Welcome to Grumble Goat: A comedic grumbling of mundane trivialities.
Mat Labotka and Veronique Hurley grumble through life’s little pet peeves.
Do you hate gum? Have you ever thought about it? You probably hate gum without even realizing it. Follow Mat’s absurd infuriation down the rabbit-hole into frustration, while Veronique’s buoyant optimism keeps us afloat…
of the Grumble Goat.
@theGrumbleGoat
@grumblegoatpodcast
David LaMarr is a member of Actor’s Equity Association & the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Artists.
A performer first and foremost, he misses the sage and performing.
I feel like the stage is a scared space that allows all artists to heal. It’s magical.
He’ll be performing in 2020’s 1st VIRTUAL Cabaret Convention usually held at Lincoln Center. He also performed at Carnegie Hall last year for the Mabel Mercer Foundation.
Pre-Covid, David was starring in Kinky Boots down in Ft Myer’s, Florida on a guest artist contract
Credits include: National Tour—Jersey Boys (2nd National). Regional—Prather Entertainment: Lola in Kinky Boots; Delaware Theatre Company: A Sign of the Times (regional premiere); Baltimore Center Stage: SOUL: The Stax Musical (world premiere); McCoy Rigby Entertainment: Dreamgirls (Ovation Award Nominee); Tuacahn Amphitheatre: Disney’s When You Wish (world premiere), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (US regional premiere), Disney’s Mulan (world premiere); Maltz Jupiter Theatre: The Wiz; Cape Fear Regional Theatre: Ain’t Misbehavin’; Sierra Rep: Hairspray. International—Universal Studios Japan; Carnival Cruise Lines; Princess Cruises; Disney Cruise Lines: Villains Tonight! (world premiere).
@davidlamarr
@davidlamarr
DavidLaMarr
Hey, ya’ll! My name is Kat Liz Kramer and I’m a singer/songwriter currently living in NYC. My roots are in musical theatre and ballet and that informs my indie folk/rock music. I’ve been writing new songs for several years and performing them in and around the city. With live music venues shut down it became clear that now was the time to make my first full-length album! In these terrible times music is what can bring people together and lift their spirits. It can also help them heal. Music is my therapy! I am currently working with my friend and fellow singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger on preparing to record the album. He has brought onboard several incredible (unemployed) Broadway musicians and I’m co-writing with composer Mark Oleszko on the project. I suffer from extreme anxiety and my music is a release and a way of working through it. I hope others will be able to relate. The album is a collection of my thoughts and my emotions swirled together in a tornado of glitter and passion. I hope to raise $8,000 to pay the musicians, the engineers, and production staff. This is very affordable for an album but much more than one person can afford on their own in the middle of a global pandemic where survival work is uncertain and bills don’t care about a virus. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to share my heART.
iTunes: My Wonderland Special Edition (releasing 11/13)
The Great Performances Artist Fellowship Awards celebrate and support the artistic pursuits of our team members. Each year, we award four $5,000 grants to employees engaged in creative projects across various disciplines, helping them advance their artistic careers while continuing their work in hospitality. The fellowship embodies Great Performances’ long-standing commitment to fostering a community where the arts and hospitality thrive together.
The Artist Fellowship Awards were founded by Great Performances’ CEO and founder, Liz Neumark. As an aspiring photographer, Liz built GP to provide flexible work opportunities for women in the arts, allowing them to support themselves while pursuing their creative ambitions. What began as a small initiative in 1986 with two $1,000 grants has grown into a celebrated program that has awarded thousands of dollars to emerging and established artists within the GP family.
Great Performances has always been deeply connected to the arts. From our origins as a catering company designed to support artists to our continued collaborations with New York City’s most prestigious cultural institutions, creativity is at the heart of what we do. The Artist Fellowship Awards were established to reinforce our commitment to the arts by directly investing in the artistic dreams of our team members. We recognize that many of our employees are multi-talented individuals balancing their work with their artistic aspirations, and we want to help them succeed.
Each year, GP invites employees to apply for the Artist Fellowship Awards by submitting proposals detailing their artistic projects and how the grant will help bring them to life. Applications are reviewed by a panel of distinguished judges from the arts and cultural sectors. In 2024, our panel included leaders from Caramoor, The Apollo Theater, and other esteemed organizations. Winners are honored at a special ceremony, and their projects are featured in GP’s ongoing celebration of the arts.
