Chefs’ Choir: Valentine’s Day Cocktails
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
Apollo Music Café
sahn
Friday, February 7th at 10:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $39.85
Falling on the heels of Valentine’s Day, the singer, songwriter and poet known as sahn has taken pen to paper to create an introspective musical love letter that covers the elements of loss, renewal and everlasting love. sahn delivers a powerful evening of smokey, jazz-infused, songs and stories from her debut album “the mornings”.
For the Love of Luther
Saturday, February 8th at 10:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $39.85
Master of Song and Apollo Legend, Luther Vandross is one of the most important voices of all time. On this night, his greatest hits are effortlessly covered with classics such as “Never Too Much”, “A House Is Not a Home”, “So Amazing” and more. It’s a night like no other with no stop to love!
The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth As One Can Bear
Saturday, February 22nd at 4:00pm and 8:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $57.25
Experience James Baldwin’s powerful non-fiction writings like never before in The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth as One Can Bear—an immersive multimedia experience created by composer and multidisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. As part of The Apollo’s James Baldwin centennial celebration, this groundbreaking performance weaves together songcraft, poetry, film, and Baldwin’s own words from works like Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time.
Through instrumental ensemble, small choir, and Baldwin’s timeless language, Pinderhughes invites audiences to grapple with the pressing questions of today while imagining new ways forward. Surrounded by beautiful soundscapes and poignant visuals, this transformative experience honors Baldwin’s legacy and inspires a deeper understanding of our modern world.
FILMS TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE
In Person, all month long
Tickets: $15 non-members, $8 members
Asia Society continues an ongoing monthly series titled Films to See Before You Die featuring classic films and underseen gems from across Asia and the Asian diaspora with extended introductions by Asia Society’s Curator of Film.
Moral – Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Brokeback Mountain – Friday, February 14th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Pushing Hands – Saturday, February 15th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Sense and Sensibility – Saturday, February 15th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – Saturday, February 15th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
The Wedding Banquet – Sunday, February 16th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
The Ice Storm – Sunday, February 16th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Hulk – Sunday, February 16th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Life of Pi – Friday, February 21st from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk – Saturday, February 22nd from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ride with the Devil – Saturday, February 22nd from 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Lust, Caution – Saturday, February 22nd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Gemini Man – February 23rd from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Taking Woodstock – Sunday, February 23rd from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Eat Drink Man Woman – Sunday, February 23rd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Pedrito Martínez
Thursday, February 13th at 7:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space (BAMcafé)
Tickets: FREE
BAM FREE MUSIC
Part of Winter/Spring 2025
Since arriving in New York City in 1998, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martínez has collaborated on records and onstage with superstars like Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, and Camila Cabello. Martínez, a consummate master of the batá drum, has played, sung, and danced with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. A founding member of the successful crossover band Yerba Buena, he formed his own group in 2005, winning hearts and topping polls worldwide with concerts and recordings. His vitality, charisma, and megawatt smile onstage never fail to make an impression.
Setting the stage is Discolocas, a club night established in March 2022 to provide a safe, supportive space where women selectoras and DJs could feel comfortable sharing their vinyl selections. Expect to be moved by everything from vintage rumba, salsa, and cumbia to experimental sounds.
Dave Guy
Thursday, February 27th at 7:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space (BAMcafé)
Tickets: FREE
BAM FREE MUSIC
Part of Winter/Spring 2025
Trumpeter Dave Guy is well known to music lovers for his soulful, fiery work with hot bands like The Roots, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and the Menahan Street Band, as well as guest shots with such icons as Al Green, Amy Winehouse, and Pharrell. For this BAM outing, the East Village native will lean into charts from Ruby, a sophisticated debut solo album that shows how he brings together his disparate influences and experiences in classic R&B, hip hop, and jazz into a signature sound all his own.
Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, and mastering engineer L3ni is the general manager of Soul in the Horn, a global lifestyle, music, technology, and entertainment brand. A classically trained pianist, L3ni has spun on bills with Lizzo, Foushee, Hiatus Kaiyote, Beats Antique, Little Dragon, and Soulive.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Friday, February 28th through Wednesday, March 12th
Location: BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
Tickets: start at $35
Hot off two sold-out runs in London’s West End, this staggering revival of Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire stars Oscar nominee Paul Mescal (Gladiator II, Aftersun, All of Us Strangers) alongside Patsy Ferran (Living, God’s Own Country) and Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve, Black Mirror), arriving at BAM for a limited five-week run.
Olivier Award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall (Cabaret, Summer and Smoke) helms an empathetic and powerful vision of one of the greatest American plays ever written.
In the sweltering heat of New Orleans summer, a woman’s grip on the world begins to slip. When Blanche arrives at her sister Stella’s doorstep, desperate and out of options, her complicated past ignites a smoldering tension within the walls of the stifling apartment. And all the while, Stella’s husband Stanley—played by Mescal with unique “swagger and sensitivity” (The New York Times)—stalks the truths that Blanche so desperately wants to keep buried. Soon, Blanche’s meticulously constructed facade begins to crack and peel, offering an intimate and compelling picture of darker currents pulsating underneath.
Salsa Party
Thursday, February 6th from 6:00pm to 9:30pm
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Lobby, 1st Floor
Register for Free
Celebrate the art of salsa and join in our monthly dance-filled evenings hosted by Balmir Dance Society! Start the night with a class led by professional dancers at 6 pm, followed by live music, social dancing, and performances by Brooklyn’s best Latin dance teams.
Drink and Draw: Valentine’s Day Burlesque
Friday, February 14th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Location: Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor
Tickets: $35 and include after-hours admission to Toward Joy, art materials, and a complimentary drink. Member tickets are $20. Not a Member? Join today!
Bring a friend, a valentine, or yourself for a special edition of Drink and Draw celebrating art and love. Sip a specialty drink and sketch models from Frolic: Black Burlesque Revue, hosted by Foxy Belle Afriq. Plus, enjoy performances by some of Brooklyn’s finest burlesque performers, and delve into stories of romance, heartbreak, betrayal, and self-love in a guided tour of Toward Joy: New Frameworks for American Art.
Schedule
6:30–7 pm: Tour of Toward Joy, 5th floor
7–8 pm: Life drawing, Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd floor
8–8:30 pm: Tour of Toward Joy, 5th floor
8:30–9:30 pm: Burlesque performances, Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd floor
Valentine's Day with Kim Nalley
Friday, February 14th at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Tickets: table seating $225
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening at Dizzy’s Club, featuring the extraordinary Kim Nalley. Known for her incredible vocal range and heartfelt interpretations, Nalley brings jazz’s greatest love songs to life, creating a timeless and romantic atmosphere. The night includes a special three-course prix fixe menu, making this the perfect way to share an intimate and memorable time with your special someone.
Thembi Dunjana Quintet
Tuesday, February 25th at 7:00pm
Tickets: start at $20
Pianist Thembi Dunjana, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed rising stars in Jazz, returns to Dizzy’s with an incredible quintet, pairing her brilliant original compositions with fresh arrangements of McCoy Tyner’s classic masterworks.
Dianne Reeves: With Love
Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
For her 11th annual Valentine’s Day engagement, NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves returns to Rose Theater with an all-star band to celebrate that mysterious force called love. A true master, Reeves delivers mystical mystifying sets that showcase her striking stylistic range, clarity of tone, and heartfelt storytelling. Featuring cherished standards and surprise repertoire from a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, Dianne Reeves: With Love showcases songs of rapture and anguish, of romance and heartbreak. Experience an evening of enchantment for old friends, new lovers, families, and solo revelers.
