Essential Herbs — Event Proposal · Prepared for K2
NDA Editorial Event Series
September 16–17, 2026 · Confidential
Project
Guest Sessions & Breakfast
Dates
September 16–17, 2026
Total Guests
185 across all services
Service Type
Elevated Editorial Catering
Partnership Overview
Elevated editorial hospitality for a four-day event series.
Essential Herbs is honored to pitch as culinary partner for K2's upcoming NDA editorial event on Duane Street in NYC. Recognizing the caliber and sophistication of your guests and brand positioning, every service is designed around fresh, seasonal, produce-forward cuisine presented with sleek, elegant precision. No standard catering. No recycled menus. Every meal reflects what's at peak season and how to honor those ingredients through thoughtful technique.
September at the Market — Peak Season Produce
What September brings to the table.
September marks the finale of summer's bounty. Local grapes reach peak ripeness, figs arrive exclusively from Cherry Lane Farm (the region's only dedicated local fig grower), and stone fruit concludes its season. Bronze fennel, mixed zucchini varieties, wild local mushrooms, kohlrabi, and the final heirloom tomatoes provide the backbone of the menu. Every ingredient is sourced to honor what the region produces at its absolute best.
Farmer Partnerships & Local Networks
Essential Herbs maintains direct relationships with Grow NYC farmers market partners, including Amoon Farm, Norwich Meadows Farm, Furnace Creek Farm, and additional regional growers. These partnerships ensure the highest quality produce, harvested at peak season and delivered days before service. Russell conducts market visits two weeks before finalize ingredient specifications and confirm availability.
Proteins & Dairy — Regenerative Standards
All eggs and yogurt sourced exclusively from local, organic, and regenerative farms. Beef and lamb from Hemlock Hills Farm (Cortlandt Manor, NY) and Kinderhook Farm (Valatie, NY). Chicken sourced from Greenane Farms (Delhi, NY). Every protein reflects a commitment to regenerative agriculture and exceptional animal husbandry. Grains milled locally whenever possible, with emphasis on artisan mills. Rice sourced from Great Joy Family Farm.
Baked Goods & Artisan Partners
Essential Herbs partners with a range of the highest-quality local bakeries, including Nick & Sons, Sixteen Mills, Knead Bakery, C&B, and Elbow Bread. Emphasis throughout is on locally-milled grains and elevated, fresh alternatives to standard pastry formats. Thoughtful vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are integrated throughout the menu — never as afterthoughts. These preparations receive the same level of culinary attention and ingredient quality as all other offerings. Prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients, we create inclusive menus that reflect Essential Herbs' core philosophy.
Guest Sessions | Day 1
September 16 | Elevated Light Bites & Refreshments
Session Structure
Two sessions, 20 guests per session. Session 1: 1:00–2:30 PM · Session 2: 3:00–4:30 PM. Bites and beverages are thoughtfully composed to create harmonious flavor progressions throughout each session. Staffing: 5 back of house + 3 front of house. Additional menu items shown below.
Bite Rotation & Flow
Bites throughout each session flow organically, with careful attention to flavor pairings, textures, and visual harmony. Rather than simple replenishment, each 30-minute refresh strategically removes two items and introduces two new selections, maintaining a dynamic yet refined progression. A minimum of six items remains in rotation at all times, ensuring continuous discovery for guests while preserving the composed, intentional aesthetic.
Beverage Program
Rotating Cold Seasonal Beverages
Ice Chamomile Tea — Served in chic, architectural glass jars
Chia, Mint & Cucumber Basil Water — Refreshing herbal infusion in refined glassware
Premium bottled water (still and sparkling)
Fresh-Pressed Seasonal Juices
Kale, Spinach & Parsley with ginger and lemon — vibrant emerald
Savory Stuffed Dates with tahini and walnuts (V, NF, DF, GF)
Additional menu items shown below. Team will select from comprehensive options to customize each session rotation.
Display & Presentation
Sleek, silver-tone display surfaces create an elegant, abundant-yet-intentional presentation. Varied heights, generous negative space. Individual portions arranged in clean, architectural rows. Natural food colors and garnishes provide visual interest against refined metallic surfaces. Beverage stations feature chic glassware and minimal, discreet labels. Fresh rotation and replenishment between sessions (30-minute reset window) maintains visual freshness and flavor discovery.
Editorial Day | Breakfast + Five Guest Sessions
September 17 | Priority Breakfast + Multi-Session Guest Series
Editor Breakfast | 7:00–9:00 AM
45 guests (Tier 1 Editorial Contacts) — highest presentation priority. Sleek, elegant display surfaces. Refined, architectural positioning. Staffing: 5 back of house + 3 front of house.
Editor Breakfast Menu | Time TBD
Mix Local Yogurt with flaxseed and local oat granola, seasonal fruit compote — Vessel: Small glass jar or chic silver bowl (VEG)
Overnight Oats with pistachio butter and caramelized pear — Vessel: Small glass jar or chic silver bowl (V, GF)
Local Fruit Arrangement — Stone fruit, figs, small cut melon (V, GF, NF) — All easy to eat
8-Minute Egg Halved with avocado and herbs on whole wheat sourdough toast (V, DF, NF)
Four-Cheese Herb Scones (VEG)
Spinach & Egg (VEG, GF)
Green Goddess Bean on rye bread toast (V)
Petit Waffle with Russ & Daughters gravlox, crème fraîche, lemon, and capers (NF)
Selection of Elegant Premium Baked Goods — Classic and modern mix (Ole & Steen, Thea, Nick & Sons, Sixteen Mills, 34 South, La Cabra, etc.)
