Peter Callahan

PETER CALLAHAN is the iconic owner and 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 believes food and parties should be visual and conceptual entertainment unto themselves. Among the many things Peter pioneered is designing and manufacturing custom-designed acrylic and wood food display trays and shelves. These specially-designed serving elements showcase his hors d’oeuvres, beverages and foods in new, unexpected, never-before seen methods. His clever creations have now, years later, become permanent fixtures in today’s culinary and entertaining culture. Yet, Peter is constantly dreaming up new, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, whimsical interpretations of our favorite foods and beverages. Relying on a large team of in-house artisans who work tirelessly to bring Peter’s ideas to life, what may seem simple actually can take many years to come to market from concept to execution.
Twice 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 new 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.

Peter and his wife, fashion designer Josephine Sasso, divide their time between New York City, a country house in Pennsylvania, and a summer house on Nantucket.