Get Ready For St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Looking to host a St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) bash?  Stress less and impress with a fully catered menu from your friends at Creative Concepts NYC!  Our amazing Executive Chef Miguel Urrego has curated a delicious menu with all of your favorites from Hors D’oeurves to Main Course options.  Email info@creativeconceptsnyc.com to get pricing and information!

 

Hors D’oeurves

  • Mini Reuben Sandwiches
  • Mini Shepard’s Pie
  • “Black and Tan” Pork Sliders with Spicy Ale slaw
  • Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings
  • Beer Battered Cod with Chips with tartar sauce
  • Dill Salmon Cakes with horseradish Aioli

 

Main Course

  • Irish Pub Salad with pickled beets, cucumber, string beans, tomato, Irish cheddar, tarragon vinaigrette
  • Traditional Corn Beef and Cabbage
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Stout Braised Beef Stew
  • Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage with bulgur, vegetables and tomato sauce
  • Roasted Brussel Sprouts with caramelized pearl onions
  • “Colcannon” creamy mash potato with kale and bacon

 

 

 

 

  • Roasted Rosemary New Potatoes with apple wood smoked bacon tossed with champagne vinaigrette
  • Irish Soda Bread
  • “Boxty” Traditional Irish Potato Pancake 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo's Courtesy of: Uncle Jerry's Kitchen, All Recipes, Chow Hound, Clip Arts

The sun is shining and the weather is sweet…

Join Allison Bottomley as she explores summer trends and reveals some of CCNYC’s favorite dishes, décor, and tricks of the trade.

Join Allison Bottomley as she explores summer trends and reveals some of CCNYC’s favorite dishes, décor, and tricks of the trade.

Summer is a great time to spend time with friends and family celebrating the lighter things in life. At Creative Concepts NYC, we plan events all year long, but we can’t help being inspired by the elements of summer.

To get the ideas flowing, here are some of our favorite takes on summer get togethers.

The Americana Barbecue Summer is the season of barbecue and purposefully playing up the inherent kitsch this American tradition is quite fun. Bite-size burgers, pigs in a blanket, and a faux-lemonade stand are some of the ways we love to play with this theme.

Slider

Slider

lemonaid Stand (AOL Event)

lemonaid Stand (AOL Event)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French Picnic Get out the gingham! Picnics are a relaxed way to get your family and friends together and outside. We like the idea of a French-themed picnic with quiche, galettes, and clafoutis—all items that that can be prepared ahead of time and served at room temperature. So, check out these recipes, throw on the gypsy jazz, and head in the park. check out  How to plan a picnic !

Mini Quiche

Mini Quiche

Galettes

Galettes

 

 

 

 

 

Movies Under the Stars-There is nothing more cozy than cuddling up with a loved one in front of a movie, but when the weather is so nice who wants to spend two hours inside?  We suggest moving the view outdoors mixing the feel of a rooftop party with the excitement and comfort of watching a movie. At CCNYC, we love the movie theater theme. Popcorn and candy displays  keep your party simple and fun. We also recommend making these cute popcorn floral containers for a festive décor.

IMG_3273

Candy Station

IMG_2060

Popcorn Floral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiesta Brunch- Piñatas and mojitos anyone?  Ole’! A Latin twist to a traditional barbecue is a great way to add flavor to your summer. We love to change up traditional barbecue for tacos, mini quesadillas, and arepas. Check out this recipe for a great take on Chile-Braised Pork Shoulder Tacos.

IMG_2664

Piñata Scape

IMG_2755

Mini Fish Taco

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from CCNYC! What a year we have had moving full speed ahead! Look out for our new sleek branding, amazing new website, and fantastic events, of course! Here is to a happy and healthy New Year from our family to yours.

Late Night Snack Attack with CCNYC!

