THE SYLVIA CENTER'S 14TH ANNUAL SUMMER CELEBRATION AT KATCHKIE FARM
By Great Performances
Each year, we’re honored to plan and cater The Sylvia Center’s summer benefit at Katchkie Farm. Over the years, the event has evolved, most recently becoming a farm-to-picnic-table (or blanket!) celebration in the Learning Garden at the farm. This year, 250 people attended and were able to enjoy the beauty of our farm from the fields full of summer vegetables and sunflowers to the Learning Garden framed by the rolling Catskills on one side and woods on the other.
With a menu curated by Chef Georgette Farkas and featuring ingredients sourced directly from the fields, it was a delicious event that highlighted the best of summer flavors. Read on to learn more about the experience. To donate to The Sylvia Center and learn more about future events, visit their website by clicking here.
It was a beautifully warm, sunny day in July, and one could feel the anticipation and excitement as guests walked along the path (or rode in one of the golf carts!) flanked by fields of sunflowers. As guests registered for the event and bought raffle tickets, happy chatter turned to exclamations and warm hugs as familiar faces were spotted and friends reunited. The Sylvia Center Executive Director Jonathan Cetnarski was on hand along with CEO and Founder of Great Performances, Liz Neumark, to meet guests and towards the registration table Guests were greeted at the registration table by The Sylvia Center team, including Executive Director Jonathan Cetnarski, and by Liz Neumark, CEO and Founder of Great Performances. After registering and joining the raffle, they proceeded to the food tent where they picked up their picnic bags and headed to the Learning Garden where there was plenty of space to spread out and enjoy their feast. Drinks were served under the shade of the Pavilion, which also hosts the pizza oven we used last year. This year, Rafi Bildner brought his Hilltown Hot Pies pizza truck and served his pizzas – always a fan favorite!
Delicious food highlighting the best that summer in New York has to offer was packed in cooler bags that guests picked up on their way to their tables. The menu included fresh, flavorful foods like NY Collection of Cheese & Charcuterie, Dried Apricots, Assorted Flatbreads; Gazpacho; Parker House Rolls (cultured local butter); Sweet Pepper Roast Chicken (cippolini onions, smoked paprika aioli); Corn and Cherry Tomato Succotash (edamame, swiss chard, feta cheese, roasted sunflower seeds, lemon-basil miso vinaigrette); Roasted Sweet Yellow Peppers (cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers, anchovy, yellow raisins, basil); Watermelon & Radish Salad – featuring both watermelon and watermelon radishes – (kale, cucumber, black beans, ginger lime vinaigrette); Lemon Grilled Baby Zucchini (whole wheat apricot couscous); our fan favorite Eggplant Chermoula; and Peach – Blackberry Crumble Bars.
As a special thank you to our guests, Farmer Jon picked cherry tomatoes fresh from the fields and we paired them with a savory basil parmesan pesto.
Rafi Bildner debuted his Hilltown Hot Pies pizza truck and served made-to-order Neapolitan style pizza with his own artisanal, wild-yeasted dough featuring produce picked from the farm and local cheeses and meats.
About Great Performances
Founded in 1980 as an event waitress service for women in the arts who wanted a flexible way to supplement their income, GP has grown into one of the country’s leading catering and events companies In addition to working with partners like the Plaza Hotel, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum, the Apollo Theater, and Wave Hill, Great Performances promotes sustainable food practices through its organic farm in Upstate New York and offers emerging artist scholarships to service staff.
In 2019, Great Performances moved to The Bronx. Six months later, Covid-19 hit New York and the entire city shut down. GP transformed its kitchens, almost overnight, to begin providing meals for those most in need: senior citizens, the food insecure, and hospital and healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
As New York is reopening, Great Performances opened the doors to its new kitchens in Mott Haven where it creates delicious food for a wide variety of events. Click here to see some sample menus.
GP is actively looking for new people to join their team. If you’re looking or know someone who is, check out our most recent listings or contact HR.
The Dish Blog
Blog
A Note of Gratitude: Celebrating Our Partnership with Food Tank
A heartfelt thank you note captures the spirit of our partnership with Food Tank during Climate Week — celebrating food, culture, and genuine hospitality.
