Holiday Party | 8 1/2 @ 9 W 57th | Senior Event Director Jodi Smith
Midtown’s Sophisticated New Venue for Modern Gatherings
Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 9 West 57th Street, 8 1/2 has officially opened its doors for catering and events, offering a stunning new setting for corporate celebrations, seasonal parties, and sophisticated social gatherings.
A contemporary reimagining of a classic New York space, 8 1/2 balances modern luxury with dramatic architectural elements. The venue’s sweeping circular staircase, polished finishes, and striking multi-level layout create a natural sense of arrival. Soft curves, warm textures, and soaring sightlines make it an unforgettable backdrop for events that call for something elevated yet inviting.
Whether hosting an intimate reception or a full-scale holiday celebration, guests are immediately immersed in an atmosphere that feels at once grand, modern, and unmistakably New York.
Event Gallery
A Holiday Celebration to Welcome the Space
To mark the opening of the venue, we recently hosted an internal holiday gathering—an evening designed to experience the space exactly as our guests would. With approximately 75 attendees utilizing half the venue, the event showcased how beautifully 8 1/2 accommodates open-flow reception formats, interactive stations, and dynamic guest movement across levels.
Seasonal décor accented the venue’s architecture—the curve of the staircase wrapped in greenery, warm red and green light washing the walls, and a glowing tree anchoring the lounge area. Elegant high tops, lounge seating, and clear modern chairs allowed the room’s design to shine while still offering comfort and flexibility.
Throughout the evening, guests explored curated food stations, enjoyed butlered hors d’oeuvres, sipped winter cocktails, and lingered in conversation across both levels of the venue. Even at half capacity, the space felt full of energy without ever feeling tight—an ideal balance for receptions, client events, and team celebrations.
The Menu: Seasonal, Abundant & Designed for Mingling
Our culinary team crafted a menu that celebrated winter flavors and the interactive nature of the space. Guests enjoyed a wide range of options—from passed bites to sushi to hot stations—allowing them to graze, taste, and connect throughout the evening.
Event Menu
Patatas Bravas with Garlic Aioli & Salsa Brava (Vegan, GF)
Crispy Arancini with Tomato Marinara (Vegetarian)
Truffled Mac & Cheese Bites (Vegetarian)
Coconut Shrimp with Apricot Mustard
Maryland Crab Cakes with Chesapeake Remoulade
House-Made Kosher Pigs in a Blanket with Deli Mustard
BBQ Short Rib on Stone-Ground Grits with Roasted Poblano (GF)
Chicken Satay with Lime, Cilantro & Fresh Chiles (GF)
Hot & Spicy Chicken Meatball with Thunder Pickle Remoulade
NY Carvery
Cedar-Planked Salmon with Honey & Charred Lemon (GF, DF)
Twice-Baked Mini Potatoes with Cheddar & Herbs (Vegetarian, GF)
Gruyère Creamed Spinach (Vegetarian, GF)
Classic Caesar Salad with Parmesan & Sourdough Croutons
Rustic Breads: Sourdough Boule, Ciabatta, Pugliese & Baguette
Chef Carving Station
Herb-Seared Strip Steak
Sauces: Chimichurri, Horseradish Cream & Mustard Sauce
Pasta Stations
Truffled Fall Orecchiette (Vegan)
Garganelli with Short Rib Bolognese
Sushi Station
Prepared onsite by sushi chefs
Rainbow Maki
Ichiban Roll
Crouching Tiger Roll
Salmon Avocado Maki
Spicy Tuna
California Roll
Avocado Cucumber
“You’re Just a Sweetie” Roll (vegetable & forbidden rice)
Soy Sauce, Pickled Ginger & Wasabi
Flourless Chocolate Cake Bites (GF)
Vanilla Cream Bombolini
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites (GF)
S’mores Squares
Spiced Pear Margarita
Tequila, pear purée, lime, cinnamon honey syrup, cinnamon stick garnish, cinnamon-sugar rim
Why 8 1/2 Is Perfect for Holiday Parties — December & January
With its central location, dramatic design, and flexible multi-level layout, 8 1/2 is an exceptional choice for:
- Corporate holiday parties
- Client receptions
- Team celebrations
- Milestone gatherings
- January holiday parties
The space shines during the holiday season, but its sculptural architecture and warm palette make it equally compelling year-round for events that deserve something truly memorable.
