Chef Joe Bachman’s Baked Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Gratin Recipe
Chef Joe Bachman shares his Baked Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Gratin recipe, a slightly savory twist on a classic side dish.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
RENOVATION IS UNDERWAY
now until 2026!
A transformative $33 million renovation of The Bronx Museum is currently underway!
Designed by award-winning architectural practice, Marvel, this renovation will create a world-class arts facility the people of The Bronx deserve and that the Museum needs to further elevate and expand access to its vital free arts programming.
The renovation will seamlessly unite the Museum’s buildings into one recognizable campus; create a continuous and fully accessible gallery loop; reorient the main entrance to the highly visible corner of 165th St and Grand Concourse; and add a new triple-height lobby space with an adjoining cafe.
During construction, the Museum’s North Wing remains open at regular hours—Wednesday through Sunday from 11AM to 6PM—with free admission for everyone to all exhibitions, events, and activities. The south galleries are closed until the renovation is complete.
First Friday NOVEMber 2024: Art, Music, & Dancing!
Friday, December 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
December is a time to celebrate with family—and what better way to do so than with an all-ages party at The Bronx Museum featuring art, music, dancing, and poetry!
First Friday is free and all are welcome! If you plan to attend, please consider letting us know with an optional RSVP.
Family Day December 2024: Winter Wonderland!
Saturday, December 7th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
FREE!
Celebrate the season at The Bronx Museum with our popular annual event: Winter Wonderland!
The festive occasion is fun for all ages and appropriate for families with young children. Winter Wonderland includes:
- Art activities inspired by The Bronx Museum’s current exhibition, FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT, and by the winter holidays!
- A holiday-themed backdrop for photos with family & friends
- A musical performance by a parranda group led by Jorge Vázquez
- StoryTime with Bronx Museum Educators
- Hot chocolate, treats, and more!
Drop-ins are welcome, but you can let us know if you plan on stopping by with an optional RSVP.
Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
Sunday, December 15th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
This winter, join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature’s Workshop series. Each program in this series explores its topic in-depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. Create your own nature inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.
Nature Puppet Show for Kids
Monday, December 30th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city during Winter Break. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature-themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks.
One Book One Bronx - The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
SATURDAYS, 12-1:30pm: Dec 14, 21, 28, & Jan 4, 2025
• BronxArtSpace, 700 Manida St (entrance on Spofford Ave.)
THURSDAYS 7-8:30pm: Dec 19, 26, & Jan 2, 2025 on Zoom
At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document.
TASTE OF MOTT HAVEN
Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Oyate Group, Mott Haven Rising, Hoodspitality, Canon Strategy Group and our additional partners collaborate to present Taste of Mott Haven. Mott Haven Rising focuses on neighborhood services, marketing, and emergency funding for South Bronx small businesses. These events will showcase the community’s diverse food scene. Together, they aim to revitalize the area and celebrate its unique culture.
Register and receive 1 free cocktail & 1 free appetizer.
Holiday Train Show
November 16, 2024 through January 20, 2025
Enter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night. The timeless holiday magic of rail travel fills the Garden with nostalgia as model locomotives and trolleys trundle through our picture-perfect outdoor lawn display and bring the Haupt Conservatory to life with the busy sounds of the season. In the warmth of our landmark glasshouse, you’ll find twinkling, plant-based replicas of famed local architecture creating a cityscape in miniature—a meticulously crafted world brimming with the lively energy of New York City during the holidays.
After dark, our roving Train Conductors welcome you to Holiday Train Nights, and set you on your journey through the warm glow of the Holiday Train Show. Experience the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory like never before, with colorful lighting bringing the holiday spirit under glass. During your visit, you can bop along to holiday classics and Christmas pop favorites sung by performers in our Locomotive Lounge. And with sweet and savory bites, spiked cider cocktails and mocktails, and hands-on gingerbread fun for purchase, the night is made complete with your favorite treats. Whether you’re out on the town with friends for our 21+ nights, or bringing the whole family for an all-ages celebration, make new holiday memories while discovering the magic of New York City’s favorite holiday experience.
