Amy Atlas
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in fashion, interiors, color, patterns, shapes, flavors and seasonal trends.
What excites you most about the year ahead in the catering industry?
I like to eat seasonal foods at home with my family so I love the fact that the farm-to-table movement is making real progress. I'm excited to see the impact on catering in 2014.
What is the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?
The best piece of business advice I've ever been given is to separate emotional feelings about business from business decisions. If you look at your business as an investor, you'll make smarter decisions.
What do you hope attendees will take away from your session?
I hope that attendees will learn (1) how to think out of the box for inspiration with their food presentation, (2) tips about creating a wow moment for displays and (3) practical solutions for presenting food.
What new trend or trendy ingredient are you using today?
I've been playing with all types of flours. There are so many more available because so many people are now off gluten. I've used Mesquite flour, Quinoa flour, Hazelnut flour and many more.
If you could spend a day with a famous chef, who would you choose and why?
This is tough to narrow down, but I'd probably choose Jamie Oliver because I like his recipes, respect his values and what he's done with Food Revolution. Also up there would be Scott Conant, Tom Colicchio, Charlie Trotter, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Anthony Bourdain and, of course, Julia Child.
BIO
Amy Atlas, also known as “The Sweets Stylist” is a best-selling author {Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas}, entertaining expert and baking enthusiast. She is internationally recognized for creating the dessert bar trend. She’s a contributor on shows including The Today Show, Anderson, Martha Stewart, Access Hollywood, and E! News. Amy's work has appeared in O Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, Food and Wine Magazine, People Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, Every Day with Rachael Ray, The Los Angeles Times, InStyle Magazine, Real Simple, Gotham, Brides, and many more. She has created dessert bars for celebrity clientele, and has worked on brand programs with GODIVA, Bacardi, IKEA, and Wrigley/Mars, Inc. Amy also maintains a daily blog, Sweet Designs, where she shares styling tips, recipes, and behind-the-scenes of her work.
From a very young age, Amy was entertaining for friends and family. After several years of practicing law, Amy decided to turn to her creative passion for entertaining into a business. Amy lives in New York City with her husband, Rick, and their two sons.
