At Great Performances, our mission is simple yet profound: to unleash joy with genuine hospitality. Every event we produce is more than just food and service — it’s a reflection of our ethos, our values, and our commitment to creating spaces where people can connect, dream, and share ideas. That’s why moments of recognition and gratitude, like the heartfelt note below, matter so much. They remind us of the deeper purpose behind what we do and how meaningful partnerships shape our work.

 

The following thank you note captures the spirit of our collaboration with Food Tank during Climate Week — a time when food, sustainability, and community came together in an extraordinary way. We’re honored to share it, because it reflects who we are, what we strive for, and the joy that hospitality can bring.

Lauren, Jenell, April and Liz,

I don’t have words to properly thank the four of you for last week.

Our partnership is truly one of the most special we have with anyone, anywhere.

Thank you for aligning so deeply with our values and sharing our vision. For co-creating a truly astonishing week of culinary experiences, programming, and culture that has no parallel at Climate Week. Thank you for not only embracing the wild ideas we bring your way, but for bringing us your own equally exciting ones to weave in. It’s a dream to have partners we trust so deeply, who are so interconnected with our goals.

I hope we’ll continue dreaming together creating even more events in New York City that bring both light and space for our food and agriculture movements to debate, share ideas, and organize in this (to put it mildly) challenging environment. Food Tank has become the big tent, a home for that, and it is in no small part thanks to you all for making every event we do here feel inviting, special, and like home. People say what makes our Climate Week events different was how much love, passion, and joy goes into every we co-curate. They see that in the care, thought, and mission that goes into every single bite of food that is served.

We threw a crazy week at you haha and honestly it just couldn’t have gone smoother. I realize that the days were long and hard and also in the middle of the High Holidays. Thanks for staying by our side unwaveringly through it all.

Onwards to the next one!

All our love,

Bernie, Dani, Elena and Kenzie

This note is more than gratitude — it’s a reflection of the kind of meaningful partnerships that drive us at Great Performances. We’re proud to co-create with Food Tank and grateful for the opportunity to help advance important conversations around food, agriculture, and sustainability.

 

Want to learn more? Read our other reflections on Food Tank here: The Magic of the Movement: Recapping Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025

Jump to Gallery
Jump to Menu
Food Tank at Climate Week | Jerome L. Green Performance Space | Lauren Tregor, Senior Event Director

What a magnificent week! From September 21st through September 26th, the spirit of food and climate action converged in New York City, and we were absolutely thrilled to be a central part of the energy at Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025. Bringing together over 300 passionate leaders, celebrated chefs, dedicated farmers, and Broadway performers at WNYC-NPR Studios’ The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space was an experience nothing short of inspiring.

The atmosphere was one of palpable hope and urgent action, a vibrant reminder that the solutions to the climate crisis are already growing in our fields and flourishing in our kitchens.

A Taste of the Future: The Culinary Experience

The crucial conversations were fueled by incredible hospitality, courtesy of our partners. The receptions and meals throughout the week were a culinary reflection of the sustainable, high-quality food system we were celebrating. Guests enjoyed an array of exceptional bites and craft cocktails, featuring the very ingredients and producers central to the movement.

Attendees grazed on beautiful spreads, including a curated Cheese Board from Organic Valley and Niman Ranch Charcuterie. Lighter fare like fresh Crudité, savory Lobster Rolls, and Shrimp Cocktail offered a refreshing counterpoint to heartier dishes like Prosciutto-wrapped Dates with Niman Ranch Bacon. Standout items included the innovative Black Bean Taquitos from Sean Sherman and the elegantly prepared Forbidden Rice Pavé with Smoked Salmon, showcasing Lundberg Black Pearl Rice. The drinks were equally spirited, with guests sipping on sophisticated options like the Makers Mark Sour and the adventurous Bourbon Chamoy Cocktail.

Key Moments from the Stage

Hope, Regeneration, and Deliciousness

The week launched with the deeply moving, sold-out evening arts session: “Hope on a Plate: An Interactive Celebration of Regenerative Agriculture and Shared Possibility”. This multi-sensory journey brought regenerative farming to life, with ideas shared by luminaries like Chef Dan Barber and Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel.

