SOBE Style
Panache gets the scoop on entertaining SOBE Style….
The Panache Insider recently had the opportunity to catch up with Lee Brian Schrager, Founder, and Executive Director of the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, the New York City Wine and Food Festival who also happens to be the Lifestyle Advisor for Gilt City. When Lee was hosting an intimate Holiday celebration at his home recently we got a sneak peak into how he likes to entertain. Putting together Lee’s private event recently, the parameters given were for close friends and family, dining al fresco on his front patio and everyone at the same table. The dinner party was for 20 guests and then Lee invited another 20 to join for dessert, which was set buffet style on the south end of the front patio. The event was elegantly rustic to compliment the lush tropical foliage in this grand historic Miami home. The color palette incorporated salmon, papaya, pumpkin, and coral hues along with our newest furniture addition at Panache a Classic Party Rentals Company, Tuscan wood chairs as well as Opus stemware, which completed the place setting of our Burnt Orange charger gracing white square and oval serving pieces. Always Flowers created a rich floralscape nestled between the guests that ran lengthwise down the sixteen-foot feasting table.
Once everything was set in place and ready for the guests to arrive the Panache Insider was ready to get the scoop. Considering Lee throws the biggest party of the planet with the most “uber” of culinary genius in the world both here in Miami and New York City and most likely gets to see the latest and greatest at all of the events he attends, we asked Lee….
- PI: When you entertain at home, what style do you prefer?
- LBS: I prefer buffet and family style meals, never plated. I really try to keep things simple and manageable since everyone has such different tastes. In my mind, it is as easy to entertain for 10 as it is for 100. I do not entertain that often anymore (with all the traveling) but when I do, it is usually for a large crowd. I love a good cocktail party though. I try to stay away from themes – good lighting, good music and good liquor really makes the difference.
- PI: Once you have your guest list, what are the next three important steps you take to get your party planned? Who is in your little “blackbookberry” on speed dial to make it happen?
- LBS: Of course Panache a Classic Party Rentals Company, Always Flowers and my favorite caterer (which is different depending on the event/type and food being served)
- PI: Lee, organizing the Wine and Food Festivals both here in Miami and NYC takes a year of planning for you and your team, we are curious how much time does it take for you to plan a personal gathering?
- LBS: I find the best parties are often on the fly. If you have 6 months to plan a party, it takes 6 months…if you only have 6 days, it takes 6 days.
- PI: We know it would be hard for you to pick a favorite of all of your culinary friends, but where do you find yourself on a regular basis when dining out both here in South Florida or New York City?
- LBS: In Miami – Either Michy’s, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink or Sugarcane all of which are close to where I live. In NYC - Either Salumeria Rosi, Boulud Sud, or Porter House.
What a great time we had getting to know Lee Brian Schrager, the consummate event creator!
