This past February, we celebrated Gluten-Free February, exploring delicious ways to enjoy meals without gluten—without sacrificing flavor or creativity. As part of our Chefs’ Choir™ series, where our talented culinary team shares their favorite recipes and inspirations, one of our chefs put together a simple yet satisfying guide to Chaffles—a crispy, cheesy, waffle-inspired treat that’s naturally gluten-free.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle or just looking for a fun twist on breakfast, Chaffles are endlessly versatile. Read more from Chef Mike Deuel below!
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying gluten-free option for breakfast or a snack, look no further than chaffles! A clever combination of cheese and eggs, chaffles are naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them a great alternative to traditional waffles.
Chaffles are incredibly versatile—you can keep them simple with just two ingredients (cheese and eggs) or customize them with almond or coconut flour for a more bread-like texture. They can be made sweet with vanilla and cinnamon or savory with herbs and spices. The best part? They cook in just minutes in a waffle maker, giving you a crispy, golden bite without the hassle.
Enjoy them as a stand-alone treat, use them as a bread substitute for sandwiches, or top them with avocado, berries, or sugar-free syrup. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just want a quick and delicious meal, chaffles are a game-changer in the kitchen!
Try them today and discover your new favorite gluten-free delight!
Gluten-Free Two-Ingredient Chaffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese*
*You can use any cheese that melts well, like mozarella, fontina, cheddar, or gruyere or a combination of cheeses
Procedure
- Heat your waffle iron.
- Beat eggs and mix in shredded cheese.
- Spray waffle iron with cooking spray, then add cheese mixture
- Cook according to waffle maker instructions or until golden
Networking events are an essential part of any high-level summit, offering valuable opportunities for industry leaders to connect and share insights. This reception, held at one of New York City’s iconic venues, combined the perfect setting with thoughtfully curated culinary experiences to foster meaningful connections among guests. From interactive food stations to a refined cocktail menu, every detail was designed to encourage engagement and celebrate the vibrant energy of New York.
Event Snapshot
- GP Team: Amanda DiUglio, Senior Event Director
- Client Industry: Professional Services
- Event Type: Networking Reception
- Guest Count: 250 people
- Venue: 3 World Trade Center
- Date: February 2025
- Event Style & Ambiance: Sophisticated, High-Energy, Networking-Focused
- Food & Beverage Service Style: Cocktail Station Buffet
The Challenge
As part of an exclusive industry leadership summit, this evening reception was designed to foster meaningful connections after a full day of high-level discussions. With attendees immersed in forward-thinking conversations on innovation and industry trends, the event needed to provide a seamless setting for networking while delivering an exceptional culinary experience.
A leading event planning firm, renowned for crafting impeccable experiences, engaged Great Performances to manage the reception’s catering, staffing, and execution. The goal was to create an event that reflected the energy of the summit while celebrating the vibrancy of New York City.
Our Approach
To complement the dynamic discussions from the summit, Great Performances curated an NYC-inspired culinary experience, showcasing the city’s diverse flavors through interactive food stations. Our approach included:
- Thematic Menu Design: Guests enjoyed an array of regionally inspired stations highlighting New York’s culinary heritage, from the flavors of Arthur Avenue to the bold offerings of a Brooklyn steakhouse.
- Seamless Service for Networking: A cocktail station buffet format allowed guests to move freely, engaging in discussions while enjoying beautifully plated bites.
- Collaborative Planning: Partnering closely with the event planning team, we ensured a sophisticated and memorable experience that exceeded client expectations.
The Venue: 3 World Trade Center, A Premier Manhattan Skyscraper
Held at a high-rise venue with panoramic city views, this reception showcased New York’s energy and innovation. The space seamlessly blended hospitality with a tribute to the city’s landmarks, offering an experience that was both aspirational and grounded in local culture. From culinary nods to iconic boroughs to design elements reminiscent of classic NYC moments, the event immersed guests in a distinctly metropolitan atmosphere.
As attendees reflected on the day’s thought-provoking sessions, they embarked on a culinary journey through the city’s most beloved flavors. Interactive stations encouraged movement and conversation, facilitating organic networking while guests enjoyed dishes that captured the essence of New York. A well-curated bar menu, featuring classic New York-inspired cocktails and mocktails, added a refined touch to the evening.