Later that week, the sold-out “Roadmap to a Delicious, Nutritious, and Regenerative Food Future for All” brought incredible visionaries like Chef Rasmus Munk and the essential voice of author Mark Bittman to the stage to sketch out the blueprint for a better system.

Broadway Meets the Backyard

The arts sessions were truly spectacular. Monday night’s arts session, “The Performing Arts Light the Way: A Climate Week Celebration,” featured the joy and activism of Pattie Gonia and the soaring talent of Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence.

We were also thrilled to premiere a special workshop reading of the new play, “Catalyst Coffee,” on Tuesday, pulling us into the human drama of the food system. A fascinating talkback with the celebrated investigative journalist Eric Schlosser made for a powerful and unforgettable close.

During a panel called “Chefs Change the World”, hosted by Food Tank and in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and Organic Valley, our founder, Liz, spoke about the power of connection and the deep need for it now. “Right now, the biggest job for us is finding those moments of hope. We have to see other people, we have to listen to them.”

Celebrating Our Stewards

The week was beautifully grounded in a profound respect for those who steward the land. Our sold-out Tuesday session, “Keeping Farmers on the Land,” celebrated the enduring work of farm communities with the indispensable perspective of Chef Alice Waters. We then closed the week with a heartfelt and well-deserved tribute at “A Night Honoring Our Farmers,” a wonderful final evening of storytelling.

The spirit of this landmark week—of collaboration, creativity, and deep commitment—will fuel our movement forward. Thank you to every speaker, performer, partner, and attendee who made Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025 such a resounding success.

Event Gallery

Event Menu

Every day at Food Tank 2025 started with nourishing staples and carried through with lunches, snacks, and receptions designed to bring people together. Here’s a look at the daily offerings that kept everyone fueled and inspired throughout the week.

 

  • Breakfast: Bakery basket, gluten-free/vegan pastries, parfaits, fresh berries, Forager Project yogurts (donated), Conagra peach cups (donated), coffee (Kiss the Ground, donated), milk & dairy (Organic Valley, donated)

  • Lunch: Packaged half sandwiches & wraps, rotating salads (wild rice, quinoa, orzo, greens), AFFI green beans (donated), Farmers Fridge assorted bowls (donated), Certified Origins olive oil & balsamic vinegar (donated)

  • Afternoon Break: Mozzarella sticks, rice crisps, Quinn snacks, FAVES candy, Babybel Plant-Based Cheese snacks (donated), Bear’s Fruit beverages (donated), protein balls

  • Reception: Cheese board, charcuterie, crudité with dips (Little Sesame hummus, Certified Origins pesto/artichoke dip, taralli crackers — donated), assorted crackers, passed hors d’oeuvres (Forbidden Rice Pave, Avocado Toast, Lobster Roll, Shrimp Cocktail, Fy Mushroom Bites)

Sunday (Sept 21)

  • Sticky Rice with Tuna Tartare

  • Huitlacoche Waffles with Salmon, Quail Eggs, Macha

  • Pureed Koginut Squash

Monday (Sept 22)

  • Black Bean Taquito (Sean Sherman)

Tuesday (Sept 23)

  • Brie & Green Apple Tea Sandwich

  • Cucumber & Watercress Tea Sandwich

  • Turkey Breast & Swiss Tea Sandwich

Wednesday (Sept 24)

  • Mushroom “Pulled Pork” Crostini

  • Mushroom Mix Burger Slider

  • Pork Meatball with Pasta Sauce

  • Tomato Gazpacho

  • Pineapple & Black Bean Salad

  • Oishii Berry Cake Bite

Thursday (Sept 25)

  • Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar

  • Ginger & Sesame Prawns

  • Tamari Ginger Tuna Poke

  • Tilapia Taco

  • Cloudy Donuts

  • Seaweed & Cucumber Salad

  • Vegetable Crudité (seasonal mix)

  • Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates with Gorgonzola

Friday (Sept 26)

  • Miniature Brownie

  • Assorted Mini Cookies (Oatmeal, Cappuccino, Chocolate Chip, Sweet Potato, Coconut Toffee)

  • OATLY Vanilla Ice Cream Cups

  • Kerry Dairy Protein Ball

Jump to Recipe

Each month, our Food Festival series highlights a seasonal ingredient with a chef-driven recipe, pro tips, and serving ideas. For the October Food Festival, cauliflower takes center stage. Nutty, versatile, and nutrient-packed, cauliflower transforms beautifully when slow-simmered into a rich ragu with onion, rosemary, and butter. Perfect for tossing with pasta or spooning over grains, it’s a cozy dish that celebrates autumn’s harvest.

