Archive for the ‘Venues’ Category

A Foodie Wedding.

December 22, 2010

Written by Tammy of Tammy Golson Events.

If you care deeply about the food you eat year round, why would you abandon those standards on what is often referred to as the most important day of your life and likely the biggest and best party you will ever host? Guests know you and will expect a delicious experience.

Placing a priority on the food at your wedding goes well beyond what is served for dinner. Food can be infused into almost every aspect of your wedding festivities. I look forward to addressing many areas of how to impress the palates of your guests from first bite to last morsel.

Starting at the beginning, the date of your wedding and the venue chosen can contribute considerably to the culinary experience you are sharing with your guests. Keep the seasonality of fruits and vegetable and the proximately to an ocean if fresh seafood is important, in mind when deciding on the when and where to get married. Getting a sense of the experience, personality and flexibility of the chef at the venue can prove valuable later in the process as menu is being discussed.

Last summer a foodie client married at a lake club in Montauk, a fishing village on the farthest tip of Long Island. The couple and I sat down with the chef and came up with the menu together, course by course. Having worked at the private club for a long time, his menu caterers to the palates of the member ship. They club doesn’t host many weddings each season, so the Chef was thrilled to meet a couple who cared so sincerely about the food and he was very happy to have an opportunity to flex his culinary muscles and to deviate from the club’s menu. A luxury like this is extremely uncommon, but it exists and it’s worth looking for and in the end you’ll be happy you made the extra effort to find someone open to preparing the best meal possible.

Finding the right venue can be one of the many fun tasks of planning your wedding. Find venues that are inspired by great food and schedule time to visit the properties, talk with the on-site professionals and most importantly, try the food.

When touring and tasting, remember to take note of:

-Presentation

-Ingredients listed on menu

-Taste

-Service

-Staff

While ala carte food (food served in the dining room) and service often varies from the food and service at a wedding, the criteria listed above can measure the integrity of the food, the seasonality of the ingredients and the priority placed on guest satisfaction.

There are no shortage of food influenced venues in New York City! One high quality wedding venue just out side of the city is: Blue Hill at Stone Barnes. It rests on an organic farm and the menus are created around local and seasonal ingredients. It’s a short trip by train or car from the city. If it’s difficult for you schedule a visit, you can sample their succulent creations and superb service at Blue Hill in Manhattan located at 75 Washington Place within Manhattan’s historic Greenwich Village, between Washington Square Park and 6th Avenue, and between Waverly Place and West 4th Street.

Please come back for more about food and weddings in the weeks and months to come.

What is the most memorable food experience you have had at a wedding?

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There are so many gorgeous, stylish and unique event spaces available in New York City, but the list below is the creme of the crop. You know, the venues that are absolutely stunning, give you goosebumps as you walk in, and of course provide an incredible service to you.

The Foundry

If you’re looking for an industrial event space, this old 19th century foundry is absolutely the perfect space for you. The space is versatile and also has a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

The United Nations Dining Room and Rooftop Patio

Nothing beats the view of the city  and the Queensboro Bridge from the floor-to-ceiling windows that span this room. Nothing beats the grand feeling of this venue.

The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers

With beautiful hardwood floors, hanging lanterns and floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Hudson River, this space is absolutely stunning. Checkout this virtual tour of The Lighthouse to see the beauty for yourself!

The Angel Orensanz Center

This neo-gothic building was originally built in 1849 as a synogague and has now become an incredibly inspiring event space.

The Prince George Ballroom

The dramatic design of this ballroom is absolutely breathtaking. The neo-renaissance details provide a dramatic appeal to the space and will leave your guests admiring it all night long.

Central Park Boathouse

Central Park. It really doesn’t get any more romantic than that.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This venue is so unique and oh so beautiful. The Palm House is within the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and is surrounded by 52 acres of lush greenery. Sounds like the perfect combination of garden and city-chic.

Gotham Hall

It doesn’t get much more grandeur than Gotham Hall. The artitecture creates an incredible backdrop for a romantic and absolutely fabulous wedding.

Cafe St. Bart’s at St. Bartholomew’s Church

A outdoor wedding right in the heart of the city… sounds like perfection to me.

The Plaza

And, last but not least, The Plaza. Really, I think it speaks for itself.

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Considering eloping to New York City? Lucky for you, the Manhattan Marriage Bureau has recently gotten a fabulous makeover and is now home to two sleek, modern and absolutely fabulous wedding chapels.

Not only has the space been revamped but also the entire process. Instead of going through metal detectors and waiting in long lines for assistance, you can use one of the multiple kiosks available to start the marriage license application. And, instead of using money orders, credit cards are now accepted.

Once you obtain your marriage license (there is a 24 hour waiting period) there are two chapels available for your nuptials. The west chapel is designed in apricot and peach colors and the east chapel is decorated in purple and lavender and there are also abstract paintings near the lectern that compliment each chapel’s decor. Yes, you get all of this beauty for $60 ($35 for the marriage license and $25 for the ceremony).

Once you are pronounced Husband and Wife be sure to stop at this really cool backrop for a photo! Really, it’s the perfect way embrace City Hall.

Oh, and if you forget something (which let’s be honest, you may) There is a shop onsite that sells everything from fresh flowers, disposable cameras, and even fake diamond rings.

Still aren’t convinced that this City Hall beats the Vegas venues? Check out yesterday’s post for 10 Reasons to get Married in NYC!

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