Featuring Chef Julianne Butschli of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
At the heart of Lake Geneva’s vibrant culinary scene is Julianne Butschli, a personal chef whose passion for food, storytelling, and community shines through in every dish she prepares. As the founder of Crafty Kitchen LLC, Julianne brings more than 30 years of experience in the foodservice industry to the table, offering customized, memorable culinary experiences that elevate everyday gatherings into meaningful celebrations.
From intimate dinner parties and game day get-togethers to milestone events and themed gatherings, Julianne’s approach is equal parts hospitality and artistry. Whether she’s designing a menu around a client’s favorite flavors or bringing one of her signature four-course menus to life—starting with Orange Crush Brie Crostini; followed by Lambeau Leap Leek and Potato Soup with Beer and Cheese or Asian Wonton Salad with Tropical Citrus Vinaigrette; then Yankee Pat’s Pot Roast or a Champion Pit Beef Sandwich; and a finale of Wisconsin’s State Pastry with Chef Julianne’s award-winning Kringle, filled with her own home-canned preserves inside scratch-made flaky pastry—she ensures each occasion is as unique as the people she’s cooking for.
“I believe food should tell a story,” Julianne shares. “It should connect us, reflect who we are, and add joy to our moments together.” That belief is at the core of Crafty Kitchen’s mission—and what makes her personal chef services so distinctive. With a warm and collaborative spirit, she works closely with her clients to create events that are thoughtfully planned, beautifully presented, and truly delicious.
Julianne’s cuisine is anything but ordinary. She shops fresh for each event, cooks and bakes everything from scratch, and creates menus that are as beautiful and nourishing as they are satisfying. She prefers to intertwine healthier ingredients into her dishes, including more fruits and vegetables, legumes, leafy greens, grains, and proteins in crafty and delicious ways.
Her services extend far beyond traditional catering. As the real estate market continues to thrive in the Lake Country region, Julianne has carved out a unique niche supporting real estate agents with open house spreads, client appreciation events, and ‘welcome to your new home’ celebrations. Her books also make terrific closing gifts—thoughtful, useful, and unique.
Julianne is the author of several books that celebrate food, football, and local pride. Her flagship cookbook, Four Course Menus for Four Quarter Games, is a playful and practical guide for football fans who love to entertain. Featuring full-course menus themed for each NFL team, it’s packed with spirited dishes like Cedar-Plank Seahawk Smoked Salmon and No Bull Toro Time Brisket. With football season kicking off this Fall, the cookbook is a perfect gift for hosts, fans, and new homeowners alike.
She’s also authored Four Quarter Games Word Search Puzzle Fun: Professional Football Edition and Discover Lake Geneva Word Search Puzzle Fun, which reflect her love of puzzles, hometown charm, and storytelling. The Lake Geneva edition offers 60 themed puzzles highlighting the sights, businesses, and personalities of Lake Geneva, Fontana, and Williams Bay.
What ties all of Julianne’s work together—whether it’s food, books, or events—is her genuine love of bringing people together. A proud Wisconsin resident, she credits her Midwestern roots for instilling values of hospitality, heart, and generous portions of beautifully prepared, scratch-made dishes that offer real comfort and real flavor. Nothing is plain Jane—but it is always Crafty.
As Fall approaches and kitchens begin to fill with the scent of pumpkin pie and apple cinnamon scented desserts, Crafty Kitchen LLC is ready to help clients entertain with ease, creativity, and warmth.
Crafty Kitchen accommodates gatherings up to 50 guests or higher depending on event logistics. Whether you’re hosting at home, a lakeside venue, or planning something special with your clients, Julianne makes the food not only unforgettable—but meaningful.
