Savannah’s top caterer, Susan Mason, works by the motto ‘Never economize on luxury.’”

—Saveur magazine

“After the lobster salad, Timothy Dalton leaned over . . . and said, ‘I just realized that we’re not on a movie set.’”

—Susan Mason

Beyond creating extraordinary wedding and private event spreads, Susan Mason has worked on over ten movies filmed in Savannah, supplying food for crews, catering private parties for stars, and “dressing” sets with food. These occasions offered her the opportunity to meet a variety of celebrities, who often request that she create private meals for them. Her catering is now in demand far from Savannah, desired by those who can afford to bring a bit of Southern hospitality to their private celebrations.

Ms. Mason says her favorite celebrity client was Tom Hanks. After weeks of feeding the cast and crew of Forrest Gump, Mason was asked by Mr. Hanks to create a special dinner for his wife, Rita Wilson, on her birthday—and to charter a yacht. A few years later, Wilson was quoted in a magazine as saying that evening was the most romantic thing her husband ever did for her.

This is just one of many examples included in Susan Mason’s Silver Service, demonstrating Mason’s exquisite taste and inherent sense of style. Her suggestions for quality ingredients and stunning presentations are included in this gorgeous cookbook, full of more than eighty recipes, one hundred illustrations, quotes from celebrity clients, and humorous stories about catering for the rich and famous.

About the Authors
Ms. Mason, who grew up in Dothan, Alabama, credits her success to three things: top-quality ingredients, abundant spreads, and elegant presentation. Her cooking has been highlighted in two previous cookbooks and featured in numerous magazines, including Elle Decor, Veranda, Southern Accents, Savannah Magazine, GQ, Panache, and Saveur.

Barrie Scardino has written several nonfiction books. A friend of Mason’s, she has traveled with her to southern France and been a longtime client of Susan Mason Catering.