Want more seasonal ideas? Explore the full Food Festival series here.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Cauliflower is a cool-weather staple with a mild, nutty flavor that adapts to almost any cooking method—roasted, mashed, riced, or simmered into sauces. Beyond versatility, it’s packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. This humble vegetable shines in hearty fall recipes, where slow cooking coaxes out its natural sweetness and transforms it into a velvety base for comforting meals.

Image by Danica Andler

Recipe: Cauliflower Ragu

This month, our chefs feature cauliflower in a rustic Italian-inspired ragu. Slowly simmered with rosemary, onion, and butter, it breaks down into a velvety sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta or spooning over grains.

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower

  • 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped fine

  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

  • ½ c soft butter

  • 2 c water

  • 1 Tbsp EVOO

  • salt to taste

Method

  1. Remove the bottom stem from the cauliflower and discard. Using a chef’s knife, cut the cauliflower head in half and place cut side down on the cutting board. Slice as thinly as possible and set aside while you prep other ingredients.
  2. Finely dice the onion and set aside. Remove the rosemary from its stem and chop finely. In a small rondo over medium heat, add EVOO and let it warm. Add the crushed red pepper and rosemary to perfume the oil. Once fragrant, add the onions and butter, stirring slowly until the onions become translucent.
  3. Add the sliced cauliflower and fold it into the mixture, allowing it to sweat. Add water and cover with a paper cartouche. Reduce the heat to low and allow to cook until the cauliflower begins to break down, about 1 hour. Season to taste and serve over your favorite pasta.

Pro Tips from Our Chefs

Choose the right cauliflower
Look for a firm head with tightly packed, creamy-white florets. Avoid any with soft spots or discoloration.

Slice it thin
The thinner the cauliflower slices, the quicker they’ll break down into a sauce-like consistency, giving you a rich, velvety ragu.

Don’t skip the cartouche
Covering the pan with parchment (a cartouche) helps the cauliflower steam gently and prevents it from drying out.

Make it ahead
This ragu tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the fridge for up to four days.

How to Use It: Serving Suggestions

  • Toss with tagliatelle or pappardelle for a rustic pasta night.

  • Spoon over creamy polenta for a hearty vegetarian main.

  • Pair with roasted chicken or grilled sausages for a comforting fall meal.

  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.

From Our Farm to Your Table: Meet Katchkie Farm and Our CSA

The peppers in this month’s recipe—and many of the ingredients we spotlight—come straight from Katchkie Farm, our organic farm in Kinderhook, NY. It’s where we grow with intention: focusing on flavor, sustainability, and connection to the land.

Through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, you can enjoy the very best of the season each week—from just-picked produce to specialty pantry items and surprises from our kitchen.

Want a deeper connection to your food? Learn more about our CSA and Katchkie Farm →

Keep Cooking with Us

We’re cooking our way through the seasons—one ingredient at a time. Sign up for our newsletter to get each month’s recipe, tips, and art delivered to your inbox.

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Related Articles

More from the Food Festival series—seasonal recipes, chef tips, and ingredient inspiration.

Halloween with Great Performances

At Great Performances, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s a creative season. Each October, our team transforms private venues, ballrooms, and rooftops across New York City into hauntingly elegant experiences for our clients, filled with imaginative menus, moody décor, and unforgettable moments. We love this time of year because it embodies what we do best: crafting events that engage all the senses and spark joy through creativity.

