An Affair to Remember
Creativity, vision and superb facilities make The St. Regis New York the ideal location for events large and small.
By Regina Molaro |Photos by Hechler Photographers
Rather than ushering in the new year with millions of revelers at Times Square, an elite group of 20 descended upon The Roof ballroom atop The St. Regis New York for their own elaborate fête. The decadent space, which was aglow with candlelight and the flicker of glittering chandeliers, set an elegant tone for the evening’s festivities. Dinner guests, decked out in elaborate attire, were swept away into the magic of the setting.
Accented with the glow of soft fuchsia lighting, the ballroom space also reflected hints of orange via its lighting. The focal point of this magical scene was a long, dramatic table draped in fine linens of champagne and ivory. A string of candles lined each side of the table, casting a golden glow about. Elegant floral arrangements also adorned the tables, bringing even more beauty and romance to the scene.
Although the ballroom can easily accommodate up to 200 guests, this select group shared the entire space—complete with sparkling nighttime views of Manhattan—with only each other.The A-list of revelers was treated, by their host, to a seven-course meal, which cost approximately $2,000 per person. As the music played and guests mingled about, they nibbled on Kobe sliders, maple glazed scallops wrapped in bacon and fresh goat cheese beignets. Other delectable hors d’oeuvres included foie gras mousse with fresh popcorn and beet syrup, beef tartar with truffle, herbs, Dijon mustard and quail eggs, and mini smoked salmon canapés with salmon caviar.
A decadent dinner menu started off with roasted beets, Coach Farms triple crème goat cheese, tender mache and a walnut vinaigrette followed by warm poached lobster salad with parsnip puree, chanterelles and beef reduction. A delicious dry-aged Parmesan risotto with fresh porcini served as the next course. Roasted sea bass was then served with fricassee of asparagus, mushroom, green beans and shallots in a white asparagus sauce and micro greens. Roasted rack of baby lamb also made an appearance on the elaborate menu. It was served with oven-roasted potatoes, Madeira sauce and asparagus along with roasted cauliflower and carrots. A trio of miniature desserts and homemade ice cream completed the menu, and of course, guests toasted the new year with bottles of bubbly by Dom Perignon.
Attention to the finest details and a highly attentive staff are two of the ingredients that make The St. Regis New York a truly exceptional hotel. For these reasons and many others, the iconic landmark has landed at the top of many prestigious lists, most recently, the 2012 Forbes Travel Guide. Renowned for providing guests with the ultimate in elegance and comfort, the St. Regis can also create magical memories for all types of parties and affairs—from intimate gatherings to corporate meetings, fundraisers, retirement parties, anniversary celebrations and beyond.
Offering top-notch dining and beverage service, and access to a variety of musical entertainment, the staff can assist in hosting a truly singular affair. A team of creative visionaries cater to every detail and desire.
First, The St. Regis New York’s lavish setting is unlike any other. Its sense of Old World elegance dates back to another era—a time when opulence, decadence and grandeur were high fashion. Imagine your guests dining and dancing in a magical setting illuminated by the glow of ornate, glittering chandeliers. Fine details such as soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, Oriental rugs and gold accents bring embellishment.
“The impeccable dedication of The St. Regis New York’s highly trained event staff is matched only by the unparalleled creativity of our renowned culinary team, allowing clients to create an unforgettable bespoke experience,” says Gary Merjian, director of catering for The St. Regis New York. “Every event hosted at The St. Regis New York is customized in order to fit the client’s needs, whether it’s an elaborate cocktail party or a company board meeting. We have hosted the city’s grandest and most memorable events, and it is our singular focus to delight and amaze our guests no matter how intimate or grand the event may be.”
Fabulous Spaces
The St. Regis New York has 16,000 square feet of event space that spans 16 different venues and is ideal for hosting intimate gatherings or larger groups of 300 guests. Typically financial meetings, larger group meetings and fundraising events are held during the week, and on weekends, the St. Regis rolls out its red carpet for weddings, milestone anniversary celebrations, and bar- and bat-mitzvahs.
“The rooms are decorated to capture the legendary refinement of the St. Regis, highlighting the elegance of the hotel’s original interior,” Merjian says. “The hotel’s interiors emphasize elegant, modern luxury in custom furniture, fabric and technology.”
On the 20th floor, overlooking the beauty, energy and sparkle of Manhattan sits The Roof and The Penthouse. Ideal for formal dinners, large celebrations and weddings, the decadent space offers a soft color palette of cream and gold hues. Hints of pale pink and green embellish the floral patterned rug. A dreamy sense of elegance can be found in the space, which has vaulted cloud-dappled ceilings and is illuminated with shimmering gilt chandeliers. “The St. Regis New York is one of the few ballrooms in New York City that boasts six full chandeliers,” Merjian explains. Ten tall windows on The Roof offer picturesque views of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. The stunning views will whisk guests into a New York state of mind.
Downstairs, on the second floor, 10 meeting spaces include The Versailles Room, Louis XVI suites, the library, Fontainebleau Room, foyer and more. The second-floor event space features 10,000 square feet of space and can accommodate from 10 up to 180 guests. Picturesque views of Manhattan can be seen via the tall windows. Upon entering the space, guests will pass through a long, dramatic hallway that can be easily embellished to create a truly grand entrance. Sometimes very elaborate dinners are held in The Versailles Room. “For a recent event, we utilized large hurricane candles lining the entryway into the space. The modern and clean shape of the containers beautifully juxtaposed the rich and elegant space, and created a stunning effect,” Merjian says. A string of glittering chandeliers further sets the tone for elegance, as do the gold, scroll-like decorative pieces that adorn the hallway.
