12.13.2011

Interview: Celebrity Caterer Peter Callahan



If you regularly read this blog then you know how much we love the talented and charming PETER CALLAHAN.  We have been fortunate to work with him and even luckier to consider him a friend. While he looks like he stepped out of J.Crew or off the squash court and is one of the most famous caterers in the country, he is so so nice! Really. Truly. Consider him for a party - you will love working with him and his wonderful team. If you have not yet picked up a copy of BITE BY BITE, it would be perfect for holiday entertaining or for the hostess on your gift list. 

A few images of his work:







Let's get down to the interview, shall we?

How did you get in to catering?
My first wife convinced me to leave Wall Street (and all the money) and open a take out food shop in the Pennsylvania county side. Luckily, I had enough sense to go back to wall street, pigs in a blanket in hand...

Two "must haves" when you entertain at home?
A martini shaker and my wife with her naughty friends!

What is your greatest extravagance?
Aspen for Christmas, it's the only time of year I truly get away.

Two famous people you would love to have at your next dinner party?
Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison

A few hot entertaining trends that you think are fantastic?
Anything original. I view a trend as what people copy of someone's original ideas...

And a few that you could leave behind?
Loose the "I'm best friends with my farmer" motif.

Two things you can't live without?
Has to be three: my wife, son and daughter.

The best party you ever attended and why?
My 50th Birthday Party. It was a complete surprise with fifty of my favorite friends and at one table.

With the holidays season upon us, what is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas Eve at Ajax Tavern in Aspen. It's everything a holiday winter dinner should be...

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That my wife does all the cooking at home which is how I stay thin!

Thanks, Peter!

Posted by Party Resources at 12/13/2011 Labels: ,

5 comments:

  1. The enchanted home12/13/11, 8:32 AM

    Great post and great interview..haven't used him YET but believe me am keeping his name handy, I am in awe of all of those miniature jewel like creations and cannot imagine a party not being a huge hit with such amazing food presented as arfully as he prepares them. Christmas eve at Ajax Tavern...perfect!! Funny about the best friend as a farmer bit, I mean unless you really do happen to have a best friend that is a famer, otherwise its seeming a little contrived but am still in awe of the whole movement, gotta admit!
    That party wtih the Jim's sounds like it would be some electric soiree!
    Thanks to both of you.....happy holidays.
    P.S. Thanks Kate for yesterday, everyone LOVED you and your post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass12/13/11, 11:04 AM

    Kate-
    These images are perfection! I love the tiny bites. I will be putting this book on my Christmas list.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown12/13/11, 11:43 AM

    Love the little bites and the fact that it's becoming popular is a great thing health wise. Less is more and a taste is something we retain a memory lock on and file in our mind under "fantastic". Great interview and love to know what fitness routine Peter practices to stay so thin and keep stress away.

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  4. pve design12/15/11, 8:09 AM

    Does Peter need a guinea pig?
    I hosted a ladies night last week and made all these bite size morsels....boy was it labor intensive....but fun.
    pve

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown12/15/11, 8:16 PM

    Love Peter's work, but have thus far had to admire from afar. I'm crossing my fingers that some day I'll be able enjoy his nibbles in person!!!

    xoxo Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)