Our Approach
We have a secret recipe when it comes to catering, but why not...we will share it with you. First we start with a whole lot of passion for what we do (creating amazing events) and whom we are doing it for (you.)
…then we begin…
The Chef Experience: Your event comes with your own chef. We pair you up with a chef on our team that best reflects your culinary style and vision. From the menu design process to the day of your event, and the days in between, your chef will always be available to meet with you to brainstorm ideas, customize options and carry out your vision.
| Credit: J.H. Photography |
Event Coordinator Collaboration: Now that you have the perfect menu, what about everything else? That is where your event coordinator comes in - ensuring that everything is happening when it should be, as it should be - overseeing timelines, layouts and our highly-trained service staff.
The Little Things: Your chef remembers you love fun, inventive chocolates and makes you a batch as a surprise; your event coordinator recalls you talking about Spanish Cava and brings you a bottle of her favorite. We work with local farms, infuse our own olive oils and butters, take pride in our Eco-initiatives, and give back to the community.
A Baltimore native, Chef Jim Benson’s 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.
Hey Chef, what’s your style?
My style is bringing the client’s vision to life. I thrive on creating clean, un-muddled, layered flavors. I love to push boundaries in the kitchen; opening people up to a new experience - challenging them to rethink about the foods they’ve loved their whole lives.
Eleven things that Jim Benson loves:
Family, foie gras, tasting menu, ocean-to-table, traveling, local cheese, red wine, French macaroons, sushi, Italy, my guitar
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.
Eleven things that Melissa Benson loves :
Fresh vegetables, Aubriel, Ariette, Jim, weddings, chocolate, mojitos, sunshine, (Jim’s) shrimp & grits, our team, exploring.
Chef, Shaun Mengel
Chef Shaun has had a passion for food for as long as he can remember; cooking has always made him happy. He attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and after working in many restaurants found his home at Eleven Courses where he constantly brings new ideas to the table – helping to develop some of our greatest culinary creations.
Eleven things that Shaun Mengel loves :
Wood-grilled pizza, my beautiful wife and 3 children, hospitality, a great merlot, vintage t-shirts, cowboy ribeye, tattoos, cheesecake, Dr. Who, 90’s video games, risotto
Braxton Sparks, Event Coordinator
With a background in K-5 Special Education, Braxton brings a unique blend of passion and perspective to the Eleven Courses team. The summer after college, Braxton took an Event Staff position where they discovered their true calling - creating unforgettable experiences. Over the past decade, they have honed their skills in event management, design, and coordination, crafting seamless events with creativity and precision. For Braxton, the magic of event planning lies in seeing every carefully planned detail come to life, making each event truly memorable.
Eleven things that Braxton loves:
Taco Tuesday, lazy Sunday mornings, a cup of warm tea, quiet mornings on the porch with their 5 dogs and their partner, soccer, photography, school, learning, traveling, listening to a vinyl record for the first time, vintage cars
Grace Ronan joined the Eleven Courses team from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, specializing in Event Management. She is detail oriented and loves the event industry. She is passionate about working with clients throughout the planning process and is happy to assist every step of the way!
Eleven things that Grace loves:
The Outer Banks, iced chair lattes, Mediterranean food, pasta, wine, traveling, ice cream, romantic comedies, Spring, hiking, and fresh fruit.
Catherine Fortin, Event Coordinator
Catherine comes to Eleven Courses with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and Early Childhood Education. After dedicating 10 years to working with children, she was ready for a new adventure. Over time, she found pure joy in planning numerous private family celebrations. Then she decided to take her organizational skills and outgoing personality out of the classroom and into her new exciting future.
Eleven things that Catherine loves :
Spicy Margaritas, California Burritos, Summertime, the beach, true crime documentaries, coffee, cannolis, autumn leaves, hiking, shopping, and adventures with her husband.
Courtney Keller, Event Coordinator
Courtney joins the Eleven Courses team with a degree in Communication, specializing in Public Relations that she earned from East Carolina University. Known for her seamless blend of creativity, organization, and a keen eye for detail, Courtney thrives on designing events that bring people together in unforgettable ways. Her passion for connection and innovative event design drives her to create experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable.
Eleven things that Catherine loves :
Family time, happy hour, good food, her friends’ laughs, sunshine, almond milk lattes, the beach, live music, traveling, sharing a meal, and fresh air.
Emily Anderson, Executive Assistant
With fourteen years of experience in the wedding and hospitality industry, Emily has developed a well-rounded skill set across multiple facets of the field. Her knowledge spans cosmetology, event planning, coordination, florals, and sales, giving her a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create memorable experiences. Emily recently joined the Eleven Courses team to expand her expertise into the catering space, where she is able to combine her passion for the industry with a dedication to delivering exceptional service. She love all things weddings and events and is driven by the opportunity to bring each client’s vision to life with creativity and precision.
Eleven things that Catherine loves :
Traveling to St. Croix with her husband, adventures with her four children, a date night of guava margaritas & churros, a trip to Starbucks and Target, peonies, Homegoods, Raven’s football season, cheesecake, nostalgic carnivals with lemonade and caramel apples, true crime documentaries, & every little detail about weddings & events.