 What makes Chef Christian stand out to us? When it comes to providing staff for our clients, experience and expertise are top priorities - which is why Chef Christian is one of our go-to's for kitchen and culinary prowess. Plus his willingness to help out the team in any way needed is like gold - especially in the event and staffing industry! Thanks Chef Christian for all of your hard work - Tapuz and our clients appreciate it! More info on Chef Christian here.
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As part of of our Venue Site Visit Series, this week our Sales & Marketing Manager Nandini Austin stopped by New Lab in Brooklyn Yards, New York City and met with Stephanie Hemshrot, their Director of Programming & Events, to find out why the space is not your average venue. Check out this informative Q & A...
Tell me about the unique architecture. It seems like a combo of the old and new. New Lab's home is a century-old shipbuilding factory in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The expansive space, and its long history of being a center for manufacturing, inspired the development of New Lab as a hub for advanced technologies, from robotics and AI to vertical farming and solar energy. Our beautiful 84,000 square foot flagship includes space and resources for our on-site community of entrepreneurs, as well an expansive offering of event spaces to host provocative conversations, dinners, and original programming. So New Lab is not simply an event space? Who else is in the building ? Well it's home to over 100 member companies, each which has its own story of innovative work relating to sustainability, the future of cities, and the intersection of technology and human experience. Our event spaces are designed to serve as a loudspeaker to help tell the stories of innovation happening on-site. Tell us about the events you host? All events hosted here tie into our mission of supporting crucial work and advancing the intersection of technology and the human experience—whether it be a panel discussion about Mars exploration or a salon dinner or venture capital funding for scaling advanced tech companies. It sounds like New Lab is a robust community that is always percolating with activity and exciting stories. How you do you publicize these? New Lab tells these stories through its monthly zine, Tech Fancy--and is crackling with great stories, as each of our 100+ member companies are developing exciting new technologies every day. We decided to capture and tell some of these stories ourselves—each issue of our monthly zine and newsletter explores members doing work in a particular theme (from food innovation to blockchain). Tell me about your programming ? We include quarterly conversation series that will launch next fall, focusing on topics related to the work happening here, like medical tech innovation and artificial intelligence. We think a lot about the intersection of technology and people, and what it is like to live and work alongside new technologies. This lends itself to some serious dinner table conversations! We are launching our own quarterly series in the coming months to bring these types of discussions to a platform large enough for the public to join in on. To host an event or to learn more about what's going on at New Lab, please reach out to stephanie@newlab.com.  With Passover and Easter all in one week, our kitchen assistants and servers have been busy providing helping hands for all of those New York City home cooks out there hosting dinners this week. We have a few tips to keep in mind:
1) DON'T attempt a maiden voyage. 2) DON'T apologize for the food. 3) DO accept some help--if you want it. Read more tips here. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday! #happypassover #happyeaster #homecook #holidaydinners Last night our team had the pleasure of attending an event at a fabulous venue The Mezzanine by Bond Collective in New York City's Financial District! We loved the chandeliers and decor - and the delicious catering by Riviera Catering!
Photo Credit: Nino Marcutti Last week our Sales and Marketing Manager, Nandini Austin, ventured over to Queens from our Midtown Manhattan staffing office to visit one of favorite New York City venues, Sound River Studios. Check out her take on the site visit...
