (excluding sweets) for an early evening cocktail party for $1500 or less, preferably. All ideas are welcome!

Thanks!

Simple Gourmet is a catering business with a small retail operation located on the outskirts of downtown Evanston. I've had lunch here several times (soups, sandwiches, salads and the like) and everything has been tasty. The shop has a fair number of specialty food items like Barefoot Contessa mixes and fancy jams. The concept is sort of Foodstuffs in a smaller package: a well-edited selection of premade food that feels up to date and is well seasoned. The proprietress is lovely and I would not hesitate to ask her for a catering proposal for any upcoming event on the North Shore.

Simple Gourmet
1459 Elmwood Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847.332.2100
www.simplegourmet2go.com

I'll add:
AOK Gourmet
www.aokgourmet.com
4950 Dempster Street
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 329-7035

I've eaten at both: I'd say of the two, Simple Gourmet has better and more interesting food, but might be more expensive; AOK is a solid place, should do fine as well. We had our wedding catered (mind you, this was 12? years ago now) by Food For Thought in Evanston; we had a high tea with passed hors d' oeuvres and tea sandwiches, which they pulled off with aplomb.

We've had a wide variety of items at Simple Gourmet and they've been delicious. In addition to the sandwich and salad fare mentioned above, they make a lot of prepared foods of various kinds. And yes, Debbie, the owner, is always very helpful.

You can read more about Simple Gourmet in its own topic:
Simple Gourmet - Evanston

Although not "in or around" Evanston, we do deliver there. If you are looking for trays of hors d'oeuvres for 100, we could definitely handle that and if you need any staff (which may or may not be in your budget) or rentals (glassware, etc.) we'd be glad to arrange that too. PM me or give me a call.

Molly