Around the World on a Budget: A Mexican Menu

Mark MavrigianLisa Cericola

August 3, 2009

Southeast Asian or Mediterranean? New American or Indian? These considerations are a customary part of planning a menu, and with budgetary concerns at the top of everyone's mind these days, we challenged caterers to present beautiful and affordable three-course meals that reflect a variety of cuisines.

Here is the first of eight internationally inspired menus: A Mexican meal priced at $35 per person, from Susan Gage Caterers in Washington. Linens from DC Rental.

Spiced Mexican chocolate cake from Susan Gage Caterers in Washington

Spiced Mexican chocolate cake from Susan Gage Caterers in Washington

Photo: Powers & Crewe for BizBash

Jicama salad with ancho-lime vinaigrette and corn tortillas

Jicama salad with ancho-lime vinaigrette and corn tortillas

Photo: Powers & Crewe for BizBash

Coriander-rubbed hanger steak with salsa verde, pepper jack grits, and roasted nopales and peppers

Coriander-rubbed hanger steak with salsa verde, pepper jack grits, and roasted nopales and peppers

Photo: Powers & Crewe for BizBash

Spiced Mexican chocolate cake with candied peppers and cinnamon

Spiced Mexican chocolate cake with candied peppers and cinnamon

Photo: Powers & Crewe for BizBash

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has launched SUMMIT Events, a new private event space in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s catering venture, Cuisine Boulud New York, offering an elevated experience atop one of Midtown Manhattan’s most iconic observatories. Opening July 1, the striking new venue is a 72nd-floor space with panoramic skyline views, mirrored interiors, and direct access to the immersive, multifloor SUMMIT One Vanderbilt attraction. It seats 100 or holds 120 for receptions.

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W Hotels recently revealed a multimillion-dollar transformation of W Austin—and the resulting space now boasts the Texas capital's largest suite. Penthouse I (pictured) spans 1,798 square feet; in addition to panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, the suite has a separate service entrance, perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table. The hotel has 32 suites in all, which offer personalized concierge service, Dyson Airblades, record players, and exclusive artwork from artists across Texas and beyond.

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'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.

Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues

Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.

What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More

What's New in Event Venues: Sustainability and Wellness Offerings, a 'Bed Bug Safe' Certification, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has launched SUMMIT Events, a new private event space in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s catering venture, Cuisine Boulud New York, offering an elevated experience atop one of Midtown Manhattan’s most iconic observatories. Opening July 1, the striking new venue is a 72nd-floor space with panoramic skyline views, mirrored interiors, and direct access to the immersive, multifloor SUMMIT One Vanderbilt attraction. It seats 100 or holds 120 for receptions.

What's New in Event Venues: Art-Centric Experiences, All-Inclusive Resort Add-Ons, and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

W Hotels recently revealed a multimillion-dollar transformation of W Austin—and the resulting space now boasts the Texas capital's largest suite. Penthouse I (pictured) spans 1,798 square feet; in addition to panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, the suite has a separate service entrance, perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table. The hotel has 32 suites in all, which offer personalized concierge service, Dyson Airblades, record players, and exclusive artwork from artists across Texas and beyond.

Meta's Head of Experiential Marketing and Creative Shares His Favorite Event Venues

Damien Baines dishes on his favorite spots to entertain clients, get inspired, host an event abroad, and more.

'There’s really nothing else like it in California,' Meta's Damien Baines says of The Donum Estate, his favorite event venue to entertain a client.

What's New in Event Venues: How the Tariffs Are Affecting the Hotel Industry and More

BizBash rounds up the latest news from hotels, convention centers, meeting spaces, restaurants, and other event venues around the world.

Hawaii's 605-room, event-friendly Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has introduced a unique new offering for groups: the 'Harmonizing Experiences' workshop, tailored for groups seeking enhanced communication and better dynamics through tai chi principles. This workshop, guided by seasoned practitioners, employs tai chi exercises to help participants balance their energy, focusing on using mental focus rather than physical strength to execute continuous, fluid movements. The exercises aim to convert tension into cooperation and frustration into flow, cultivating a more empathetic and unified group atmosphere.

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Château St. Gerlach | Maastricht, Netherlands

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Looking for a fun event moment near some of Atlanta's most popular venues? Following a $2.5 million renovation, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) has reopened the popular Fountain of Rings landmark at Centennial Olympic Park. Daily shows, which kicked off this week, see water spray to heights of over 15 feet, along with more than 250 new LED ring lights offering 360-degree illumination in vibrant colors and patterns, and a sophisticated fog system with over 200 individual fog emitters—all synchronized to a curated playlist of songs from artists with ties to Georgia. In addition to Centennial Olympic Park, GWCCA’s campus includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Signia by Hilton Atlanta.

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The 251-room W Austin completed a multimillion-dollar transformation in January. The revitalization includes redesigned guest rooms and a new restaurant concept, Serenade American Brasserie (pictured), where chef de cuisine Johnny Ray Stinebaugh blends Texan flavors with classic brasserie techniques. The hotel has more than 10,000 square feet of event space and is located next to the popular ACL Live music venue.

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Looking for a truly VIP event experience? Park Hyatt New York has debuted the Manhattan Suite, now available for stays starting at $50,000 per night. The exclusive suite, complemented by two additional connecting suites, spans 3,500 square feet with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views of Manhattan’s skyline; it can accommodate up to 10 guests overnight. There’s also a bespoke art collection and more than 50 New York and art-inspired coffee-table books, plus an eight-seat dining table and plenty of space for meetings and social gatherings. The hotel can also arrange private jet transfers to New York City, an in-suite chef tasting dinner, Peloton bikes, and more.

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This holiday season, New York Hilton Midtown and Universal Pictures are bringing hotel guests into the world of Wicked with a specially designed suite inspired by the film. Scroll down to learn more.

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Up Norway offers curated work retreats in scenic Norwegian locales, ideal for remote teams seeking a blend of work, nature, and cultural immersion. Options include a village takeover in Knutholmen for larger groups, an urban creative retreat at the new Revier Hotel in Oslo, a nature-driven experience at the historic Hattvika Lodge in the Lofoten Islands, and a music and writing retreat at Raw Ocean Lodge on the western coast. With activities like fjord tours, art workshops, and guided hikes, Up Norway tailors each retreat to corporate goals, enhancing team connection and productivity in Norway’s breathtaking settings.

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When Taylor Swift's Eras Tour comes to New Orleans in October, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Peacock Room (pictured) will host a Swift-inspired costume contest brunch. The contest winner will walk away with a free night’s stay at the hotel.

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'The Cathedral of St. John the Divine [in New York] is such a striking hidden gem and one of my favorite event venues in the city,' says Tinsel Experiential Design's Erica Taylor Haskins.

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