Blues Jam
Friday, February 21st and Saturday, February 22nd
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Join us at Jazz at Lincoln Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating the soulful and electrifying power of the blues. This special event brings together award-winning artists to create a one-of-a-kind jam session that bridges the deep traditions of the blues with a vibrant modern energy. Featuring blues aficionado and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist Sherman Irby alongside an all-star lineup including: Grammy Award-winner Chester “CT” Thompson (Santana & Tower of Power) and Grammy Award-nominated Deshawn Alexander on B-3 organ; Grammy Award-winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on guitar and vocals, known for his raw, soul-stirring, and authentic blues sound; Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi; 2025 Grammy-nominated guitarist Ruthie Foster; Grammy-nominated drummer Adam Deitch (Lettuce); Grammy-nominated pedal steel guitarist Roosevelt Collier (Jelly Roll); New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee and guitarist Chris Bergson; and hosted by B-3 expert Pete Fallico.
First Friday
Friday, February 7th from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tickets: Free Admission All Day & Open Late
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum Members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6 – 9 PM. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
2–3pm: Fabric Collage Workshop
3–4pm: Lester Beall Curatorial Tour
4–5pm: Mixed Media Portrait Workshop
5–6:30pm: He Got Game Movie Screening
7pm: Brooklynettes Performance
Introductory Cyanotype Workshop
Saturday, February 8th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets: $50
Join artist Ben Blaustein for an afternoon of cyanotype printing. This introductory workshop will cover all the steps in this historic photographic process, from the coating of the paper to the exposing of the print with UV light. Participants will learn contemporary applications of this technique. No previous experience necessary.
Ben Blaustein is a Brooklyn-based artist working in printmaking, photography, sculpture, and performance. Using the cyanotype process, he creates compositions that explore ideas of time, memory, and secular transcendence.
Valentine's Evening with Ellisha Marie: An Evening of Jazz, Wine, and Artisanal Delights
Friday, February 14th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: Wave Hill House; Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory
Tickets: $225 per couple; Members $200 per couple
An Evening of Romance and Refinement
Let the enchanting melodies of The David Fletcher Trio, featuring Ellisha Marie, sweep you off your feet! The evening will fill your heart with unforgettable music, featuring love songs from the great American songbook to postmodern favorites by Sting, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Cyndi Lauper, Jason Mraz and Coldplay. This jazz trio will warm the heart during this winter holiday of romance. And the grand setting of our venue promises an experience that will stay with you long after the last note fades.
Schedule of the Evening
6:00PM Welcome Drinks in The Shop at Wave Hill and Conservatory Photography Session (Ends: 7:45PM)
6:45PM Bar Service Begins in the Mark Twain Room
7:15PM Wine and Cheese Tasting with Sommelier in Armor Hall
7:45PM Tapas and Dessert Bars Opens
8:30PM The David Fletcher Trio, featuring Ellisha Marie, takes the stage
9:30PM Last Call
10:00PM Evening Ends
Valentine's Tea
Saturday, February 15th and Sunday, February 16th at 11:30am and 1:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House Café
Tickets: Adults $56; Children $36 with adult. Includes admission to the grounds.
Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances is delighted to present the present Valentine’s Tea at Wave Hill, perfect for a date, “Palentine’s”, or an afternoon with friends. Enjoy the flavors of winter with a custom menu designed specifically for Wave Hill incorporating seasonal ingredients and inspiration from our own organic farm, Katchkie Farm.
ICE SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!
Ice skating at Wollman Rink NYC is an iconic winter experience that captures the magic of New York City. Nestled in the heart of Central Park, the rink offers skaters of all ages and skill levels the chance to glide across the ice while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Wollman Rink provides a welcoming environment, complete with skate rentals, lessons, and a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.
Beyond just skating, Wollman Rink NYC is a place where memories are made. The rink hosts special events, themed skating nights, and live performances, making it a hub of wintertime activity. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a family outing, or simply a moment of peace in the bustling city, Wollman Rink offers a unique and unforgettable experience that has been a cherished New York tradition for generations.