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up
November 16, 2024 through January 20, 2025
Kids and families can join us in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up for drop-in play that gets your little ones outdoors and engages their creativity!
NYRR Open Run
every Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
NYRR Open Run brings free, 5K weekly community-led runs, to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Called the “Gateway to the Bronx River,” 205-acre Soundview Park is located where the Bronx River opens into the East River. This urban green space is filled with grassy baseball and soccer fields, a cricket pitch, basketball courts, a running track, walking/biking paths, picnic fields, and more! With its extensive views of the water, Soundview Park celebrates the beauty of both the Bronx and East Rivers. The back part of our Open Run course has beautiful views of the Bronx River waterfront for participants to enjoy!
Birding: Owls
Saturday, December 14th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Broadway and Mosholu Avenue in Van Cortlandt Park
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best bird viewing spots in New York City. Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks and hopefully be lucky enough to spot them. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Winter Solstice Campfire and Storytelling
Saturday, December 21st from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center
Winter is here! Join the Rangers in celebration of the shortest day of the year and the slow approach of spring. Learn the essentials of starting and maintaining a campfire and afterwards enjoy s’mores around the fire to celebrate the end of the celestial year!
Pajama Party
Thursday, December 12th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Tickets:Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Location: Wave Hill House, Armor Hall
On a cold winter night, let’s warm up with a pajama party! Enjoy some arts and crafts, snuggle up with a book or dance your energy out before bedtime. Featuring storytimes from Riverdale Public Library and a special mystery guest. Be sure to wear your favorite pajamas for extra fun!
Winter Solstice Wishes
Thursday, December 19th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm and 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets:Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Location: Wave Hill House, Armor Hall
Celebrate the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, with lantern-crafting, cookie-decorating, and warm wishes for the season. Gather in majestic Armor Hall to decorate solstice-inspired sugar cookies and design a simple paper lantern with your wish or intention, then float your wish lantern at Aquatic Garden. As the lanterns drift together, their light represents the individual and collective sentiments of the Wave Hill community.
It's a Winter Wonderland
Friday, December 6th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
All are invited to join Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center for a winter festival event. Join us for an evening of family games, winter crafts, tree lighting, a visit from Santa, and more! This event is free and open to the public.
Did you know that Great Performances is headquartered in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx? We love being a part of the Bronx community, supporting other Bronx-based companies, and giving back to our community.
The holiday season is here, but don’t worry—there’s still time to plan an unforgettable celebration! Whether you’re hosting a corporate holiday gathering, a nonprofit gala, or a festive social soirée, we’re here to help you create a memorable experience.
Need some guidance? Our holiday party planning tips are packed with insights to make the process seamless. From choosing a theme to curating the perfect menu, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Searching for the ideal venue? Great Performances has a comprehensive list of exceptional venues and a user-friendly Venue Searcher to match your event size, style, and needs.
For even more inspiration, explore our Holiday Party Guide, brimming with ideas for food, décor, activities, and more.
Looking ahead? Many companies are opting for January celebrations to avoid the December rush. It’s a smart way to secure top venues and ensure your guests have a clear calendar.
Let us help you bring your vision to life. Start planning today and make this season’s festivities truly extraordinary!
Start Planning Your Holiday Party Today
Share some quick information with us and let’s get started planning your party!
At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
Through the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble, our chefs step beyond the kitchen to share their passion and expertise directly with you. They offer recipes to try at home, stories that inspire, insights into their craft, and tips to elevate your cooking. Whether you’re looking to recreate a signature dish, explore new techniques, or simply find fresh inspiration, the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble brings the artistry and creativity of Great Performances into your home, making every meal a celebration.
This month, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we focus on coming together around the table with our loved ones, extending community to our neighbors, and sharing our food, joys, and comfort.
Our chefs share their culinary voices with stories and recipes that capture the Thanksgiving spirit.
Check out their delicious contributions – and let us know which ones you’ve tried!
Thanksgiving Recipes
Chef Brandi Solomon’s Ricotta Pound Cake Recipe
Chef Brandi Solomon shares her Ricotta Pound Cake recipe, perfect to serve this Thanksgiving as a dessert or with morning coffee.
