the Chicagoland area for 30 years. His businesses, Five Star Gourmet Catering and Sandwich Shop, and 4 Stars Only: a movie food prop and Craft Services food business, were used in many movies and television shows throughout his career. Some of his catering clientele included Walter Payton, Chuck Norris, Billy Bob Thornton, and Joan Cusack. He and his food products appeared in Early Edition, Turks, West Wing, Cupid, and What About Joan television series, as well as Feature Films such as Ali the Movie, Visitors, Children on Their Birthdays, The Lake House, My Best Friend's Wedding and many more. He also provided Craft Services for ABC Sporting events. He retired in 2006 and relocated with his wife to Durham, North Carolina, then later moved to Winterville in 2012. Chef Tom could light up a room with laughter; he loved cooking, it was truly his passion.

This book is a collection of stories about the famous people he catered to and what they loved to eat along with some of his most loved recipes. His Cheesecake recipe and his Prime Rib Au Jus recipes were his specialty. His cheesecake recipe made eight cheesecakes. We used to sell hundreds of them at Christmastime. I hope you enjoy his stories and recipes.