Plan Your Holiday Party or Seasonal Gathering
Whether you’re looking to host a last-minute holiday celebration this month or planning a January event to kick off the new year, our team is ready to help you create an unforgettable experience at 8 1/2 Events & Catering.
This season, we were proud to support a series of extraordinary events that brought together leaders in science, the arts, and horticulture. Each celebration showcased the power of creativity, collaboration, and community — and we’re excited to share a closer look at these inspiring gatherings.
World Science Festival Gala 2025
A Celebration of Innovation and Imagination
The World Science Festival Gala transformed Jazz at Lincoln Center into a dynamic fusion of art, science, and culinary creativity — complete with futuristic touches like a robotic bartender and a sensory-driven dinner experience. The evening honored ten groundbreaking thinkers whose work has helped shape our understanding of the world.
Find Your Light Foundation: Second Anniversary Celebration
An Evening Illuminating the Power of Arts Education
Warm, joyful, and filled with nostalgia, this year’s Find Your Light celebration highlighted the foundation’s mission to expand arts education nationwide. Guests enjoyed uplifting performances — and a delightful surprise appearance by rubber duckies inspired by Sesame Street — all underscoring the foundation’s commitment to creativity and opportunity.
Wave Hill Gardeners’ Party 2025
Honoring the Art and Legacy of Gardening
Set against the lush landscape of Wave Hill, this special evening celebrated the institution’s 60th anniversary and paid tribute to its founding Director of Horticulture, Marco Polo Stufano. Guests enjoyed a late-summer menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors while sharing in a heartfelt appreciation for nature, artistry, and community.
World Science Festival Gala 2025 | Jazz at Lincoln Center
On October 27th, we supported the World Science Festival Gala, an event that blended scientific inspiration with thoughtful design and a modern, tech-driven guest experience.
The highlight of the evening was the Barsy 360, which drew steady attention throughout the night. Barsy served the event’s featured drink, the Margarita al Carbon with activated charcoal, offering guests a fun and unexpected touch that aligned well with the science theme.
The gala also recognized ten influential figures whose contributions shaped science, medicine, environmental advocacy, and human rights, including: Hypatia of Alexandria, Lucilio Vanini, Galileo Galilei, Nikolai Vavilov, Linus Pauling, Andrei Sakharov, Wangari Maathai, Ignaz Semmelweis, Rachel Carson, and Frances Oldham Kelsey.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
This year our team delivered a menu rooted in creativity and quiet scientific playfulness. Each course carried a subtle element of exploration—textures, temperatures, unexpected contrasts—all served on custom trays chosen specifically for each bite.
- Green Chickpea Pani Puri – Mint, Candied Cumin Seeds
- Truffle Crème & Duxelle Puff – Truffled Creme, Pickled Pioppini, Chervil
- Butternut & Fig Tartlet – Goat Cheese, Toasted Pistachio
- Mushroom Tea – White Piopini, Enoki, Chanterelle, Morel, Smoked Mushroom Tea, Helio Cress,
- Fish & Chip Taco – Potato Taco Shell, Mushy Peas, Malt Vinegar Remoulade, Chives
- Fluke Ceviche – Leche De Tigre, Cilantro, Chili Pepper Pearl, Neon Rice Crisp
- Chinese Pancakes with Duck – Duck Confit, Ginger Rhubarb Jam, Pea Greens
- Seeds of Wisdom & Pearls of Knowledge – Soju Poached Apple, Sesame Tofu Bonbons, Shiso, Soy Pearls, Black Sesame Powder
- French Onion Short Rib – Caramelized Onion, Gouda Gratin, Broccolini, Crispy Thyme
- Soy Orange Braised Daikon (vegan) – Bok Choy, White Sesame Seeds, Forbidden Rice, Flower Yuzu Pearls, Fresh Herbs
- The Pearfect Experiment – Hazelnut Biscuit, Maple Red Wine Poached Pears, Candied Hazelnuts
- Carrot Cake & Pineapple (vegan, GF)- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting, Pineapple Fluid Gel, Pickled Golden Raisins, Affilla Cress
The 2025 World Science Festival Gala honored those who pushed the boundaries of human knowledge, and the event itself echoed that mission. With its inventive menu and an unforgettable robotic bartender, the evening reminded us that science isn’t only something we learn—it’s something we feel, witness, and celebrate together.
