NEW YORK – Who could possibly have more experience staging romantic affairs than a caterer whose events have included some of the most talked-about weddings in New York City? Just last year, Great Performances created a “fairy tale extravagance” as the New York Times termed the wedding of former Mayor Giuliani and Judith Nathan . And when Martha Stewart Weddings, leader in all things romantic, wanted some practical information about planning a wedding, its editors turned to Great Performances. Writing a Valentine's or Wedding story and need an expert opinion? Workhouse Publicity is now scheduling appointments with Great Performances, CEO Liz Neumark . Interested media should contact Mashariki Williamson by telephone 212. 334. 8006 or via email at williamson@workhousepr.com. For more information please visit
www.greatperformances.com.

Ever since Liz Neumark launched the company in 1979, Great Performances has helped many a bride and groom declare their love. Its stock-in-trade goes far beyond valentines day affairs or weddings celebrations, of course. To name just a very few of the high-profile events it has pulled off to delicious acclaim, Great Performances has catered Michael J Fox's star-studded fund-raisers for Parkinson's research, the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, Mayor Bloomberg's inaugural celebration, and the Warner Music Grammy Party; it also runs the stylish new restaurant at the Asia Society, the café (and all catering) at Riverdale's lovely Wave Hill, the foodservice at the chichi Hudson Hotel, the Mae Mae Café enoteca di vino, and a number of other fabulous venues around town. Wherever the event, “this ‘exceptionally creative' caterer/event-planner specializing in classic American fare garners raves for everything.” Zagat wrote last year. It is well-known, Zagat added, for “tasteful events that are lovely all around.” Great Performances regularly  puts on distinctive events for thousands, and it is used to feeding elegant meals to the rich and famous. Food Arts credited much of Neumark's success to “the wisdom to bring equal enthusiasm and attentiveness to both huge and small bookings.” Great Performances celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Isn't it romantic?

James Beard House
Valentines Day Dinner
Reception Menu
• Warm Garlic Flan with Duck Confit and Flageolet Ragout
• Red Snapper Ceviche with Sesame Tuile, Wasabi Tobilo, Cilantro and Sweet Soy
• Petit Gougere with Yukon Potatoes, Reblochon and Smoked Bacon
• Roasted Lady Apple with Seared Foie Gras and Cider Gastrique
• Poached Lobster with White Truffle Rissotto Crisp
• Wolf Blass Merlot 2001
• Black Opal Chardonnay 2001

Dinner Menu
• Pan-Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree and Truffle Butter
• Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2002
• Grilled Quail with Butternut Squash Succotash and Riesling Reduction
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2003
• Duo of Lamb: Coriander and Ginger Rubbed Rack of Lamb and Braised Loin of Lamb with Star Anise, Baby Fennel, Preserved Lemons, Yukon Potato Tagine and Artichoke Ragout Estancia Pinot Noir 2000.
• Pear Tasting: Roasted Seckel Pears, Sliced Anjou, Pear Membrillo Benjamin Tawny Port NV
• Banana-Ginger Torte with Vanilla-Bean Ice Cream, Crème Anglaise and Chocolate Sauce.
• Apple Strudel with Poached Pear-Chocolate Cake, Wine Caramel and Raspberry Sauce.
• Domaine Ste. Michelle Champagne Brut NV

About Great Performances
Great Performances is New York's largest full-service catering and event planning company. Conceived and established by Liz Neumark in 1979 as a staffing organization, the company provided women in the visual and performing arts the ability to work in the catering industry as waitresses while pursuing other goals. Today, as a result of more than a decade's worth of work, Great Performances is the approved caterer at all of New York's leading cultural institutions. Great Performances has exclusive or contractual relationships with the Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dahesh Museum of Art, Asia Society Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Central Park Wildlife Conservation Society, Big Apple Circus, sports venues at Chelsea Piers, Ellis Island, The Show Piers, Ian Schrager's Hudson Hotel, MoMA QNS, Staten Island Yankees and Wave Hill. Recent accomplishments include the wedding of the Honorable Rudy Giuliani and Judith Nathan at Gracie Mansion, 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, Warner Music Grammy Party, World Premiere of “La Boheme” and the Mayor Bloomberg inauguration event. Great Performances operates a 17,000 square foot commissary located at 287 Spring Street in Hudson Square which includes state-of-the-art kitchens, catering services, client tasting rooms, Mae Mae Café, and a forty-seat enoteca di vino. The company has the largest on-call wait staff in New York City. Celebrated as the industry leader in taste and presentation, Great Performances offers a team of culinary experts whose creative flexibility allows for catered events both large and small, from formal corporate galas to casual in-office get-togethers and outdoor affairs. Dedicated to outstanding events and memorable experiences, Great Performances weaves fine food and genuine service into modern and distinctive celebrations. Now scheduling interviews with Great Performances, CEO Liz Neumark. To schedule an appointment interested media should contact Mashariki Williamson at Workhouse Publicity by telephone 212. 334. 8006 or via email at williamson@workhousepr.com . For more information please visit www.greatperformances.com