Menu Highlights:
- Hudson Valley Delicacies: Boneless Lamb Chop, Red Pepper Puffed Tortilla, Miso-Glazed Black Bass Bite, South Street Seaport Lobster Roll
- Ditmars Boulevard Station: Classic Chicken Gyro Bowl, Roasted Vegetable Gyro Bowl
- Arthur Avenue Station: Chicken Parm Slider, Panzanella-Style Chopped Salad, Penne Cacio e Pepe
- Brooklyn Steakhouse Station: Chef Carved Strip Steak, Cedar Plank Salmon, Chimichurri Cauliflower Steaks, Creamed Spinach Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Signature Cocktails & Desserts:
- Drinks: The Staten Island Ferry Mocktail (Apple Cider, Orange Wheel, Cranberries), Manhattan (Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters)
- Desserts: Black and White Cookies, Junior’s Cheesecake
The Experience
With the stunning city skyline as a backdrop, the evening struck the perfect balance between relaxation and engagement. The interactive stations encouraged fluid conversation, allowing guests to connect naturally while savoring curated bites inspired by New York’s iconic neighborhoods.
The event planning team, in collaboration with our expert catering staff, ensured a flawless execution where service was polished yet unobtrusive. The sophisticated bar menu, featuring thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails, enhanced the refined yet approachable ambiance.
The Results
- Elevated Networking Experience: The station-style format encouraged organic conversation and seamless movement.
- Culinary Success: Guests raved about the NYC-themed menu, with the Brooklyn Steakhouse and Arthur Avenue stations being particular standouts.
- Seamless Execution: Thanks to meticulous planning and expert service, the event flowed effortlessly, allowing attendees to stay engaged without interruption.
This reception exemplified how Great Performances brings high-touch hospitality and culinary creativity to professional gatherings, transforming post-conference networking into an unforgettable experience.
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.
This month we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, and Daniel Dougherty has cooked up some love potions to enhance any celebration.
Pucker-Up Cherry Limeade (Zero Proof)
Combine 1 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Elderflower Syrup, .5 oz Cherry Syrup in a tall glass (a highball, collins glass, or pint glass will work). Fill with Club Soda and garnish with a Cherry.
Special Someone Spritz
Shake together 1.5 oz Aperol, .5 oz Strawberry Puree, .5 oz Basil Agave Syrup and pour into a Coupe. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a sprig of Basil.
Strawberry Fields Forever
Combine 1.5 oz Tequila, 1 oz Creme de Cacao, 1 oz Strawberry Puree, 1 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Agave Syrup in a shaker. Shake well and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with two sliced Strawberries to form a heart.
At Great Performances, we believe in nurturing creativity—not just through the incredible events we produce but also by supporting the artistic passions of our team members. That’s why we were thrilled to celebrate the winners of our 2024 Artist Fellowship Awards at a special ceremony at Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop!
This year, we awarded $20,000 in grants to four talented GP team members, each receiving $5,000 to further their artistic careers. The projects they’re working on are as diverse and inspiring as the city we call home.
A Celebration of Creativity and Inspiration
On Monday, February 3rd, we gathered at our Mott Haven campus to recognize the incredible work of our 2024 fellows. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches, shared stories, and an overwhelming sense of support from the GP community. It was a joy to witness the excitement and passion of our awardees as they spoke about their projects.
Check out some highlights from the event below!
Meet the 2024 Artist Fellows
From music to animation, this year’s recipients represent a beautiful cross-section of New York’s creative energy:
Trifon Dimitrov
Trifon Dimitrov’s A View From Today (Ancestors) is a tribute album honoring legendary jazz bassists such as Jimmy Blanton, Sam Jones, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Ray Brown, and Ron Carter. The project celebrates their contributions to jazz by featuring their compositions with a contemporary interpretation, performed in duo and trio settings with renowned musicians like Kenny Barron, George Cables, and Lewis Nash. The album aims to highlight the bass as a lead instrument while preserving and expanding the jazz tradition. With over 25 years of performance experience, Dimitrov sees this project as a pivotal step in establishing himself as a bandleader, with plans for recording, release, international promotion, and touring. The album will serve as both a tribute and a launching pad for future collaborations and artistic growth.
Trifon is a Bulgarian-born musician and sound artist specializing in experimental composition and live electronic performance. With a background in both classical and avant-garde music, his work bridges genres, creating deeply atmospheric and textured sound experiences. He is dedicated to exploring the intersection of sound, memory, and cultural identity.
