Founded in 1980, A La Carte is the premier gourmet food store. A La Carte s full-service catering department offers assistance in planning an entire event, including menu planning, service staff and equipment rental. It offers catering facilities for dinner buffet, vegetarian and nonvegetarian food, Mexican and Mediterranean food, cocktail party luncheon, brunch and wedding parties. It menu includes mixed greens, artichoke hearts, grilled red onions, fresh basil vinaigrette, herb dijon crusted, beef tenderloin with red wine, apricot balsamic chicken breasts, roasted new potatoes, butternut squash and lemon risotto, and oven-roasted balsamic vegetables. It also offers a variety of cakes and cookies. A La Carte is headquartered in Wilmette, Ill.