Find Your Light Foundation Gala | Jazz at Lincoln Center
This past October, we were honored to support the Find Your Light Foundation Gala, hosted by Josh Groban. Find Your Light’s work has long championed creativity as a pathway to confidence, opportunity, and joy — a belief deeply shared by Great Performances and our partners at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Foundation’s tribute to Sesame Street, a cultural touchstone that has shaped generations through music, curiosity, and compassion. Their performance brought an unmistakable energy to the room — made even more charming by the surprise rubber duckies gifted to every guest, a playful nod that quickly became the unofficial icon of the night.
Beyond the celebration, the gala underscored something essential: when organizations rooted in the arts come together — Find Your Light through arts-education grants, Jazz at Lincoln Center through youth development and fellowships, and Great Performances through our long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and creative communities — the impact multiplies. This shared mission continues to guide our growing collaboration.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
- Mighty Mushroom Maki Roll
- Carrot Tartare Cup
- Butternut & Fig Tartlet
- Lobster Roll
- Rare Seared Tuna with Apple–Celery Root Remoulade
- Grilled Chicken Taco with Chili Crema
- Boneless Lamb Chop with Mint Chimichurri
- Spaghetti & Meatball Bite
New York Steakhouse Station
Strip Steak
Smoked Cedar-Planked Salmon
Truffled Orecchiette
Wild Mushrooms
Twice-Baked Creamed-Spinach Potatoes
Waldorf Salad
Parker House Rolls
Classic Steak Sauces
Dim Sum Station
Vegetable and Chicken Dumplings
Short Rib and Eggplant Bao Buns
Vegetable Fried Rice
Crispy Noodles
Seaweed–Cucumber Salad with Traditional Accompaniments
Desserts
Cheesecake Lollipops
Fruit Tartlets
Key Lime Tartlets
Chocolate–Raspberry Truffles
S’Mores Squares
Carrot–Ginger Cake
At Great Performances, we’re honored to partner with the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Skylight at The Refinery to produce a milestone event in New York City’s culinary calendar — Skylight Celebrates Jacques Pépin’s 90/90 campaign. Bringing together more than twenty celebrated chefs, this tasting experience at Brooklyn’s Domino Refinery combines artistry, community, and purpose in true GP style.
Collaborating with Partners to Create Unforgettable Events
We love when foundations and companies (especially our venue partners!) come to us to collaborate on something we excel in doing: tasting events that bring together celebrated chefs to create truly memorable experiences for guests.
This December, we’re proud to partner with the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Skylight at The Refinery to bring their first-ever New York tasting event to life as part of the Foundation’s 90/90 campaign, celebrating Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday and his lifelong commitment to culinary education.
Crafting a One-of-a-Kind Experience
“Each event, whether it’s a brand-new festival or a yearly favorite, has its own set of intricacies that make it so much fun,” said Senior Event Director Ali Rea-Baum. “From working with each chef to make sure they have everything they need at their station, to mapping out power and ensuring guest flow makes sense — every event and venue is different, which is what makes this work so exciting.”
That passion for precision is at the heart of how we approach every collaboration. Our team thrives on the logistics of creativity — coordinating with dozens of chefs, vendors, and partners to ensure every detail works seamlessly. It’s where our event production expertise and love for hospitality intersect, transforming a blank canvas into an extraordinary experience.
Aligned in Mission and Spirit
What makes this event especially meaningful is how closely it aligns with our own values and partners. The Jacques Pépin Foundation’s focus on providing culinary and life skills training to individuals facing employment barriers resonates deeply with our partnership with The Sylvia Center, which also empowers communities through food education.
That shared sense of purpose makes this collaboration feel less like a production and more like a celebration of everything we stand for: mentorship, opportunity, and community.
A Stunning Setting for a Special Night
And then, there’s the venue. Working at Skylight at The Refinery is a dream — an amazing space perched atop the old Domino Factory in Williamsburg, with breathtaking waterfront views of New York City. The penthouse’s vast, open layout provides the perfect backdrop for more than twenty tasting stations, where chefs from across the city will share dishes inspired by Jacques Pépin’s iconic repertoire.
Leading the charge is Senior Event Director Ali Rea-Baum, who has built an impressive portfolio of high-profile culinary events across New York City. From Food Network’s NYCWFF and Great Performances’ own Latke Festival to Taste of the Lower East Side, The Great Nosh, and Bar Convent Brooklyn, Ali brings unmatched creativity and precision to every project. Her ability to unite chefs, partners, and guests around extraordinary food experiences is what makes these events truly shine.
