Bill Hansen

How long have you been catering in South Florida?
31 years and loving every minute of it.

Was there a defining moment in your life when you knew you wanted to be in the catering business?
When I launched my company in 1980 at the Famous Miami Club with all of Miami’s movers and shakers of the day…I loved catering for them at the club, at their homes and wherever they needed an event. My first major catering job was for a large law firm at Vizcaya in October of 1980…

Your best piece of advice to a client trying to decide on a menu?
Consider the guests – what foods are fresh, popular with the guests. Make sure you consider special dietary concerns…and most importantly, ask your caterer what they do best. You wouldn’t ask a caterer specializing in paella to prepare a barbecue..

What was one of your most memorable events from the standpoint of guest enjoyment? One that enhanced your company’s reputation? Your most over-the-top catering job?
Most memorable was catering at Vizcaya for Pope John Paul II and President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. Memorable and great for our reputation. And an Alice in Wonderland party at Charcoal Studios for a Russian banker’s 31st birthday party (we have amazing pictures).

Also, two very exclusive dinners for an upscale automobile manufacturer – same client – one at Moore Building in the Design District and one in November at Britto Central.

Your favorite type of cuisine to plan a menu around?
We love all cuisines…Our Grilled Whole Beef Tenderloins with Chimichurri Sauce is legendary…also, Grilled Swordfish with Honey Ginger Cinnamon-Infused Basmati Rice, Mashed Boniatos, Kobe Beef Sliders and Chef Tim’s amazing Tiramisu.

If you could plan an event for anyone in the world, who would be your choice?
We’ve catered for three U. S. Presidents and the Pope; all of the winners of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, including Tiger, Jack and Arnie; and we’ve catered for Bill Gates. I guess if they were all still alive, The Rat Pack – Frank, Dean, Sammy, Joey and Peter!!!

How do you spend your down-time?
I go pretty much 24/7. I love what I do – up at 4 a.m. and working late. A little golf, lots of exercise, reading and some Fantasy Football, dinner with my wife Terry most nights – we just celebrated our 28th anniversary. She helped me build my business to what it is today…

Bill Hansen
Bill Hansen Catering
Villa Woodbine
2167 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove 33133
305-338-1897
www.billhansencatering.com