Dining

Owner and Executive Chef Hugo Francisco Perea-Arteaga has a background in food, spanning three decades. He started at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts as a dishwasher in 1991 and quickly rose through the ranks under the direction and guidance of his teacher and mentor, C.E.C. Joseph Trama, owner of Trama Catering. Perea-Arteaga became Sous Chef in 1994, advancing to Head Chef in 2010. Together, their Sunday Champagne Brunch earned rave reviews from local media and continues to be a top-notch dining experience for all of our guests. 

With more than 20 years of experience in management and customer service, owner and president Maria Elena Arteaga joined the catering and events team in 2022. As a known problem solver, Arteaga demonstrates a hands-on approach with both staff and clients. Under her leadership, the team has continued to deliver an outstanding dining experience to each and every guest. 

The mission of 10Forty Banquets & Catering is to provide excellent dining and quality service as the exclusive caterer for the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, continuing the established reputation set by Trama Catering. Under the leadership of Perea-Arteaga and Arteaga, the team of 40 kitchen and dining room staff work to make every event a memorable occasion.

Rounding out the 10Forty Banquets & Catering event management team are manager Noe Garcia, event planners Christine DalleCarbonare and Lillie Beckman, and business office manager Joyce Gordon. Each team member brings experience and care to the arrangements of each event.

 To contact the Catering and Events Office, please call 219-836-1930, ext. 2