Experience & Credentials

Trusted by Premium Brands & Industry Leaders

Essential Herbs has designed and executed elevated events for some of the world's most discerning brands and organizations. Recent high-profile clients include Apple, Brex, Adidas, ON Running, Soho House, Remedy Place, SHA Wellness, Parsley Health, and others across tech, luxury hospitality, design, wellness, and finance. Russell brings chef-led rigor, relentless attention to detail, and a sourcing philosophy that has earned trust from both Fortune 50 clients and intimate high-net-worth celebrations. Every event is built to the same exacting standard: seasonal integrity, chef-led execution, and experiences that move guests.

The Vision

Elevated, approachable celebration. Hands-on cooking. Design-forward execution.

This event balances sophistication with approachability — high-quality party food that feels refined rather than formal. Terrace activation (yakitori and grilled oyster station) creates theater and energy. Indoor service through passed canapés and bowl food maintains flow and visual interest. The menu leans into June's peak abundance: stone fruit, early berries, peak greens, fresh herbs, seafood, and seasonal proteins. Everything is designed for seamless execution in a satellite kitchen environment.

About Russell & Essential Herbs

Chef-Led Rigor. Seasonal Integrity. One-of-a-Kind Menus.

Russell Markus founded Essential Herbs to bring chef-led rigor to private events. Every menu is built from his understanding of what's at peak season, who grew it, and how to honor those ingredients. He approaches each event as a full production: every menu is custom-designed, service is tailored and intentional, and the sourcing philosophy is foundational to the work. Russell maintains direct relationships with growers within 250 miles of Brooklyn, ensuring ingredients are harvested days before the event. The result is food that represents the season, courses paced to breathe, and service that is attentive and purposeful.

Proposed Menu Concept

Menu Framework

Logistics & Capabilities

Activation Framework

Staffing & Execution Team

Full Service Team for 200 Guests

Rentals & Event Logistics

Plateware, Glassware, Serviceware, Furniture

Beverage Program

Full Bar with Premium Beer, Wine Selection, Cocktails

Outstanding Questions

Investment — Top-Line Estimate

200-Guest Event Breakdown

Note: This is a top-line estimate for proposal discussion. Final pricing will be locked after site visit and detailed menu finalization.

Food & Kitchen Labor Range: Pricing scales based on menu complexity, ingredient sourcing, and execution requirements. $130 pp represents accessible, well-executed food. $240 pp reflects premium ingredients, advanced techniques, and specialized preparations. Final per-person cost confirmed during Menu Kickoff call.

**Event Rentals (Plateware, Glassware, Serviceware, Furniture): Plateware, glassware, serviceware, tables, chairs, and furniture. Final cost and specifications determined during scope refinement following site visit.

***Equipment Rentals (Kitchen Setup): Kitchen equipment, grills, station setup, ice, cooking smallwares. Final cost pending site assessment.

Grand Total Range: Estimated at $59,200–$104,200. Range accounts for food pricing flexibility ($130–$240 pp) and beverage package flexibility ($80–$130 pp). Event rentals (kitchen equipment, plateware, glassware, serviceware, furniture) assessed during site visit (TBD). Increases to event length or guest count will result in updated fees. Final pricing locked after Menu Kickoff call and site visit.

Important: Final menus are set after deposit has been made. This ensures alignment with client preferences and seasonal availability confirmed during Menu Kickoff.

Scope Notice: This proposal is an initial review of the event and is not a final contract. Pricing, logistics, and event details are estimates pending Menu Kickoff call and site visit. Changes to event length, guest count, or service requirements will result in updated fees and timeline. Final proposal will be delivered after confirmation of all event parameters.

Next Steps

Sourcing Philosophy

Seasonal. Ethical. Direct.

All produce sourced within 250 miles of Brooklyn at peak season. Chef Russell maintains direct relationships with growers, ensuring ingredients are harvested days before the event. This approach delivers three benefits: maximum freshness and flavor, environmental integrity through minimal transportation, and fair compensation that allows farmers to maintain their teams and economies.

Payment Methods