In 2013, my long-time music friend Richard asked me to cater his wedding reception in Harlem. It was my first gig with my then-roommates Jeff and Dylan. Jeff and I had catered many weddings under Roquette but we were on our own for this one. We created simple backyard bbq menu and worked together to bring down costs for the party of 50 guests.

  
      Anne & Richard's Wedding Menu
    
    CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

Onion patties, tomato, mayo, pesto

CHICKEN SKEWERS 

Nuoc mam cham, brown sugar

      BLACK BEAN VEGGIE BURGERS

      Scallion, quinoa, cumin, orange

      ADOBO PULLED PORK

      Hawaiian roll, soy sauce, garlic
  	
SLAW

      Cilantro, mint, dill

GRILLED COLLARDS
Shichimi tagarashi, lime, paprika 

HOMEMADE KOSHER PICKLES

      HOMEMADE KETCHUP & GRAIN MUSTARD

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

Our friend d. yee captured the entire party on the steps outside, reenacting the famous "A Great Day in Harlem" photo featuring 57 notable jazz musicians. Our version was similarly inspiring featuring many artists, chip musicians, curators, DJs, and even our catering crew.

Here's the original by Esquire photographer Art Kane for comparison:

Here are more shots of 'Another Great Day in Harlem' by d. yee. I have since upgraded to a chef coat and signature blue hat but many of these dishes were honed for competitions over my career and eventually ended up in my cookbook.

Thanks to Anne and Richard for taking a chance on this ragtag crew 5 years ago.