By Executive Chef Geoff Rudaw
Just as fall brings the excitement of the first leaves crunching on the ground and the smell of pumpkin spice in the air, spring welcomes the first blooms on the trees, accompanied by heaping helpings of asparagus, berries and sweet iced drinks.
This spring, I am happy to add some of my favorite dishes to the menu: Lemon Parmesan Fettuccini, Marinated French Chicken Breast, Five-Spice Striped Bass and The Mighty Vegetable Flight.
Lemon Parmesan Fettuccini
The flavors here are inspired by the very simple (yet delicious) Spaghetti A Limone dish, which I enjoyed during my visit to Rome. My twist on this classic is very spring forward, with asparagus, english peas and mushrooms tossed in a lemony cream sauce.
Marinated French Chicken Breast
Our Marinated French Chicken Breast is a pre-settable entrée that takes on a south western flavor profile. When I first had Great Performances’ Pumpkin Seed and Poblano Crema entreé, I loved it, and built this dish around it since poblanos are by far my favorite pepper these days; we also spiked the corn salad with poblanos and cooled off the dish with a heirloom cherry tomato salad, embellished with cilantro and sherry vinaigrette. For the garnish, we start with a roasted tomato vinaigrette, with a touch of smoky chipotle peppers for a gentle heat, and finish with spiced pepitas, which are baked with lime juice for extra flavor.
Five-Spice Striped Bass
Our Five-Spiced Striped Bass is another favorite for this season. We use a fresh five-spiced blend crafted by the Le Sanctuaire team and source wild ocean striped bass for this dish. I love the Okinawa sweet potatoes for their rich profile, delicate mineral flavor and amazing color. We also added sesame snow peas, toasted sesame seeds and finish off with a sweet soy and Shiitake glaze. This dish was the last dish I created for this season, but it has become one of my favorites.
The Mighty Vegetable Flight
This dish is the ultimate vegetable tasting plate, featuring elements from The Plaza’s classic hits such as the “Beet Ravioli,” the honey roasted baby carrots from the “Arctic Char and Spinach Bavarois” and the onion petal cup from the “Beef Entrecôte”.
By Kelsey Butler
Each year, the Plaza’s Grand Ballroom springs to life with thousands of orchids of all colors for the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner. This year’s 17th Annual Orchid Show was themed “Singapore,” and Executive Chef Geoff Rudaw and our culinary team created dishes inspired by the theme. The appetizer was a custom version of the very popular Vegetables and Pearls, complete with carrot-sesame purée, shaved baby beets, radishes, sorrel, dragon fruit and soy beans. The meal continued with an entrée of Chicken Breast Rendang that guests heartily enjoyed, followed by alternating desserts of Alphonso Mango Panna Cotta and Yuzu Cheesecake Bamboo.
Throughout the day, designers flooded in, armed with orchids, custom seat covers, and stunning décor, to transform each table into a different floral wonderland. This is my favorite gala of the season because each table was unique. Each one showcased the designers’ personal flavor and flare through the centerpieces, candlelight and glassware.
As guests arrived in floral, sparkly, gorgeous gowns, they were greeted with custom Singapore Sling cocktails complete with Botanist Gin infused with orchids! After a cocktail hour where guests were able to purchase and bid on rare orchids, they were invited into the Grand Ballroom to be amazed by the beautiful tables. The Orchid Gala is always one for the books; enjoy a sample of some of my personal favorite tables!
GrowNYC's 'Concord Crush' Happy Hour at Project Farmhouse
By Liz Neumark
FRIDAY NIGHT AT PROJECT FARMHOUSE WAS A BACCHANALIAN TRIBUTE TO THE CONCORD GRAPE!
According to GrowNYC: “New York State is the second largest producer of Concord Grapes in the United States. Not only are Concords grown in the ‘Grape Belt’ across Lake Erie significant to New York State’s vibrant agricultural composition, they are crucial to the economic stability of communities there. They are also delicious!
