Elegant Affairs, The Art of Experiences
Premier catering company in NYC & The Hamptons
Imagine arriving at an event and being greeted at the door by the scent of sizzling Kobe beef, freshly prepared chicken, and jumbo shrimp. After being cooked on hot rocks, it’s served Nobu style with various delectable Asian-style vegetables. Or picture walking into a mozzarella bar where the cheese is made right in front of all the guests, carved, and accented with a whole array of curated toppings. Or a dessert pairing of Limoncello and lemon macarons, enjoyed best while mingling. These are just a few examples of the limitless and succulent possibilities when the catering company, Elegant Affairs, is invited to do your event. The company possesses a dedication to creating unique and unforgettable experiences for every event.
Celebrating 30 Years of Extraordinary Service
Elegant Affairs recently celebrated its 30th anniversary but sprouted its roots when the founder, Andrea Correale, was merely 16. From a young age, she was a jack-of-all-trades, exploring positions like bridal attendant, bartender, Maître d’, and personal assistant. For many weeks, the future entrepreneur worked around 30 hours. That was all until someone asked her to produce a party for an upper-class family’s home. She agreed and stunned them. By the end of the event, guests were asking for her business card. As Correale recalls, “I didn’t have anything. I lived with my parents at the time. So I took a cocktail napkin, wrote down my home number and my name, and started giving them out. And then Elegant Affairs was born.”
One party at a time, detail by detail, Elegant Affairs rose. From a desk in her bedroom, Correale continued hosting upscale house parties from clients’ homes and estates, fostering her network and vision. She kept her mind on putting herself and her brand out there, climbing above the radar, now having hosted many noteworthy events for celebrities, including Billie Eilish, Leonardo DiCaprio, Adam Sandler, and Mariah Carey. Elegant Affairs specializes in various event categories, including, high-end social events, corporate events, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and product launches.
Small Bites
Correale has been curious about entertaining and catering since she was a child. Her mother sought to create unique holiday and celebratory moments through memorable details. Changing the lightbulbs to seasonal colors or putting out themed placemats crafted such immersive moments. Correale recalls those moments and how they inspired her. “That resonated with me. And I realized that catering was not just about food; it was about the art of entertaining, about
tantalizing all the senses, making sure you have the right music in the background, that the lighting is right, that the temperature is right, that the flow of the food and the timing of the food is done correctly. Not one is more important than the other.”
Prep Work
Elegant Affairs has a way of creating customer ease with grace. The process begins with a prospective client’s call. They will offer up the idea that’s been simmering in their mind. An example may be a holiday party with a Bridgeton-esque throughline. The company lets its creativity run wild from the concept and the occasion. Elegant Affairs produces a stunning proposal with various culinary ideas, photos, and vision boards. Taking the time to discuss the event’s potential possibilities ensures the customer truly understands the concept presented. Following the initial presentation, they do a site inspection, looking over the event site and performing an entire logistical walkthrough with the client. The client’s comfort and sense of ease are prioritized from the phone call and forward. Elegant Affairs follows every step to ensure a smooth operation from the planning to the party. The company thrives off of excellence in each and every aspect.
The experience the guests will have from the moment they enter is well outlined and implemented to a tee. All details — parking, coats, an area for gifts, and the food and bar placement — are given thorough thought when designing the plans. The company is known for offering a cohesive flow to the space and event.
In New York City, Elegant Affairs works from three locations, and in Glen Cove, Long Island, they have a big commissary and warehouse. It also caters to and plans quite a few weddings at homes, estates, vineyards, and many other venues in the tri-state area. The icing on the cake is their newly opened catering venue in Southampton— 230 Elm. The building features stunning architecture, including high ceilings, large windows, and beautiful woodwork ideal for a wedding or visually stunning event. The fully renovated space includes state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Unlike their previous locations, this is an onsite catering venue, broadening their abilities as a full-service catering company.
Chef’s Special
The company and Correale’s story is a testament to how the most successful in business are those who have done all the jobs. The education she developed through versatility has developed a seasoned expert. Elegant Affairs juxtaposes experience and detail with passion. For the company and its owner alike, the fascination blends with creating an experience that tantalizes the senses and excites the mind. elegantaffairscaterers.com