OUR TEAM

Over 50 years of combined event planning experience

Our attention to detail ensures a sophisticated, elegant occasion that everyone will enjoy

Gourmet Advisory Team


Harriette Rose Katz

Harriette Rose Katz

Founder & President

Harriette Rose Katz, Founder and President of Gourmet Advisory Services, was one of the country’s leading wedding and event planners for 40 years. Founded in 1978 as a solo endeavor, and the only one of its kind, over the past four decades Gourmet Advisory has grown into a significant business with senior partners, a full- time staff, and non-stop extraordinary events. Celebrated not only as a trendsetter but also as one of the most respected event designers in the country today, Harriette had an impeccable reputation for creating signature events that translate into unforgettable memories.

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MEET THE AMAZING HARRIETTE ROSE KATZ

Harriette Rose Katz, Founder and President of Gourmet Advisory Services, was one of the country’s leading wedding and event planners for 40 years. Founded in 1978 as a solo endeavor, and the only one of its kind, over the past four decades Gourmet Advisory has grown into a significant business with senior partners, a full- time staff, and non-stop extraordinary events. Celebrated not only as a trendsetter but also as one of the most respected event designers in the country today, Harriette had an impeccable reputation for creating signature events that translate into unforgettable memories.

As the original professional event planner who subsequently inspired thousands to follow in her well-heeled footsteps, Harriette was much more than an entertaining legend. She was a food and beverage expert with the credentials to prove it. For almost 20 years, Harriette served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York chapter of the Confrerie de la Chaine Des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious food and wine organizations, and was a recipient of its coveted Gold Star of Excellence. Harriette was also a member of The Wine and Food Society of New York, La Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and was a Fellow of the Culinary Institute of America. She was also inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame and the International Special Events Society (ISES) Hall of Legends.

GOURMET ADVISORY SERVICES: HER LIFE'S WORK AND ENDURING PASSION FOR PARTIES

Harriette took her passion for design, the culinary arts, and her extensive world travels and combined them all together to create a singularly respected force in the event planning industry: Gourmet Advisory Services. The team she carefully created is a visionary and highly talented group of professionals dedicated to planning and executing the highest quality events of every size, type and style imaginable. Under her guidance, her team brings in-depth knowledge, experience and outright passion to their work. All clients are treated with the utmost care and respect, with each detail of their individual events being designed and implemented to meet their every desire.

Gourmet Advisory Services has designed and managed well over 5,000 events: from the most exquisite private social events and gala charity fundraisers, to Fortune 500 corporate conferences, to the openings of luxury residential towers, grand celebrity studded weddings, and intimate dinner parties. Harriette’s talents were showcased at the most prestigious and exclusive venues, including The Pierre Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, The Metropolitan Club, The St. Regis Hotel, the Rainbow Room, Radio City Music Hall, The Mandarin Oriental New York, Cipriani, The Waldorf-Astoria and The Breakers Hotel in West Palm Beach.

As an event designer and wedding planner, Harriette translated the bride and groom’s dreams into an exciting reality. From creating the personalized invitation, to finding the ideal venue for the ceremony and reception, Harriette strived for detailed perfection while making sure her vision reflected her client’s dreams and desires. The same is true for all of her company’s events. The expert event planner explained,

“We take the wedding and all of our events from concept to execution. Working with our clients, we first establish a vision as well as a working budget. From there, we introduce our clients to vendors and artists who we feel will be a good fit and will execute every detail perfectly. We then translate that vision into reality through the successful completion of the event.”

AWARDS, ACCOLADES, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Harriette was declared the “Number One Wedding Planner in Manhattan” by New York Metro and was quoted repeatedly as an industry expert in leading publications that include The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Quest, Modern Bride, InStyle, Bride’s, People, New England Bride, New York Daily News, New York Post, Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style Magazine, Avenue Magazine, and the Robb Report. Her weddings, entertaining and lifestyle expertise has been featured on local news programs, a Discovery Channel television show about the "ultimate luxury wedding," and a TLC wedding-planning television show called The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Her work and advice were also featured in the coffee table book, Art of Celebration, The Making of a Gala – New York Style. She was herself an author, having written Where to Seat Aunt Edna and 500 Other Great Wedding Tips, which garnered critical acclaim and has been celebrated as a modern and practical approach to handling, with grace, the challenges facing today’s engaged couples.

In addition, Harriette Rose Katz was also a professional speaker hired to lecture on the topics of weddings, social events, food and wine, entertaining, design and more.