Blog
The Magic of the Movement: Recapping Food Tank at Climate Week NYC 2025
Jump to Gallery Jump to Menu Food Tank at Climate Week | Jerome L. Green Performance Space | Lauren Tregor, Senior Event Director What a
Blog
October 2025 Food Festival: Cauliflower
Cauliflower shines in this comforting October recipe. Our chef’s cauliflower ragu is gently simmered with onion, rosemary, and butter until it melts into a savory sauce that’s perfect for pasta night.
Blog
Spooky & Spectacular: Halloween Events Around New York
Celebrate Halloween 2025 in New York City with Great Performances’ partner venues. From BAM’s festive block party to mask-making at Poster House and family fun at Wave Hill, discover the best spooky events this season.
Blog
Exciting Events Around New York – October 2025
At Great Performances, our story began as a waitress service for women in the arts. Today, we are proud to be the exclusive caterer for
Blog
A Food Tour of Paris and Bordeaux
Six days, two cities, countless croissants. From Paris to Bordeaux, Morgan shares food highlights and how global dining shapes her work as an Event Director.
Watermelon Cucumber Tonic
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Taste your watermelon. A pinch of salt can help bring out the flavors and, if it’s not sweet enough, feel free to add a pinch of sugar, especially if you’re going to combine it with soda water.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC
Although this Watermelon Cucumber Tonic is a bit more complicated than some other cocktails, we think it’s worth it to prepare the juice from scratch. As a shortcut, you can purchase watermelon juice and use Hendricks Gin to get some of the cucumber flavors. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the cocktail together nicely.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)
2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled
1 1/4 cups of gin
Garnish
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Watermelon wedges
Procedure
- Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
- Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water and gin, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.
ZERO PROOF WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC
If you’ve already prepared the watermelon cucumber juice for the above version, you can use any remaining here. Alternatively, you could purchase watermelon juice from the grocery store. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the drink together nicely.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)
2 1/2 cups tonic water or soda water, chilled
Garnish
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Watermelon wedges
Procedure
- Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
- Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water or soda water, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.
Rosemary Salty Dog
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Rosemary can be a potent herb and we enjoy it’s distinctive woodsy/piney scent which compliments the grapefruit in this cocktail. We don’t want to overpower the cocktail, which is why we’re not muddling it as we typically do with other herbs in cocktails.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
ROSEMARY SALTY DOG
Ingredients
1 ½ oz gin
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz red grapefruit juice
- ½ inch rosemary sprig
Garnish
- Sprig of rosemary
- Salt
Procedure
Rim a martini glass with salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and rosemary sprig. Shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary
ZERO PROOF ROSEMARY SALTY DOG
Ingredients
½ inch sprig rosemary
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz red grapefruit juice
- Club soda
Garnish
- Sprig of rosemary
- Salt
Procedure
Rim a highball glass with salt and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine rosemary, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice and shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Strawberry Mint Caipirinha
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
When you’re muddling ingredients, make sure you press down and twist to extract maximum essential oils and juices. Adding granulated sugar can also help break down the ingredients.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
- 4 Fresh strawberries
- 5 Mint leaves – torn
- 2 dashes simple syrup
Garnish
- Sprig of mint
Procedure
Place the strawberries and mint leaves in a shaker and muddle well. Add Leblon Cachaça, simple syrup and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a highball glass.
ZERO PROOF STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA
Ingredients
- 4 fresh strawberries
- 5 mint leaves – torn
- 2 dashes simple syrup
- Strawberry Perrier
Garnish
- Sprig of mint
Procedure
Place the strawberries, mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a high ball glass and muddle well. Top with Strawberry Perrier, stir gently to combine, and garnis with a sprig of mint.
You’ve got pressing questions, we’ve rounded up experts to give you answers!
GP Talks: The Future of Fundraising Events
The world has changed. Events and galas, a major source of fundraising for non-profits, have been cancelled leaving organizations wondering what to do.
We’ve assembled a panel of leaders from notable non-profits to discuss the current situation, how they communicate with their sponsors and donors, ways they can continue fundraising efforts, and if and how they will have in-person events in the future.