Chef Tatiana Iglesias’ Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Looking for the perfect soup to serve this November? Chef Tatiana Iglesias has you covered with her Butternut Squash Soup.
November Food Festival: Cranberry Sauce
This month we’re celebrating Preservation with an Herbed Salt recipe that adds flavor to any meal.
Don’t Hire a Caterer: Got Cranberries?
Joe Bachman, Executive Chef at Rockefeller University, shares his thoughts about Thanksgiving and the ubiquitous cranberry sauce.
“Stay live till ‘25” was the chant we heard in 2021 as the hospitality industry struggled with the impact of Covid.
And here it is, 2025. We stayed very alive, found ways to thrive and redefine our business while discovering that some things just don’t change. The desire to gather for celebrations, in person communication and inspiration.
We are a quarter of the way through this century wondering sometimes how much progress we have made. It’s hard to know. Regardless, we look ahead with optimism and hope to unleash joy with everything we do. This year, we look to our farm and animal neighbors to shepherd us through the months ahead.
Animals contribute immeasurably to our lives and to the agricultural ecosystem. They sustain us on multiple levels, from companionship to nurturing the soil, and for many, as food. We have embarked on several culinary sustainability initiatives, including reduced meat portion sizes and rebalancing the plate with vegetables, grains and alternative proteins. We are giving meat-centered entrees lots of creative competition with our plant-forward menus. It is the “carrot” and not “the stick” approach.
We wish you a peaceful, healthy, meaningful and delicious year ahead.
With love,
The Great Performances & Katchkie Farm Families
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October was a month of meaningful connections and vibrant gatherings as Great Performances proudly catered several nonprofit events that celebrated art, culture, and community engagement. From the immersive experiences at Open House New York (OHNY) to the artistic initiatives supported by Powerhouse Arts, we had the privilege of collaborating with organizations that share our commitment to enriching lives through creativity and sustainability.
At Brooklyn Bridge Park, we provided a culinary experience that complemented the stunning waterfront views, fostering a sense of togetherness among attendees. Similarly, our partnership with Friends of Governor’s Island showcased the island’s unique charm while promoting environmental stewardship and community involvement. Each event allowed us to demonstrate our dedication to sustainability, crafting menus that featured locally sourced ingredients and innovative plant-forward options.
Join us as we reflect on these inspiring events, highlighting the remarkable work that these organizations do for our city.
OHNY Fall 2024: Celebrating New York’s Architectural Treasures with Great Performances
The 22nd Annual Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend brought the city to life with unique glimpses into some of New York’s most remarkable spaces.
Celebrating Excellence at the Brooklyn Black Tie Ball
Set against the stunning backdrop of the glittering Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Black Tie Ball was an enchanting evening hosted by the Brooklyn Bridge Park
A Memorable Evening at Hall des Lumières: Celebrating the Future of Governors Island
On a beautiful evening at Hall des Lumières, guests gathered for an unforgettable night dedicated to supporting the future of Governors Island. This nonprofit gala,
Powerhouse Arts Hosts Immersive Artists Celebration Dinner in Collaboration with Creative Chef Studio
On October 7, 2024, Powerhouse Arts (PHA) hosted its premiere Artists Celebration Dinner, transforming its Brooklyn venue into an immersive culinary experience. This special evening
Paul Muldoon and Jean Hanff Korelitz’s immersive adaptation of The Dead, 1904 returns to the American Irish Historical Society with Irish Repertory Theatre this winter. And what better way is there to immerse oneself in the world of James Joyce than a decadent feast, provided by Great Performances caterers?
Meticulous planning has gone into the preparation of the show’s menu: included in the meal is whole roast turkey (a more contemporary alternative to the “fat brown goose” served in the story), beef tenderloin with fig and cocoa glaze, floury mashed potatoes, and paired wine and spirits.
Great Performances has catered The Dead since its premiere in 2016. Executive Chef Andrew Smith, along with Muldoon, Hanff Korelitz, and director Ciarán O’Reilly have curated each dish so as to recreate the feel of the Morkan holiday party against the backdrop of early 20th century Ireland as vividly as possible.
Not one sensory detail of Joyce’s iconic story is neglected in this year’s revival of The Dead. Experience theatre and the culinary arts at their finest, November 20 – January 5, 2025.