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Melissa Rosenbloom

Melissa Rosenbloom

Executive Vice President

As the daughter of legendary party planner, Harriette Rose Katz, you could say that Melissa was born into the event industry. From the age of ten, Melissa watched as Harriette put her heart and soul into every single event she created. That passion clearly left an impression and inspired Melissa to follow in her mother’s footsteps. After graduating with a degree in Hospitality Management from George Washington University, Melissa spent many years producing spectacular corporate events for the Grand Hyatt New York before joining Gourmet Advisory Services in 1996. Melissa’s extensive event planning skills make her a natural when it comes to designing beautiful weddings and thematic Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, as well as empowering nonprofit and corporate events. For Melissa, events are personal and she works closely with her clients during the planning process, becoming an extension of her clients, understanding exactly what they want from their events.

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MEET MELISSA ROSENBLOOM:

As the daughter of legendary party planner, Harriette Rose Katz, you could say that Melissa was born into the event industry. From the age of ten, Melissa watched as Harriette put her heart and soul into every single event she created. That passion clearly left an impression and inspired Melissa to follow in her mother’s footsteps. After graduating with a degree in Hospitality Management from George Washington University, Melissa spent many years producing spectacular corporate events for the Grand Hyatt New York before joining Gourmet Advisory Services in 1996. Melissa’s extensive event planning skills make her a natural when it comes to designing beautiful weddings and thematic Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, as well as empowering nonprofit and corporate events. For Melissa, events are personal and she works closely with her clients during the planning process, becoming an extension of her clients, understanding exactly what they want from their events.

Year Melissa Joined Gourmet Advisory Services:

I'm lucky to say that I've been around since the day Gourmet Advisory began in 1978. I was only ten years old when my mother started this company, but watching her put her heart and soul into every event she created clearly left an impression on me. After ten years with Hyatt, where I left as Director of Off Premise Catering, I officially joined the Gourmet Advisory team fifteen years ago.

Favorite aspect of working at Gourmet Advisory Services:

I couldn’t ask for more than being able to work with my mom and cousins every day. Also, the privilege of not only doing what I love to do, but also that I am lucky enough to do it with my mother, my cousins, and an amazing team that we all feel is a part of our family.

What makes for a perfect event:

The client. Events are so personal and we work so closely with our clients across the many months of planning that we truly become an extension of our clients, understanding exactly what they want from their event. It's that symbiotic relationship that helps us do our jobs with the best result, meaning that we can make our clients' visions into a very successful reality. Our relationships with our clients are the most important part of what we do and it’s what makes for a perfect event.

Favorite event venue in New York City:

With so many different venues that run the gamut in terms of style, location and flow, it's so hard to pick a favorite, so here are two, but there are so many more I really like....

First is the Metropolitan Club where my husband and I got married years ago. The club holds such incredible memories for me and is a treasured part of New York City's history. The elegant style and old world beauty make it one-of-a-kind. That having been said I also adore The Pierre, The Plaza, the Mandarin Oriental and both venues at the Chelsea Piers. These are the party locations we work with most and have wonderful relationships with that never let us down and always exceed expectations.

On the other end of the stylistic spectrum, I love 360' in Tribeca. This loft-like venue can be transformed into just about anything a client wants it to be and feels so new for each event. The built-in details are distinct from most loft spaces and were well thought through in terms of the best flow for an event.

Favorite Manhattan restaurant:

Mansion Diner. It certainly isn't the fanciest place in New York City, but I've been going there with my family for decades. It's truly our neighborhood go-to and the memories I have from our times spent there mean more to me than the fanciest dish prepared by the most famous chef. We are a "food allergic family" and this restaurant prepares safe foods for us free of worry and allergens.

I also am a big fan of simple Greek grilled food so we frequent many of the wonderful Greek and Mediterranean restaurants in New York City.

The one thing every event MUST have:

Excitement. Having grown up in New York City, the fast paced life we live here is what I've known my whole life. I love that what's newest and most cutting edge - in food, entertainment, design - happens here first. New Yorkers attend so many events and experience so many incredible things that our clients really focus on how to make their event reflect who they are as a family or company. To me, every event should distinctly reflect the personality of its host while bringing that sense of excitement to the guests' experience.

On becoming an Event Planner:

I was lucky enough to be born into this business. Watching my mother create events before event planning was recognized as a career has inspired me my whole life. I am so proud to be a part of the business she has created, to work with my cousins and our extraordinary team to continue to build Gourmet Advisory Services, successful event by successful event.