Tira Adams
Tira is a poet, lyricist, and performer whose work navigates themes of exile, resistance, and personal transformation. With a sharp, evocative style, she collaborates with musicians and artists to bring socially charged poetry into new sonic landscapes. Her writing serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on censorship, displacement, and resilience.
Natasia Filiaeva
klonklona is an electronic music project by Natasia, an exiled artist using sound as a form of resilience, protest, and reconnection for the displaced Russian-speaking community. Born from personal upheaval after fleeing Russia due to political repression, klonklona blends environmental sound sampling, haunting vocals, and satire to create a “bedroom rave universe”—a safe space for self-expression and defiance. Through viral tracks like Vo Slavu Satane, which exposed Russian corruption, and How Do You Do, which captured the absurdity of exile, klonklona has built a global community of listeners seeking solidarity. With the GP Artist Fellowship, Natasia plans to elevate klonklona from single releases to full EPs and live performances, requiring essential equipment to continue producing music. Looking ahead, she envisions klonklona as a platform for censored and displaced Russian artists, fostering connection through performances, collaborations, and bilingual songwriting to amplify these urgent stories worldwide.
Natasia is an exiled Russian musician and producer who founded klonklona, an electronic music project exploring resilience, protest, and reconnection through sound. Forced to flee Russia due to political repression, she channels personal and collective trauma into haunting, satirical tracks that resonate with the displaced Russian-speaking community. Her work has gone viral, offering a space for defiance and healing through music.
David Quang Pham
David Quang Pham’s Turnover: A New Leaf is an award-winning plant-based musical that explores themes of immigration, queer identity, and environmental awareness through the story of a mother-son pair of Cilantros navigating life in Dirty City. With a dynamic mix of pop, rock, and Vietnamese folk music, the show has earned accolades at the Philadelphia New Musicals Festival and has been performed at various venues, including The Tank’s PrideFest. David’s proposal for the Great Performances Artist Fellowship focuses on producing a professional studio concept album of Turnover, aiming for a Fall 2025 release. This album would enhance the musical’s reach, support future theatrical productions, and lay the groundwork for an eventual cast recording and a potential animated series. Featuring a talented team of musicians, directors, and producers, the project seeks to bring Turnover’s vibrant world and educational themes to a broader audience through streaming and physical releases.
David is a multidisciplinary artist and composer whose work blends experimental sound design, electronic music, and visual storytelling. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, he explores themes of identity, displacement, and social change. His compositions weave together diverse sonic textures, inviting listeners into immersive and thought-provoking soundscapes.
We can’t wait to see these projects come to life!
A Tradition of Supporting the Arts
The Artist Fellowship Awards have been a cornerstone of GP’s mission, rooted in our company’s origins. When Liz Neumark founded GP, she was an aspiring photographer, and many of our earliest employees were artists looking for flexible work to support their creative pursuits. That commitment hasn’t changed.
“What started as two $1,000 grants has grown to four $5,000 grants and is a source of company-wide pride,” says Neumark. “We’re delighted to celebrate these artists and our commitment to arts and culture in New York City.”
A Panel of Esteemed Judges
A big thank you to our panel of judges—leaders from NYC’s arts and culture world—who helped select this year’s fellows:
- Ed Lewis – President and CEO, Caramoor
- Kamilah Forbes – Executive Producer, Apollo Theater
- Ryan Hill – Founder and CEO, Apotheosis
- Dr. Meisha Porter – Visiting Senior at the Center for Educational Innovation
- Adam Gwon – Composer and Lyricist
“We were all impressed that the applicants are working outside of their art and yet have created the time to pursue this work that means so much to them,” noted Dr. Porter.
February might be the shortest month of the year, but we’re making it one of the most flavorful. At Great Performances, we’re embracing a fun and thoughtful challenge: Gluten-Free February! It’s our way of raising awareness about the realities of living gluten-free—whether for health reasons, dietary preferences, or just as a way to shake things up in the kitchen.
For many, “gluten-free” is more than a trendy label—it’s a necessity. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger serious health issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. And while the idea of going gluten-free might conjure up visions of saying goodbye to bread, pasta, and pastries, there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored.
Navigating the Gluten-Free World
One of the most eye-opening parts of this challenge is realizing just how many everyday foods contain gluten—sometimes in unexpected places. Soy sauce? Most brands contain wheat. Many soups and sauces? Thickened with flour. Even some brands of oats, though naturally gluten-free, can be cross-contaminated during processing.