But we’re not the only ones celebrating. Our partner venues—New York’s most iconic cultural institutions—are bringing their own magic to the season with concerts, family festivals, film screenings, and art experiences that capture the spirit of Halloween and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly celebration, a night of cinematic chills, or a creative way to honor Día de los Muertos, there’s something happening for everyone this October.

Here are some of our favorite Halloween events in New York City for 2025, hosted by our partner venues, that we can’t wait to share.

Asia Society

Asia Society: Zinda Laash (The Living Corpse)

When: October 31, 2025
Where: Asia Society

If you’re a fan of classic horror with a cultural twist, Asia Society’s screening of Zinda Laash (The Living Corpse) is a must-see this Halloween. Originally released in 1967, this cult favorite holds the distinction of being Pakistan’s first-ever horror film—and its first film to receive an adult certification for its eerie themes and groundbreaking imagery.

The film follows a mad scientist whose experiments go horribly wrong, turning him into a bloodthirsty vampire. Blending Gothic horror, melodrama, and surreal cinematography, Zinda Laash pays homage to Dracula while carving out its own haunting legacy in South Asian cinema.

Asia Society’s screening of this rarely seen classic offers both chills and insight into the region’s cinematic history. It’s a perfect way to spend Halloween night—immersed in suspense, artistry, and international film heritage.

BAM

BAM: BAMboo! (Halloween Family Festival)

When: October 31, 2025
Where: BAM

Every Halloween, the Brooklyn Academy of Music transforms into a community hub for spooky fun with BAMboo!. This annual block party is designed for families and children, creating a safe and lively space to celebrate the holiday in style.

Expect carnival games, candy giveaways, music, and plenty of arts and crafts activities. Little ghouls and goblins can show off their costumes in a festive parade, while parents can enjoy the vibrant neighborhood energy that BAM is known for. It’s a beloved community tradition that captures the joy of Halloween without the scares—making it perfect for kids of all ages.

If you’re looking for an afternoon celebration before trick-or-treating kicks off, BAMboo! is the place to be.

BAM: Folklore Film Series – The Wolf House, Viy & The White Reindeer

When: October 31, 2025
Where: BAM

If you prefer your scares on the big screen, BAM’s Folklore Film Series offers a chilling journey through international tales of myth, magic, and the macabre. This trio of haunting films dives into the darker corners of folklore, blending artistry with eerie storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll.

The series begins with The Wolf House, a mesmerizing stop-motion nightmare inspired by Chile’s most unsettling historical myths—where a young girl seeks refuge in a mysterious house that slowly consumes her. Viy, the first Soviet horror film, brings to life a 19th-century Russian tale about a seminarian forced to guard the coffin of a witch for three terrifying nights. And The White Reindeer, a Finnish classic, tells the story of a lonely woman who transforms into a vampiric reindeer after a shaman’s spell—both beautiful and haunting in equal measure.

Together, these films weave a global tapestry of fear, folklore, and fantasy. Perfect for cinephiles seeking something more sophisticated than jump scares, BAM’s Halloween lineup proves that true horror lies in the imagination.

Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Dizzy’s Club: Stephane Wrembel – Django New Orleans CD Release

When: October 31, 2025
Where: Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center

End your Halloween night on a high note at Dizzy’s Club, where world-renowned guitarist Stephane Wrembel—best known for his work inspired by Django Reinhardt—takes the stage for the release of his new album, Django New Orleans.

Wrembel, a virtuoso of Gypsy jazz, brings together the rhythmic pulse of New Orleans with the improvisational magic of Django’s sound, creating a concert that’s both soulful and electrifying. Joined by a stellar lineup of musicians, this performance promises a vibrant evening of swing, spirit, and spontaneity—all with a Halloween-night edge that’s more enchanting than eerie.

Sip a cocktail, take in the skyline views, and let the music transport you—it’s the perfect sophisticated finale to a day of festive fun across New York.

Poster House

Poster House: Halloween Mask Printing with Mike King

When: October 27, 2025
Where: Poster House

For those who like their Halloween with a dose of artistry, Poster House offers a hands-on workshop that’s as creative as it is festive. Designer Mike King leads a special Halloween Mask Printing session, teaching participants how to screen-print bold and spooky designs inspired by the museum’s collection of iconic posters.