It’s the kind of event that reminds us why we love what we do: bringing people together through food, creativity, and purpose.
From venue partnerships like Skylight at The Refinery to shared missions with organizations such as the Jacques Pépin Foundation and The Sylvia Center, Great Performances continues to craft events that celebrate food as a force for good. As we help bring Jacques Pépin’s 90/90 celebration to life, we’re reminded that every detail — every dish, every connection — tells a story about the people and passions behind it.
Proceeds from the evening benefit the Jacques Pépin Foundation To learn more about the event, and purchase tickets visit: here.
This past October 18–20, 2025, Great Performances once again joined Open House New York Weekend, the city-wide festival that invites the public to explore New York’s most fascinating spaces. Now in our second year of participating, we were thrilled to open our South Bronx home and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how we unleash joy through genuine hospitality.
Open House New York (OHNY) is an organization close to Liz Neumark’s heart — as a native New Yorker, entrepreneur, and advocate for civic engagement, she deeply values OHNY’s mission to foster openness, accessibility, and pride in our city. For our team, it’s a meaningful opportunity to welcome our community into the kitchens, offices, and creative spaces where so much of the Great Performances magic begins.
Last weekend, Great Performances once again had the great honor of participating in Open House New York. We welcomed 75 lucky guests into our home in the South Bronx, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at where so much of the magic happens.
The tour wound its way through all three floors of our commissary — from our bustling kitchens to our walk-ins and offices — each space offering a glimpse into the heart of what we do every day. Along the way, guests had plenty of questions, and our team was ready with answers! Some were fun (“How much sugar does the pastry kitchen go through?” — over 150 pounds per day!), while others were more reflective (“How many guests have you served since opening?” — more than 10 million and counting).
Before heading off to their next Open House New York stop, visitors were treated to one of our freshly baked chocolate chip cookies — a small taste of Great Performances to take on the road.
Participating in Open House New York is always such a joy. Each year, we’re reminded how meaningful it is to open our doors and share the energy, creativity, and care that fuel our work behind the curtain. It’s not just a tour; it’s a chance to connect with our community, celebrate craftsmanship, and show the dedication that goes into every event we create.
If you’d like to experience Great Performances firsthand, we encourage you to sign up for the Open House New York newsletter and keep an eye out next September for a full list of participating sites. It’s one of the city’s most inspiring weekends — a celebration of openness, accessibility, and civic pride in the place we’re so proud to call home.
Open House New York is more than a weekend of tours — it’s a celebration of the people, places, and ideas that shape the city we love. Through programs like these, OHNY builds bridges between communities and inspires a deeper appreciation for New York’s vibrant cultural and creative landscape.
To learn more or support OHNY’s mission, visit ohny.org — where you can become a member, volunteer, or donate to help keep New York open, accessible, and inspiring for all.
Honoring Marco Polo Stufano and Sixty Years of Horticultural Splendor
The gardens at Wave Hill set the stage for a beautiful September evening as guests gathered for the 2025 Wave Hill Gardeners’ Party celebrating the art of gardening. The event marked another milestone in Wave Hill’s 60th anniversary year and celebrated the enduring connection between nature, artistry, and community that defines this Bronx landmark.
This year’s celebration honored Marco Polo Stufano, Wave Hill’s founding Director of Horticulture, whose vision helped shape the gardens into a place of inspiration for generations.
Among the guests was Martha Stewart, who captured the evening on her blog, highlighting the “inspiring company and glorious gardens” that made the celebration so memorable. Read her post here.
A Menu Inspired by Season and Heritage
In tribute to Marco Polo Stufano’s Italian heritage and the flavors of late summer, the Great Performances culinary team created a menu that blended elegance with seasonal ingredients.
During the reception, guests enjoyed a selection of butlered hors d’oeuvres that celebrated the garden’s bounty — from Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Caperberry Relish and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tatin with savory onion jam to Tamari Ginger Tuna Poke and Lobster Tart with Basil Crème Fraiche. Lighter bites like Prosciutto and Melon and Crispy Arancini added fresh, classic touches
Dinner began with Raking Leaves, a colorful first course featuring crisp autumn vegetables, carrot–elderflower purée, and apple blossoms. The entrée, Grilled Branzino, paired tomato-braised cauliflower, fingerling potatoes, and Cerignola olives with a sprinkle of edible flowers. The vegetarian option, a Vegan Torta Panzanella, showcased roasted and marinated vegetables with herbed polenta and balsamic glaze.
