The Plaza Grand Ballroom to Host NBC's "Today Throws a Wedding"
Leigh and Nick, the former Olympic hopefuls who captured the hearts of viewers during the 10th annual TODAY Throws a Wedding, will celebrate their nuptials with a live wedding to be broadcast from the legendary Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel on the Today Show July 15 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM (EST). The Plaza’s Grand Ballroom has hosted dream weddings for over a century, and, following its magnificent restoration, it is once again the quintessential destination for momentous celebrations.
The lucky couple’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will include a custom designed menu by Plaza Grand Ballroom Executive Chef Chris Harkness. Chef Harkness’ sumptuous dishes are features of the Ballroom’s famed 100 Mile Menu, incorporating delicious, seasonal ingredients all sourced within New York State. Menu highlights include:
Katchkie Farm Tomato Terrine
Fresh Picked Mezze Salad and Peekytoe Crab Vinaigrette
Local Roasted Monkfish over Sweet Pea Risotto with Sautéed Katchkie Farm Swiss Chard and Tomato Jam
Herb Seared Filet of Beef with Tender Gnocchi, Baby Mushrooms,
Sautéed Spinach, and Cabernet Demi Glaze
Ricotta Tort with Toasted Almonds and Blueberries
Says Chef Harkness: “Writing the 100 Mile Menu is like releasing a child into the world. Each ingredient is written with emotion. Creating the 100 Mile Menu has been a tremendous thrill for me, and I’m honored to serve it in the Plaza Ballroom.”
The 100 Mile Menu is a new culinary movement that marries seasonal fare with elegant style. The bridal market's shift toward an interest in sustainable, green weddings inspires catering that is seasonal, local, and always delicious. With fresh, organic ingredients served within 36 hours of their harvest, the 100 Mile Menu is the synthesis of robust flavor and modern dining.
The Plaza has also hosted many of the city’s most memorable parties – Truman Capote's Black & White Ball and Sarah Jessica Parker's 40th birthday bash – and scenes from countless classics were filmed in the ballroom including Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and the recent blockbuster Bride Wars.
About Central Park South Events at The Plaza
CPS Events (www.greatperformances.com/venues/theplaza) is a stand-alone joint venture between Delaware North Companies, one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers, and Great Performances, New York’s most prestigious event management and catering company, founded by Liz Neumark. Together as CPS Events they have leased the Grand Ballroom, Foyer, Centennial Room and 7 meeting rooms at The Plaza for the next 25 years.
At The Plaza, Neumark continues to focus attention on eco-friendly, farm-to-table menus. Much of the Grand Ballroom’s culinary offerings come from Katchkie Farm, Great Performance’s organic farm in upstate New York. This will help ensure that produce from amaranth to watercress will make it to the ballroom’s tables within 36 hours of being harvested. Both companies are committed to creating menus that reflect the ballroom’s status as well as their dedication to sustainable food practices.