Award-winning chef John Paulk, owner of Mezzaluna Fine Catering, has taken over food and beverage operations at the newly renovated Portland’s White House, a bed & breakfast and event venue in the northeast neighborhood of Irvington, announced owners Frank Groff and David Krause. In addition to serving the inn’s guests, Paulk’s team will oversee booking events ranging from intimate dinners and wedding rehearsals in the private dining room to weddings, reunions, corporate meetings and other larger-scale events in the 85-seat ballroom.
Mezzaluna Fine Catering has earned a stellar reputation among Portland’s elite with a client list that includes Nike founder Phil Knight, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, world-renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Pink Martini founder Thomas Lauderdale and many others. In addition, Paulk has been featured in various local and national media including appearances on the Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Last fall, Paulk appeared on the cover of Portland Interview magazine.
“We are delighted to welcome aboard Chef John and Mezzaluna Fine Catering as our exclusive food and beverage operator,” said Groff, who purchased the property in December 2018 and invested nearly $1 million renovating it to its present glory. “Chef John’s reputation is unparalleled and we have full confidence in him and his staff to take Portland’s White House to the next level. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him at the helm.”
Paulk appeared on Portland’s culinary scene in 2004. He received his formal training at Le Cordon Bleu and graduated summa cum laude and received the prestigious Diplome Le Cordon Bleu from the Academie d’Art Culinaire.
“I’m proud and happy to be joining Frank and David as they breathe new life into Portland’s White House, one of the city’s most beloved and treasured historical properties,” said Paulk. “I have dedicated my career preparing delicious cuisine in classic style. With Portland’s White House as our new home, we have an extraordinary and spectacular backdrop for our events.”
For more information about catering or staying at Portland’s White House, visit portlandswhitehouse.com or call (503) 287-7131. It is located at 1914 NE 22nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97212.