Guests had an opportunity to meet with the CCNYC team including, planner extraordinaire, Julie Sommers, while tasting exquisite bites by Miguel Urrego, CCNYC’s Executive Chef. The menu included:

Smoked Chicken Salad with Almond Slivers, Cranberries and Chives Served on Dill Corn Edible Spoon

Wild Salmon Tartare with Caviar on Wonton Crisps

Seared Foie Gras with Sour Cherries on Toasted Brioche

http://weddings.nymag.com/photos.html

All the ‘who’s who’ of the wedding industry attended and participated including CCNYC friends from Curtain Up Events,Generation Events and Sugar Flower Cake Shop. The entire evening was a huge success thanks to the  New York Magazine event staff.

THE OUT NYC Urban Resort is New York’s first, straight-friendly, gay urban resort located in Hell’s Kitchen just steps from Times Square and Chelsea. Boasting the best of lodging, dining, nightlife and design all in one place! The property offers several amazing event venues that are available for private events.

The stellar event was held in the atrium and sun deck of the property where guests enjoyed a live sushi station, cocktails and, Chef Miguel Urrego’s, delectable passed hors d’ overs. 

The mood was set by CCNYC’s Creative Director, Benjamin Lester, offering a fresh simple spa like design with cozy seating, lounge areas, and gorgeous florals. 

No detail was left behind and all ran smoothly with, CCNYC’s Director of Catering, Julie Sommers’ flawless leadership. The event was bursting at the seams with key industry players, major corporations, and future and prospective clients all in thanks to, CCNYC Representative and social butterfly, Nikki Lazar. 

If you would like more information on THE OUT NYC’s venues or would like to be involved and or attend the next tasting event, please contact CCNYC at info@creativeconceptsnyc.com or (646)308-1243.

My first experience with Cherimoya was when I was in Ecuador visiting a good friend for his wedding, congratulations Diego and Jaclyn!  As we toured throughout the countryside we stopped by a stand on a dirt road where local farmers and villagers were selling the delicious fruit. Our friends insisted that we try the Cherimoya and bring some for the road.

Cherimoya is a tropical fruit also known by the native people as, “chirimoya”.  The delicious fruit is known to originate from the Andes of South America and is grown naturally in Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru. It is now harvested through Central America, California, and the Eastern Hemisphere. 

At first, I was a bit hesitant to try the fruit due to the odd rough green appearance. It has a greenish hard cover skin which is not edible, it resembles a fresh artichoke. It seemed like the fruit was unripe and not ready to eat.  The treasure of the fruit is in the inside (when ripened properly) which has a sorbet like texture. Once we split it in half and I took the first bite, I was blown out of this world!! The tasty fruit is known to be a ‘custard fruit’ to locals because of the creamy, fresh and sweet flavors. The flavor is a combination of banana, pear, white peach and strawberry. The fruit is absolutely out of this world, It’s one of the best tasting I’ve ever had in my lifetime!!! Once you have one bite, you won’t want to stop eating the delicious fruit!

Creative Concepts NYC‘s creative director, Benjamin Lester, was looking for a cheap alternative for some side tables for an event to be added to a small lounge area. He came across these amazing garbage cans at CB2 and the light bulb came on, BINGO side tables. Not so far off form the famous Knoll Platner Table. Just a quick trip to Target and presto gorgeous side tables, so gorgeous they now live in his very own living room and they only cost $26.00 a piece!

Very simple to do, all you need is the garbage can and glass topper. Don’t forget to get some Self-Stick Rubber Pads to keep the glass balanced and safe! You can also switch up the surface to give the table an entirely different look, try a round tray! Happy table making!!

Often times, place card holders are an after thought at events and become a last minute item. The team at Creative Concepts NYC was in one of these last minute situations and figured out a crafty and frugal way to make DIY place card holders. The simple solution was to use stainless silver binder clips! The result was perfect for our clients need of a modern, sleek, and industrial looking style. The CCNYC team liked the place card holders so much, that it has become a permanent item in the many crafty tricks they have up their sleeve!

Here is how you can make your own place card holders!

1) You will need Binder clips: Binder clips come in a variety of colors, sizes, and patterns. Pick clips that represent your style and or the theme of the event. It is important to get at least a medium- large sized binder clip so that they can hold the weight of the paper while standing upright.

2) Print cards: CCNYC uses card stock, but the options are endless! Be sure to leave space at the bottom to attach the clip.

3) Cut out: When CCNYC is doing signs rather then seating they laminate the cards this way they can be used multiple times.

4) Attach clip: Be sure the clip is centered.

5) Remove clip handels: Simply squeeze to release the clip handles. Be sure to save the handles, so that you can adjust, remove, and re-use the clip.

This is a huge money saver, looks great, and is a simple solution for all you ‘DIY enthusiasts’ out there. Happy place card making!

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center NYC

On December 8, 2011 Creative Concepts NYC Teamed up with Bonne Fete Baking, and YouCake to donate their services and provided food and gifts to support the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Holiday Bash. The Hope Lodge Holiday Bash with program Emcee Diana Williams of WABC-TV  benefited the programs and services of Hope Lodge NYC Jerome L. Greene Family Center.

CCNYC's Benjamin Lester, and Nikki Lazar

For more information on Hope Loge NYC and if you would like to contribute to their amazing cause and efforts, here is link to do so:  http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/HopeLodge/NewYorkCity/index

Julie Sommers, Director of Catering:

Julie’s favorite tropical dish are fish tacos because it brings her back to one of her first visits to Mexico. Playa del Carmen is where she recalls an amazing taco stand on 5th Avenue, “I’ll never forget that flavor of the first bite years ago! Fish tacos are now a staple and tradition in my kitchen and it’s all about the crispy batter.”

 Fish Taco

w/ Crispy Battered Tilapia, Citrus and Cilantro Cabbage Slaw, Spicy Chipotle Aioli, Small Homemade Corn Tortillas, and Fresh Avocado

Miguel Urrego, Executive Chef:

Miguel chose ceviche because it reflects the essence of Latin cuisine. Miguel states that, “Ceviche is a dish that is fresh, light and appealing to my palette. It’s a staple dish served throughout central, south, and the Caribbean region. There are many variations in making ceviche depending on the country, island and/or culture, but the primary ingredient is citrus.”

 Tropical Seafood Ceviche

w/ Gulf Shrimp, Baby Octopus, Manila Clams, Red Snapper, Fresh Papaya, Pineapple, Mango, Coconut Milk, Lemon Grass, Ginger, Fresh Lime Juice and Cilantro

Benjamin Lester, Creative Director:

Benjamin discovered this dish while vacationing in Puerto Rico. He recalls, “I was sitting at the bar in the restaurant Santaella, located in the LaPlacita neighborhood in San Juan PR. I was taking in the amazing atmosphere and to my surprise out came White tartare! Buttery and delicious, the asian style sauce complemented the tropical twist on the classic dish. The presentation was stacked and flawless. The dish was so amazing that I ordered it twice!”” The dish was made by Chef José Santaella.

 White Tartare

 w/ White Tuna & Fresh Avocado in Homemade Sesame Ponzu Sauce

Tailgating Small Bites Menu

Backfin Crab Fondue
w/ Garlic Ciabatta

Grilled Chorizo on Crispy Jalapeño Polenta Cakes
w/ Cilantro Creme

Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
w/ Aged Balsamic

Truffled Mac & Cheese Bites

BBQ Pulled Chicken Panini
w/ Pepperjack & Avocado

Mini Kobe Beef Franks
w/ Caramelized Onions & Grain Mustard Aioli

Enjoy The Game!