It was unusually cold the day I visited this warehouse / gallery space on the Long Island City waterfront. I felt the rain turn into big frost flakes hit which my cheeks and made my eyes water. Exiting the Court Square subway station, I recalled the directions I'd been given: "Walk down 44th Drive toward the Manhattan skyline of the city. When you reach the river, we're on the left side of the street. Give a call when you arrive." As I drew near the end of the street, my jaw dropped at the amazing views from Sound River Studios. Una, who manages the venue with her colleague Steve, was in the midst of supervising a load-in for Dessert Goals, a two-weekend event filled with muffins, candies, cakes, ice cream and sweets of every variety. In such a large venue, she told me, events with multiple vendors is not unusual. We walked around this 5500+ square-foot, year-round event space, exiting onto the dockside terrace which features their own dock from which you can charter a private yacht during events. The fading letters of the former Sabrosa warehouse give the exterior a rustic look. The venue also boasts 28' ceilings, ten skylights, and a large catering kitchen. The white walls offer event planners and clients great versatility for any type of function, from corporate branding events and social gathering to film and photo shoots, art exhibitions or fashion events. Una's hospitality made me feel most welcome, and she encouraged me to return once the weather became warmer to enjoy the beautiful evenings at their sister bar, Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill, a beloved neighborhood establishment attracting diverse crowds all summer long. I can't wait! This week our Sales and Marketing Manager, Nandini Austin, had a moment to catch up with venue expert Gabriella Wood from Kagency in New York City to discuss what’s hot and trending in the events world--from pop-ups to instagrammable DJs. Read on to learn more... So what type of venues are proving favorite this year? For the past few years, our bookings with our real estate partners have tripled--so I would say empty, commercial real estate are the front-runner for space. More than ever, clients are looking to for that wow factor, the surprise element so a temporary space adds a certain sex appeal. Clients utilize the space for short-term marketing opportunities such as pop-up shops, collection showcases, and product launches.  201 Mulberry What can clients do to differentiate their events? Two-Fold. Find new and unusual talent. Clients want something novel to take their event to the next level. Talented DJs with major Instragam followings are sort of a must-have these days: from May Kwok to Hesta Prynn. Mad Marj and Alex Merrell all globe-trotting DJs playing for major brands. Alex Merrell just celebrated her 10th-year DJing and most recently spun at the Fox Searchlight Hulu official Golden Globes party. DJ Mad Marj spun in Lisbon, Portugal at Giancarlo Giammetti’s birthday party. 2nd, I would say technology--there are SO many new ways to interact with guests, I suspect we will see a lot of VR/AR this year at client events. How has AV and technology changed this year? AV & lighting technologies are constantly evolving. I see smaller and smaller rigs coming in that are twice as powerful as what we used to have--making the tech side of the event less visible. Especially with projectors and moving image, loads of new ways to play in spaces without having to do actual decals. I think the biggest change has been the social media aspect of technology, producers have to create a moment that photographs well for an Instagram post or Snapchat and something that gives the brands legs beyond the four walls of the event--hopefully going viral. As people are looking for more immersive type food and drink experiences, what’s popular right now in the catering arena? I guess my theme is social media--beyond the incredible creativity in theming food and drink, the caterers food not only has to be great tasting but easily photographed. Drinkers are becoming more discerning so they expect high-quality specialty cocktails and virgin drinks. So hiring a top mixologist like The Cocktail Architect who can create high-quality cocktails and unique bar activation will inevitably elevate the event.  Our client's production of an airline marketing event at 201 Mulberry was a big hit as well!  How are planners marketing their events? Back to social media--we event have clauses now in our talent agreements about social media added-value work--those Instagram posts are immediate, we don't have to wait for Page Six or People Magazine to come out anymore. A lot of clients ask for “high-foot traffic” areas so that their event can get more exposure from passersby. We are also doing media buying for our event clients, both the traditional billboard buys as well as in window displays in our commercial real estate properties, such as the in front of Penn Plaza Pavilion/Pennsylvania Hotel right across the street from Penn Station  The hustle and bustle of the event industry usually is a 24-7 task - but sometimes we like to take a moment to enjoy our beautiful Southern Arizona surroundings, while taking a scenic hike throughout Catalina State Park!
When planning a daytime business meeting or corporate conference, it's important to have all areas covered - by both front of house and back of house staff. This type of event can be very different from - say for example - a full-service catered cocktail reception because the food and beverage may be dropped off - and the attendees and guests may be greeted by a registration staff member - but it is important to have all of these positions manned.