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Claudia Warner

Claudia Warner

Executive Vice President

Having learned from the best in the business, her mentor Aunt Harriette, powerhouse party planner Claudia Warner has worked side-by-side with her “second mother” for over 25 years. Trusted and called upon by New York’s most discerning party givers, Claudia collaborates with her clients to produce completely personalized and unforgettable events. She knows what they need before they do and makes it her mission to guide them through the planning process as though they were family. Whether she’s planning a destination wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, corporate event, or milestone celebration, her elegant business demeanor and nurturing style allow her to be a respected guide and advocate for her clients. Her dedication to executing her client’s vision and her commitment to excellence have resulted in the kinds of relationships that are at the heart and soul of Gourmet Advisory Services.

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MEET CLAUDIA WARNER:

Having learned from the best in the business, her mentor Aunt Harriette, powerhouse party planner Claudia Warner has worked side-by-side with her “second mother” for over 25 years. Trusted and called upon by New York’s most discerning party givers, Claudia collaborates with her clients to produce completely personalized and unforgettable events. She knows what they need before they do and makes it her mission to guide them through the planning process as though they were family. Whether she’s planning a destination wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, corporate event, or milestone celebration, her elegant business demeanor and nurturing style allow her to be a respected guide and advocate for her clients. Her dedication to executing her client's vision and her commitment to excellence have resulted in the kinds of relationships that are at the heart and soul of Gourmet Advisory Services.

Year Claudia Joined Gourmet Advisory Services:

1984

Favorite part of working at Gourmet Advisory Services:

Gourmet Advisory is the true definition of a family business. Not just that I'm in business with my aunt, my cousin, and my sisters, but that the people who work with us have become our family. I think the camaraderie and closeness of our team shines through in the dedication and passion we have for creating the best events possible.

What makes the perfect event:

We are driven to constantly challenge ourselves and our vendors to raise the bar, and we settle for nothing short of perfection from every event we produce. We strive to create unique experiences for our clients and their guests. There is no better feeling than seeing the look on our clients' faces when they walk into a room and realize that we have executed everything they dreamed of and more.

Favorite event venue in New York City:

Any venue in New York and around the world that has a story to tell.

Favorite Restaurant in Manhattan:

Laconda Verde. Because we work so many weekends, it is an incredible treat to dine there on a Friday or Saturday night. For a brief couple of hours, I feel like I have taken a short vacation to Italy!

The one thing every event must have:

The entire planning process is a collaborative effort. Collaboration and respect are essential in creating a celebration that encompasses the details and personality that are truly reflective of our clients. The collaboration and input from our clients is what makes every event distinctive.

On getting into creating events and producing parties:

It began with helping my aunt Harriette on the weekends when I was in high school, and once I graduated from college, all I wanted to do was learn everything I could from her. She has been, and continues to be, my mentor and is an innovator in every sense of the word. I am honored to be able to follow In her footsteps and continue her legacy.

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  • Janet Millar Schapiro
    Janet Millar Schapiro

    Senior Event Manager

    Passionate about parties since she was a child, Janet has been producing events and planning weddings with Gourmet Advisory Services since 1998. Among her many talents, Janet’s natural knack for matching our clients with the highest quality, most innovative and professional event partners, always ensures a personalized experience never to be forgotten.

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    MEET JANET MILLAR SCHAPIRO:

    Passionate about parties since she was a child, Janet has been planning events with the GAS team since 1998. Among her many talents, Janet's natural knack for matching our clients with the highest quality, most innovative and professional event partners, always ensures a personalized experience never to be forgotten.

    Year Janet Joined Gourmet Advisory:

    August 1998

    What Party Planning Element is Essential?

    Timing and Energy!

    Favorite Party Venue in New York City:

    There are too many to name because almost every event venue fits the perfect ideal and plan for each, specific event.

    Favorite Restaurant in Manhattan:

    My favorite restaurant changes almost everyday. It changes based on my mood and luckily, working in New York City means I have hundreds of delicious culinary options available to savor at a moment's notice!

    On Becoming an Event Planner:

    I feel like I have always been doing events. I was very involved in organizing events throughout my high school and college years. After college, I had to get a "real job" and I went into publishing as event planning wasn't established as a viable career option at the time. A few years later, I decided to get into event planning as it had become a more feasible career path. In August of 1998 I answered an advertisement for an event planner position in the New York Times. Just a few days later, Harriette Rose Katz called, we met, she hired me and the rest is history.

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  • Enza Bucello
    Enza Bucello

    Senior Event Manager

    Enza began her career in the event industry working in catering sales for a prestigious luxury hotel in New York City. She transitioned fully into wedding and event planning ten years ago when she joined the team, applying her extensive knowledge, gracious manners and great taste to some of New York’s finest weddings and celebrations.

