what we do
We believe in the power of food and its ability to bring people together and inspire joy.
The Cheese Maven Chicago was founded in 2017 by Joanna Benkowski with the mission to make “fancy” cheese accessible to all. We provide unique event catering in Chicago, specializing in custom cheese and charcuterie boards, lavish grazing tables, and private tasting parties and workshops.
We are endlessly in pursuit of special hand-crafted cheeses and accoutrements from all over the world, and can’t wait to share our finds with you.
“These trays go so above and beyond the basics. One of my friends used her for a wedding reception and it was a big success!”
– liz m. / bucktown
who is the cheese maven?
Joanna Benkowski-Santiago, Chef & Owner
Meet Joanna: cheesemonger, chef, maven
It was the name her friends in the restaurant industry had been calling her for years, so she decided to bring the moniker to life.
Beyond her deeply-ingrained, home-grown passion for food and people, Joanna Benkowski graduated with honors in 2009 from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. Since then, she’s honed her professional cooking skills in the kitchens of acclaimed restaurants across Chicago, in the private service of families, and in partnership with top Chicago event caterers.
After gaining experience in all areas of the kitchen, Joanna fell in love with the role of Chef Garde Manger. Garde manger translates literally as ‘protector of the food’, and involves exercising a full range of classical techniques, such as making pâtés, curing and smoking meats, creating lavish displays of flavorful canapés, and curating a large menu of handmade cheeses and delicacies. She discovered her love for cheese and charcuterie in that role, and she hasn’t stopped since.
With her cheesemongering experience, event expertise, effervescent charm, and affinity for curating the most delicious selections, Joanna delights in the opportunity to bring YOU the finest, most interesting foods available to her.
“I have such a hard time making decisions about party food. Ordering Joanna’s cheese board was effortless and more beautiful than I even imagined!”
– ALEX V. / BRIDGEPORT
Anthony Santiago, Sous Chef
Meet ANTHONY: SOUS CHEF, AKA “MR. maven”
Anthony, otherwise known as Mr. Maven, can be seen with The Cheese Maven all around town at pop-up events, making cheese deliveries, and assisting with all large-scale events. Anthony is Joanna’s partner and, under her wing, has learned a great deal about cooking, event catering, and everything cheese. Anthony’s favorite cheese is Prairie Breeze cheddar, and loves it paired with a sour beer or ultra-hoppy IPA!
Joanna and Anthony were married on November 6th, 2020 <3
Devin, Will & Nathan: Some of the friendly faces of The Cheese Maven Crew
Meet THE CREW: DELIVERY DARLINGS, AKA “THE MAVESTERS”
Our extended family and crew, affectionately referred to as Mavesters, are also our delivery drivers. Look for these darlings at events and of course, pulling up to your home with a car full of cheese!
What Our Customers Are Saying
Order a cheese board for your next event today!