At a recent New York City event of this type, we had our Greeter/Registration Staff checking guests in - and our Kitchen Assistant keeping the food and beverage organized and maintained - so the event planners can focus on their tasks at hand. We love supporting our fellow event professional colleagues! Being in the hospitality industry, providing the best service to our clients is always on the top of our list. And as we know - details always count - even down to the garnishes at the bar. One may wonder - what is the correct way to prepare these?...
To Flame an Orange Peel This is a technique that will require practice, but with patience, it will come to you. Remember, fire and alcohol can be a volatile combination so take care when flaming the peel.
Check out this article from The Spruce to see more! Photo Credits: Tapuz, Inc., Getty Images  In honor of #internationalwomensday2018 we are taking a moment to really appreciate our fellow #women in the #NewYorkCity #business world - and this @Thrillist article provides a few great examples. We hope you feel as empowered as we did after reading it! http://bit.ly/2tB5CZR
 Photo Credit: Tucson News Now As a Tucson-based women-operated business, we feel very inspired by this news! In honor of International Women's Day, 100 McDonald's restaurants nationwide will flip the iconic "M" to a "W" for women - and in southern Arizona, LeAnn Richards, owner of five restaurants in Nogales, Sierra Vista, Douglas, Benson, and Wilcox, will participate in the event. Read more details here.
Left: Chef John de Lucie. Middle: Richard Dorney, District Manager of Santa Margherita USA; Nandini Austin, Sales and Marketing Manager of Tapuz, Inc. Right: Kisa Heyer, CEO Of Dream Foundation; Jacqueline Indelicato is on one of the teams at the NY Advisory Council Member for Dream Foundation, part of the 13-person Council; VP, Innovation and Development, DAS – a Division of Omnicom Group Inc. Photo Credit: ©Jill Lotenberg This week our Sales and Marketing Manager, Nandini Austin, had the pleasure of attending this inspirational New York City event. These are a few of her takeaways from the evening...
--- I have always believed that food and drink connect people and are a gateway to broader cultural issues. Now I know it to be true. I witnessed a few weeks ago a bunch of hospitality strangers come together with one thing in common ‘the willingness to donate their time for a cause they believe -The Dream Foundation. For those of you who don't know the Dream Foundation, is the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults. They fulfill final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort, and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, healthcare organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to nearly 30,000 final Dreams since 1994. Dream Foundation does not receive any federal or state funding and relies solely on individual donations and corporate partnerships to fund its programs. The Dream Foundation had their premiere NYC Launch Event on Thurs, Feb 8, 2018, at the Urbani Truffle Lab NYC. The floor soon became packed as guests arrived. The were caviar demonstrations by Calvisius Caviar, canapes of mini waffles and caviar circulating, thin crust pizza made by Chef John de Lucie and delicious mini cakes by Elizabeth Hodes. To wash these all down was a bubbly Italian sparkling wine Ca'del Bosco. Then the room was silenced by an emotive opera performance cellist is Joan Harrison and the baritone Ricardo Rivera. The night concluded with moving speech from the Dream Foundation CEO Kisa Heyer her team including Jacqueline Indelicato - head of their of our New York Advisory Council. Being part of such an important night, nourished my soul from the inside out. I intend to donate more of my time to causes such as these that rely on the kindness of strangers. For more information, please visit www.DreamFoundation.org - Nandini Austin  Credit: Chef's Resources Working at an event or in any hospitality type of environment, safety - for both the staff and guests - is the number 1 priority. This is why we wanted to highlight a few very important notes to remember:
1) Have stocked first aid kits on site. Sometimes a venue, catering company, kitchen, or management team may have them - but we all must remember to keep them stocked with the essentials. (such as Alcohol Wipes, Burn Ointment, Cold Pack, Eye Pad, Eyewash, First Aid Guide, Gauze Pads, Bandages, Gloves, and Burn Free Gel - just to mention a few.) 2) Use dry rags or gloves/mitts to pick up hot vessels. Sometimes we have damp rags or towels nearby - but they will conduct heat. So when transporting a soup bain marie or chafing dish, for example, be sure to use something dry! 3) When working at a stove or fryer, always have a rubber mat in place. This will help ensure a non-skid surface, therefore resulting in less falls and injuries. Please keep these tips in mind when working at any role in the hospitality industry - whether it's a restaurant, bar, cafe, catered event, wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, kitchen, venue - stay alert, aware and safe! Check out more tips here.  As a growing business, we like to operate as a feedback-based company - meaning that we welcome comments, both positive and negative. Plus, we are Open to Continual Improvement (one of our Core Values!), so we consistently review and utilize feedback in order to better serve our clients.