The Versailles and Louis XVI rooms offer much grandeur with similar design details to The Roof. Dark wood paneling sets a rich, elegant tone. Ornate chandeliers illuminate the rooms, and elegant mirrors deck the walls. Elaborate drapery adds a hint of drama to the windows. A grand marble fireplace also makes quite a statement. Above it looms a gold-trimmed oval mirror. Glass covered bookcases run almost from floor to ceiling. On the lower level, the Fontainebleau Room has four meeting spaces, including: Maisonette I, Maisonette II, Iridium I and Iridium II. These spaces are ideal for private board meetings and luncheons.==
Custom Menus
The classic dining menu at the St. Regis is as impressive as its white glove service. “The menus change seasonally in order to incorporate the freshest fruits and vegetables. For example, the vegetable cook pot dish, which was available in Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York featured winter vegetables such as butternut squash and turnips,” Merjian says. The bartenders are always happy to create custom cocktails by request. Some of the premium brands include Fris Vodka, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Grey Goose, Inocente Platinum Tequila, Belvedere, Hendrick’s Gin, Krug and Midleton.
A selection of signature hot or cold hors d’oeuvres are available, and include such favorites as dry, aged Parmesan risotto with fresh porcini mushrooms and a black and white truffle essence, and chilled Maine lobster salad with pickled mango, avocado, julienne of apple and avocado and fennel with yuzu dressing. Top options from the “classical” menu include roasted rack of lamb with sweet potato mash, sundried tomato and garlic flan, and red wine sauce, or roasted filet mignon served with mashed potatoes, roasted tomato, asparagus, micro herbs and Madeira sauce. The menu options also feature chicken entrees, such as organic chicken breast with citrus and corn risotto, and roasted tomato coulis, among other dishes. Salmon and halibut are among the top fish entrees. Decadent dessert offerings include a chocolate caramel composition, or a crisp apple tart served with vanilla ice cream and Calvados syrup.
Accents of Grandeur
Beyond offering a decadent space with superior dining, it’s the bold beauty of the floral accents, top entertainment and decorative lighting that bring the finishing touches. Elizabeth Allen, founder of event planning company, Elizabeth K. Allen Inc. often works with the St. Regis to create its stellar events. Prior to establishing her company, Allen worked in the hotel industry for 12 years, and spent several of those years in the catering department at The St. Regis New York. “When I started my company, I became a client of The St. Regis New York and have produced numerous events.”
Color and artistry unite to make a grand statement in the floral artistry at the hotel. New York City’s very own Renny & Reed can be credited for creating the floral designs that embellish all of the public spaces at The St. Regis New York. Its floral masterpieces have graced the grandest tables, providing focus for unforgettable events. They also set the standard for what an intimate and luxurious bouquet should be. “Today, whether designing a bride’s cherished bouquet, an intimate dinner party for 20 or a benefit for 1,000, creativity abounds and the results are pure magic,” says Reed McIlvaine, owner of Renny & Reed. A variety of fine linens are also available.
Renny & Reed can work with its clients for custom floral designs as well. “For a 70th birthday celebration, we framed out all of the antique, St. Regis mirrors in fresh boxwood flowers and then lined the ballroom with 18-foot articulating bamboo arching into the center of the room with giant pink lanterns suspended,” McIlvaine says.
For the hotel’s holiday decor, Renny & Reed designed large nutcracker soldiers to greet guests. “Our style is in our custom approach to every client. Therefore, what we are known for is our unique and ever-evolving creativity and our professional and friendly approach. On any given party night, we may be designing in a modern, architectural style in one location, a classic and lush English country garden style at a different location and a whimsical, over-the-top style at another location. In the early years, we were at nightclub Studio 54 night after night creating wild fantasies and then decorating the White House a day later.”
As for entertainment, Hank Lane Music and Productions serves as the hotel’s official music company. From DJs spinning the top 40 hits to classical piano players, jazz trios and 20-piece swing bands, Hank Lane has access to 21 different bands. “One of our custom touches is our ‘rock ceremony.’ It consists of a rock rhythm section and strings. As guests are arriving and are being seated for a ceremony, instead of traditional classical music, the group plays light classic rock such as Journey or Pink Floyd. As it gets closer to the actual processional, the music would build and become heavier,” says Harris Lane, president of Hank Lane Music and Productions. “I did this at my wedding and right before the bridal party came down the aisle, the orchestra went into an instrumental version of ‘Kashmir’ by Led Zeppelin. The song was so intense and we all got the chills. When the group finished playing, the guests applauded! It was like watching a mini concert.”
Hank Lane has also orchestrated even more elaborate ceremonies with five or six songs consisting of a mix from The Beatles to Jay-Z. Not limited to rock music, the playlist can include a mix of contemporary music. For bands, Hank Lane can add additional R&B singers, electric violins or even create custom bandstands.
Lighting also plays a significant role in setting the ambiance. A variety of options can properly illuminate centerpieces or create the ultimate dance floor. “Lighting creates the atmosphere of any party. Most rooms are beautiful as is, but by adding lighting you could transform the room to any theme or vibe, or enhance the room’s beauty by accenting the architecture such as columns and archways,” says Marcus Mordachini, president and owner of Fusion Lighting. Of course, custom touches and standout elements can be created. “If a client wanted to create a winter wonderland theme, I can use ice blue lighting on the walls and create a very subtle ‘breakup pattern’ on snowflakes for the ceiling and the dance floor while keeping the tables lit in soft white candlelight.” When the party’s over, perhaps you’ll want to retire to one of the hotel’s stylish rooms to complete the entire St. Regis experience.