The panel:
-
Aliza Ameer – Alzheimer’s Association, Director of Relationship Events
-
Stephanie Astic – Astic Productions Founder, President and Chief Development Strategist
-
Bryant Bradshaw – City Parks Foundation, Director of Individual Giving and Special Events
-
Abigail DeAtley – Planned Parenthood, Vice President of Individual Giving and Events
-
Tamar C. Podell – Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Chief Development Officer
-
Brian Ricklin – Creative Art Works, Executive Director and CEO
Moderated by Linda Abbey, Great Performances, Executive Vice President
Complete the form below to access the webinar.
By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails from Great Performances. We do not share your email and you may unsubscribe at any time.
By Great Performances
Our 11th Annual Latke Festival benefiting The Sylvia Center proved to be even more exciting than previous years’ festivals! With 25 latkes spanning the globe of flavors from Colombian to Vietnamese and toppings ranging from the traditional apple to the innovative—and timely—Impossible Burger, our guests were dazzled and our judges were challenged to select the best offerings. After much tasting and deliberation, the judges announced eight winners across six categories.
Most Creative Latke (tie)
Chef Bao Bao, Baoburg: Okonomiyaki Latke, Japanese style octopus potato pancake topped with sweet soy sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes
Jewish Food Society contest winner, Sasha Shorr: Russian Latke, smoked white fish and potato latke, horseradish sour cream, caviar
Best Vegetarian Latke
Chef Dima Martseniuk, Veselka: Veggie Reuben Latke / Smoked Ham Reuben Latke, homemade sauerkraut, homemade Russian dressing, Swiss cheese
Best Traditional Latke
Chef Sarah Flynn, Yellow Magnolia Cafe and Patina Events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: The Classic Potato Latke, whiskey braised apples, horseradish creme fraiche, chives
Best Newcomer Latke
Chef David Burke, David Burke Tavern: Horseradish & Caraway Latke, pastrami smoked salmon
People’s Choice Best Latke (tie)
Chef Dima Martseniuk, Veselka: Veggie Reuben Latke / Smoked Ham Reuben Latke, homemade sauerkraut, homemade Russian dressing, Swiss cheese
Chef Vanay Coffey, The Bankers Club at 120 Broadway: Sweet Potato Latke, marshmallow brulee
Overall Best Latke
Chef Albert Nguyen, Hanoi House: Sweet Potato and Shrimp Fritter
Complementing these delicious and often-fried variations on the traditional Hanukkah dish were a number of other delightful treats including Jacob’s Pickles and Orwasher’s sufganiyot, two perennial favorites; Pearl Street Caviar; and My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream. Guests washed down the food with GuS’ Soda, wines provided by City Winery, and specialty cocktails featuring Angel’s Envy Bourbon and Grey Goose Vodka.
Although the food was a large part of the event, the main focus was raising money for The Sylvia Center. This year, we raised the more money at the Latke Festival than we had in previous years, with five times the amount of text-to-donate donations from the previous year!
Check out the Latke Festival website for more information including photos, press, and the full list of sponsors, participants and judges. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our 2020 Latke Festival scheduled for Monday, December 14!
By The Sylvia Center
It’s almost for the 11th Annual Latke Festival, where guests indulge in a wide variety of creative and delectable latkes from eateries and restaurants all across New York City. Students from The Sylvia Center will create latkes that are representative of their community and use the skills they learned in the kitchen, while adding a healthy twist.
The potato latke is incredibly versatile and fun to experiment with simply by adding different ingredients for taste and texture. Creating a latke that could win the best and most creative is a challenge the students are thrilled to participate in to showcase their skills and celebrate diversity.
All proceeds from the Latke Festival help fund The Sylvia Center programs in New York City, which teach young people real skills in the kitchen that they can use to make healthy choices.
The ultimate celebration of latke takes place on Monday, December 16th, 2019 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at The Brooklyn Museum. The latkes—sweet or savory, healthy or indulgent, classic or innovative—will be enjoyed by more than 700 food enthusiasts, including a curated panel of celebrity judges, partners and press, at one of the most delicious events of the year.