Guest Sessions | Five Sessions, 20 Guests Per Session
9:30–11:00 AM (Session 1) · 11:30 AM–1:00 PM (Session 2) · 2:00–3:30 PM (Session 3) · 4:00–5:30 PM (Session 4) · 6:00–7:30 PM (Session 5). Fresh light bites presented between each session. Menu evolves throughout the day — bites refreshed and one or two new elements introduced per reset window while maintaining visual consistency.
Additional menu items shown below. Team will select from comprehensive options to customize each session rotation.
The following menu items are available for team selection to customize each session rotation throughout the day. Selections finalized during menu kickoff call.
Vegetarian
Garden Tartlets with whipped ricotta, preserved lemons, honey, and fried leeks (NF)
Tiropitakia (NF)
Tamago Sando (NF)
Curry Baby Corn (GF, NF)
Wild Mushroom Tartlets (NF)
Butter & Cucumber English Bread (NF)
Fresh Cornbread with herb butter (NF)
Vegan
Dolmas (GF)
Samosas (NF)
Crudité Individual Boats (V, NF, GF)
Inaris with umeboshi and finger limes (GF, NF)
Focaccia & Mushroom Pâté topped with pickled onion
Tofu Ricotta Tartlets, smoked beets, and finger limes (NF)
Fish
Gildas (NF, GF)
Tuna Tartlets (NF, DF)
Preserved Lemon Shrimps on tartlets with crispy sweet potatoes (GF, NF)
Crispy Milk Bread topped with smoked whipped salmon, cucumbers, and finger lime (NF)
Fresh Oysters, West Coast (GF, NF, DF)
Sesame Rice with salmon sriracha and Thai basil (GF, NF, DF)
Meat
Lamb Dolmas (GF)
Lemongrass Chicken Tartlet & Shiso Leaf (NF)
Beef Empanadas (NF)
Chicken Cigars (NF, DF)
Rice Crackers with umeboshi, thin-cut chicken, and bonito flakes (GF, NF, DF)
Curry Chicken Crisp with cilantro chutney (GF, NF)
Beef Tartare on milk toast (NF)
Potato Latkes with apple compote and pork belly (GF)
Sweets
Lemon Squares (V)
Dates & Nuts Truffles (V, GF)
Chocolate & Dulce de Leche Conitos
Apple Tartlets
Berries Tartlets (DF)
Mille-Feuille with crème pâtissière
Aesthetic & Catering Portfolio
Design Philosophy & Culinary Execution
Every Essential Herbs service reflects a commitment to refined, artisanal hospitality. Below, design references showcase the elegant aesthetic that frames our presentations, while our catering portfolio demonstrates the seasonal ingredients, elevated plating, and thoughtful execution that define Essential Herbs.
Design References — Presentation Aesthetic
On-Site Staffing
September 16
Front of House
Floor Manager
1
Servers
2
Back of House
Head Chef
1
Chef de Cuisine
1
Line Cook
1
Porter
1
September 17
Front of House
Floor Manager
1
Servers
4
Back of House
Head Chef
1
Chef de Cuisine
1
Line Cooks
2
Porter
1
Operational Details
Preparation Days | September 12–13
Off-site kitchen prep. Access to Duane Street for rentals and staging. Russell on-site for full menu execution oversight and kitchen direction.
Dietary Accommodations
Full support for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen considerations. Guest manifest with dietary needs required prior to September 12.
Investment
Service Breakdown
September 16 Guest Sessions: 40 guests (2 sessions) @ $150/person
$6,000.00
September 17 Editor Breakfast: 45 guests @ ~$133/person
$6,000.00
September 17 Guest Sessions: 100 guests (5 sessions) @ $80/person
$8,000.00
Subtotal Food & Beverages
Subtotal
$20,000.00
Sustainable Sourcing Fee (3%)
$600.00
Project Management (20%)
$4,000.00
Estimated Rentals (pending design review)
$3,000.00
Subtotal Before Tax
Subtotal
$27,600.00
NY Sales Tax (8.875%)
$2,449.50
Grand Total (September 16–17)
$30,049.5
Rental Coverage
Estimated Rentals ($3,000) include glassware, tableware, flatware, and silverware for the Executive Breakfast (September 17, 7:00–9:00 AM, 45 guests). Final rental specifications will be finalized during the design review and kitchen walk-through with the client.
Payment Terms: 50% deposit ($15,024.75) required to secure dates and team commitment. Balance ($15,024.75) due one week prior to September 12 prep day. Total investment includes all food, beverages, project management, menu design, sourcing, estimated rentals, and coordination for September 16–17.
Pricing assumes the scope as outlined: guest sessions ($6,000 Sept 16), editor breakfast ($6,000 Sept 17), and five guest sessions ($8,000 Sept 17). Includes 3% sustainable sourcing fee, 20% project management fee, and $3,000 estimated rentals (pending design review and final specifications). Additional scope beyond this outline subject to change order and supplementary fees.
Optional Add-Ons
Premium Services (Optional)
Onsite Barista Service + La Marzocco Espresso Machine Install — per day (Sept 16 or 17)
$2,500.00
Optional add-ons are not included in the grand total above. Select any or all of these premium services to enhance the event experience. Barista service may be added for one or both guest days (Sept 16 & 17).
Next Steps
Confirm Guest Manifest
Dietary restrictions, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free requirements, and allergy information for all guests. Breakdown by day and session.
Location & Kitchen Details
Confirm event location(s), kitchen access, equipment available, table/display surfaces, storage, utilities, and loading logistics for prep days.
Menu Finalization
Russell will conduct market visit two weeks prior (late August) to finalize seasonal ingredient selections and menu specifications.
Deposit & Booking
Upon approval, 50% deposit ($15,024.75) is required to secure dates, team commitment, and begin sourcing coordination.