The Vision

The Perfect Evening Under The Stars

Elevated but not choreographed. Generous but not showy. Food that lets simple, recognizable ingredients speak for themselves. Family-style service, fire-cooked, to perfection.

What's In Season

June — Peak Season

Peak vegetables, fresh herbs in full abundance, stone fruits arriving. The season is bright, alive, and direct. Perfect for grilling, for salads, for the ingredient-forward ethos that is at the heart of this celebration.

About Russell & Essential Herbs

Led by intuition. Rooted in place.

Russell's cooking style balances simple, complex, and unexpected flavor combinations using the freshest local ingredients sourced within 250 miles of Brooklyn. He believes food is a vessel—accessible to all, with the potential to elevate the simple human experience of breaking bread together into something transcendent. Featured in Bon Appétit, WSJ, Vogue, Eater, and the New York Times.

The Venue

Step into a real-life fairytale at Argyll House

An enchanting countryside retreat in Connecticut, inspired by the cottages of the English Cotswolds. Argyll House accommodates 11 guests across 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, complete with a heated saltwater pool, local provisions in the kitchen, and a stocked fridge. House cleaning is included before and after your stay. The venue includes an on-site day planner. Your stay spans Thursday through Saturday (3 nights), with service running 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM on Saturday.

Menu

Vegetable-forward. Fire-cooked. Ingredient-driven.

Gluten-free and dietary accommodations available. Russell finalizes menu selections four months prior; menus locked three weeks before the event based on peak seasonal availability.

Wine & Bar Program

$105 per person (base bar)

Bar package covers spirits, beer, and non-wine beverages, opening at cocktail hour and running through 11 PM (venue close). Wine is supplied by a family member, reducing overall cost while preserving the wine quality and sourcing story that matters so much to the couple. EH handles all service coordination with family-supplied bottles.

Dietary Accommodations

Fully inclusive

Menu is naturally suited to accommodate pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests. Every course includes options that feel equal in thought and execution, not modifications.

Family priorities: Shira's parents are pescatarian and deserve a full plate at dinner (not fish as a side). Confirm final counts 6 weeks prior.

Staffing & Responsibilities

What EH Handles

Investment

Complete Catering & Beverage Package

Payment Schedule:
• 50% Deposit to Book: $49,170.70 (non-refundable)
• 25% (6 months prior): $24,585.35 (refundable up to 3 months out)
• 25% Final (2 months prior): $24,585.35 (50% refundable up to 1 month out)

Payment by ACH (preferred) or credit card (includes 4% processing fee).

Holiday Premium: A 15% premium applies to holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day).

Sourcing Philosophy

Seasonal. Ethical. Direct.

All produce is sourced within 250 miles of Brooklyn at peak season. Russell maintains direct relationships with growers, including Ox Hollow Farm (20 min from Argyll), ensuring ingredients are harvested days before the event. Sourcing is non-negotiable—it drives menu decisions and honors both families' values around food, ingredients, and sustainability.

Outside of Scope

Partners & Vendors

Essential Herbs handles all food, beverage, and hospitality service. The following are outside our scope and handled by the couple, their planner, or approved vendors: Photography + Video, Floral + Décor, Music + Entertainment, Attire + Beauty, Invitations + Stationery, Officiant, Transportation, Guest Favors + Gifts, Premium/stylized plateware/flatware/serveware, Wedding planner (month-of and day-of coordination).

Next Steps