Grand Gourmet - The Flavor of Midtown
On Tuesday, February 5th, Cipriani 42nd Street hosted the 2019 Grand Gourmet – The Flavor of Midtown. After a three-year hiatus, this upscale benefit event finally came back to celebrate the Grand Central Partnership's 30th Anniversary, as well as a beautiful and warm evening in NYC's February.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Cipriani 42nd Street is a tribute to the architecture of masterpiece inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and the perfect venue for sophisticated celebrations. With towering marble columns, soaring ceilings, magnificent inlaid floor, and glorious chandeliers, it is a visual spectacle that never fails in impressing its guests with its pure beauty inherited from the old world.
This year's Grand Gourmet featured 43 upscale restaurants that represented the distinguished flavor of Midtown. Ambling among tables, I got to taste a great variety of cuisines such as the ‘BluePoint Oysters' served by Grand Central Oyster Bar, Pera's signature ‘Fresh Lamb Adana Cut Roll', ‘Black Sesame Waffle Tarts with Tuna Tartare & Spicy Mavo' from The Sea Fire Grill, and ‘Crispy Duck' by Café Centro. The delighting samples were all prepared with fresh ingredients, high quality, aromatic flowers, and creative table settings. After three hours of binge eating, my stomach was contentedly stuffed with the flavor of not only Midtown but also around the globe.
If I am asked to choose one of the highlights of Grand Gourmet, it would be the instant photo booth. The photo booth offered a unique experience where guests could dress up in chef caps and hold the giant forks. Give the camera a big smile, and let's call it a night with happiness.
I walked out of Cipriani with the best cuisine tasting experience I've ever had. Some guests were chatting with their friends and enjoying the breeze outside, having an intermission before going back for the second round. The flavor of Midtown lingered in my mind for the entire week, and I will definitely come back to it very soon, especially when Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
Global Lyme Alliance Gala
The Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the leading 501(c)(3) dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through research, education and awareness, announced that it raised over $2 million dollars at its fourth annual New York City Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The money raised at the event will support GLA’s mission to advance scientific research leading to a reliable diagnostic test, improved treatment options, and ultimately, find a cure for Lyme and other tick-borne disease. Ramona Singer and Erin Walker were honored at the gala while the audience was treated to a show-stopping performance by Tony Award-winning Broadway and television star Sutton Foster.
The gala experience was produced by co-chair and celebrated event producer Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events, who donated his event planning and design services towards the Global Lyme Alliance’s New York Gala for the fourth consecutive year. Showcasing his unique commitment to philanthropic causes, the spectacular and one-of-a-kind gala was an evening to remember for invited celebrities, business leaders, and top scientists alike.
The affair was attended by more than 700 supporters at Cipriani 42nd Street and recognized Ramona Singer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and star of Bravo TV’s “Real Housewives of New York City,” and Erin Walker, mother, equestrian, business owner, and wife of 2016 PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker. Ramona has seen the devastating impact of Lyme disease first-hand through close family members and friends, and both Erin and her husband Jimmy are currently battling the disease. Lori Stokes, co-anchor of FOX 5 Good Day New York, hosted the event.
Erin and Ramona both addressed the crowd in emotional testimonies of their experiences with Lyme and their dedication to raising awareness for finding a cure for this insidious disease. Jimmy Walker spoke to the crowd by way of video, thanking GLA and congratulating Erin. Global superstar Avril Lavigne recorded a special video message for the crowd, which was shown, announcing that she has officially accepted the invitation to join GLA’s Board of Directors, as well as details of the new strategic partnership between The Avril Lavigne Foundation and GLA. Avril’s new single, “Head Above Water,” is about her personal struggle with Lyme disease.
Celebrity event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events donated the design and décor for the sophisticated celebration. A New York City skyline projection scaling the wall of Cipriani 42nd Street illuminated the room in midnight purple. Each table was set with gold brass teardrop lamps or glass candle centerpieces alongside small potted foliage, and atop glittering gold or black tablecloths. The awe-inspiring gala experience embodied the signature stylings of A Larry Party™, perfectly balancing the highs with the lows and the formal with the relaxed to empathize significant moments. Other evening highlights included a surprise performance, by the Big Apple Circus and a menu inspired by Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group, with sushi courtesy of Nobu.
Past GLA Gala honoree Yolanda Hadid spoke to guests about her Lyme journey and introduced a short video that illustrates the impact Lyme can have on one’s entire family. The ceremony ended with a very special performance by Tony Award-winning actress and recording artist, Sutton Foster.
Photo Credit: Ben Gabbe/ Slaven Vlasic for Getty Images/Global Lyme Alliance
About Global Lyme Alliance
Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) is the leading 501(c)(3) dedicated to conquering Lyme disease through research, education and awareness. GLA has gained national prominence for funding the most urgent and promising research in the field, while expanding education and awareness programs for the general public and physicians. To learn more about GLA’s unrivaled focus on the science of Lyme, check out its inaugural research report here or visit its website at www.globallymealliance.org
About Lawrence Scott Events
Lawrence Scott Gottesman brings unparalleled creativity and imagination to his signature special events. A native New Yorker, Larry started his career in catering before opening one of Long Island’s most successful restaurants, Larry and The Redhead. In 1989, he established Lawrence Scott Events and instantly gained a reputation for his exceptional, one-of-a-kind celebrations. “From the ridiculous to the sublime”, A Larry Party™ brings families and friends together for life’s most memorable moments and milestones. While known for his non-stop innovation and ahead-of-the-trends approach, Larry is equally known for his philanthropic efforts. Larry’s commitment to community has spanned decades of support for charitable causes including, Make-A-Wish®, The Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, Live Out loud, Forward Face, City of Hope, and MS, to name a few. Larry’s reputation is that of a generous and charismatic man who considers his employees “family” and treats his clients with adoration and respect. They return to him time and again to celebrate all of life’s important occasions knowing their party will be like no other — and one that they… "will NEVER, EVER forget!"