To ensure that our clients have a positive experience from both our service staff and management team, below are just a few things that we incorporate into our daily operations: Finding the right staff members Many of our staff members are referrals from current staff, which we feel is a great compliment! This also instills a sense of accountability among peers. Careful hiring and screening Our hiring process is done in several stages so we acquire the right people who align with our Core Values: application review, phone interview, and then an in-person interview. How the applicant presents him or herself, how they correspond leading up to the meeting, and of course, the information they provide during the interview all will inform us on whether our not the applicant is a good fit for us and our clients. Mandatory on-boarding session This session is a complete review of our expectations of our staff, an overview of catering basics, and a dress code critique so our staff is fully ready to be a successful contribution to our clients' events. Incorporating these procedures is very detail-oriented process - but because it usually results in positive client feedback - we are happy to do so! Cheers to positive feedback, happy clients, and successful events!  Working in the event industry, we oftentimes hear the term French Service but what exactly does the term mean?
The concept arose from the elegant style of the French court, le grand couvert (the great cover) and provides a unique and personalized seated dining experience for the guest, as the meal is plated at the table - not pre-plated in the kitchen. Two types of French Service: Cart French Service: This version involves tableside food preparation and assembly, where unprepared foods are brought from the kitchen to the dining room on a gueridon (a cart) and then the final preparation is completed at a side table in front of the guests. For heated foods, a rechaud would be used. Banquet French Service: The food is prepared in the kitchen - and the servers will serve the food to guests from platters with tongs (from the left side). The platters are then kept in front of the guests to replenish. Of course the service staff who are providing this type of service must be fully prepared with skill and knowledge to offer such a finessed experience. Typically these roles would include: Chef de rang (the main server): Tasks would include preparing, serving food, serving the beverages, and presenting checks. Techniques would be tossing, mixing, presentation, saucing, deboning, carving, and flambeing. Commis de rang (assistant to the main server): Tasks would include taking orders from the main server, bringing food to dining room, serving dishes prepared by the main server, and clearing the tables. Dining Room Captain: Seats guests and oversees the service. Cocktail Server: Serves beverages. Wine Steward or Sommelier: Trained professional providing wine and food pairing knowledge. Hopefully these notes will help next time you're wondering, "What exactly is French Service?"... Click here for more information on the topic! Now that awards season is in full swing (with the Grammys at Madison Square Garden essentially in the backyard of our Midtown NYC office!...) and trade shows and expos in effect all year round, many event planners and industry professionals may delve into the task of finding event staff for large events. Check out our quick reference below that may help during this planning process...