Igloo Village
Elevate your skating experience at Wollman Rink NYC inside our cozy, private, heated Rink Side igloos, under the Midtown Manhattan skyline in Central Park. Each of our transparent igloos feature an electric fireplace, soft lighting, and comfy seating for eight, as well as delicious food and beverage options.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
First Friday February 2025 Art, Music, Dancing, & Poetry!
Friday, February 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
Experience The Bronx Museum after hours!
We stay open late on the first Friday of the month so you can get your weekend started right. Enjoy the FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT exhibition currently on view in our galleries. Plus we will have music, dancing, and poetry activations throughout the evening (more details to come).
The Museum also provides complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to help keep everyone refreshed and energized.
AIM Convening 2025:
Artist Professional Development
Saturday, February 8th from 12:30pm to 5:00pm
For Artists in NYC – FREE!
As part of The Bronx Museum’s flagship AIM Artist Fellowship—an annual career accelerator program for the most promising artists based in NYC—the AIM Convening is a day of professional development and community-building activities open to all artists who would like to participate.
Specifically, the Convening is designed to impart vital advice to artists that can help them succeed in a competitive and difficult-to-navigate industry. It also seeks to create space and opportunity for NYC artists to connect with one-another and build community.
Nature's Workshop: Winter Watercolor Painting
Friday, February 1st from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park
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. Let the tranquility of winter flow in your paintings. The Rangers will provide the art supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Black History Month: Langston Hughes and Love Potion Brews
Sunday, February 9th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park
Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Craft your own color-changing love potion while enjoying the jazz poetry of Langston Hughes, and learn about his impact on the Harlem Renaissance.
The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism
February 15th through April 27th
Our annual celebration of all things orchid carries you to the vibrant setting of Mexico for The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism. Set off on a journey where the fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry takes center stage amid awe-inspiring displays of orchids, and wander through lush landscapes brought into vivid relief with thousands of flowers that showcase diverse ecosystems and rich cultures. Among bright arrangements of orchids in settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, come visit a paradise of tropical beauty—without ever leaving the Bronx.
Sensory Table
February 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Some of the plants behind the familiar scents of chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon can be found right in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Use your sense of touch, smell, sight, and even sound to identify these and other select botanical items at the Sensory Table.
Seal Exploration
Saturday, February 8th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Orchard Beach Nature Center in Pelham Bay Park
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the Long Island Sound. You may be surprised by what looks like a rock in the distance, is actually a healthy seal.
Kids Week: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, February 18th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Playground for All Children in Pelham Bay Park
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city for Kids Week during mid-winter recess. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fun nature scavenger hunt! Participants will learn how to use a map to uncover hidden clues and discover the nature in the park along the way.
Heartfelt History: Valentine Card-Making Workshop
Saturday, February 8th from 10:00am to 11:30am
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
Join us for a special historic Valentine-making workshop, where creativity meets tradition! Step back in time and explore the art of crafting hand-made Valentines, inspired by the intricate designs of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
You’ll learn how to make your own historic-style cards using classic techniques such as paper folding, cutouts, and paper “scrap” decoration. Discover the history of Valentine’s Day through the ages and how this beloved tradition has evolved. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, crafter, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season of love, this workshop promises a fun and educational experience for ages 5 and up. Don’t miss this chance to create a timeless keepsake while celebrating the artistry of the past!
Cost is $10/ person. Cost includes materials and a self-guided tour of the museum after the workshop.
Black History Month: Science Fiction and the Natural World
Sunday, February 16th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Explore the connection between the natural world and science fiction with this storytelling hike and fire-side chat. Listen to the works of Octavia Butler while walking the trails at dusk. Afterwards, cozy up to the fire and share your thoughts!
Winter Workspace 2025: Drop-In Sunday
Sunday, February 2nd and February 9th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Glyndor Gallery
The Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday series provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors to deepen their connection with the arts and their experience of the garden by learning how artists are drawing inspiration from our site. During this event, visitors can mingle with participating Workspace Artists in their studios, ask questions, and learn about their creative practice. Each Sunday a different group of three or more artists participates.
