COVER STORY | Michelle Parker's Creative, and Culinary Artistry Flourishes in Geneva

Meet Michelle Parker of Chi-Cuterie in Geneva

GENEVA–Michelle, the warm and creative force behind Chi-cuterie in downtown Geneva, has turned her passion for good food and community into one of the area’s most beloved destinations. After moving to Illinois 17 years ago and settling in downtown Geneva six years back, Michelle made her dream a reality in 2021 with the support of her husband, Robert. Together, they launched Chi-cuterie, a woman-owned, family-run business that has captured hearts — and taste buds!

Michelle’s dedication shines in every detail, from her locally sourced charcuterie boards and boxes to the inviting atmosphere of their historic English Tudor building. What started in a shared commercial kitchen quickly grew, earning accolades like Kane County’s Finest Gourmet Shop in 2022 and 2024, and Top Workplace in Food Service in 2024.

For Michelle, it’s about more than food — it’s about creating memorable experiences. She hosts charcuterie workshops, private parties, and lively events in Chi-cuterie’s beautiful Gathering Room, upstairs Bourbon Library, and lush gardens. Winnie’s Garden, in particular, has become a favorite for wedding “first looks” and family celebrations.

Michelle’s love for Geneva shines through in her daily walks by the river, inspired by nature and the local wildlife. She also pours her heart into giving back, supporting groups like Fox Valley Food for Health and A Tail of Four Paws through fundraising events and programs like Candles for a Cause.

Through Chi-cuterie, Michelle continues to blend food, community, and generosity.

What inspired you to open Chi-cuterie?

My love of entertaining and gathering people around local fare. Creating a warm and welcoming environment for people to gather, enjoy delicious food, and create memories is a dream come true!

What is your personal favorite charcuterie board to prepare?

All of our boards are “locally curated” with pairings that taste amazing together, but I do enjoy creating specific pairings boards for a specific wine, cocktail, or beer.

And I love a themed board! It offers a unique challenge to use our creative talents to incorporate local food, gorgeous edible flowers, and unusual vessels. We have created a large grazing table for someone who loves traveling to tropical places. I found local cheeses that paired with tropical fruits as well as edible tropical flowers. The tablescape was lush with palms, flowers, pineapples, mangoes, starfruit, dragonfruit, and of course lots of candlelight! We even did a Fairy Garden board with edible butterflies, fairy dust with edible glitter.

What is the most unique ingredient you've ever used on your boards?

Unusual fruits like lychee or passion fruit. Anything to create conversations and an experience! The pairings of the foods really illicit curiosity!

What are some fun themed boards you have created?

A full skeleton at Halloween filled with delicious treats, meats, and cheese! We also created a tropical paradise birthday experience for a little girl with lots of flamingos and bright decor and grazing tables. Additionally, we have hosted an engagement party using our entire space and incorporated raw oysters and a low country boil in the gardens. Everyone enjoyed the lawn games.

What are some tricks of the trade that are so simple, even inexperienced board makers can do?

I find having a theme or inspiration makes creating charcuterie more fun and interesting for guests. It can be something as simple as a fun collection of paper products. We have a Garden Party collection I am obsessed with lately. The plates, napkins, cups, and platters are just beautiful with lots of color and inspiration! I then find fruits, cheeses, jams, and unique foods and edible flowers to bring it all together. Our local goudas from female farmer and Master Cheesemaker, Marieke, offers a wide range of options and the wax rinds are colorful and can be used as vessels to hold the cheese on the board. For summer and a garden theme her Young Gouda is my go to! The bright yellow wax rind ties in with the yellows of our edible flowers and the paper products! The raspberry rose local jam and Cece’s honey from Geneva complete the Garden experience!

What is trending this summer for charcuterie?

Edible flowers! Meghan Markle’s television show has definitely influenced the use of edible flowers in recipes and even cocktails. We have always used them but love making them more accessible to our customers. We are hosting workshop experiences this summer where guests plant a mixology garden and learn how to use their garden for creating cocktails and mocktails and for other recipes. In July we will offer a Garden Batch Cocktail Experience with fun recipes for entertaining and of course will incorporate edible flowers.