Independent Art Fair

A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of installing a pop-up cafe at the Independent Art Fair in Chelsea, and it was such a wonderful experience! Not only were we able to meet some incredible artists and gallerists from all over the world, but we also got a few surprise visits from some dear old friends.

We loved being able to share some old favorites like the Jackson Heights, our curried chicken salad sandwich, and our signature Mexican hot chocolate brownie with so many new tastebuds. We also served up some new favorites, such as Evelyn's chewy toffee blondie, made by our friends at Evelyn's Kitchen, and a delicious Israeli cous cous salad topped with roasted vegetables that flew off the shelves!

Thank you to everyone at the Independent Art Fair who made it such a great experience for the Sips and Bites crew. From the opening reception on Thursday night to the Champagne toast at the end, we had such a blast! Please take a moment to look at Independent's website (www.independentnewyork.com) to get an idea of the outstanding work that we had the pleasure to work beside, and hopefully, we'll see you there next year!

Things we love...

There is all this hype about a little place called Porchetta here in NYC. We think the sandwich is tasty, but be sure to try the Brooklyn Flee version which is by far tastier than the storefront (it's the bread!). A lot of people have weighed in their opinions on this sandwich- some absolutely love it and some are not impressed, you can Read NY Mags review here. Well we are here to tell you that while we love the sandwich, the real gem at Porchetta is the SALT! Full of Sicilian sea-salt, fennel pollen, fennel seed, sage and other deliciousness it is like magic savory fairy dust and we can not get enough of it! If you live in NYC go get this salt. If you don't live in NYC call a friend and have them go get it for you and pop it in the mail. It is that good. At $6 it is a steal, and don't limit yourself to pork- this stuff is delicious on anything- we love to rub it on chicken before we pop it in the oven, and it is equally good on veggies like brussel sprouts!

Things we love = Porchetta salt rubbed chicken

Vans x Mademe Launch Party

Vans hired me to do some snacks for their launch party for the new colab sneakers with Mademe. The new House of Vans space in Brooklyn is ridiculous and the event was literally "totally off the wall". Performances by Nina Sky and Kelis, live photo booth projection, skateboarders going full throttle out back, confetti fluttering from the ceiling, people decked out in the most amazing outfits you've ever seen and the Calexico boys even rolled in for the pre-party press event. We supplied candy for the bodega style bar set ups and popcorn in black vellum cones and vans cups. I was thrilled to be a part of this event- The House of Vans was poppin'!

Terrariums and Tasty Tidbits

It's Editor's day once again at BPMW agency. Those ladies are always challenging us to prepare simple snacks for their guests with a themed twist. This season they had terrarium building thanks to the lovely girls at Twig Terrariums. Each guest got to make their very own little world in a jar after perusing next seasons must haves. We went with a simple theme: Green! All the usual suspects were there like crudites and herb rolled cheese balls, but we also included some awesome new finds like kiwi berries and toasted split peas. It was a really beautiful spread, and very very green.

I'm still thoroughly obsessed with my tiny terrarium. If you need a gift this holiday season for the person who already has everything- get them a terrarium kit!

Art Show!

Theme Magazine approached me to cater a show they had curated in conjunction with Scion, the show was called "Small is Beautiful" and was based around some really cool dioramas. The entire show was a play on scale so Theme asked me to come up with some food that were large or small. The small menu was served via butlered tray service and we had 2 tables in the back with the larger items. It was a really fun project- my team had a blast!

Small Menu

Miniature Tostada Salads
a tiny corn chip bowl filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream and jalapeno
Mini Falafel
with cucumber, tahini and zhug
Mini "Hostess" Cupcakes
tiny devil's food cakes filled with cream and topped with ganache

Big Menu

6' Long Sandwich Table
fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and pesto on italian bread hero
Cheese Wheels
whole wheels of cheese served with crackers, crisps and fruit

Derby Birthday Party

We LOVE a themed party, and this one was a doozy!

Derby Day Menu
Benedictine Dip with Veggies and Breadsticks
Pimento Cheese Tartlets with Tomato and Pecans
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Mini Hot Browns
Honey Baked Ham with Biscuits
Coconut Cake

Congrats Baskets!

I was asked to create gift baskets to congratulate three magazine editors on new positions or posts. They were delivered by messenger on one of the first sunny days of spring -- I think they would have been perfect for an impromptu picnic on the Highline (or at their desks)!

I love making gift baskets, and I always want to fill them with some usual suspects (sweets, baked goods) along with a mix of unusual items to make it all a little more personal.

These are a great way to say thanks, sorry, feel better, congrats or happy anything, anytime.

I work with all budgets and for all occasions - email me!

Gift basket #1 -- Fashion Editor, Lucky magazine

Contents in a chartreuse bicycle basket:

2 cans Sofia Blanc de Blanc

Mexican chocolate brownies

Chocolate chunk cookies

Handmade sourdough pretzels

Vintage candy

Tiny Japanese eraser

Pretty cocktail napkins

Miniature potted pansy

Party popper!

Gift basket #2 -- Fashion Editor, Esquire magazine

Contents in a wooden crate:

Fifth of Jameson Irish Whisky

Mexican chocolate brownies

Chocolate chunk cookies

Handmade sourdough pretzels

Vintage candy

Spicy, artisinal beef jerkey

Japanese twin ice ball tray

Miniature potted pansy

Party popper!

Gift basket #3 -- Editor-in-Chief, W magazine

Contents in a Shaker picnic basket:

Split of Prosecco

Mexican chocolate brownies

Chocolate chunk cookies

Handmade sourdough pretzels

Vintage candy

Frank Lloyd Wright cocktail napkins

Party popper!

The finishing touches....