This event is family-friendly, and we welcome visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to attend. A Discovery Guide for families is available at the gallery desk, offering a fun way to engage with the artwork on view.
Conservatory Family Exploration Day
Sunday, February 23rd from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory and Wave Hill House
Chat with garden experts, adopt a plant, explore the Conservatory and find out how a greenhouse works!
Activities are drop-in and are intended for children and their adult companions.
Valentine's Day Celebration
Saturday, February 9th from 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Join Williamsbridge Oval for DIY Crafts for children. This fun do-it yourself, Valentines’ arts and crafts program teaches how to create projects.
The Legacy of Former "Colored" School No. 4, a talk by Eric K. Washington
Thursday, February 13th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
This illustrated talk by historian Eric K. Washington visits an unassuming building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood that, in shedding light on 19th-century Gotham’s forgotten past, has excited wide media attention. Hidden in plain sight on West 17th Street is the former “Colored” School No. 4, the last of a network of racial-caste public schoolhouses that once were relegated to New York’s African American teachers and students. Built in 1849-50, the city-owned building’s decades-long use spanned the eras of the Antebellum Period, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Washington spearheaded the collaborative community preservation effort that culminated in 2023 with both the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designating the curiously idle building a historic landmark and the city’s mayor pledging $6 million towards its rehabilitation. His talk will highlight many of the notable teachers, students and events once associated with this remarkably surviving Black heritage site.
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.
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.
Recipes for Valentine's Day
Chefs’ Choir: Chef Joe Bachman’s Seared Scallops with Butternut Risotto
Chef Joe Bachman shares his centerpiece recipe for Valentine’s Day: Seared Scallops with Butternut Risotto.
Chefs’ Choir: Chef Brandi Solomon’s Valentine’s Day Menu
Looking for a special yet easy to prepare meal for Valentine’s Day? Chef Brandi Solomon has put together the perfect one!
Chefs’ Choir: Chef Albert Bello’s Valentine’s Day Entremet
Chef Albert Bello shares his Valentine’s Day Entremet recipe, the perfect way to impress your loved one this season.
Chefs’ Choir: Chef Tatiana’s Gluten-Free Super Seed Bread
Chef Tatiana Iglesias shares her Gluten-Free Super Seed Bread Recipe, perfect for baking and sharing with your loved ones.
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.
Chef Joe Bachman’s Seared Scallops with Butternut Risotto
About the Menu
Seared Scallops with Risotto, Roasted Butternut Squash. It’s delicious and if you par cook the risotto the night before then it will be super quick to make on Valentine’s Day. For an easy salad, I would pick up an arugula salad from the market paired with a balsamic vinaigrette. For dessert, I think something with dark chocolate is a good pairing. Brownie ala Mode is always a hit and easy.
Seared Scallops with Butternut Risotto & Ricotta Salata
Ingredients
- 1# sea scallops
- 3 C arborio rice
- 1/4 small spanish onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 1/2 C white wine
- 3 qt vegetable broth (can use chicken stock too, or even water if neither is on hand)
- 1 butternut squash (the bulb will be roasted and pureed and mixed in with the risotto. The upper part will be small diced and roasted)
- 2 T pumpkin seeds, toasted
- 1.5 C ricotta Salata cheese (grated)
- 1 small bunch of chives (shaved)
- 2 T mascarpone
- 3 T butter
- 6 sprigs thyme
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Bring Veg stock to a simmer in a pot.
- Clean the scallops. Pull the small connector muscle off, and rinse if needed to get any sand off then pat dry with paper towel and lay out on a sheet tray.
- Start the risotto. Sweat out the onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, then add the arborio and toast for 1-2 minutes. Add white wine, let cook 2 min, then add your stock just enough to cover the rice and simmer. Ladle more stock in as needed.
