For some people, what they do is really who they are.  It's not their job it's their calling.  For Alison Milwe-Grace, cooking is her calling and her career and it all began when, as 7-year-old she helped fix sandwiches and snacks for her dad's poker games.

At 15, she made her first resume entry as the "cheese girl" at Hay Day, and then worked at restaurants and as a waitress throughout college.

After receiving her degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from UMass-Amherst, Alison worked as a restaurant manager. She soon realized that she wanted to be in the kitchen, not on the floor.  She started night classes in NYC in French cooking and made the jump from the front of the house to the back.  Now, this Weston mom of two caters all types of events, from large festive weddings to small, intimate dinner parties, holidays, baby and bridal showers and Bat/Bar Mitzvahs and loves them all.  


If you are wondering how she finds balance between the demands of motherhood and business owner, Alison's recipe is uncomplicated and straightforward: "Lower your expectations on a daily basis.  You can never be the best at everything every day.  One day you may be the best mom, but not the best wife.  Another day you may be the best caterer, but not the best mother.  Take it day by day."

This chef dishes out great food and great advice!

AMG Catering
Phone: 203-227-5535

www.amgcatering.com

Questions for Alison Milwe Grace
What trends do you see in entertaining? Less formal events. More cocktail party/food station parties as opposed to formal sit down, 5-course dinner parties. A lot of people want to me to teach them how to cook. So I incorporate teaching into some of these events as well.
Last book read: "Kitchen Confidential"
Most embarrassing iPod download: What is more embarrassing is that I have had my iPod for 2 years, and have never found the time to download anything. I am too busy downloading songs and stories on my kids' Fisher price FP-3 players!!
Favorite TV Show: I am a junkie for Kitchen Nightmares, Criminal Minds, Greys Anatomy and ER
Favorite junk food: Pork lo mein
Most recent clothing splurge: Cute dress for the holidays
Favorite place to shop? Anthropologie and J Crew