Mark your calendars and get your tickets today!
By Great Performances
the Sylvia Center
12th Annual Farm Dinner: Where Cooking Grows
Saturday, July 13, 2019
In the fields of Katchkie Farm, The Sylvia Center hosted its 12th annual Farm Dinner: Where Cooking Grows that shares the fresh and local ingredients of the summer’s bounty. New and old friends enjoyed delectable hor d’oeuvres, refreshing cocktails and a stunning dinner curated by Great Performances. During cocktail hour, The Sylvia Center’s teens from Philmont Cooperative presented their bruschetta recipes in the Learning Garden. The bruschetta recipes, made by the teens, highlighted their culinary and nutrition skills from the 12-week program that explored various ingredients and cooking methods.
Zoë Jansen, a teen student from the Sylvia Center, took the stage and spoke about her experience with the program. The classes not only offered nutrition and healthy eating lessons, but they also explored activities and topics beyond cooking. She was able to learn about important topics such as food access and food security, teach a sample class with her peers and create recipes for the event. She spoke about her change in attitude for food preparation and how inspirational it is to try new dishes, techniques and ingredients.
Farm Dinner is a wonderful summer event that supports nutrition education and youth development for children, teenagers and families in Columbia County so that they can be inspired and inspire others to eat healthily and lead positive lives.
Brooklyn Museum
Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion
July 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020
In July, The Norm at Brooklyn Museum unveiled its newest experience, Maxim’s at The Norm, as part of the Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion exhibit. The menu, designed by executive chef and Michelin-star recipient Saul Bolton and chef de cuisine Andy Mejias, features seasonal dishes inspired by the food at Maxim’s de Paris, Pierre Cardin’s restaurant in Paris. Guests can also enjoy a 3-course prix fixe meal featuring modern interpretations of French classics from the Maxim’s de Paris cookbook.
Custom hand-crafted cocktails designed by Loriana Sanabria take their inspiration from the art of Pierre Cardin and pay homage to different stages of Pierre Cardin’s life, from his time as a tailor at House of Dior with Tailor’s White Sangria, to his work designing for NASA with the non-alcoholic Fashionable Astronaut.
The restaurant, which has been redecorated in the style of Maxim’s de Paris with deep burgundy and gold, opened to positive reviews by the press.
Photo Credits: ©Georgi Richardson, ©Chip Klose
By Sarah Prawl
With the official arrival of summer, The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts pulled out all the stops to create memorable experiences for their guests.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America
2019 CFDA Fashion Awards
Monday, June 3, 2019
The night started with an indoor/outdoor cocktail party where guests enjoyed Goat Cheese Bon Bons and Toasted Tomato Tarts. Once inside, they enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring Salad Shirazi with Cucumber, Beet-Pickled Red Onion, Mint, Parsley and Lemon Vinaigrette; Eggplant Chermoula with Agave Roasted Eggplant, Cauliflower Couscous, Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Crispy Chickpeas. During the award ceremony, guests enjoyed Champagne Truffles, Raspberry Hibiscus Cheesecake and Lemon Drop Bretons for dessert.
CARAMOOR
Caramoor Opening Night Gala 2019
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Caramoor celebrated the start of their 2019 season with gorgeous weather, delicious food and amazing entertainment. The Gala’s 400 guests were greeted with “Loopy Doopy” Ice Pop cocktails and delicious food stations, which include our Growing Season Vegetable Crudité and Cheese for the Growing Season stations. After the reception, Susan and Peter Gottsegen were honored for their long time dedication and contributions to Caramoor’s programs, followed by a delicious three-course dinner. The meal featured Spinach and Pink Lentil Salad with Radish and Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette; Grilled Branzino with Cured Tomato Relish and Tuscan Olive Oil; and a Chocolate Caramelia Parfait with Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Mousse and Caramelia Soft Ganache.
After dinner, guests made their way to the Venetian theater for a premium concert, featuring the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, followed by an After Dark post-performance party, and dancing under the stars.
Check out their calendar and enjoy the magic of Caramoor with their incredible line up of music, festivals and events.