It’s not every day you see a mini sanitation barge floating in the pool of the Four Seasons restaurant. In fact, April 29 was probably the only day you could catch that sight, and the occasion was the Irvington Institute for Immunological Research’s “Get Into the Kitchen” benefit.Every year the organization invites patrons into the kitchen of the famed New York eatery to meet the chefs and eat a meal prepared by them. “The chef actually [serves] them,” said Christie Greenham, director of special events for the Irvington Institute.
Guests eat at tables individually decorated in the spirit of a different New York-inspired theme each year, which designer DeJuan Stroud determines. One year, dressed tables represented different Broadway shows; 2007 featured tables dedicated to New York City agencies. (The barge served as a tribute to the Department of Sanitation.) The Irvington Institute funds postdoctoral fellows researching ailments like AIDS, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other immunological diseases.
An eclectic mix of props and decorations—ranging from pencils and lions (representing the New York Public Library) to toy rats and Legos (the Building Commission) to models of prized New York buildings (the Landmarks Preservation Commission)—represented 26 municipal agencies.
This year’s event marked the fifth time Stroud designed the tabletops. “It’s a Sunday night, so it’s a little more casual,” he said, referring to the playful nature of the decorations, which also included framed photos of the heads of each department.
—Sushil Cheema
Photos: Matt Carasella/Patrick McMullan
Guests eat at tables individually decorated in the spirit of a different New York-inspired theme each year, which designer DeJuan Stroud determines. One year, dressed tables represented different Broadway shows; 2007 featured tables dedicated to New York City agencies. (The barge served as a tribute to the Department of Sanitation.) The Irvington Institute funds postdoctoral fellows researching ailments like AIDS, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other immunological diseases.
An eclectic mix of props and decorations—ranging from pencils and lions (representing the New York Public Library) to toy rats and Legos (the Building Commission) to models of prized New York buildings (the Landmarks Preservation Commission)—represented 26 municipal agencies.
This year’s event marked the fifth time Stroud designed the tabletops. “It’s a Sunday night, so it’s a little more casual,” he said, referring to the playful nature of the decorations, which also included framed photos of the heads of each department.
—Sushil Cheema
Photos: Matt Carasella/Patrick McMullan
The decor of tabletops ranged from more refined designs to humorous interpretations of departments.
Photo: Matt Carasella/Patrick McMullan
The decor of tabletops ranged from more refined designs to humorous interpretations of departments.
Some tables included photos of New York City leaders including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and Chancellor Joel Klein of the Department of Education.
The New York Police Department table included details such as a policeman air freshener and silver plastic badges.
Each year guests are invited to tour the kitchen's of the famed eatery and dine on food prepared by the restaurant's chef. The name of the Irvington Institute benefit is always a variation on a kitchen theme.
The display for the Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting overflowed with Broadway programs, disposable cameras, and mini film reels.
Metrocards marked guests’ spots at the tables.
Covering the Transit Authority’s table was a linen printed with the New York City subway map.
Fire hats, dalmatian figurines, fire trucks, and flags adorned the FDNY seating.
Miniature garbage cans, bound newspapers, eggs, and recycling signs represented the Department of Environmental Protection.