What roles are needed? For trade shows or expos (such as those at New York City venues like the Javits Center or The Metropolitan Pavilion), you may need: Registration Staff / Greeter / Guest Services Staff A staff member in this role will register, greet and/or assist guests, attendees, or event participants. The suggested number of staff widely varies for this role, as it depends on factors like number of entrances and/or workshops for staff to guide guests towards, just to mention two examples. Promotional Model / Brand Ambassador The responsibilities of this role include: Creating brand awareness and positive impressions of the product; distributing product samples and promotional materials; and actively drawing in customers to an event table. The suggested number of staff widely varies for this role as well. Coat Check Attendant Checks in/out coats and bags for guests. Our suggested quantity: 1 attendant per 75 guests. This number of course will change according to seasons, type of event, and venue needs. When a large event is catered and/or serving food and beverages, our go-tos are: Captain (Catering / Bar / Venue) Assists with overseeing timeline, service, staff, menu execution, rental details, floor plan details, etc. Follow the finalized catering plan. Alongside/directed by event planner/caterer, etc.; Assists with managing staff. Our suggested quantity: 1 Captain per 25 guests. Server / Waiter Assists with floor plan set-up and break-down of catering rentals ordered for the event; Serve and bus according to finalized catering plan. Suggested quantity: 1 Server per 25 guests. Bartender Makes drinks for guests per finalized catering plan; Set up/break down bar(s). Suggested quantity: 1 Bartender per 50 guests. Bar Back Assists set up/break down of bar(s); Replenishes bar during event. Suggested quantity: 1 Bar Back per 75 guests. Sanit / Porter / Bathroom Attendant Responsible for rental organization, sanitation, cleaning and / or restocking restroom amenities. Suggested quantity: 1 Porter per 75 guests. We hope this quick reference helps as your planning is underway. If you have any event staffing questions at all, feel free to reach out to us at info@tapuzstaffingnyc.com - we're happy to be your event staffing resource! As New York City hospitality professionals, we've all been there, it's the 11th hour before a shift begins and one or two of your core team members call to say they cannot make it. Now what?! We can help! Tapuz, Inc. Event Staffing provides vetted, hardworking, friendly and professional Servers, Bartenders, Porters, Cooks, and Kitchen Staff who are ready to assist!
 Indulging during the holidays is one of the fun parts of the season! But sometimes it feels good to take a little breather from the event planning and party hopping. While we are event professionals - not medical professionals - we wanted to share the info on this soothing hot beverage that really hits the spot - especially during the days after Christmas and before New Years. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Our tips:
 The event industry is definitely a business where time is of the essence and being on time means being early. We therefore we depend upon many resources to ensure that we are present and accounted for at call time. A few of these resources are navigation apps, like Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps, which suggest shortcuts for commuters driving from Point A to Point B.
When we heard the news that the New Jersey borough of Leonia’s police force will close 60 streets to all drivers aside from residents and people employed in the borough during the morning and afternoon rush periods to fight back against congestion in mid-January 2018 - it really caught our eye. Read the New York Times article here.  When planning an event to launch a new brand or product, there are many variables to consider: venue, decor, catering menu, beverages, and staff - just to name a few. During this phase, you may wonder if hiring a Brand Ambassador is important. Our staff provided this service at a recent brand launch in New York City, where they encouraged guests to get involved with interactive stations throughout the event, kept the energy up - and made sure to spread the word about the new brand.
So what does a Brand Ambassador do at an event?
What are the characteristics of a Brand Ambassador?
So perhaps the next time you are hosting or planning a product launch, you may want to consider a Brand Ambassador - they may be just the right final touch for the event to get give your brand awareness a jumpstart!  Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with peace, joy & happiness!
 Working as an event professional in New York City can oftentimes require a fair amount of travel - traversing the city via various modes of transportation, such as trains, buses, and bikes. So when we saw this article it certainly caught our eye - and inspired us to share the news about a new bike valet program! The Department of Transportation will install three, staffed bicycle valet parking structures near transit hubs to allow for commuters to pay a “nominal fee” for secure, on-the-street parking. Anything that contributes to peace of mind when commuting is key in our book! Check out more info in the article here.
Photo credit: Tom Olesnevich  What does a Coat Check Attendant do?