To revitalize this iconic Northeastern fruit, Greenmarket has reached out to some of the best chefs, restaurants, and mixologists in New York City. Throughout the month of October, Greenmarket highlighted Concord grapes, as well as the delicious dishes (from appetizers to desserts) and drinks created in New York City restaurants, and capped off the month with a ‘ConcordCrush’ Happy Hour at Project Farmhouse on October 26th, where New Yorkers sampled Concord-infused cuisine.”
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Representing Great Performances (or shall we say Grape Performances!) were Chefs Monica Ng and Saul Bolton.
Chef Monica, who is the Executive Pastry Chef for the company and oversees the creation of countless desserts, breads and treats daily, created a Concord Grape Marble Cheesecake. Chef Saul, Michelin Starred for his landmark restaurant in Brooklyn and oversees, The Norm at Brooklyn Museum for the company, created a Terrine of layered Hudson Valley Duck Rillets, Smoked Breast and Foie Gras served with Concord Grape Gelee, Concord Grape Raisins and toasted sweet-salty Walnuts.
Photo Credit: ©Amanda Gentile
BEAUTY, BOMBSHELLS AND BRAZILIANS
By Jennifer Machen
BRAZIL, THE LARGEST COUNTRY IN BOTH SOUTH AMERICA AND LATIN AMERICA, CHOSE THE PLAZA TO HOLD THEIR 2018 GALA.
The Plaza is notorious for lavish affairs, and these Brazilian Bombshells seriously raised the bar. One by one, the glamorous guests dressed in brilliantly colored gowns adorned with feathers, beads, and extravagant accessories, immediately became the focal point of the event. They entered the Grand Ballroom Foyer through a rainbow of umbrellas, unveiling a festive flow of celebratory cocktails, delicious Hors d’oeuvres, including the famous Brazilian Cheese Bread, Pão de Queijo. Guests bid on rainforest and Amazonian pieces as well as inspirational art to raise money for the fearless Brazil Foundation.
The room was filled with beautiful woman and yet three very special and very tall ladies stood out especially. Gracing the guests (as well as the ceiling), these stunning “tall women” (on stilts) perfectly captured the fun essence of the evening. Dressed as flowers, they danced and breezed through cocktail hour and made Instagram moments for all, including the many Victoria’s Secret Models that were in attendance. Pictures were captured, glasses were passed, and the sociable crowd at the cocktail hour began to trickle into the Grand Ballroom.
A Brigadero Sweets table, 18 feet long and dressed to the nines, graced the Grand Ballroom upon entrance, as it does in Brazilian homes when they have guests over. Bentley Meeker designed a lighting scheme that filled the room with ambiance, inhabited the feel of the event, and enhanced the beauty of the guests. The green floral arrangements were fitting and transported the space to the rainforest. The incomparable Chef Geoff Rudaw specially designed classic upscale Brazilian fair and served a decadent Cashew Crusted Branzino with Coconut Rice, Mango Salsa, and Sweet Plantains. Devoured by the 450 guests, the plates were cleared and everyone danced the night away.
Would be remiss to not mention the beyond handsome, very famous Actor Cauã Reymond (the Brad Pitt of Brazil, if you will) who caused a photo frenzy on the red carpet and stole the hearts of every woman in the room…as well as some men (AKA our very own Mr. Manners).
What a Plaza Party.
VENUES TO EXPERIENCE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES THIS SUMMER!
By Sarah Prawl
FROM INTIMATE TO LARGE SCALE, NEW YORK CITY IS HOME TO A MULTITUDE OF MUSIC VENUES THAT SHOWCASE EXCEPTIONAL LOCAL AND WIDESPREAD TALENT.
Great Performances is proud to partner with several musical institutions and venues which not only offer a wide range of musical entertainment all summer long but also serve as the perfect location for your next event!
APOLLO THEATER
Located in the heart of Harlem, off of 125th Street, the legendary Apollo Theater has housed some of the most talented musicians from around the world since 1934. From Aretha Franklin, to James Brown, to The Jackson 5, the Apollo is the true definition of a musical institution and paved the way for emerging and established African-American and Latino performers.
