Executive Chef, Owner John Paulk
JOHN PAULK appeared on the Portland culinary scene in 2004 and established Mezzaluna as an exclusive, upscale alternative to mundane, run-of-the-mill catering companies.
His design aesthetic is clean & modern. His client list reads like a who’s-who of sports figures, national celebrities, CEO’s, and politicians.
John’s artistry merges simplicity and sophistication as he caters fresh, clean tasting cuisine prepared in classic style.
Each client Mezzaluna serves is saturated with warmth and personal attention by a hand-picked, highly-trained team of people. “My goal is to make my client stand out to their guests. I alleviate any stress so that my clients enjoy their event knowing that I have their back,” John says. “It’s about creating an emotional experience…a lasting memory…an event they’ll never forget. Really, it’s romance.”
Chef John received formal training from Le Cordon Bleu and upon completion of his studies graduated Summa Cum Laude being awarded a highest honors medal and the prestigious Diplôme Le Cordon Bleu from Academie d’Art Culinaire de Paris. He apprenticed at London Grill in Portland’s famous Benson Hotel. John serves as a board member on the Le Cordon Bleu Curriculum Advisory Board.
During the 1980’s he managed Cocolat, the celebrated San Francisco patisserie owned by James Beard award-winner, Alice Medrich. Prior to becoming a chef, John graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in music.
Chef John is a talented media communicator having been interviewed for The Oregonian Food Day and makes regular contributions and appearances in Portland Bride and Groom magazine. His television appearances include regular spots on KATU’s AM Northwest and KOIN’s Studio 6 program.
John is ardent in educating others about fine cuisine and regularly taught classes in downtown Portland at Sur La Table–America’s finest culinary store.
In 2015, Chef John appeared on the Food Network’s number one-rated competition show, Cutthroat Kitchen where he placed second, and in July 2017, John’s image adorned the cover of PORTLAND Interview magazine this past summer.