Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - December 2025

10 C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 Community FROM ROCK STAR TO ROCKIN’ CHEF —A TASTE OF MUSIC, WINE, AND ITALIAN SOUL - By Dan Hauser - Photos by Pamela Aquilani Photography - W hen Paul Cullen steps into a kitchen, there’s usually a guitar case nearby. It’s a detail that says everything about the man — part rock star, part chef, and entirely original. The former bassist and guitarist for the legendary band Bad Company, Cullen once toured the world performing to sold-out arenas. Today, he tours homes, creating intimate, music-infused dining experiences that blend gourmet Italian cuisine, fine wine, and the kind of personal connection that can’t be found in any restaurant. Now, as he sets his sights on South Florida, Cullen is ready to bring his signature “Dinner with Paul” experience — an evening of food, music, and friendship — to one of the most vibrant culinary and cultural destinations in the country. Cullen’s journey from rock and roll to risotto didn’t happen overnight. “I’m Italian, so I’ve always been around food,” Cullen said. “My mom and grandmother were incredible cooks. I was making pasta as soon as I was tall enough to reach the counter.” Even during his touring days, food was never far from his mind. He recalls discovering regional cuisines from far and wide, whether it was Memphis barbecue on Beale Street or authentic Indian dishes in London. “I’ve always loved exploring new flavors,” he said. “Back then, I didn’t know it would become my life’s second act, but it makes sense looking back.” After his music career, Cullen settled in Delaware and began inviting friends to his home for dinner. “I’d make what I make and they loved it,” Paul explained. “Eventually, someone asked, ‘Would you do this for my wife’s birthday, at our house?’ I said yes, and that’s how it all started.” That first private dinner in 2014 set the tone for everything that followed. “I did about 15 events the first year,” he added. “Now, we do close to 200 a year.” Cullen’s in-home dining experiences are unlike anything else. Guests don’t receive a set menu, not even the hosts. “It’s always a surprise,” he laughed. “I decide that day based on what’s fresh and what I’m inspired by.” Working alongside his longtime assistant, Nina, Cullen brings everything he needs, from knives, pans, and ingredients, to even his own olive oil and imported Italian wines. “We roll in with our toolboxes,” he said. “I learned early on, bring everything with you.” The evening begins with an antipasti hour, where guests graze on an elegant spread of artisanal meats, cheeses, and small bites while sipping on various wines. Then, a multicourse dinner unfolds with vibrant salads, handmade pastas, slow-simmered sauces, and, of course, more perfectly paired wines. However, unlike many private, intimate dining experiences, the evening doesn’t end after dinner. After the final bite of dessert, Cullen picks up his guitar and performs a concert, a blend of his original songs and acoustic renditions of Bad Company hits. “It’s the best part,” he said, smiling. “People are full and relaxed, and then the music brings it all home. I tell stories, play songs, and by the end, we’re all friends. That’s what it’s about.” Naturally, wine plays a starring role in every dinner. Cullen’s Italian wine label, Paul Cullen Wines, reflects his deep love for the country’s food and culture. He partners with small, family-run wineries in regions such as Piedmont and Tuscany, importing varietals that embody the rustic warmth of his cooking. “I’d already built relationships with winemakers in Italy,” he explains. “One day, I thought, why not create my own label using the wines I already know and love?” In true Cullen fashion, he dove in headfirst. He secured his import license, designed a sleek guitar-adorned label, and launched his line. Beyond just the wines, though, he has also expanded his brand to include olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and spice blends — all available through his online store, PaulCullen.rocks. “It’s all about giving people a taste of Italy, wherever they are,” he said. For Cullen, cooking isn’t just about feeding people, it’s about creating connection. “When I show up at someone’s home, I already have the upper hand,” he