Click here for more information and to book your tickets now.
The Dead, 1904 Dinner Menu
Fig & Cocoa Glaze Beef Tenderloin (GF, DF)
Spicy & Sweet Fig Sauce
Whole Roast Turkey (GF, DF)
Stuffed with Fresh Parsley, Thyme & Rosemary
Mashed “Floury” Potatoes (GF)
Cranberry & Pineapple Relish (GF, Vegan)
Roasted Haricot Verts (GF, Vegan)
Individual Bread & Butter Pudding (GF)
Vanilla Custard
Vegan Entrée: Torta Panzanella (Vegan, GF)
This winter, Wollman Rink introduces the Igloo Village—a cozy, festive addition to New York’s iconic ice rink in Central Park. Starting November 15, 2024, three beautifully decorated igloos will be available for private rental, each offering an intimate, wintry retreat for up to 8 guests. Perfect for a memorable gathering, these igloos can be reserved for 90-minute sessions as an add-on to your general admission ticket, starting at $550. Each reservation includes a curated selection of food and beverage options to complete the experience.
Celebrating the Season at Wollman Rink
With its skyline views and classic New York atmosphere, Wollman Rink has long been a beloved destination for skaters and holiday revelers alike. Great Performances, as the exclusive catering partner, has crafted an array of dining options to suit any occasion—from the rinkside café, featuring fan favorites like the Wollman Smash Burger and a comforting Chili Bar, to the private, tented spaces perfect for holiday gatherings and cocktail receptions. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or hosting a corporate event, our menus include options for all tastes, including vegan selections.
Plan Your Visit
Private igloo reservations are available throughout the holiday season, from November 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and bookings are already open at www.wollmanrinknyc.com. From a cozy date night to a special family gathering, the Igloo Village offers a unique way to experience winter in New York City.
Let this season be one to remember with an unforgettable evening at Wollman Rink—your winter destination for food, fun, and festive memories.
On November 21st, the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) invites you to join them at Essex Market for a memorable gala dedicated to celebrating New York City’s vibrant street food history. Proceeds from the event will help fund MOFAD and its upcoming 2025 exhibitions.
The Museum of Food and Drink is a pioneering food museum that leverages the universal nature of food to foster cultural change and promote a more thoughtful, equitable, and delicious future. Through immersive exhibits that engage the senses, MOFAD serves as a global educational resource, inspiring curious eaters of all ages and backgrounds.
This year’s gala will honor Niki Russ Federman, Josh Russ Tupper, and Maria and Mark Russ Federman of the iconic Russ & Daughters. Founded by Joel Russ over a century ago with a humble herring cart, this family-run business has become a cornerstone of NYC’s food culture. Beyond preserving their own legacy, the Russ family actively champions the city’s independent restaurants through their work with the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC), helping to protect and strengthen NYC’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Guests will be treated to a menu inspired by NYC’s diverse street food traditions, with dishes that reflect over two centuries of culinary history. The evening will also feature a special toast to NYC’s Black oystermen, with cocktails crafted from the only vodka distilled with 100% New York corn and locally harvested oysters.
Tickets are still available on MOFAD’s website—don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening! Raise a glass, savor extraordinary dishes, and help shape the future of this unique museum and the communities it celebrates. Secure your tickets now for an inspiring night of food, culture, and connection!
Bring a true taste of NYC to your event with Great Performances’ Russ & Daughters activation. For over 110 years, Russ & Daughters has been a New York icon, celebrated for its smoked fish, caviar, latkes, and more. With locations from the Lower East Side to Hudson Yards, this legendary brand can now bring its authentic flavors to your gathering.
This is a dish we do every year that is a variation on the classic yams & marshmallow dish, which we find a bit too sweet for our group.
Baked Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Gratin
Ingredients
- 4 each butternut squash
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 springs thyme
- ¼ pound butter
- 1 medium yam, peeled
- 5 Tbsp thinly sliced chives
- 1 cup shelled pecans
- 5 Tbsp grade A maple syrup
- 1 each 4oz log chevre goat cheese
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- salt to taste
Method
- Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place face down on a sheet tray, season with salt and olive oil, then bake at 350 F until tender and slightly caramelized. About 40 minutes.
