Ask the Expert


Anita Hirsch


Executive Chef at The Barnes Foundation


What are some benefits of holding an event at an iconic institution like The Barnes Foundation?


Booking at The Barnes Foundation means hosting your event among history. Events here allow guests to experience world- famous art collections, and Constellation Culinary Group’s expert planning and culinary team can transform the space into anything, including a vibrant outdoor event in the winter with the year-round terrace. We have the capability to tailor a menu from start to finish, understanding the event’s atmosphere and adding our expert signature. From intimate weddings to 800-person corporate events, we’re nimble in all aspects of the event planning process. Our culinary team creates original menus inspired by a variety of different cuisines, with inventive takes on classic favorites.


Unique hors d’oeuvres include coconut saffron shrimp on edible spoons and braised boneless beef rib with crispy slaw on brioche toast; favorite starters like crispy seared diver sea scallops served with edamame dumplings and Peekytoe crab made with black truffles and caramelized endives; inspired entrees such as roasted Chilean sea bass served with a crispy polenta cake, Dungeness crab and Asian pear salad, or a roast Colorado rack of lamb served with savory bread pudding, baby leeks, and root vegetables.


Familiar, yet elevated, dessert offerings include: apricot almond tarts made with muscat chantilly cream; toasted meringue pots de crème; sachere torte s’mores; and warm espresso chocolate cookie and vanilla bean cheesecake sandwiches.


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In what ways does the menu complement the environment for events?


Elegance comes to mind, because the cuisine being served always matches the environment. The Barnes Foundation is sleek and airy, but the atmosphere has depth and intricacies to it; that’s how we approach the culinary experiences we create. We like food to be elevated, but familiar. Innovative, but simple. We strive to culti- vate events where all five senses will be engaged.


In what ways has Constellation Culinary Group enhanced events at The Barnes Foundation through its menus and more?


Our exceptional sales team at The Barnes Foundation works very closely with hosts to make sure they get exactly what they expect. If a host isn’t quite sure what they want, that’s where our culinary team steps in and helps to paint the picture. If a host wants vibrant, colorful displays but isn’t sure how to achieve that, we might suggest a hand-rolled sushi and sashimi station where fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables can provide that color. We thrive when we can combine our expertise with our creativity.


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