- Cook the risotto to about 80 percent doneness. Should still have a little bite to it, then pull it out and lay it out flat on a plate or sheet tray, making sure to spread it out as thin as possible so it cools quickly, then place in refrigerator. This can be done up to 3 days in advance.
- Next take your butternut squash, separate the top and peel then small dice. Roast in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until cooked and nice caramelization, approximately 18 min at 350 degrees. Take the bottom bulb of the butternut and split in half, scoop out the seeds, and set on sheet tray flesh side down, season with salt and pepper and roast at 350 until flesh is soft enough to scoop and puree. Remove from oven, let cool, scrape out flesh with a spoon and set aside for later. Both of these steps can also be done the day before.
- To start the risotto the day of, take out the risotto, bring stock back to a boil, and start rehydrating it on medium low heat. Once the risotto is 95 percent cooked, fold in the mascarpone, pureed butternut, butter, and cheese and set aside.
- Time to cook the scallops. Pat both sides dry with a paper towel. Season with salt. Get a sauté pan hot, then place the scallops in the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan or you wont get color. Depending on size of scallops sear both sides about 2 minutes, then add a knob of butter and sprig of thyme to the pan and baste until the butter is browned, hit with a squeeze of lemon j juice, then set aside the scallops.
- To assemble the dish, spoon the risotto out in the center of the plate. Then place the scallops on top of the risotto. Then garnish with the toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted butternut and chives. Last step is to drizzle a spoon full of the brown butter-lemon over the scallops and serve.
Dessert: Brownie ala Mode
Ingredients
- Pre-baked Brownies
- Ice Cream flavor of your choice
- Hot Fudge
- Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherries
Instructions
For the brownie ala mode, to keep it simple, get brownies already baked. Just warm in the oven or a microwave the day of. Top with ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry for the top.
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.
Chef Brandi Solomon’s Valentine’s Day Menu
About the Menu
Chef Brandi has shared a Valentine’s Day Menu that can made with simple and easy to find ingredients in your local area. Her Paloma recipe is a perfect pairing with the meal or before. We’ve curated some easy recipes to help you create the perfect dinner, scaled for roughly 2 servings but you can increase as needed if you’re hosting more loved ones. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Cocktail: Rose & Ginger Paloma
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 TB fresh lime juice
- 1-2 TB rose water
- ginger beer for topping
Instructions
- Salt the rim of a cocktail glass.
- Combine grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and rose water in the glass. Top with ice. Pour ginger beer on top. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Appetizer: Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Mint Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
- 3 TB EVOO
- 2 TB balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 tsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 4 TB honey
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: combine EVOO, balsamic vinaigrette, mint, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Cut the watermelon into 1 inch cubes, removing the rind. Place in a large bowl.
- Add the goat cheese and dressing, folding gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.
Entree: Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb chops in a rack
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- black pepper, to taste
- 1 TB dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 TB EVOO
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and mint, finely minced
Instructions
- Let the lamb chops rest for up to 45 minutes before preparing. Preheat oven to 425 F. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Brush the outside of the lamb with dijon mustard.
- Season the lamb with salt, garlic pepper, and black pepper.
- Combine the bread crumbs, herbs, and EVOO in a shallow dish.
- Dip the lamb in the bread crumb mixture to coat all sides. Place on the wire rack.
- Roast the lamb for about 20 to 30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 F for medium-rare.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Side: Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes, yukon or russet suggested, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 TB butter, softened
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until just soft enough to easily pierce with a fork. Drain the water from the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes back into the pot and leave covered whil you heat the milk.
- Add the warm milk, butter, and sour cream into the pot and mash everything together until you’ve reached your desired texture. If too thick, add more milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 TB sugar
- 2 pre-made dessert shells or sponge cake dessert cups
- 1 can whipped cream
Instructions
- Place strawberries in a small bowl with the sugar. Stir to coat, cover and refrigerate for roughly 15 minutes until the sugar has dissolved.
- To plate, place a dessert cup then top with half of the strawberries and whipped cream to taste.
