About PETER CALLAHAN – Creative Director of New York City-based Peter Callahan Catering.

Widely credited with having created the mega trend of miniaturized savory and dessert comfort food hors d’oeuvres, Peter has been a caterer, food stylist and culinary innovator for more than twenty-five years.

Peter is a Contributing Editor for Martha Stewart Weddings and has twice been named by Modern Bride Magazine as an industry ”Trendsetter.” Peter has created sensational events for Martha Stewart, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, JP Morgan, Tory Burch, Valentino, Regis and Joy Philbin, Tony Bennett, Kelly Ripa, Google, and Al Gore, among many other clients.

Long considered a well-kept secret by the event industry despite being the most publicized caterer in the country, Peter’s book “BITE by BITE: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party” by Clarkson-Potter brings to at-home chefs Peter’s unique creations and his playful methods to present them. It’s the first book in a new series illustrating Peter’s genius for re-creating foods in stylish new ways.
See more Information at: http://www.petercallahan.com

Q1:  How did you become a culinary designer?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan: I became a culinary designer years after being a caterer. Out of the blue ideas would
float into my head like visions which are the greatest gift I get. Then I relentlessly work to bring them to fruition regardless of the expense or effort.

Q2:  How did you turn your small cafe into a successful catering company?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:   

My cafe was turned into a successful catering company thanks to the efforts of two wonderful women,
happy + penny , they made it their mission to make me a success + I’m forever grateful to them.

Q3:   How did you get the idea to start miniature portions? 

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:   

My park ave hostesses trained me well that hors d’oeuvres should be one bite. Then one day I thought how
incredible would it be to shrink a burger to one bite + it all began.

Q4:   What’s it like to work with Martha Stewart & Regis Philbin?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:  Doing parties for Martha Stewart are some of my favorites. It is always an opportunity to try and raise
the bar and Martha loves that, as this is what she does each and every day. Regis + Joy Philbin are such
a treat to do parties for, first of all their guest list is jaw dropping, then there is the amazing
singing sometimes you get to hear, lastly they are gracious + wildly entertaining.

Q5:   What catering trends are you seeing this year ?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:   

As far as trends, we create many and single idea buffets are one of my most favorite, such as a blueberry buffet, or a
belgian beer bar, or chocolate tasting bar, a bread station, taking your favorite things + running with it in a fantasy.

Q6:  What advice do you have for brides trying to please all their guests with their menu?

 Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:   

Don’t try and please all your guests with your menu. Try and please yourselves and your closest loved
ones and you will make everyone the happiest.

Q7:  Can you tell me more about your latest book? BITE by BITE

 Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:   

BITE by BITE was my sharing with the world my best hors d’oeuvres + tips + shortcuts on how to easily do them. It
includes my presentation ideas too. It has reshaped what hors d’oeuvres are worldwide as it is sold around the world.

Q8 :   What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ? 

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:    

I hope people take away from this chat to follow your heart and have a passionate approach to your wedding and do it  exactly how you want and it will be a dreamy day.

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

1. @asaenz_87 What is exactly the role of a culinary designer?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:   The role of a culinary designer is to create a culinary experience at a wedding that transcends ordinary wedding food.

2. @WedBecomesHer  What are common mistakes couples fail to do when dealing with the caterer?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:  Common mistakes of couples are they don’t tell the caterer their food likes and dislikes, or dig out of their minds what they really want, food is something we all have opinions on and its important to relate those.

3. @WedBecomesHer  What are key tips you can provide to planners working well with caterers and the culinary designer?

Answer: 

Peter Callahan @Peter_Callahan:  #1 tip for planners working with caterers is to have the caterer have direct discussions with the client over food.