There is something incredibly special about working in the “Greatest City in the World” to quote the smash Broadway Play Hamilton. It is unlike doing events anywhere else. Last week’s annual New York Times Dealbook Summit proved this once again. We at Great Performances have been privileged to work on this event for many years now and bear witness to some amazing and newsworthy insights from some of the most interesting minds to grace a stage. It is moments like this that make working in New York so unique. Set in what I consider the most beautiful room in the New York Event world, the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, we heard business trends from cooperate giants like Bob Igor of Disney and Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase. United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel offered insights to current events. TV producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes shared thoughts on some of the hit shows she has been a part of, and of course there was the controversial interview with Elon Musk that is still grabbing press attention.

In support of this great conference, we served breakfast using recipes from the New York Times “Cooking” in a successful attempt to capture the essence of New York City in our culinary offerings. Among the breakfast selections:

 Vegan Pancakes Vegan Pancakes Recipe – NYT Cooking (nytimes.com) and  Chia Pudding with Berries and Popped Amaranth Chia Pudding With Berries and Popped Amaranth Recipe – NYT Cooking (nytimes.com)

For lunch Great Performances Chef Andrew Smith created a beautiful salad of Tuscan Kale, Red Endive, Watercress & Watermelon Radishes with Roasted Pears, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Quinoa, and a Seasonal Cider Vinaigrette. We then offered guests a choice of proteins also curated from the NY Times “Cooking.”

Grilled Chicken Breast Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe – NYT Cooking (nytimes.com)

Seared Plank Salmon Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe – NYT Cooking (nytimes.com)

Grilled Tofu Grilled Tofu Recipe – NYT Cooking (nytimes.com)

At the conclusion of the Summit there was a Reception offering a selection of Hors D’ Oeuvres, Champagne and Cocktails from our current Fall menus held in the Ertegun Atrium with views of Columbus Circle and Central Park as attendees listened of course, to a Jazz Trio playing in the background.  A remarkable finish to a unique New York experience thanks to the New York Times.

The privilege of being “In The Room Where It Happens” in the Greatest City in the World is why we do what we do. This amazing City keeps giving us remarkable events like the Dealbook Summit.

I love New York.