For dessert, Chef Albert prepared a cake to celebrate Marco’s birthday. The almond sponge layered with berry compote and vanilla frosting was a heartfelt nod to the honoree and a sweet finale for 230 guests
Teamwork, Grace, and a Golden Hour
Hosting dinner outdoors always brings a touch of unpredictability. On this warm and humid September evening, both the Wave Hill and Great Performances teams worked in unison to ensure a seamless experience for guests. Captains Kadijah, Dan, Massiel, and Archie, along with Chef Andrei, led with calm precision and constant communication, keeping everything running smoothly.
“Everything from set-up to the actual event happened so fluidly. And our guests had a beautiful time!”
— Ray Oladapo Johnson, Wave Hill
Just as the silent auction began, the gardens glowed in the soft light of golden hour, casting a warm hue over the evening and setting the perfect tone for celebration.
“Thank you for helping create such a perfect evening! Everything was delicious, and even
Martha Stewart complimented the food — nothing I can say can top that!”
— Barbara Giordano, Wave Hill
A Shared Love of Place
“I love Wave Hill and all it represents — beautiful grounds, community, and a tranquil spot in this crazy world. I’m so pleased to work with them and assist in creating beautiful events.”
— Victoria Traegler, Event Director, Great Performances
The 2025 Wave Hill Gardeners’ Party reflected the harmony between nature, artistry, and collaboration. From the vibrant gardens to the thoughtful details, it was a celebration of the people and partnerships that make Wave Hill a truly special place — honoring its past, celebrating its present, and looking ahead to the next sixty years of beauty and inspiration.
Photo Credit: Erica Berger
At Great Performances, our mission is simple yet profound: to unleash joy with genuine hospitality. Every event we produce is more than just food and service — it’s a reflection of our ethos, our values, and our commitment to creating spaces where people can connect, dream, and share ideas. That’s why moments of recognition and gratitude, like the heartfelt note below, matter so much. They remind us of the deeper purpose behind what we do and how meaningful partnerships shape our work.
The following thank you note captures the spirit of our collaboration with Food Tank during Climate Week — a time when food, sustainability, and community came together in an extraordinary way. We’re honored to share it, because it reflects who we are, what we strive for, and the joy that hospitality can bring.
Lauren, Jenell, April and Liz,
I don’t have words to properly thank the four of you for last week.
Our partnership is truly one of the most special we have with anyone, anywhere.
Thank you for aligning so deeply with our values and sharing our vision. For co-creating a truly astonishing week of culinary experiences, programming, and culture that has no parallel at Climate Week. Thank you for not only embracing the wild ideas we bring your way, but for bringing us your own equally exciting ones to weave in. It’s a dream to have partners we trust so deeply, who are so interconnected with our goals.
I hope we’ll continue dreaming together creating even more events in New York City that bring both light and space for our food and agriculture movements to debate, share ideas, and organize in this (to put it mildly) challenging environment. Food Tank has become the big tent, a home for that, and it is in no small part thanks to you all for making every event we do here feel inviting, special, and like home. People say what makes our Climate Week events different was how much love, passion, and joy goes into every we co-curate. They see that in the care, thought, and mission that goes into every single bite of food that is served.
We threw a crazy week at you haha and honestly it just couldn’t have gone smoother. I realize that the days were long and hard and also in the middle of the High Holidays. Thanks for staying by our side unwaveringly through it all.
Onwards to the next one!
All our love,
This note is more than gratitude — it’s a reflection of the kind of meaningful partnerships that drive us at Great Performances. We’re proud to co-create with Food Tank and grateful for the opportunity to help advance important conversations around food, agriculture, and sustainability.
Want to learn more? Read our other reflections on Food Tank here: The Magic of the Movement: Recapping Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025
Food Tank at Climate Week | Jerome L. Green Performance Space | Lauren Tregor, Senior Event Director
What a magnificent week! From September 21st through September 26th, the spirit of food and climate action converged in New York City, and we were absolutely thrilled to be a central part of the energy at Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025. Bringing together over 300 passionate leaders, celebrated chefs, dedicated farmers, and Broadway performers at WNYC-NPR Studios’ The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space was an experience nothing short of inspiring.
