My interview with the chef and owner of Cortlandt Colonial, Evan Liaskos

Evan Liaskos is not only the head chef at my favorite restaurant in Westchester, but is also the owner of his catering hall both named Cortlandt Colonial, which happened to be my wedding venue. Evan did an excellent job both in the front of the house and behind the scenes. He did so much to make our day special and we continue to visit on our anniversary every year. I couldn't think of a better person to interview.

Realizing his culinary dreams at the young age of 14, Evan perfected his skills by training at the world renowned Culinary Institute of America. After graduating, Evan took his trade across America. He worked in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Rio Hotel and Casino and Harrah's Hotel and Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, before coming back to New York to become the head chef at his family business, Cortlandt Colonial. It's no wonder how he easily develops such diverse menu choices now knowing all of his experience and travels.

When cooking a meal, Evan wants to “wow someone” and hopes that when they try his food they think, "I've never thought of this dish, or never had one that was this good.” The first meal Evan learned to cook was chicken parmesan. Having many years to perfect this dish shows because it is probably one of the most delicious items on his menu. Evan claims the one ingredient he won’t cook with is liver, simply because he doesn’t like it. On the opposite, if he could order one choice off his menu that is his favorite, he says it would be the steak Campagnola.

Seeing that Cortlandt Colonial has won so many awards, I had to ask Evan if he's ever served anyone famous. I was highly impressed with his response. Evan has catered a wedding for one of Hillary Clinton's workers, to which she was invited.  He also hosted a wedding for The Orange County Choppers’ family, which several TV celebrities attended. Other famous diners at his restaurant include Sally Struthers, Ricki Lake, and Dr. Ruth.

Evan's true passion for the restaurant business, and his love of all the meals he ate growing up, really molded him into the Restaurateur he is today. It is clear that both the restaurant and catering business at Cortlandt Colonial are thriving. If Evan had to choose, "hands down", he says, he would pick the catering business. Evan states he specifically prefers to cater weddings because, "I love working with brides and grooms on their special day."  He has fantastic people skills that make dining for any occasion at Cortlandt Colonial an extra personal experience.

Evan's final note was, "all kinds of catering is enjoyable to me, because I am catering happy occasions." I think that really speaks the truth. From the moment you step foot into Cortlandt Colonial, until the moment you walk out, your experience and memories are all happy ones, thanks to Evan Liaskos and his amazing staff, who always giving top notch service!