Our clients are always loving their selections of late night snacks at events: BBQ, Sliders, Grilled Cheese, Mac & Cheese stations, and so on. People often mention that we are so lucky to be able to snack all the time at events. HA, that is so far from reality of an event for us worker bees! The snack attack happens on the regular when in the event business, but not till after some long days!  The result of our team arriving home late brings some fun ‘go to’ snacks.

Nikki Lazar

Nikki Lazar, CCNYC New Business Development Coordinator, goes to a snack that’s whack, but delish in it’s own way. She loves frozen cinnamon graham cracker and cool whip sandwiches. Nikki says “it all about them being made in bulk and ready to enjoy right out of the freezer, they are especially good in the summer!”

Miguel Urrego

CCNYC Executive Chef, Miguel Urrego, has a snack that is pure delight. Arequipe con obleas, which is Colombian dulce de leche on thin wafers. Miguel does not claim to be a ‘sweets freak,’ but says “it just hits the spot, total comfort!”

Benjamin Lester

The Creative Director, Benjamin Lester is a ‘sweets freak,’ but surprisingly his choice is savory. Toasted english muffin with smashed avocado and bragg liquid aminos (soy sauce). He says, “I like something substantial before sleep otherwise I wake up on the cranky side and no one wants to see cranky Ben!”

Julie Sommers, CCNYC Director of Catering, gets the award for most healthy selection. Her go to snack is yogurt with fresh banana, berries, nuts, and a touch of honey. She says, “…it’s just the perfect light snack and is not too heavy before going to bed.”

Julie Sommers

Thanksgiving Dinner For As Little As $300.00!

Let us do all the heavy work this Thanksgiving, you just wave and smile pretty! Have your Thanksgiving dinner for as little as $300.00! It’s simple, we deliver all the bells and whistles ready to be popped into the oven to be heated up. You arrange on you favorite dishes and voilà ––no sweat, no tears–– just a gorgeous tasty meal! Take a look at Chef Miguel Urrego’s delectable menu that is sure to impress your crowd!

                                                    Thanksgiving Menu 2012                                                                                                        by: Chef Miguel Urrego

Main:                                                                                                                                        Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy                                                                Whole Roasted Turkey with Traditional Gravy                                                                      Baked Honey Glazed Ham with Apple-cranberry Chutney                                              Sweet Mustard Glazed Stuffed Pork Loin with Mushrooms, Fennel, and Thym    Horseradish Crusted Salmon with Thyme-mustard Sauce                                          Roasted Herb Salmon with Lemon-butter Sauce

 Soups:                                                                                                                              Butternut Squash with Toasted Almonds, Nutmeg and Creme Fraiche                          Smoked Turkey Chowder with Corn and Yukon Potatoes

SIdes:                                                                                                                              Sweet Potato Soufflé with Marshmallow Topping                                                             Sweet Corn Stuffing with Roasted Carrots, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms and Herbs   Ciabiatta Bread Stuffing with Bacon, Roasted Apples and Sage                               Sautéed String Beans with Roasted Fennel, Beets, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette       Roasted Root Vegetables with Sherry Vinaigrette                                                     Scalloped  Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese                         Roasted Brussels  Sprouts with Pearl Onions and Roasted Butternut Squash                 Rice Pilaf with Julienne of Vegetables

Desserts:                                                                                                                    Pumpkin Pie                                                                                                                         Old Fashioned Apple Pie                                                                                           Blueberry Pie                                                                                                                 Classic New York Cheesecake

Price:                                                                                                                                     A) 1 Turkey dish (sliced breast or whole), 3 sides, and 2 desserts                                          *$40.00 per person +tax

B) 1 Turkey dish (sliced breast or whole), 2 sides, 1 soup, and 2 desserts                             *$40.00 per person+ tax

C) 2 main dishes with 3 sides and 2 desserts                                                                        *$55.00 per person+tax

D) 2 main dishes, 2 sides, 1 soup, and 2 desserts                                                          *$55.00 per person +tax

Delivery:                                                                                                                              On 11/21/12 by 5pm $60.00                                                                                                     On 11/22/12 3pm $100.00 

Don’t worry! We will send along printed instructions on how to heat the food with the delivery. The food will be in aluminum trays ready for the oven and all room temp items will be in disposable containers! Contact us today to order at info@creativeconceptsnyc.com, the last day to order is 11/19/12.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          *10 person minimum

“Event Planning Maestros”

Creative Concepts NYC teamed up with Gotham Magazine, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Karlsson’s Vodka to produce the after party for the kick off of the New York City Wine & Food Festival. The event benefited Share Our Strength and the Food Bank for New York City.