The Artist Fellowship Awards have funded projects spanning film, music production, publishing, visual arts, and more. Our 2024 recipients include a musician creating a tribute album to legendary bassists, a poet and performer exploring themes of resilience, a filmmaker developing an animated drama, and a composer recording an original musical. The awards have been featured in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, underscoring the impact of our commitment to the arts.
We are proud to support our team’s artistic endeavors and look forward to seeing the incredible work that continues to emerge from this program.
2011
By Emily Reifel
It’s not every year that the wedding season kicks off in January, but in 2020 it did just that with an intimate and unique affair – the Sinatro wedding.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Beth, the mother of the groom. A mother of two boys Darren and Alec, and a wife to her amazing husband Tim, she told me how she never in her life expected to plan a wedding, but here she was calling The Plaza to plan one. Her son Darren and fiancée Selin reside in London and really put their trust in Beth to make their celebration memorable.
We met in person because at that point she wanted to see the The Plaza so she could get a feel for what she wanted to do with the space. We started our conversation discussing the big day, but we ended up talking more about life and common acquaintances than the actual wedding.
I was enamored by the international feel of the wedding that Beth envisioned, with the bride originally from Turkey, and the couple now living abroad. Their guest list comprised friends and family from all around the world. We locked down a date and went straight to planning.
Beth and I curated the perfect team to create what Beth had in mind: a classic, formal dinner party. David Beahm’s team was up for the challenge of creating the perfect vibe in The Terrace Room. That’s right – we didn’t use The Grand Ballroom!
Throughout the process, I met with Beth and her husband multiple times. We had an ongoing joke that the wedding would be a complete surprise for Darren and Selin. Soon it was time for our tasting, and I was so excited to finally meet this mysterious couple.
As life has it, though, unexpected life challenges wouldn’t allow the couple to travel to NYC that day, so Beth, Tim, Tiffany and I toasted in their honor and selected a fabulous menu! Darren and Selin were about to be surprised with so many wonderful details! Soon thereafter, I was finally able to meet Darren and his brother Alec. Beth was unable to attend, but I was delighted to reveal some of her thoughtful menu selections.
During the week of the wedding, I got to meet the gorgeous, elegant Selin. I had a great conversation with the couple and we made sure they were thoroughly represented in all aspects of the celebration. They were gracious, appreciative and very much in love. It was apparent that their long-distance relationship and now living abroad together had created such a strong foundation.
The big day finally arrived; it was a long workday, but I enjoyed working on every detail of their wedding day vision. Shawn Connell and his skilled photography team were able to get beautiful shots of the couple, family and guests. These included a beautiful family photo on The Grand Staircase, a Sinatro family tradition. Guests arrived and enjoyed champagne, hors d’oeuvres and our custom Turkish Station, an homage to Selin’s roots.
Then to the guests’ surprise we moved them all to face the iconic Grand Staircase where the ceremony began right then and there on the landing. David Beahm’s team created this stunning arching tree which was the perfect backdrop to say “I do!” Guests loved it as the couple walked down the aisle onto the stairs. Soon it was time for everyone to see the Terrace Room that was adorned with magnolia trees, white flowers and endless glimmering candlelight.
Alex from Style Events and a few musicians played the perfect music to entertain this worldly crowd. We seated everyone to a three-course dinner for toasts and special wedding dances, then the party really started. The exuberant crowd didn’t stop dancing for three hours.
Darren and Selin loved how Alex perfectly mixed music from the United States along with Turkish music and other international artists; it was the perfect mix. We passed Shake Shack burgers, fries and milk shakes at the end of the night as on ode to NYC and the crowd loved it all.
Beth, Tim, Darren, Selin, Tiffany and I had multiple group hugs at the end of the night. They really got to enjoy their special day and all of its surprises! The couple was officially the Sinatros and they couldn’t have been happier…and that’s what it’s all about.
Thinking about having your wedding at the Plaza Hotel? Great Performances is the official caterer for the Plaza. Learn more about the Plaza here, and if you are ready to plan your Plaza wedding, just fill out the form below. We will get in touch shortly.
By Chef Geoff Rudaw
Nothing says “I love you” like taking a risk, dabbling in the unknown, and trying something new. Crème Caramel is a dish that can be made with easily available items, and once mastered, it can be simple to make while coming across as a skilled and difficult dish to produce. For a little color, add some pomegranate seeds (optional).