This summer, discover new artists every Wednesday during “Amateur Night”. For more information take a look at their calendar.
FREDERICK P. ROSE HALL AT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
Located in the heart of Columbus Circle, Frederick P. Rose Hall is the home of Jazz at Lincoln Center and the world’s first performing arts facility designed specifically for jazz. It contains three venues which offer an array of musical entertainment throughout the week as well as fantastic views of Central Park.
Enjoy sultry melodies all summer long at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola while indulging in a delicious meal from their new Summer Menu. To see Jazz at Lincoln Center’s calendar of events, click here.
GOVERNORS ISLAND
Located in the Upper New York Bay, Governors Island is a mini oasis from the busy Manhattan scene. Governors Island hosts an array of large scale events throughout the year, until the end of their program season, which falls on October 31st this year. The 13th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party and Rite of Summer are two of their biggest musical programs this summer and tickets are still available! To learn more about their upcoming events, click here.
Photo Credits: ©POLARIS, ©Amanda Gentile
THE PLAZA’S ROYAL WEDDING WEEKEND
By Emily Reifel
The Royal Wedding Of Ms. Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Was Worldwide News That Really Was So Exciting To Watch, Especially Being In The Wedding Industry Myself!
When the news first broke of the engagement I started thinking about how we at The Plaza Hotel were going to celebrate! What unfolded was pretty incredible. Rachel Jo Silver first contacted me in December of last year with an idea to host a Royal Wedding viewing party! We then looped in the talented Ariana Swerdlin and Maureen Farley from The Plaza’s PR and Hospitality events team! After months of planning and brainstorming, the Royal Wedding Weekend arrived!
On Friday, May 17th, The Plaza hosted over 90 bloggers, influencers and press to come to The Royal Wedding Rehearsal Dinner. Guests started the evening in of course The Royal Suite in the hotel and were treated to Krug champagne and afternoon tea inspired canapés alongside some really cute activities! Kleinfeld’s had setup a Tiara Bar so guests could really get into their inner Duchess spirt! There were even Corgies to play with that are the same dogs that the Queen calls her own! Andre Maier who is a photographer set up a royal portrait station and took photos of all the guests in the same style of Cecil Beaton who shot many of the English Royal portraits! The guests loved every minute of it!
Soon the guests made their way down to The Terrace Room where the super chic and talented Jung Lee of Fete had designed a gorgeous dinner perfectly fit for royalty! Large candelabras were overflowing with stunning roses and peonies! It’s was dreamy and romantic! Alpine Creative who designed the invitations for the whole event has also printed the menu cards with these same beautiful flowers incorporated into the design. Our own Chef Geoff Rudaw has created a perfectly British menu that included Dover Sole as the entree!
As Guests sat down for dinner they were in awe of the Room and the beautiful classical music prepared by Michael Hart of Hank Lane! Soon Rachel Jo Silver of Love Stories TV introduced herself as the Toast Master of the evening. We had invited 10 “celebrities” in the wedding industry to give toasts on their thoughts about different aspects of The Royal Wedding. There were lots of laughs as Marcy Blum wedding planner extraordinaire, Ron Ben Israel wedding cake designer to the starts, The Plaza’s own etiquette expert Myka Meier, and of course the creative Jung Lee wedding and event designer! Each one spoke on what to expect and Meghan and Harry’s royal nuptials the next morning! After each toast we all raised a glass in the royal couples honor and sipped our delicious Krug champagne.
As the last and final toast of the evening by our very own Director of Catering, Mike Warren was wrapping up, Mike introduced a super star performance! Lights dimmed and Sir Elton John (or so we thought) started singing from a Grand Piano! As he belted “Tiny Dancer” the guests started to realize that Sir Elton wasn’t really here but his impersonator couldn’t have been better!
As the night came to a close guests picked up their Royal Portraits and headed to bed because we all had a very very early morning the next day.