Garden and Bakery

The CCNYC team received much acclaim for the event. Gotham Magazine referred to the CCNYC team as “…event planning maestros…!”  Creative Director, Benjamin Lester explains his  design for the event, “ I was interested in encompassing the bohemian  feel of the Dominique Ansel Bakery with the complexity of Dominique‘s modern approach to pastry, ‘bohemian chic’, if you will!” Fall was in full force with 20 foot tall fall foliage arrangements on top of mirrored tables. The bohemian mood was set by strung vintage lights with paper lanterns and tons of candlelight.

display, sweet treats, and CCNYC gift box

Foodies, and guests alike enjoyed sweet treats including Dominique’s signature Warm Madeleines and Sweet Croissant Ice Cream Sandwiches. CCNYC’s savory crowd-pleaser, Chipotle Cotija Cheese Popcorn was given as a parting snack to end the the evening of culinary delight. A fantastic evening indeed!

Guests and CCNYC's Nikki Lazar, Benjamin Lester, and Julie Sommers

Holiday Season: Book Now Save Later

A tip for the wise: it’s not to early to book your holiday party! The benefits of doing so are endless and many event and catering companies offer incentives for you to do so. The reason for this is because come November it is full speed ahead. In other words, the more planning a vendor can get out of the way now, the better for everyone!

Creative Concepts NYC is offering a ‘Book Now Save 10% Later’ promotion! If you would like to take advantage of this amazing incentive, book your holiday event before November 1, 2012 with Nikki Lazar ( nicolelazar@gmail.com ). Here is to an amazing holiday season (early)!

www.creativeconceptsnyc.com

Join us on: Facebook-  Pintrest-  Twitter-  Instagram-(1ccnyc)   Linkedin-   Google+-

DIY: Donut Hole Tower

Many of Creative Concepts NYC‘s clients like the idea of a tablescape, and miniature everything! One of the many creative ways CCNYC accomplishes this is by making custom donut hole towers. They are super easy to make and fun, while adding much needed hight to a breakfast spread or themed event. Here is how all you DIY enthusiasts can get in on the action!

left to right: The supplies- foam cone, tissue paper, toothpicks, & stapler. lay out paper and wrap while stapling along the way. cut off excess and staple to bottom.

stick in toothpicks and attach donut holes.....it's that easy!

Creative Concepts NYC at The New York Magazine Wedding Event 2012

Creative Concepts NYC worked the floor with their sublime interactive booth, by Benjamin Lester, at New York Magazine’s 2012 New York Wedding Event! The event took place at Metropolitan Pavilion and was dazzling thanks to touches of creative bliss by Taylor Creative Inc.

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, Hosts CCNYC Spring Tasting Event 2012

Creative Concepts NYC was thrilled to have teamed up with THE OUT NYC Urban Resort for their 2012 Spring Tasting Event!

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.

Garbage Can Becomes DIY Event Furniture

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!!

Cater your Tailgating

One of Creative Concepts NYC‘s innovative products is tailgating parties. That’s right, we pull up with you and your crew and whip it up right out of our vehicle and put out a spread. All you have to do is pop open your brewski and enjoy the fruits of our labor! The menus are geared towards your personal tastes and will surely prove to be fun, simple, and delicious grub for all! Menus can be more elaborate or just plain simple and comforting, below is a sample menu of a party we did featuring easy small bites by Miguel Urrego.

Does your tailgate party kick ass? We want to hear about it!

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!