That’s why we’re making it easy. Throughout February, we’ll be offering gluten-free family meals, and our restaurants and cafés at our venues will be highlighting special gluten-free dishes. Whether you’re an expert in gluten-free living or just testing the waters, we invite you to join us in discovering new flavors, sharing your experiences, and celebrating the joys (and occasional frustrations!) of this journey.
Simple Gluten-Free Swaps
Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite meals—it just takes a little creativity. Here are some easy swaps to try:
- Pasta: Swap traditional wheat pasta for rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta.
- Flour: Try almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for baking and cooking.
- Bread: Look for gluten-free bread options made with ingredients like millet, sorghum, or brown rice flour—or try lettuce wraps instead!
- Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes, almond meal, or gluten-free panko make great alternatives.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute that delivers the same umami punch.
Gluten-Free Snacks to Love
Need a quick, gluten-free bite? These snacks will keep you satisfied:
- Rice cakes with almond butter and honey
- Hummus with fresh veggies
- Popcorn with sea salt and nutritional yeast
- Greek yogurt with berries and granola (just make sure the granola is gluten-free!)
- Roasted chickpeas or nuts for a crunchy, protein-packed option
- Dark chocolate and dried fruit for a sweet treat
Going gluten-free—even temporarily—offers a new way to think about food, try new flavors, and gain a deeper appreciation for what goes into every meal. Whether you’re joining in for the full month or just dipping a toe in, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your favorite gluten-free recipes, your go-to snacks, or the unexpected challenges (and wins!) you’ve encountered along the way.
Here’s to a delicious, gluten-free February!
This year, Chef Andrew Smith, Culinary Director, curated our Food Festivals and prepared some delicious recipes to help celebrate the ingredient!
While technically a berry because they contain seeds, chilis are better know for their spicy flavor. Originally from South and Central America, chilis are now grown in warm climates around the world and have become a staple in many cultural diets.
Chilis are often added to dishes to provide a boost of flavor and varying level of spice. Did you also know that chilis help boost your immune system? Chilis have a significant amount of Vitamin C – even more than oranges! Spicy foods are also shown to reduce inflammation and decrease your chances of getting heart disease.
Below is a Dried Chili Salsa recipe that is perfect for multiple uses – enjoy as a dip or use as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Dried Chili Salsa
Ingredients
- 18 each dried chipotle
- 4 each dried ancho
- 5 cloves whole garlic
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup lime juice
- 3/4 cup grape seed oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 TB salt
Method
- Over an open flame, charr the chilies till black and allow to cool. Once chiles have cooled wear gloves deseed and stem all chilies taking care not to rub your eyes or skin.
- Place cleaned chilies into blender with all remaining ingredients. Blend till all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and completely smooth. Season to taste.
- Store under refrigeration for up to two weeks using as a condiment on your favorite taco
Call me old fashioned, but in this era of electronic greetings, I prefer to wish a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary with a hand-written snail-mail note card. I have taken this pleasure to a new level by actually creating them myself. With a stack of plain paper and a resource box brimming with clippings from catalogues, magazines & re-purposed cards (along with a sharp scissor and trusty glue-stick), I craft my own unique special-occasion greeting. And with pilot pen in hand, I dash off the message in my catholic-girls-school cursive handwriting….another lost art in itself. Voila – from me to you!
At Great Performances, we love celebrating the incredible stories of our team members. Today, we turn the spotlight on Blythe Lockwood, one of our talented team members and a resident of The Rehearsal Club (TRC) in New York City.
A Conversation with Blythe Lockwood
How long have you lived in New York City, and where are you from originally?
I’ve been in New York for just 10 months! I moved here from colorful Colorado, where I grew up dreaming of Broadway and the stage.
What inspired your move to New York City?
The city’s Broadway and theatre history is unmatched. If there’s a place to pursue a dream in musical theatre, it’s NYC. I’ve wanted to perform on Broadway since I was four years old, so it was a no-brainer for me. Originally, I planned to move in September 2023, but I stayed an extra six months in Colorado to co-direct a musical and take some advanced dance classes. It was worth the wait—I felt so much more prepared when I finally arrived!
How did you first hear about The Rehearsal Club, and what drew you to it?
I learned about TRC in September 2023, and it instantly caught my attention. The idea of a sanctuary for women in the arts, with subsidized rent and a network of connections, felt like it was tailor-made for people like me. I just knew it was the right fit.