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.
Chef Albert Bello’s Valentine’s Day Entremet
About the Dish
Entremet, meaning “between servings” in French, are elegant, multi-layered desserts often served in fine dining. They typically feature layers of mousse, sponge cake, creams, and sometimes fruit or gelée. Known for their refined textures and flavor combinations, entremets are a visually stunning treat that blends richness with lightness. These sophisticated desserts continue to evolve, showcasing both traditional and innovative techniques.
Executive Pastry Chef, Albert Bello, has provided the perfect Strawberry & Chocolate Entremet recipe, sure to impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Preparing the Components:
1) Nut Crumble
Ingredients
- 169g Butter
- 169g Sugar
- 169g Gluten free Flour
- 129g Nut Crushed
- 3g Salt
- 94g Melted 64% – 70% Chocolate
Instructions
Sand the Sugar, Flour, Nuts, Butter, with Kitchen or Better by Hand
Bake at 320F for 15-20 minutes
Add warm mix into melted chocolate
Shape into a 3-18cm ring mold or desired shape (not to thick)
This will be your base for your Entremet
2) Strawberry Filling
Ingredients
- 250g Strawberries
- 25g Sugar
- 2.5g Pectin
- Pinch Salt
- 2.5g Lemon Juice
Instructions
Cut Berries into tiny cubes (not too small – don’t want the berries to break up)
Mix your pectin, salt and sugar together, add to diced berries and let sit for 10 minutes (this is to help pull some of the juices out of the fresh Strawberries)
In a sauce pan slowly heat up the berries, cook for about 5-10 minutes until slightly thick
Finish with lemon Juice
Place in fridge to cool
3) Chocolate Flourless Sponge
Ingredients
- 150g Whites
- 180g Sugar
- 110g yolks (beat with a fork about 5 minutes)
- 56g Cacao Powder
Instructions
Whip Whites till it starts to foam
Slowly add sugar and whip to Soft peaks
Fold in yolks
Fold in cacao Powder
Spread or pipe onto a sheet to desired Shape 3-15cm
Bake at 320F for 6-8 minutes
4) Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
- 75g Milk
- 75g Heavy Cream
- 50g Yolks
- 15g Sugar
- 281g Melted chocolate from 36% – 70% chocolate
- 281g Whipped Cream soft peak
- 6ea Gelatin Sheets Bloomed (place in cold water and strain)
Instructions
Heat Milk and Heavy cream to a simmer, (as recipe is scaled up boil)
Beat with a whisk the yolks and sugar
Temper and make an anglaise mix
Pour over chocolate, cool to about 104*F
Fold in whipped cream
5) Chocolate Glaze
Ingredients
- 150g Heay cream
- 210g Sugar
- 15g water
- 72g Cacao powder
- 4.5ea Bloomed Gelatin Sheets
Instructions
Mix Sugar, Cacao powder
Add to water, Heavy cream
Heat to a gentle simmer
Add bloomed Gelatin
Set to the side temperature should be around 100-107*F
Now, let’s build our Entremet!
Have your sponge at the bottom of your desired Shape
Fill with some Chocolate mousse, spread up the sides of the walls
Place some Strawberry filling
Fill rest with mousse
Place in freezer to set
Unmold, Glaze
Set on top of Nut crumble
Decorate with fresh Strawberries, Candied Rose petals, Strawberry Sauce (blend strawberry filling to create sauce)
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.
Chef Tatiana Iglesias' Gluten-Free Super Seed Bread
About the Dish
Valentine’s Day is a beautiful reminder to cherish the people we hold closest to our hearts—whether it’s a partner, a friend, or the greatest love of all, our children. Food has a magical way of connecting us and expressing feelings that words sometimes can’t capture. Sharing a meal or a special treat can be a simple but powerful way to say, I love you!