The next day the alarm went off at 5 AM! I arrived to the Palm Court at 6 AM for The Royal Wedding Viewing party! There were dozen’s of mainly women and lots of little girls who were all dressed up with fascinators in tow! Our Plaza Team was lucky enough to be wearing couture fascinators by Monvieve in an assortment of colors! Good Morning America covered the party and Brides Magazine gave an honor to the best dressed at the event. The crowd went wild went the first vision of Meghan in her Givenchy gown emerging from her car appeared on the extra large screen that had been installed in The Palm Court for the special occasion. The crowd loved it and we were so pleased to have The Plaza feel like the best place in New York City for everyone to feel like Royalty even if just for a day!
Independence Day with A View at New York's Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and Ellis Island.
By Sarah Prawl
HISTORICAL PARKS WITH THE BEST VIEWS OF MANHATTAN.
There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day in NYC than at a historical park with beautiful views of Manhattan!
Great Performances is proud to partner with The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and Ellis Island, which are both rich in history and patriotism and a must-add to your list of outdoor places to visit this Summer!
FDR Four Freedoms Park
Four Freedoms Park is a sprawling four-acre memorial with impeccable design on the tip of Roosevelt Island that celebrates the Four Freedoms addressed in FDR’s 1941 State of the Union Address.
Approaching the island is an experience itself, with aerial views of Manhattan’s East Side and East River upon arrival on the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Located on the East River, nestled between Manhattan and Queens, and parallel to FDR drive, it is described as an “urban oasis” with some of the best views of NYC.
Four Freedoms is the perfect location for any outdoor event and a fantastic location to watch the July 4th fireworks on the East River! Learn more here.
Ellis Island
Anchored in the Upper New York Bay, with breath-taking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline, Ellis Island is truly a monumental masterpiece.
From 1892 until 1954, millions of immigrants passed through the island’s immigration offices as they entered the United States. The Ellis Island Museum tells the tales of the immigrant experience through interactive tours, audio segments, photographs and displays.
Ellis Island houses some of the most stunning views of downtown Manhattan and serves as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your next private event.
Learn more about Ellis Island’s history and book your trip here.
Photo Credits: ©Rana Fanure, ©Ellis Island
THE COUNCIL OF FASHION DESIGNERS OF AMERICA CAME TO THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM LOOKING FOR A NEW TAKE ON WHAT HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN A MANHATTAN-BASED EVENT.
And, With It, They Brought A Defined Sense Of Style That Translated To Everything From The Step And Repeat To The Plated Meal That We Served.
Working with the creative minds behind the Gala, we were influenced by the surrounding Matisse aesthetic at the Brooklyn Museum, the flavors and colors of spring and a desire to have a bento box, compartmentalized plating.
The finished result was a pale pink plate of three goat cheese and thinly sliced beet raviolis over a carrot coulis, an English pea mousse with purple carrot ribbons, and a braised short rib over pomme puree in a bean-shaped plate placed upon the pink plate. It was structurally unique and decidedly delicious!
By Sarah Prawl
THE WEATHER IN JUNE IS UNPREDICTABLE BUT THAT DIDN’T STOP THE CELEBRATIONS!
Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservatory, Caramoor, City Parks Foundation, Cooper-Hewitt, FDR Four Freedoms Park and Scenic Hudson all had reasons to celebrate in the month of June and (for the most part) the weather was on their side.
BBPC’s ‘Sunset Selville’ Party
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Brooklyn Bridge Park – Pier 1
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservatory kicked off the summer season with their annual “Sunset” party. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and the fiesta-themed celebration was filled with colorful, refreshing dishes such as Pork Albondigas, Paella and more!
Cooper-Hewitt 2018 Garden Party
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Cooper-Hewitt celebrated their 3rd annual Garden Party and it was nothing short of vibrant! The event, based on the Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color exhibition, was a quintessential Summer soiree filled with colorful food stations, cocktails, decor and wardrobes!