The Coat Check Attendant’s overall responsibility is to maintain and secure the coat check area during an event. The coat check process typically begins with collection of guests' coat, hat or accessories they enter a business or event. Typically, the patron is given a numbered ticket to use for retrieval. The checker then places the items in a hanger or in a specific locker assigned to that guest. When the guest returns with his ticket or to pick up items, the attendant retrieves them and returns them to him. This role provides your guests a safe and secure location to store their outerwear and belongings, giving them hassle-free peace of mind to enjoy your event. It also cuts down on trip-and-fall hazards associated with having belongings draped over chairs and left on the floor. A few notes we ask our Coat Check Attendants to keep in mind:
How many Coat Check Attendants are needed for an event? We typically suggest 1 Attendant per 75 guests - which of course changes throughout the year - but during this chilly New York City holiday season, our guess is that most guests and hosts alike will enjoy this event staffing option!  During the holiday season, both planning and attending events are two very popular activities! The type of event can range as wildly as one's imagination can stretch. When planning for a sit-down meal, the type usually falls into two general categories, either Formal or Informal. And when setting the table for a meal in one of these categories, we like to refer to the below Place Setting Guidelines to get each element just right!  INFORMAL: Plate: Usually the first thing to be set on the table - set with the napkin on top of the plate. Two Forks: Set to the left of the plate arranged according to when you need to use them. The dinner fork, the larger of the two forks, is used for the main course; the smaller fork is used for a salad or an appetizer. Dinner Knife: The dinner knife is set immediately to the right of the plate, cutting edge facing inward. (If the main course is meat, a steak knife can take the place of the dinner knife.) Spoons: The soup spoon goes to the far (outside) right of the dinner knife; the teaspoon or dessert spoon, which will be used last, goes to the left (inside) of the soup spoon, next to the dinner knife. Glasses: Drinking glasses of any kind — water, wine, juice, iced tea — are placed at the top right of the dinner plate, above the knives and spoons.  FORMAL:
Service Plate: This large plate, also called a charger, serves as an underplate for the plate holding the first course, which will be brought to the table. When the first course is cleared, the service plate remains in place for any other courses, such as a soup course, until the plate holding the entrée is served, at which point the two plates are exchanged. The charger may serve as the underplate for several courses which precede the entrée. Butter Plate: The small butter plate is placed above the forks at the left of the place setting. Dinner Fork: The largest of the forks, also called the place fork, is placed on the left of the plate. Other smaller forks for other courses are arranged to the left or right of the dinner fork, according to when they will be used. Salad Fork: If the salad is served after the entrée, the small salad fork is placed to the right of the dinner fork, next to the plate. If the salad is to be served first, and fish second, then the forks would be arranged (left to right): salad fork, fish fork, dinner fork. Dinner Knife: The large dinner knife is placed to the right of the dinner plate. Soup Spoon: If soup or fruit is served as a first course, then the accompanying spoon goes to the right of the knives. Butter Knife: The small spreader is paced diagonally on top of the butter plate, handle on the right and blade down. Glasses: These are placed on the right, above the knives and spoons. They can number up to five and are placed in the order they will be used. When there are more than three glasses, they can be arranged with smaller glasses in front. The water glass is placed directly above the knives. Just to the right are placed a red or white wine glass. Glasses used for a particular course are removed at the end of the course. Napkin: The napkin is placed on top of the charger (if one is used) or in the space for the plate. It can also go to the left of the forks, or under the forks if space is tight. ----- Credit: EmilyPost.Com  When it comes to our staff working at events, safety is a top priority for us! Whether it's reminding everyone to say "behind you" when walking through a kitchen or work area or using the proper approach to cleaning up broken glass, most tasks in an event setting have a set of systematic guidelines in which to follow to ensure that the staff and guests are all safe - and this includes the use of chafing dishes and sternos.
Chafing dishes are the heating vessels in which food is kept warm during service. The are very often ornate and pretty - but must be handled with care - especially the sternos that are below. Keep the below tips in mind while working with this equipment: How to set up a chafing dish:
Maintaining while in use:
Important to keep in mind:
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Tapuz, INC.Tapuz, Inc. specializes in providing hardworking, friendly, reliable and presentable staff for any event. Categories |
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