I'd be open to the idea, but maybe just for small events. I wouldn't like to entrust a huge event to a little kid, who might be able to handle the stress, no matter how talented he is.

*might not

why not? if he has references and can prove he's responsible - sure why not?

he may have the cooking chops which is something incredibly impressive on its own but there's something to be said for having a bit more maturing under your belt if you're going to have a business. plenty of 'adult' caterers crack under the pressure and have trouble dealing with different things, and i kind of feel like no matter how mature a 13 year old is - there are still going to be melt downs and all that - and i don't know if i want to be at an event that he's just not able to handle the pressure for.

also, think about this - if he starts his catering thing at 13 - how old will he be when he's burnt out from it and then has to figure out what to do with his life. it's just practicality.

i do think that it's great for him to work on a few things here or there if they are of a smaller scale - but i think that would be my limit.

suer for a small dinner party why not- if his food was good! i mean if this is something he loves to do he should be given the opportunity to do it!

oops *sure

Definitely not. Whether this is what he actually wants to do or not (the whole "teethed at Nobu, Cipriani etc) comment makes me feel like this kid's parents have more than a hand in his gastronomic development) kids need to be damn kids! Especially in these waters...that's just too much stress for a 13 year old to handle.

I dunno if he wants to then yes I would for a small event. Bigger events equal more stress and I don't want the poor thing stressing out!

I'd like to do a tasting first then hire him for a small event and then give him the benefit of the doubt and let him cater something bigger. if it doesn't go off exactly as planned I wouldn't be pissed, everyone has to start somewhere.

"While his parents say he 'practically teethed at Nobu, Cipriani and the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach,' "...

Must be nice to have such rich parents. I bet I could have been a prodigy chef if I had dined at such fine establishments. lol

Hmm..that's cute

I think people here are being ageist. If you can have child prodigies in other art forms - and you can - you can have them in cooking. He's just starting at a point where most people have to mature into it.

I won't judge until I've tried his cooking (unlikely to happen.)
Good for him for finding his passion and developing the skills to go with it so early in life!

"also, think about this - if he starts his catering thing at 13 - how old will he be when he's burnt out from it and then has to figure out what to do with his life. it's just practicality."...

So what is to be said for actors that start out as kids (ala Drew Barrymore)?

I think its great that he has got some skills and all but I don't know that I would have him cater a very large event, like most have said the pressure for those kinds of jobs are killer and I wouldn't want to stress him. I would like to try one of his dishes

Probably not... but only because if he's catering in the Hamptons, then he'd be way too expensive for me!

In an alternative universe where I could afford caterers, I would consider hiring him as I considered any other caterer - recommendations, menu, price, etc... Age would not have any part of my decision

Depends on how much he cost!

btw, is he a relative of Steve Tyler?

I would if I could afford him, but I see that as highly unlikely.

Hey Guys,

Chef Greg Grossman Here,

Thanks for your interest in my article,

I just found this while surfing the web,

Thanks Soo Much,

I wouldn't hire you Greg, but I'd surely eat your food.

It's not necessarily ageism so much as it is a proven trend--child prodigies in any field tend to burn out eventually--especially in the case of someone like Drew Barrymore, who ended up in rehab by 14. Obviously not all cases end that way, but there's definitely something to be said for a sacrificed childhood even if you are good at what you do.

I would have him cater an event, but I would ask him to get help since he is very young and it might be too much to handle. Even people who are older need help because somethings are too much to handle. Good for him though!

I would definitely! My brother was a fantastic chef at 13 and has always thrived under the pressure of catering large events. In fact, he catered a fundraising dinner for me when he was only 14. It was an elaborate Thai themed dinner for over 200 and he did a fantastic job. He now owns his own catering company (is only 22) and has yet to "burn out".

I would, also to be able to say the chef was 13! I would just hope he doesn't pick his nose or something while he's cooking though

no offense Gregg, but my son is 13 and when he cooks I keep an eye on his behind LOL