About Us

Experts in the “Art of the Party”, the Hampton’s premiere catering, event and wedding planning team at Art of Eating have unique insight into the glittering benefits, intimate dinner parties and extravagant weddings that make up the backbone of the social scene on Long Island’s East End.

Committed above all to the quality of the food – Art of Eating takes full advantage of the surrounding land and sea, sourcing ingredients locally and organically whenever possible.

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Chinese Chicken Salad, Wonton Cone (Photo: Diane Woodcheke)

“I had asked for a “Classic American beach picnic” and your menu, presentation and white – clad smiling staff seemed to step right out of my ideal. I’ll remember this scene for a long time: chairs & market umbrellas strung along a crescent beach, blue-and-white striped tables of fresh, interesting food. This is what “The Art of Eating” means” – James

Hamptons Catering Company

A Sparkling Send Off (Photo: John Kowalenko)

“As always you were the best. Everyone is talking about your food, your staff, your presentation. It could not have seem more perfect… I can’t thank you enough.” – Jeanne

About Art of Eating

Husband and wife team Cheryl Stair & John Kowalenko are the owners behind Art of Eating.

Headquartered in the heart of the Hamptons, they surpass guest’ expectations by delivering the quality of service and awe-inspiring food that the elite partygoers from the East End to Manhattan demand.

They continue their exciting culinary and event production journey while maintaining a love of food and service with much appreciation for their natural East End surroundings, clients, family and staff.

Non-profit Organizations We Support

East Hampton Food Pantry, Slow Food East End

Proudly Serving on the Board for The East Hampton Food Pantry & Slow Food East End

Our Support and Participation includes the following:

  • Josh Levine Memorial Foundation
  • The Food Lab at Stony Brook Southampton
  • The Great Food Truck Derby – A Hayground Schoolyard Project Benefit
  • Peconic Land Trust
  • Save the Waves
  • Shelter Island 10k
  • Surfrider Foundation
  • East Hampton Day Care
  • Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack Preserve
  • Parrish Art Museum
  • Project MOST
  • The Retreat
  • Slow Food New York
  • Stony Brook University @ Southampton
  • Taste of the Nation
  • Ladles of Love – An East Hampton Food Pantry Benefit
  • Bay Street Theater
  • East Hampton Historical Society
  • Group for the South Fork
  • Guild Hall of East Hampton
  • Island Harvest Food Distribution
  • Love Bites – a benefit for Ellen Hermanson Breast Cancer Center at Southampton Hospital

Cheryl Stair

Cheryl’s love for international and American fare inspire her diverse menus that borrow flavors from all over the world, blended with the bounty of the East End. Her commitment to local North and South Fork farmers, foragers, fishermen and their ingredients is evident in every dish she creates.

Her attention to detail extends to the entire event planning services provided by Art of Eating from event locations to hand-picked event staff to lighting and event design. She thrives at guiding couples and families through every step of the event planning process. Her experience and talent will help you overcome every obstacle to realize your dream event.

Cheryl serves on the Board of Directors for Slow Food East End and truly believes in their philosophy

“A better, cleaner and fairer world begins with what we put on our plates – and our daily choices determine the future of the environment, economy and society”

John Kowalenko

John Kowalenko has been producing events both here in the Hamptons and on a national scale for most of his life. A consummate problem-solver and event innovator, countless East End organizations rely on him for his event planning expertise, attention to detail, the extraordinary energy and the “wow” factor he brings to each event he produces. On a daily basis he runs the business end of Art of Eating Catering and when he’s on site at events and weddings he is the wizard behind the curtain – making sure everything runs smooth and if any problem does arise you are never even aware of it!

John serves on the Board of Directors for the East Hampton Food Pantry and is committed to protecting the beauty of Long Island’s South Forks and the surrounding waters. When he’s not running some of the largest events in the Hamptons – you’ll find him surfing the waves off of Montauk Point.