Serves 10-12 portions
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
3 cups cream
1¼ cups milk
1 cup maple syrup
7 egg yolks
2 whole eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
Heat sugar, water and lemon juice in a pot until a dark amber color. Pour into 4 ounce aluminum cups or ramekins that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Heat cream and milk until hot.
Combine maple syrup, egg yolks and whole eggs and whisk well.
Temper the egg mixture by adding a few ounces of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking.
Continue to add a few more ounces of the hot milk mixture, constantly whisking, until the egg mixture warms up. Then add the warmed egg mixture to the hot milk mixture and whisk. Strain to ensure a silky texture, then cool in an ice bath.
Divide the cooled custard mixture into the cups or ramekins (about halfway up the side).
Gently put the cups into a deep baking dish (at least 2” deep) and pour cool water around the cups. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake at 300˚F for 50-55 minutes until the custard jiggles slightly.
Cool, remove from pan and chill overnight.
Once chilled, loosen edges by gently inserting a pairing knife and carefully sliding it around aluminum cup. Invert onto plate.
Pomegranate seeds can be sprinkled on top and around plate, if desired.
For Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel, making pelmeni is more than just cooking—it’s a cherished family tradition. She grew up rolling out these hearty Russian dumplings alongside her mother and grandmother, filling the kitchen with warmth and conversation. Now, she hopes to pass the tradition on to her little one, sharing the joy of homemade comfort food, one bite at a time.
As we look ahead to the fresh flavors of Spring, Chef Tatiana Iglesias shares her Fresh Sprout & Herb Salad recipe.
We’re beckoning Spring this month by highlighting the delightfully mild Spring Garlic in a creamy Spring Garlic Cavatelli recipe.
Chef Mary Ellen Muzio shares her Chickpea Flour Crepe Recipe, the perfect way to make gluten-free crepes for Gluten-Free February!
This month we’re celebrating Dried Chilis with a Salsa recipe brought to you by Culinary Director, Andrew Smith.
Chef Joe Bachman shares his centerpiece recipe for Valentine’s Day: Seared Scallops with Butternut Risotto.
Looking for a special yet easy to prepare meal for Valentine’s Day? Chef Brandi Solomon has put together the perfect one!
Chef Albert Bello shares his Valentine’s Day Entremet recipe, the perfect way to impress your loved one this season.
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
Chef Joe Bachman shares his centerpiece recipe for Valentine’s Day: Seared Scallops with Butternut Risotto.
Looking for a special yet easy to prepare meal for Valentine’s Day? Chef Brandi Solomon has put together the perfect one!
Chef Albert Bello shares his Valentine’s Day Entremet recipe, the perfect way to impress your loved one this season.
Chef Tatiana Iglesias shares her Gluten-Free Super Seed Bread Recipe, perfect for baking and sharing with your loved ones.
Georgette Farkas shares her recipe for this silky smooth butternut squash puree – a wonderful accompaniment for any meal.
By Great Performances
Engagement season is at it’s peak and it’s almost time to start planning for the big day! After setting your budget, possible dates and starting your guest list, the next step is finding your dream wedding venue in New York. With so many options in the Greater New York area, it can definitely be overwhelming to search for the best wedding venues in New York, but we’ve got you covered with a list of some our team’s favorite venues for your special day.
If you want to get married in the heart of Manhattan, this secret garden awaits you! Right off of 5th Ave, 620 Loft and Garden overlooks St Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Plaza for some of the best views in New York City. The crisp interior allows for you to bring your vision to life, which is only matched by the elegance of the pristine gardens.
The Brooklyn Museum in one of NYC’s most unique venue. Couples have the option to be married and have their reception in the modern, glass pavilion with Brooklyn as their backdrop, or in the timeless Beaux Artes Court, surrounded by historic art and under an extraordinary brass chandelier. Guests get VIP access to art, culture and an experience they will never forget.
Located in northern Westchester County, Caramoor’s flower gardens, picturesque cedar trails and historic home makes this unique space perfect for a wedding. Caramoor can host parties from 50-800 guests allowing guests to experience all 90 archers throughout the course of the evening. Don’t forget to visit throughout the season for one of their amazing summer concerts!