The best part? You leave with a one-of-a-kind mask of your own creation, perfect for wearing to your Halloween festivities. This event bridges history, design, and seasonal fun, giving adults and teens the chance to flex their creativity while celebrating the holiday.

It’s Halloween with a stylish, DIY twist—where art and costume collide.

Wave Hill

Wave Hill: Wave Hill-O-Ween

When: October 26, 2025
Where: Wave Hill

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hudson River, Wave Hill-O-Ween is a celebration that blends nature, family, and seasonal festivity. The gardens come alive with Halloween activities tailored for children and families, including trick-or-treating around the grounds, craft workshops, and storytelling sessions.

Unlike crowded city parades, Wave Hill offers a tranquil, scenic setting that makes the holiday feel both magical and intimate. Families can wander the fall foliage, explore the grounds, and then gather for crafts or performances that highlight the joy of the season.

It’s a chance to celebrate Halloween surrounded by beauty and nature, while still enjoying all the festive touches kids love.

Wave Hill: Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos

When: November 1 – 2, 2025
Where: Wave Hill

As Halloween fades, the celebration continues at Wave Hill with two beautiful events honoring Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)—a time to remember loved ones and embrace the vibrant traditions of Mexican culture.

On November 1, visitors can experience Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos, featuring community altars, live performances, and opportunities to learn about the meaning behind this centuries-old observance. Families can also take part in the Family Art Project: Day of the Dead, where children and adults collaborate on colorful paper marigolds, sugar-skull–inspired crafts, and other creative tributes that celebrate life, love, and memory.

Set against the serene backdrop of Wave Hill’s gardens overlooking the Hudson River, these events offer a joyful, reflective way to close out the Halloween season—reminding us that remembrance can be just as beautiful as revelry.

A Halloween to Remember

Halloween is a time for transformation, and no city does it quite like New York. From mask-making and block parties to chilling film screenings and soulful jazz performances, our partner venues prove that the spirit of the season thrives in every corner of the city.

At Great Performances, we’re proud to support these institutions as their exclusive caterer—and to draw inspiration from their creativity as we design private events that reflect the same sense of wonder and artistry. Whether you’re attending a Halloween concert, taking your kids to a family festival, or honoring loved ones at a Día de los Muertos celebration, we hope this season fills you with joy, imagination, and a touch of spooky delight.

 

Wishing you a deliciously magical Halloween, from all of us at Great Performances.

At Great Performances, our story began as a waitress service for women in the arts. Today, we are proud to be the exclusive caterer for New York’s most iconic cultural institutions. These venues don’t just host events—they create meaningful, culturally significant experiences that enrich our city. Each month, we share some of the programs we’re most excited about. Here’s what’s happening in October 2025.


Apollo Theater

Asia Society

BAM

  • BAMboo! (Halloween Family Festival)
    A family-friendly Halloween block party filled with costumes, candy, arts & crafts, and music for all ages.
  • What Is War
    A multimedia performance by Eiko Otake and Wen Hui exploring memory, trauma, and the aftermath of war through movement, video, and voice.
  • Martha@BAM — The 1963 Interview
    A rare staged re-creation of Martha Graham’s 1963 interview at BAM, featuring performances that highlight her groundbreaking influence on modern dance.
  • The Met: Live in HD
    Enjoy world-class opera performances broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera stage to BAM’s big screen.
  • Best of BAMkids Film Festival
    Kid-friendly short films from around the globe return in this festival highlight designed for young audiences and families.

Brooklyn Museum

Dizzy’s Club

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Platform by JBF

New York Historical

Poster House

Wave Hill

  • Fiesta on the Hudson
    Celebrate Latino heritage and culture with live music, dance, and family-friendly activities overlooking the Hudson River.
  • Indigenous Peoples Weekend
    Join special programs honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities.
  • Clay Pot Meals and the Native American Palate
    Discover Native American culinary traditions in a cooking demonstration highlighting heritage and flavor.
  • Wave Hill-O-Ween
    A Halloween celebration for families featuring costumes, crafts, and seasonal fun in the gardens.