- Add the sweet potato on the same tray, washed and kept whole and baked with peel on. Once they are finished cooking, remove the skin and scoop the flesh in a robot coupe or food processor.
- In a separate pot, heat the heavy cream with the thyme sprigs and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the sprigs and add the cream to the squash mixture.
- Add ½ stick butter, cinnamon, maple syrup, half the goat cheese, and half the chives, and pulse until smooth. Season with salt.
- In a separate pan add the pecans tossed in olive oil and salt and bake until toasted and set aside.
- Add the squash mixture to a baking pan and add the remaining goat cheese on top then bake in oven until the top browns.
- Finish with the chopped toasted pecans and chives.
Wedding Planning Q&A with Amanda DiUglio
Congratulations on your engagement! After celebrating this momentous occasion, it’s time to jump into the exciting world of wedding planning. We turned to our resident wedding expert, Amanda DiUglio, who has successfully planned hundreds of weddings for Great Performances, to answer some common questions couples have during this journey.
Q: What’s the first thing a couple should do after they get engaged?
Amanda: After you’ve celebrated the moment, take in the fun! Enjoy this time together, as the planning will happen quickly. The next big step is to decide where you want to get married. Find the perfect venue first, and the rest will really fall in line.
Q: How soon should a couple start planning? Is there a ‘sweet spot’ for timing?
Amanda: Each client is different. If there’s a must-have date or venue, the sooner, the better. If you’re flexible with details, you can take a little more time to enjoy being engaged.
Q: What are the top priorities couples should focus on?
Amanda: Budget is one of the biggest factors. It’s heartbreaking for a couple to fall in love with a venue that’s outside of their budget. Determine how much you want to spend, and then explore options within that range.
Q: What are a few main things to keep in mind while touring venues?
Amanda: Consider whether the venue fits your wedding vision, if there’s a rain plan in place, and where each significant moment of the day will happen. It’s important to visualize the flow of your event.
Q: At what point should I get a planner, and what are the benefits of having one?
Amanda: This depends on how hands-on you want to be. Full planners can help execute everything from start to finish, while others offer various packages that might better fit your level of involvement.
Q: What key questions should couples ask a potential wedding planner during their consultation?
Amanda: It’s all about personality. Make sure you like the person you’re working with! A good rapport will lead to a smoother planning process.
Q: How would you recommend picking a date?
Amanda: This is such a personal question! Think about what matters most to you: Is the weather important? Do you have a favorite flower? Do you prefer an outdoor or indoor setting? All these factors will play into your date selection.
Q: What are some common mistakes you’ve seen couples make in the planning process?
Amanda: Talk to the professionals! We all want the day to go smoothly for each couple. When we make recommendations, it’s based on experience. Even if it doesn’t align with your exact vision, we’re here to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Q: What’s the best way to keep the planning process from feeling overwhelming?
Amanda: Hire a planner! Let the professionals handle the details so you can enjoy the process. It makes a huge difference.
Q: Are there any current trends or ‘must-haves’ that couples are requesting?
Amanda: We’re seeing a lot of interactive moments this year. For example, several couples want us to build their wedding cake live in the traditional Italian style, allowing guests to watch and enjoy the experience!
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give a newly engaged couple?
Amanda: It all goes by so fast! Try to relax and enjoy the special moments instead of just checking them off your list. This is a beautiful time in your life—savor it!
Q: What’s a cute engagement story a couple has shared with you?
Amanda: One of our clients met in preschool! They found all their old photos from when they were kids and incorporated that into their story for the night. It was such a charming touch!
As you embark on this exciting journey of wedding planning, remember to savor each moment and embrace the joy of being engaged. With Amanda’s expert advice, you’re equipped to make thoughtful decisions about your venue, budget, and the overall vision for your special day.
We’re here when you’re ready to embark on your next steps! Here at Great Performances, we’re happy to work with you and your planner to create a beautiful day crafted just for you and your partner. Together, we’ll ensure your wedding is not just an event but a memorable celebration of your love story!