The Hearty Boys

06/09/2026

Hearty Boys owner and chef Dan Smith is talking about the difference in restaurants and catering. The things he picked up along the away, and how 30 years of experience has shaped him.

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

A sweet ending done right.⁠
Under-baked truffle brownies and mini mason jar pies in apple, pecan, and peach ginger. The kind of desserts guests remember! ⁠
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05/22/2026

Let’s talk more about ramps! Have you ever tried pickling them?

05/18/2026

Your guests never have to choose between a drink and a bite again. Charcuterie toppers with game sausage, shaved prosciutto, Reggiano, brie, and baguette! ⁠
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05/14/2026

Not sure if you need a raw bar at your wedding? You do! A raw bar is one of those touches guests are still talking about at brunch the next day⁠
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05/14/2026

Meet Alex — one of Hearty Boys' very first hires, over 26 years ago. Today he's the talent behind your wedding cakes, dessert tables, and every last sweet detail. Some people just end up exactly where they belong!

05/06/2026

If you can still find ramps at the farmers market near you, you're in luck! Make this for breakfast this weekend. Ramp and goat cheese scrambled eggs

04/29/2026

A huge thank you to our incredible Gold Sponsors for helping make this year’s Sparks Awards truly unforgettable ✨

This celebration, ignited by the Greater Chicago Chapter of ILEA Chicago, wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

From Impulse Entertainment bringing the energy, to The Hearty Boys serving elevated comfort cuisine, Evessio powering seamless event tech, Laine Too adding interactive creativity, and Boka Restaurant Group delivering standout culinary experiences , every detail was elevated because of you.

We’re so grateful for your partnership and the role you played in bringing this night to life.

Here’s to celebrating excellence in events, together 🥂

04/29/2026

When you said gluten-free, we believed you. The croutons did not.

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04/23/2026

The right glass changes the whole conversation. So does a garnish that actually belongs on the plate. ⁠
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Good catering isn't just about the food, it's about the full picture: the stem you reach for, the way the sauce lands, the detail nobody can name but everyone notices. These choices are a great way to elevate or add personality into your event. ⁠
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04/22/2026

If you’re in charge of the next corporate lunch or party, listen up! The pros of working with us if you are getting a chef driven menu. We collaborate together to build out something that makes sense for your event and you’ll really like. It’s not one fits all.

Cover photo: Ebby L Photography

04/14/2026

Who remembers Party Line with the Hearty Boys on the Food Network? We know it was a LONG time ago now but we still love some of the recipes from the show and would love to share a few with you. What do you think?

04/08/2026

Ramp season is here and Chef Dan is out in the woods in Michigan cutting them. These beauties are part of the onion family and one of the first signs that spring has truly arrived, and they’re only around for a few weeks. Chef Dan loves to sauté them, whip them into a ramp butter, or add them to a pasta dish. The options are endless. How do you use ramps?

04/08/2026

We’re proud to recognize our Gold Sponsors, whose support helps bring the Sparks Awards to life.

This celebration, ignited by the Greater Chicago Chapter of ILEA, honors those who excel in creating and executing exceptional events, and our Gold Sponsors play an important role in making it all happen.

From Impulse Entertainment ’s high-energy music and experiences, to The Hearty Boys’ elevated comfort cuisine, Evessio's seamless event management technology, Laine Too’s interactive creativity, and Boka Restaurant Group ’s standout culinary and hospitality, each partner adds something unique to the experience.

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors for your continued support and for helping make the Sparks Awards truly unforgettable.

04/03/2026

The unsexy parts of venues can make a huge difference in the flow of your day. Pay attention to these things when picking your venue.

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04/01/2026

Packed with flavor, our Lotus Root Chips with Green Curry Tofu are here to keep your guests happy. Plus, they are gluten-free and dairy-free! ⁠
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📸 @⁠emmapetersenphoto⁠
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03/26/2026

Dan’s tips for home cooks: salt, fat and taste as you go!

Cover photo: 📸 Ebby L Photography

03/20/2026

Easter menu = handled. 🍕
Whether you're hosting the whole family or just need to show up somewhere looking like a hero, this one's for you. Order here: heartyboys.com/easter-dinner-2026

03/19/2026

Never underestimate the power of a shrimp cocktail. A classic for a reason. 🍤⁠
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03/12/2026

When the couple says yes to cannoli, you know it's going to be a good night.⁠
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Mini Cannoli - chocolate dipped, sweet orange ricotta filling, crushed pistachios or mini chocolate chips⁠
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03/10/2026

Your holiday table deserves something special, and you deserve a break! Our Passover & Easter menus are live: matzo ball soup, chicken schnitzel, rack of lamb, hot cross buns & more. Full menu: heartyboys.com

03/06/2026

Big flavor, one bite. Dr Pepper Pollo: BBQ pulled chicken, grit cake & corn relish. Now that's a passed hors d'oeuvre⁠
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Bopys

03/04/2026

Easter called, and it's hungry. 🐣🌸⁠

Swipe through our Easter 2026 menu. Brunch AND dinner sorted, just like that. Orders close April 2 at noon.

Learn more and place your order: heartyboys.com/easter-dinner-2026/

02/27/2026

Passed hors d’oeuvres are key to your cocktail hour. These ones are always a hit! ⁠
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Pickled Grape Crostini: crisp toast, brie cheese, pickled grape⁠
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