The atmosphere was one of palpable hope and urgent action, a vibrant reminder that the solutions to the climate crisis are already growing in our fields and flourishing in our kitchens.
A Taste of the Future: The Culinary Experience
The crucial conversations were fueled by incredible hospitality, courtesy of our partners. The receptions and meals throughout the week were a culinary reflection of the sustainable, high-quality food system we were celebrating. Guests enjoyed an array of exceptional bites and craft cocktails, featuring the very ingredients and producers central to the movement.
Attendees grazed on beautiful spreads, including a curated Cheese Board from Organic Valley and Niman Ranch Charcuterie. Lighter fare like fresh Crudité, savory Lobster Rolls, and Shrimp Cocktail offered a refreshing counterpoint to heartier dishes like Prosciutto-wrapped Dates with Niman Ranch Bacon. Standout items included the innovative Black Bean Taquitos from Sean Sherman and the elegantly prepared Forbidden Rice Pavé with Smoked Salmon, showcasing Lundberg Black Pearl Rice. The drinks were equally spirited, with guests sipping on sophisticated options like the Makers Mark Sour and the adventurous Bourbon Chamoy Cocktail.
Key Moments from the Stage
Hope, Regeneration, and Deliciousness
The week launched with the deeply moving, sold-out evening arts session: “Hope on a Plate: An Interactive Celebration of Regenerative Agriculture and Shared Possibility”. This multi-sensory journey brought regenerative farming to life, with ideas shared by luminaries like Chef Dan Barber and Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel.
Later that week, the sold-out “Roadmap to a Delicious, Nutritious, and Regenerative Food Future for All” brought incredible visionaries like Chef Rasmus Munk and the essential voice of author Mark Bittman to the stage to sketch out the blueprint for a better system.
Broadway Meets the Backyard
The arts sessions were truly spectacular. Monday night’s arts session, “The Performing Arts Light the Way: A Climate Week Celebration,” featured the joy and activism of Pattie Gonia and the soaring talent of Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence.
We were also thrilled to premiere a special workshop reading of the new play, “Catalyst Coffee,” on Tuesday, pulling us into the human drama of the food system. A fascinating talkback with the celebrated investigative journalist Eric Schlosser made for a powerful and unforgettable close.
During a panel called “Chefs Change the World”, hosted by Food Tank and in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and Organic Valley, our founder, Liz, spoke about the power of connection and the deep need for it now. “Right now, the biggest job for us is finding those moments of hope. We have to see other people, we have to listen to them.”
Celebrating Our Stewards
The week was beautifully grounded in a profound respect for those who steward the land. Our sold-out Tuesday session, “Keeping Farmers on the Land,” celebrated the enduring work of farm communities with the indispensable perspective of Chef Alice Waters. We then closed the week with a heartfelt and well-deserved tribute at “A Night Honoring Our Farmers,” a wonderful final evening of storytelling.
The spirit of this landmark week—of collaboration, creativity, and deep commitment—will fuel our movement forward. Thank you to every speaker, performer, partner, and attendee who made Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025 such a resounding success.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
Every day at Food Tank 2025 started with nourishing staples and carried through with lunches, snacks, and receptions designed to bring people together. Here’s a look at the daily offerings that kept everyone fueled and inspired throughout the week.