Was there an audition process to join the Club?
Oh, absolutely! It was quite a process. I submitted video reels of myself singing and acting, along with a headshot, cover letter, and resume. Then came the interview with the board and past residents—it was nerve-wracking but so rewarding. Finally, I had to submit my qualifications for renting a unit. It took about a month and a half to finalize everything. Even though I was accepted, there wasn’t a room available at the time, so I had to wait. I officially became a resident in September 2024, almost a year after I first applied.
When did you start working with Great Performances?
I joined GP in June 2024, and it’s been such an amazing experience. The people I’ve met here are incredible. There’s such a sense of camaraderie—everyone’s in it together, even during those long 12-hour shifts. It’s been such a supportive environment.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On audition days, I’m up early to get to the audition house by 7 a.m. to sign my name on the non-union list. Then I grab coffee and breakfast before waiting for the auditions to start. If I get seen, it completely makes my day! When I’m not auditioning, I spend my time cleaning, hanging out with friends, working my real estate job, and picking up shifts with GP. I like staying busy—it keeps me energized and happy.
What would you like others to know about you?
I’ve been dreaming about performing on Broadway since I was a little girl, and being in this city feels like I’m one step closer to that goal. Sure, New York can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also the place where dreams come true. My biggest advice is to always follow your passion. It’s never too late to go after what makes you happiest—shoot for the stars!
Great Performances: A Legacy of Supporting Artists
When Great Performances was founded, it began as a staffing agency with a clear mission: to create opportunities for women in the arts, whether they were between gigs or seeking new paths. Our founder and CEO, Liz Neumark, envisioned a platform that would empower women to advance their careers while providing meaningful work. Over the years, Liz has continued to innovate, finding creative ways to help artists thrive.
This mission resonates deeply with the work of The Rehearsal Club, which has been a safe haven for young women in the performing arts since 1913. After partnering with Webster Apartments in 2018, TRC relaunched its residency program to provide safe, affordable housing and a nurturing community for artists. Today, aspiring residents can apply online through rehearsalclubnyc.com, and men and women alike are welcome to join as non-residency General Members. In October 2023, TRC celebrated its 110th anniversary, marking over a century of dedication to fostering talent in the arts.
A Bright Future Ahead
As a part of the Great Performances family and a resident of The Rehearsal Club, Blythe Lockwood continues to inspire us with her determination and passion. Her journey reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities for artists to shine. Here’s to supporting dreamers like Blythe, one audition and one event at a time.
A gold-brushed box replete with antique cogs, a delicate dancer wound to twirl through Tchaikovsky and Nabokov.
A dream long-lost–or so I thought.
Like many children, one of the first extracurriculars introduced to my young and disruptively energetic self was that which might be both enriching, and give my mom a few spare hours of solitude–dance.
The local studio was widely known for providing education in an array of styles. Tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and of course, ballet.
In the beginning, I took to them all with equal intrigue and excitement. But it wasn’t long before ballet began to outpace the others. A lover of stories and storytelling, the narrative undercurrent of the artform called to me.
The ability to embody such a range of characters, to step into their confidence, their vulnerability, their bravery, was a skill I’d not yet mastered in my personal life. Afraid to be called on in class, yet confident on stage before hundreds of strangers–the juxtaposition was a phenomenon my parents and teachers could not comprehend.
Ballet became a sacred place in which I shed the fear of being seen.
Yet as all easily distracted and exploratory teens are, I cycled through years of numerous hyper-fixations and hobbies, dance eventually taking a back seat. Sports team practices prevented any other outside indulgences, and besides, stereotypes would protest against my ancient age of fifteen’s ability to go professional. So what was the point?
I carried on, pocketing that part of me in favor of whatever came next. The following nine years were a period of immense growth, the standard early-twenties affair of broken hearts and moving away from home.
Arriving at the start of 2024 with a list of broad-stroke resolutions to help reconnect with myself, I was determined to re-introduce things I’d abandoned to my flighty youth.
Many years it may have been, my love for ballet remained safely tucked away, occasionally pulled from the drawer of days past to reminisce over fondly with wistful sighs of “What if?”
My hometown in Ohio had provided little opportunity for exploring such a question, especially at 24. But New York City held an abundance of it. A single Google search produced dozens of studios offering adult ballet, from beginner to professional to performances. It was a gold mine for the regret of an ignorant teen who wished she’d known what she was giving up before it was gone.
