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AE: I have read how you've cooked for many gay-friendly notables. Have you ever had to cater to, or cook for, any well-known, outspoken anti-gay politicians or celebrities? How did that go down?
D&S :We'll just hit our favorite one, which was Ken Starr. If you don't mind I'll give you an excerpt from our cookbook:

"Two of our favorite clients were Ken Bode; then Dean of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, and his wife, Margot. Guest speakers would deliver a speech on campus and a select group would gather at the Bode's for a very comfortable dinner and rehashing of the evening. I learned a lot about politics from that circle, and was amazed at how politicians can engage in debate without taking it personally. Margot is a terrific hostess who understands the power of background music at an event, and her choice of playing Creedence Clearwater Revival or Janis Joplin would create a comfort level and safety that put everyone on an even playing field.

"Not long after the Monica Lewinsky scandal hit its peak we were asked to do a small dinner party where Kenneth Starr was the guest of honor. After hearing the conversations at a recent dinner hosted for President Clinton's press secretary, Mike McCurry, and one for Jesse Jackson Jr. (and after advising Margot against the "blue dress" she was threatening to wear) I knew that this was one meal we could all look forward to.

"Dan and I were in the kitchen finishing preparations on the hors d'oeuvres. As soon as I popped an oversized Artichoke Fritter in my mouth, the host surprised us by bringing Mr. Starr in the back door, leading him directly into the kitchen a good 20 minutes before the guests were scheduled to arrive.

"Mr. Starr bounded in, all smiles and energy, grabbed my hand and introduced himself. "So, you're preparing the food tonight?" he asked. I tried frantically to finish chewing the fritter so I could speak, but apparently I had grabbed one the size of a whiffle ball. 'No,' I choked, 'not preparing...just eating.'

"As I continued in my effort to swallow, Mr. Starr chatted away, all the while rigorously shaking my hand. He asked me about The Hearty Boys, paid us compliments, and was very kind and gracious, but he wouldn't let go of my hand. I chewed and shook, shook and chewed..."

Poor Kenneth Starr. Victim of a democratic backlash, just trying to win America back one caterer at a time.

AE: Have you, or do you plan to have, a wedding of your own? If yes - assuming you'd prefer to sit back and let someone else do the work - who was, or who would be your pick to cater it?
D&S: When we do have a wedding (and again, we'll do that as soon as all the legalities are in place) we'll probably not do it in Chicago. We love Provincetown and can imagine doing something there utilizing the beach.

We'd pick a local restaurant to cater it probably. We wouldn't do anything at a traditional banquet facility. We did exchange rings though in New Orleans at The Millennium. We decided we should have that night off too and didn't take any events, and treated ourselves to an excessive New Years celebration that culminated in a midnight exchange of rings while watching the fireworks.

AE: Any plans for opening new restaurants in other cities or countries?
D&S: Sweet Jesus, bite your tongue. We can barely manage to get through our everyday lives now. We've had interesting offers from people to do food service in different spaces but if we want any time at all...We're content with our catering business, our restaurant, our TV show, our cookbook and our baby.

Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh both lived and trained in New York City; perfecting their culinary skills in venues ranging from The Metropolitan Opera to the US Open. After a move north, The Hearty Boys began as the catering expansion of Dan's warm and funky café in Bethel, Maine. Since relocating to Chicago, The Hearty Boys have become owners of one of Chicago's most successful catering businesses - The Hearty Boys Caterers, and their own restaurant, HB. They can boast national print and media coverage. Most notably, after they appeared on Food Network's series Search For the Next Food Network Star; they were chosen by over 50,000 viewers as winners; and now appear in their own, new Food Network series Party Line with Dan and Steve. Their newly published cookbook The Hearty Boys: Solving the Run of The Mill is, in their own words, “a mixture of entertaining tips, stories and recipes.”

Get more info at their catering website or their Food Network website

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