Breakfast: Bakery basket, gluten-free/vegan pastries, parfaits, fresh berries, Forager Project yogurts (donated), Conagra peach cups (donated), coffee (Kiss the Ground, donated), milk & dairy (Organic Valley, donated)
Lunch: Packaged half sandwiches & wraps, rotating salads (wild rice, quinoa, orzo, greens), AFFI green beans (donated), Farmers Fridge assorted bowls (donated), Certified Origins olive oil & balsamic vinegar (donated)
Afternoon Break: Mozzarella sticks, rice crisps, Quinn snacks, FAVES candy, Babybel Plant-Based Cheese snacks (donated), Bear’s Fruit beverages (donated), protein balls
Reception: Cheese board, charcuterie, crudité with dips (Little Sesame hummus, Certified Origins pesto/artichoke dip, taralli crackers — donated), assorted crackers, passed hors d’oeuvres (Forbidden Rice Pave, Avocado Toast, Lobster Roll, Shrimp Cocktail, Fy Mushroom Bites)
Sunday (Sept 21)
Sticky Rice with Tuna Tartare
Huitlacoche Waffles with Salmon, Quail Eggs, Macha
Pureed Koginut Squash
Monday (Sept 22)
Black Bean Taquito (Sean Sherman)
Tuesday (Sept 23)
Brie & Green Apple Tea Sandwich
Cucumber & Watercress Tea Sandwich
Turkey Breast & Swiss Tea Sandwich
Wednesday (Sept 24)
Mushroom “Pulled Pork” Crostini
Mushroom Mix Burger Slider
Pork Meatball with Pasta Sauce
Tomato Gazpacho
Pineapple & Black Bean Salad
Oishii Berry Cake Bite
Thursday (Sept 25)
Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar
Ginger & Sesame Prawns
Tamari Ginger Tuna Poke
Tilapia Taco
Cloudy Donuts
Seaweed & Cucumber Salad
Vegetable Crudité (seasonal mix)
Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates with Gorgonzola
Friday (Sept 26)
Miniature Brownie
Assorted Mini Cookies (Oatmeal, Cappuccino, Chocolate Chip, Sweet Potato, Coconut Toffee)
OATLY Vanilla Ice Cream Cups
Kerry Dairy Protein Ball
Camouflage by Ai Weiwei Opening | Four Freedoms Park | Linda Abbey, Senior Vice President
Great Performances was honored to once again partner with Four Freedoms Park, a cultural nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy, for the opening of Ai Weiwei’s Camouflage installation. As a long-term and trusted catering partner for the park, GP helped create a welcoming, contemporary cocktail reception that complemented the powerful art on view. For Linda Abbey — who has been with GP since its earliest days and who has a deep admiration for Ai Weiwei — the event was especially meaningful.
Have you ever taken the tram at 59th Street? It is quite thrilling to ascend over the East River to Roosevelt Island, and the ride is always much too short. What awaits on the Island, however, is the magnificent and evocative Four Freedoms Park — the bucolic four-acre memorial to Franklin D. Roosevelt celebrating the Four Freedoms he articulated in his 1941 State of the Union address: the freedoms of speech and worship, and the freedoms from want and fear.
While the Park itself is inviting with stunning views of Manhattan’s East Side, it is currently even more so with Camouflage, an art installation by activist Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. The exhibit is his “personal commentary on what is unfolding politically and culturally in our time.” Sections of the park are covered with camouflage netting intended to provoke discussion about the current administration’s efforts to shape public discourse. Visitors are encouraged to participate by writing wishes on ribbons that are then attached to the netting.
The camouflage, however, has a whimsical touch. Look closely and you will see patterns of cats — and, if you have the patience, a single dog. It is intentionally not military, as that pattern implies harm. Instead, the cat motif pays homage to the cat rescue shelter near the park. “I believe you can judge a society’s humanity by how it treats animals,” the artist explained. The exhibit runs through November 10th.
This year, the opening reception returned to the park after several years at 620 Loft & Garden. The directive — guided by Howard Axel, CEO of Four Freedoms Park and a longtime friend of GP — was to create the feel of a contemporary art opening. Howard envisioned a lively, cocktail-style evening that matched the vibrancy of the exhibit. Great Performances designed a passed hors d’oeuvres and bar menu that was balanced, seasonal, and celebratory.
The weather was perfect, the art was inspiring, and the company was delightful. At one point, I ran into an old colleague from my days managing a GP venue, who later wrote to say how delicious the food was — and even asked GP to cater a personal event. These moments always remind me how food, art, and community intersect in meaningful ways.
Great Performances has partnered with Four Freedoms Park for many years, supporting this cultural landmark with thoughtful hospitality that enhances its art, architecture, and views. It was a privilege to help bring this extraordinary evening to life.
Event Gallery
Event Menu
Mushroom Mole Taco (Vegan, GF)
Burrata Peperonata Tart (Vegetarian)
Peruvian Potato Cup with Comté Fondue (Vegetarian, GF)
Smoked Salmon Napoleon with Horseradish Cream and Dill
Coconut Shrimp with Apricot Mustard
BBQ Short Rib with Roasted Poblano and Stone Ground Grits
Reuben Fritters with Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese & Russian Dressing
Pulled Poblano Lime Chicken with Crisp Grits Cake, Pickled Shallot & Ricotta Salata
Raspberry Hibiscus Mule (Vodka, Raspberry, Hibiscus, Ginger Beer)