For me, celebrating love means creating heartfelt moments with my son, Matías. This year, we’ll be baking a nourishing and delicious Gluten-Free Seed Bread — a warm hug in loaf form! Perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or enjoying a simple slice with a bit of butter and honey. It’s packed with healthy seeds and full of love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, almond flour, flaxseeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, salt, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra seeds on top for a beautiful finish.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy this bread with your loved ones, knowing every slice is made with care, connection, and the joy of togetherness. Happy Valentine’s Day!
This year, Chef Andrew Smith, Culinary Director, curated our Food Festivals and prepared some delicious recipes to help celebrate the ingredient!
We’re kicking off with Buckwheat Flour, which is gluten-free, grain-free that provides a nutty flavor, tender texture, and darker color to the dishes it enhances. It’s high in fiber, protein, and minerals, making it a great addition to your pantry and can be substituted for up to 1/4 of flour in traditional recipes.
Here Chef Andrew shares a recipe for Buckwheat Pappardelle that you can serve with your favorite sauce.
Buckwheat Pappardelle
Ingredients
- 200 grams toasted buckwheat flour
- 200 grams ap flour
- 300 grams semolina
- 300 grams durum
- 500 grams water
Method
- In a stand mixer with dough hook (kitchen aid) add all ingredients. Turn on mixer to lowest setting and mix till all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is forming a dough ball. If too dry, add more liquid little bits at a time till hydrated.
- Remove from mixer and wrap in plastic and allow to rest for at least 45 minutes. Once pasta has rested, on a clean lightly floured surface, separate the dough into four equal parts and cover with a kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
- Roll each part of dough into a ball. Then using the palm of your hand press the ball flat. Using a rolling pin roll the dough out moving horizontally then perpendicular till dough is a sheet about 1/8th of an inch thick.
- With a pizza cutter square off the dough reserving trim for further use. Then cut dough into one inch strips, dust with flour, and set aside.
- Repeat this method till all dough has been shaped.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil and season to taste with salt. Shaking off excess flour place pasta into water gently stirring to avoid sticking together. Allow to cook for five minutes then strain off water and serve with your favorite sauce.
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.
Did you know that January is also known as Veganuary? We spend the month finding delicious ways to make our beloved dishes vegan while also celebrating those dishes that are naturally plant-based. We’re sharing a few of our newest ones for you to make at home.
Recipes for Veganuary
Chefs’ Choir: Chef Solanki’s Aloo Gobi Recipe
In celebration of Veganuary, Chef Solanki Roy has shared her version of the classic Indian staple, Aloo Gobi.
Chef Joe Bachman’s Vegan King Oyster Mushroom “Chicken Wings”
King Oyster Mushrooms are a great substitute for animal proteins in a lot of dishes including these “chicken wings”. Meaty and juicy, they’re especially delicious
Chef Solanki Roy’s Dal Recipe
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Venue Chef Solanki Roy shares her Dal recipe.
Great Performances’ Vegan Chili Recipe
This vegan chili recipe is the perfect way to keep warm this winter.
Happy Veganuary
HAPPY VEGANUARY By Great Performances Happy Veganuary! This year, we’re participating in Veganuary, a plant-based revolution inspiring and supporting people to try vegan to protect
Don’t Hire a Caterer: Veganuary
Georgette Farkas, shares some of her tried and true tricks for hosting a party at home – Veganuary style.
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.
Chef Solanki Roy's Aloo Gobi Recipe
About the Dish
Aloo Gobi, which translates to potato and cauliflower, is a classic Indian staple. About 5% of the population in India is vegan and 40% is vegetarian. So, India has a huge repertoire of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
- 400g potatoes, peeled and diced
- 400g cauliflower, cut into florets
- 150g onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced (about 15g)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 100ml water (as needed)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Add cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
- Cook Potatoes and Cauliflower: Add the diced potatoes and cauliflower florets to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the spices. Add water, cover the pan, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Enjoy! Serve your Aloo Gobi with rice, roti, or naan for a complete meal. Enjoy this comforting dish!