For the rustic chic wedding couple, The Foundry offers great outdoor space, lots of exposed brick, and a fun industrial vibe. With views of the Queensboro Bridge, the ivy covered oasis is a dream for every couple!
Located in the Upper East Side, The Museum of the City of New York’s beautifully renovated landmark building on Fifth Avenue’s iconic Museum Mile is the perfect space for your special day. With floor-to-ceiling french doors, a stunning marble staircase, a private outdoor space and views of Central Park, an MNCY wedding is nothing short of breathtaking.
The legendary Plaza Hotel is the perfect location for a one-of-a-kind celebration that is modern, timeless and elegant. With 4 enchanting rooms to chose from, there’s no doubt that your wedding will feel like a real-life fairytale.
Wave Hill is known for its natural beauty. The florals, greenery, landscape and architecture speak for itself. There are so many places on the property to host the various parts of the evening, you are constantly surprising your guests each step of the night. You can have your first look in the Aquatic Garden by the coy pond, the ceremony on the upper lawn with the stunning pergola behind you and cocktail hour on the lower lawn overlooking the Hudson and the palisades just as the sun begins to set. It truly is a hidden gem, and as a public garden a place you can come back to whenever you like for years to come after your wedding.
The Hamptons. The Hudson Valley. The Berkshires. Connecticut. Beyond the city limits, Great Performances can bring the sophistication and elegance of a city wedding to any location. Whether it’s escaping “Out East” to the Parrish Museum, your favorite summer camp in the Berkshires, an estate in Connecticut, or a scenic lawn in the Hudson Valley, your options are limitless.
Search for your dream wedding venue on Great Performances’ Wedding Venue Searcher
Great Performances catering has been around since 1979 when it was founded as a waitress staffing agency to help those women who were working towards a career in the arts. We have now evolved to become New York’s premier events caterer as well as a company that believes in giving back to the community.
Our culinary team works with seasonal, sustainably sourced local ingredients to interpret your dreams into dishes for your wedding celebration.
Throughout the years we have cultivated relationships with some of the best wedding venues in New York. Contact us to learn more about how we work and how we can make your dream wedding come to life.
If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
THE TOP LANDMARK WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK From the STATUE OF LIBERTY to the PUBLIC LIBRARY,find the perfect landmark venue for your wedding Make
THE TOP NY MANSION WEDDING VENUES Classic venues for intimate weddings, find the perfect mansion in New York to say your vows. A wedding fit
THE BEST WEDDING VENUES WITH A VIEW IN NEW YORK A view that can TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY. Find the perfect venue with a view
THE BEST HISTORIC WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK A touch of HISTORY when you say your vows. Find the perfect historic venue for your wedding.
THE TOP MODERN WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK From clean raw space to a grand space covered in glass,find the perfect place for your MODERN
THE TOP NY OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES Be ONE WITH NATURE while saying your vows, find the perfect outdoor venue for your wedding Fresh air and
Ingredients
Pear nectar
Champagne (or prosecco)
Roasted pear purée
Procedure
Put 1 tablespoon of the roasted pear purée into a champagne flute and add pear nectar ¼ of the way up the glass. Top off with champagne.
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 15-o1 lb. multicolored carrots, grilled and split
Olive oil
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp toasted almonds
Pinch of ras el hanout
3 tbsp crispy quinoa
4 orange segments
4 blood orange segments
4 grapefruit segments
12 slices crispy fennel
1 bunch carrot tops (for garnish)
For Yogurt
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp dill
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp tarragon
1 tsp green curry leaves
Procedure
Blanch and shock carrots in boiling water until tender, but not soft.
Dry the carrots, then toss in olive oil, and place on a hot grill until you see decent burn marks. Set aside.
Place water and quinoa in a pot and cook on high until the water reaches a boil. Reduce temperature to low and cover for 15 -20 minutes until done. Then uncover pot and fluff quinoa with a fork, leave uncovered and mix with a pinch of ras el hanout.
Mix raisins and toasted almonds into the cooked quinoa.
Mix Greek yogurt with fresh herbs (dill, parsley, tarragon, curry leaves, etc.). Plate on the dish in a sweeping fashion.
Place grilled carrots, orange segments and grapefruit segments onto each plate.
Garnish with crispy fennel, carrot tops and crispy quinoa.
