Roaming Hunger

Daniel's Test KitchenCertified

Popup CateringDrop Off Catering, Popup Catering
LocationChicago, IL
8+ Years in business

Super Great For

  • Indoor Events
  • On-Set Catering
  • Fundraisers
  • Corporate Catering

Daniel's Test Kitchen Menu

Appetizers

CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Various Italian meats, cheeses, crackers, jams and jellies, nuts

Cruidite Platter with Beetroot Hummus and Herb Ranch Dip (V)

Mix of grilled and raw vegetables served with bright beetroot hummus and Herb Ranch Dips

Fried Chicken & Caramelized Onion Waffle on a Stick with Spiced Maple Syrup

A fun take on a classic - Buttermilk fried Chicken tender in a crispy Waffle on a Stick

Stuffed Mushrooms with Truffle Onion Crunch (V)

Cheesy Cream Stuffing with crunchy fried onions and truffle drizzle

Puff Pastry & Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Aioli

Crunchy Asparagus with buttery Puff Pastry and Smoky Bacon

Nigerian Jollof Rice Arancini Balls

Crunchy Nigerian Jollof seasoned Arancini Balls with Spiced Onion Jam

Main

MIDWEST STYLE FRIED CHICKEN

My special recipe of Crunchy Bone In fried Chicken drumsticks paired with Chipotle Sauce or Ranch

CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS on BRIOCHE

Beef Sliders topped with Cheddar, Butter Lettuce, Tomato on Brioche with Chipotle Sauce. (2) Sliders per serving

BUILD YOUR OWN JOLLOF RICE BOWL

Starts with flavorful Jollof Rice and you choose your own toppings: Spiced Ground Beef, Picked Cabbage, Roasted Vegetable Medley, Black Beans, Suya Spiced Chicken, Lettuce, Parsley, Tomato or Sautéed Spinach. Keep it plain or add Roasted Garlic Sauce to drizzle on top. Can be made Vegetarian

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Locally sourced marinated Chicken Thigh with butter lettuce, tomato and chipotle aioli on Brioche Bun

TATER TOT CASSEROLE

Just like Mom makes it! Ground Beef and Sausage, Noodles, Mushroom Cream Sauce, seasonings topped with Shredded Cheese and Tater Tots

JERK SALMON FILLET

Seared Jerk salmon seasoned fillet topped with Butter, Parsley

NIGERIAN BEEF EMPANADAS

Savory Suya Beef wrapped in flaky buttery crust

Sides

CREAMY ORZO RICE

Creamy Rice with Roasted Garlic cloves and Parmesan. Can be made Vegan

GREEN BEAN AMANDINE

French Style Green Beans with Butter Sauce and Herb Brioche Breadcrumbs

CAESAR SALAD CUP

Herb Brioche Croutons, House made Caesar Dressing, Parmesan Shavings

HOME FRIES

Herb Roasted Potato Chunks

JOLLOF RICE

Bright & Flavorful Jollof Rice

4 CHEESE MAC & CHEESE

Crispy Cheese topping with Herb Brioche Breadcrumbs. Can be made Vegan

ROASTED MASHED POTATOES

Creamy Mash with Butter and Herbs

Desserts

CHEWY BROWN BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Crispy and Chewy cookies topped with flaky sea salt. Can be made Vegan

CANELÉS DE BORDEAUX

Jamaican Rum & Vanilla Pastry combination that is bite sized and will melt in your mouth! Can be made VEGAN

INDIVIDUAL 5'' CAKE PIE

A fun and delicious take on a cake .. and pie! A cake baked in a pie crust with buttercream. - CAN BE MADE VEGAN

VEGAN MANDAZI (African Donut) with Strawberry Hibiscus Jam

Similar to a beignet, it's a lightly fried and fluffy donut filled with a flavorful strawberry hibiscus jam. VEGAN

BUTTERCREAM CUPCAKES

Café Chocolat or Vanilla Bean. Can be made Vegan

Drinks

SOFT DRINKS

12 oz. chilled mix of Pepsi or Coke products and bottled Water

My Mom's Sweet Tea

Sweet Tea, Lemon

SPARKLING FRUIT REFRESHER

A delicious blend of Coconut Water, Fruit Juice, Soda Water

Meet Daniel Will
What is the story behind your business' name?

I moved into a large co-living place and they were looking for a weekly dinner event and volunteered to cook for the house! I was learning how to cook for various dietary restrictions and preferences, and felt like I was in a test kitchen!

About Daniel's Test Kitchen

  • Black Owned
Daniel’s Test Kitchen brings global comfort food to Chicago with a creative pop-up concept that blends culinary craftsmanship with personal flair. What started in a shared living space in San Francisco has evolved into a sought-after catering and personal chef service, handling everything from corporate events to nonprofit fundraisers. With a menu inspired by worldwide flavors and a passion for inventive cooking, every dish reflects a dedication to high-quality ingredients and bold execution.

From herb-roasted brick chicken with chipotle aioli to seared salmon topped with lemon gremolata, the mains showcase a balance of refinement and comfort. Vegetarian options like eggplant Bolognese bring just as much depth, while sides like creamy orzo rice and whiskey-butter roasted carrots round out the experience. The desserts, featuring brown butter chocolate chip cookies and expertly crafted choux au craquelin, ensure every event ends on a sweet note.

With a focus on customized menus and memorable meals, Daniel’s Test Kitchen delivers elevated dining experiences across Chicago. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, this pop-up brings the perfect mix of creativity and hospitality to the table. We're inspired by global comfort food that reflect my travels, personality and upbringing! We love to be creative with food and provide elevated culinary experiences.

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