CULINARY CRESCENDO
Classically Epicurean
ABOUT US
Hello!
We are Jacqueline and Ian; an Opera Singer & Chef duo, sharing our passion for epicurean sounds & classical delights.
What started as a pandemic passion project, Culinary Crescendo has evolved to a full-service event production company! We provide and immersive sensory food and music experience for intimate dinner parties or gatherings of all types.
Jacqueline, a Chicago native, holds a BA in Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is an alum of the prestigious San Francisco Opera Adler program. She has performed with the Seattle Opera, Portland Opera, San Francisco Opera, Hawai’i Opera Theatre, Berkshire Opera Festival, Polish National Opera, and more.
Ian, a San Francisco native, holds an AS in Culinary Arts from City College of San Francisco as well as a BA in Economics from the University of California, Davis. He has cooked in restaurants such as Michael Mina, AQ, and others across the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago.
OUR PROMISE
While each and every event we produce is unique, we promise to deliver a thorough, detailed, and seamless process. Planning can be a bear, lean on our combined experience in our respective fields to make your event a lifetime memory!
We promise to put you first; transparent in all things we do. When possible we shop local and organic. Our musical programs are equally impressive as they are educational.
01 Initial consultation meeting.
02 Preliminary proposal is created and discussed.
03 Proposal is confirmed and a contract is signed.
04 Walk-through of the event location, logistics and vendor timing finalized.
05 Event!
06 Follow up and share in the memories!
What people are saying
What people are saying
Not To Be Missed!
“Culinary Crescendo is a delightful surprise! Combining creativity, flexibility, and ever-charming rapport, this caterer serves up bespoke menus for any occasion, be it a summer garden party or an elegant office or school event. What’s more, the talented chef himself is on hand to explain the excellent cuisine and engage with your guests. If your gathering calls for it, and you’re very lucky, you might also enjoy a beautiful aria sung by the chef’s kitchen and life partner, a world-class soprano. We keep coming back! A caterer not to be missed.”
— William N., Northside College Prep & Mangel Florist
Culinary Excellence
"Jacque and Ian have provided everything from fancy passed hors d’oeuvres at a reception for over a hundred people to a casual “Chicago beef” sandwich buffet for a late-night bite at the end of a long day for tens of people, and we have loved it all! They are professional, easy to work with, and always provide something delicious and beautiful!”
— Suzanne W., Sr. Pastor of All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Personal Touch
“This past summer we worked with Jacque and Ian to plan two events that were deeply meaningful to us, our son’s graduation party and our 60th and 70th Italian themed birthday dinner. They treated our celebrations with the same care and significance as if it were their own family gathering, collaborating to design a menu that felt personal and memorable with flavors our guests are still talking about. What truly set them apart was the warmth and humanity they brought to the experience, from the seamless service to the unforgettable, moving moment when Jacque sang. There were tears in our eyes, not just because of the beauty of the gesture, but because of the genuine connection she created. By the end of the gatherings, Jacque and Ian no longer felt like vendors we had hired—they felt like part of our family who helped turn a special occasion into something truly unforgettable.”
— Sharon, Mike, & Jonah N.
Delicious & Stress-Free!
"Culinary Crescendo made our Christmas party effortless. The Carne Asada in our taco bar buffet was exceptional—the quality of the steak was top-tier and expertly prepared, as was the hand-cut pico de gallo. The set-up and take-down were so seamless that I was actually able to enjoy the party instead of managing it. Highly recommend for anyone wanting premium food and a stress-free experience!"
— Rebecca I., ArtWell Therapy
The Stage is Set.
The Table is Ready.
CONTACT US!
Tell us about your event below, and Culinary Crescendo will take it from there—thoughtful food, a musical moment, and a plan that fits your vision.