FDR Four Freedoms Annual Garden Party
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Four Freedoms Park
Four Freedoms celebrated their Annual Sunset Garden Party with Park founder, Ambassador William J. vanden Heuvel, receiving a special honor. Guests enjoyed a spectacular view of the Manhattan Skyline as well as a fantastic selection of the season’s best cheeses and hors d’oeuvres.
City Parks Foundation Gala
Monday, June 18, 2018
Central Park’s Summer Stage
City Parks Foundation hosted their annual Gala dinner & concert honoring BNP Paribas CEO Jean-Yves Fillion and legendary rockstar Steven Tyler. Funds raised from the event benefited City Parks Foundation’s multiple community-building programs held in NYC. Guests were treated to a family-style dinner, topped with a Lemon Coconut Parfait Mousse to seal the deal.
Caramoor 2018 Opening Night Gala
Saturday, June 18, 2018
Caramoor
Caramoor launched the 2018 Summer Season with their annual benefit Gala on the luscious grounds. Guests enjoyed a fantastic night of specialty cocktails, the finest cheeses and a spectacular performance by six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald.
Caramoor 2018 Opening Night Gala
Saturday, June 18, 2018
Caramoor
Caramoor launched the 2018 Summer Season with their annual benefit Gala on the luscious grounds. Guests enjoyed a fantastic night of specialty cocktails, the finest cheeses and a spectacular performance by six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald.
Scenic Hudson 2018 Gala
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Hutton Brickyards
Scenic Hudson hosted their annual Gala at the historic Hutton Brickyards, with proceeds benefiting the preservation of the Hudson River Valley. Great Performances’ Design team pulled out all the stops using original bricks from the factory (used to build the Brooklyn Bridge) to incorporate into table and station designs. On the grill, the “Bricked Chicken” was cooked to perfection using the historic bricks wrapped in foil.
By Shaun Roberts
Contributions by Sarah Prawl
What Do Wrestlers, Drag Queens, Scientists And Gardeners Have In Common?
A REASON TO CELEBRATE IN THE MONTH OF MAY!
FX’s new program “POSE,” based on the life of dancers and drag queens from the late 80’s/early 90’s vogue-ing culture, came to life at the Hammerstein Ballroom with the premiere of the first episode and nearly three hours of live posing thereafter. On the same evening, in a completely different world and half of Manhattan away, champion wrestlers took to the mat at Rumble On The River: Beat the Streets 2018 Annual Benefit on Pier 17 in an effort to support young people, as they achieve their “full physical, cognitive and social potential and become strong and effective members of the world”. May 29th kick off the annual World Science Festival with a fantastical dinner at Jazz at Lincoln Center, full of smoke, explosions, and how-did-they-do-its (and that’s just the food!). And it wouldn’t be Spring without the BAM Gala, as each year honorees are celebrated for their contribution and philanthropy towards art and music.
Enjoy the following highlights of some of our most proud event moments in May.
Pose Premiere
Thursday, May 5, 2018
The Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center
FX’s highly anticipated series,“POSE”, hosted it’s premier at the Manhattan center and Great Performances pulled out all the stops with creative food stations and designs.
Beat The Streets
Thursday, May 5, 2018
South Street Seaport at Pier 17
The 8th annual Beat the Streets Wrestling Event, titled “Rumble on the River”, took place at the newly opened Pier 17, where over 1,400 people gathered to help BTSNY raise over $1MM for the wrestling student-athletes of New York City.
World Science Festival Gala
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Jazz at Lincoln Center
The 11th annual World Science Festival Gala celebrated the lives and legacies of Women in Science and was nothing short of breathtaking, filled with a stunning blacklight dessert.
BAM Gala 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal: Pier 12
Darren Aronofsky, Jeremy Irons, Nora Ann Wallace and Jack Nusbaum were all honored at BAM Gala 2018. BAM has been a staple in the Brooklyn community for over 150 years and is dedicated to connecting local and global communities in all areas of performing arts.
Photo Credits: ©Theo Warg, ©Maggie Marguerite Inc., ©Ben Hider Images, ©Sarah Prawl