I wasn’t going to let it pass me by a second time. One class turned to two, to three, to five, to all of a sudden performing at Carnegie Hall come October. I again fell in love with that freedom I’d felt so long ago. The pure peace that comes with stepping up to the ballet barre or onto the stage–complex combinations a balm to a disquieted mind.
I gave it my all, and it gave right back. Not only did I regain an old part of me I’d nearly forgotten, I welcomed many new ones as well. New friends, new teachers, new experiences. A new, deeper connection to the community I’d been living in for 3 years.
Jersey City Ballet enveloped me in its arms, and nurtured the inner child I’d left behind. In turn, I have taken it upon myself to donate my time, energy, and expertise to ensure it feels the same amount of love and support.
In the historically exclusive world of dance, Jersey City Ballet is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. It creates a safe place for individuals of all ages, body types, and socioeconomic standings to experience and learn the art of classical ballet.
These are the core reasons why I was so incredibly honored when recently approached about becoming a Board Member of Jersey City Ballet Theater. Though I would carry on happily assisting in any way I can regardless of official title or membership, the acknowledgment for my love of the organization was rewarding.
It brings me joy to know that Jersey City Ballet understands how fully I believe in it and its mission, and that those at the helm trust me to continue to assist in sharing these values as a representative.
I look forward to further serving the students, staff, and dancers of Jersey City Ballet through this opportunity.
And of course, to lots and lots of dancing.
If you’re interested in enrolling in or supporting Jersey City Ballet’s programs for youth, adults, or professionals, you can learn more at jerseycityballet.org.
Love is in the air, and there’s no better place to celebrate romance than in New York City. Whether you’re planning a grand Valentine’s Day date or simply looking for a special evening out, the city offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable moments. From candlelit dinners and live jazz to art-filled explorations, there’s a perfect spot for every couple, no matter your style.
At Great Performances, we believe that love is best expressed through food, ambiance, and shared experiences. Our curated list of date night destinations ensures that you and your special someone can savor every moment with a menu crafted from the heart.
If your idea of romance includes smooth jazz and an exquisite meal, then Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center is the perfect setting. On Valentine’s Day, the club welcomes Kim Nalley, a vocalist known for her incredible range and emotionally rich interpretations of jazz classics. Paired with a decadent three-course prix fixe menu, this intimate experience is a feast for both the ears and the palate. Indulge in dishes like butter-poached lobster, filet mignon with truffle mash, and a rich chocolate soufflé to end the evening on a sweet note.
Preview the Menu
For couples who appreciate creativity and culture, Poster House offers a unique date night surrounded by striking visuals. As the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to poster art, it provides a fascinating look at the power of design and storytelling. Open late on Fridays with free admission, Valentine’s Day visitors can enjoy chocolate-dipped strawberries, specialty drinks like a raspberry champagne spritz, and an inspiring collection of exhibits that set the perfect mood for a romantic evening.
Explore the current exhibitions Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sports Starts into Superheroes; Lester Beall & A New American Identity; and Fantastical Streets: The Theatrical Poster of Boris Bućan. This beautifully designed museum has something for everyone and is sure to impress your date!
For those who find love in the beauty of nature, Wave Hill offers an enchanting escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This lush public garden and cultural center in the Bronx provides stunning views of the Hudson River, perfect for a dreamy date. Celebrate love with their special Valentine’s Tea, featuring an elegant selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and sweet treats like heart-shaped scones and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Whether you’re exploring the gardens or indulging in this intimate tea experience, Wave Hill is a hidden gem for couples seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
For an evening of music, wine, and artisanal delights, Wave Hill also presents Valentine’s Evening with Ellisha Marie: An Evening of Jazz, Wine, and Artisanal Delights. Set in the grand Wave Hill House and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, this unforgettable night features The David Fletcher Trio, with a repertoire spanning love songs from the Great American Songbook to modern favorites by Sting, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and more. The evening includes welcome drinks, a conservatory photography session, a wine and cheese tasting with a sommelier, and an indulgent tapas and dessert bar. With a breathtaking setting and live music, this experience is a perfect blend of romance and refinement.
No matter your idea of romance—be it music, art, or a beautifully crafted meal—New York City has a date night destination that speaks to your heart. So go ahead, indulge in the magic of the city, and celebrate love in the most memorable way possible.