Who is Three Words Catering?
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“Three Words…” he’d say.
Long before our first creations hit the plate, Three Words Catering was already simmering in our family kitchen, filled with chaos and laughter. Every time Derek (a.k.a. Dad) called out “Three Words,” his family answered without skipping a beat: “De Lish Us.” It became a ritual, a playful exchange that turned into a philosophy. We believe food should speak for itself—and ours says: local love, bold flavor, and a sense of home.
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PHOTO: Milestone Moment
In 2022, Derek and Galena brought Three Words Catering to life with a daring debut: a private chef sit-down dinner for 14 guests, featuring the timeless showstopper—Beef Wellington. The evening was intimate, elegant, and rich with flavor and meaning.
From the golden puff pastry to the melt-in-your-mouth filet center, each plate reflected their shared passion for hospitality and culinary artistry. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a statement of who they are as a team. Bold. Refined. Rooted in care.
A night to remember, and the first of many.
Derek Schelling, Chef
Derek Schelling has been a proud fixture in Greater Portland’s culinary landscape since his teenage years. His journey began just down the road from where he attended Deering High School, at the beloved neighborhood spot, Sully’s Restaurant. It was there that he discovered his passion for cooking and met John, his lifelong mentor—a Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts graduate—who shaped his craft with wisdom, refined technique, and steady guidance over the next 30 years.
From those formative beginnings, Derek went on to refine his talents in some of Maine’s most prestigious country clubs, including those in Falmouth and Cape Elizabeth. His culinary repertoire spans elegant seafood, rustic Italian fare, and vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine—all prepared with care, creativity, and a commitment to hospitality.
But where Derek truly feels at home is beside a grill and smoker. In the heart of York County, he spent years sharing some of his favorite creations: his renowned smoked meatloaf sandwiches, tender smoked pork, and his personal favorite, smoked lobster—a bold twist on a Maine classic.
Galena Schelling, Manager/Sous Chef
Galena Schelling brings a wealth of experience and leadership to every venture she undertakes. A proud graduate of Deering High School—just a few years behind Chef Derek—Galena began her career with Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, where she quickly proved her ability to think on her feet and tackle challenges head-on.
She later spent years in inside sales at local wholesale distributors, cultivating strong client relationships and a deep understanding of customer care, built on dedication and integrity. Most recently, Galena served as the General Manager of a well-known, statewide real estate title company, overseeing six offices and leading a large team with skill, empathy, and strategic insight.
With her keen eye for organization, unwavering work ethic, and talent for building meaningful connections, Galena adds a powerful dimension to the Three Words Catering team—balancing culinary excellence with operational finesse.