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    MEET ENZA BUCELLO

    Enza began her career in the event industry working in catering sales for a prestigious luxury hotel in New York City. She transitioned fully into wedding and event planning ten years ago when she joined the team, applying her extensive knowledge, gracious manners and great taste to some of New York's finest weddings and celebrations.

    Enza Joined Gourmet Advisory:

    November 2005

    Favorite Part of Working at Gourmet Advisory Services:

    Working with such a professional and warm group of women! Although I started working in the office in 2005, I have been a part of the G.A.S. family for 20 years, working on events on the weekends for the first ten years. It is amazing coming to work doing what I love with people I am so comfortable with.

    Favorite Party Venue in New York City:

    The Lighthouse.

    Favorite Restaurant:

    Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

    The one thing every event must have:

    The perfect venue.

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  • Trisha Stern
    Trisha Stern

    Special Projects Manager

    Before joining Gourmet Advisory Services in 2011, Trisha was the Creative Director in Charge of Promotional Design and Advertising for Christian Dior Perfumes for 13 years. Her corporate management training, insightful creativity, and extreme organizational skills support the busy Gourmet Advisory team behind-the-scenes, in the day-to-day logistics coordination of weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs. Along with Harriette, Trisha also oversees all marketing, public relations, and business development projects for the company.

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    MEET TRISHA STERN:

    Prior to joining Gourmet Advisory Services in 2011, Trisha was the Creative Director in Charge of Promotional Design and Advertising for Christian Dior Perfumes for 13 years. Her corporate management training, insightful creativity, and extreme organizational skills support the busy Gourmet Advisory team behind-the-scenes, in the day-to-day logistics coordination of weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs. Along with Harriette, Trisha also oversees all marketing, public relations, and business development projects for the company.

    Joined Gourmet Advisory Services:

    2011

    Favorite part of working at Gourmet Advisory Services:

    Working with my family. There is nothing like it. Period. Event planning is in the gene pool of our family.

    Favorite event venue in New York City:

    The Plaza Hotel as it is the quintessential, iconic landmark hotel. Of course, I also happened to get married there, so it holds a special place in my heart!

    Favorite Restaurant:

    Sushi Seki and Sushi of Gari… clearly, I love sushi!

    The one thing every event must have:

    If I may say so, the Gourmet Advisory Triple Zero Five Team!

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  • Dayna Field
    Dayna Field

    Event Manager

    The daughter of Brian and Andrea Field of Pechter-Field’s Baking Co., Dayna grew up surrounded by food. With a degree in Hospitality and Event Management, her love for catering led her to such prestigious companies as the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC and The Glazier Group.

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    MEET DAYNA FIELD:

    The daughter of Brian and Andrea Field of Pechter-Field’s Baking Co., Dayna grew up surrounded by food. With a degree in Hospitality and Event Management, her love for catering led her to such prestigious companies as the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC and The Glazier Group.

    When did you start with Gourmet Advisory:

    February 2014

    What is your favorite thing about Gourmet Advisory?

    My favorite part of Gourmet Advisory Services is the attention we pay to every detail, and the stellar service we provide to our clients. We treat every event like it was our own.

    What makes the perfect event:

    To me, what makes the perfect event is when the client's vision comes to life and everyone is really enjoying themselves.

    What is your favorite venue in the city:

    My favorite venue in the city is the New York Public Library.

    Favorite Restaurant:

    My favorite restaurant is Carbone. Not only does Carbone offer authentic Italian food, but also an unforgettable dining experience.

    What is the one thing every event must have:

    One thing that every event must have is a fabulous menu with excellent, well-styled food.

    How did you get into creating events:

    I began my career in the special events industry as an intern for The Glazier Group during my summers in college.

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  • Amanda Fickler
    Amanda Fickler

    Event Manager

    Amanda brings us an impressive background in both marketing and events. She has worked for companies including Rand Luxury, IQPC and Luxury Attaché allowing her to have a hand in some of the most lavish occasions. Events aren’t her only passion though, she also loves good food, wine and travel!

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    MEET AMANDA FICKLER

    Amanda brings us an impressive background in both marketing and events. She has worked for companies including Rand Luxury, IQPC and Luxury Attaché allowing her to have a hand in some of the most lavish occasions. Events aren't her only passion though, she also loves good food, wine and travel!

    When did you start with Gourmet Advisory:

    November 2016

    What Makes the Perfect Event:

    It's all about the details.

    Favorite Restaurant in New York City:

    L'Artusi

    What is your favorite part of G.A.S:

    Every event is unique. We put so much energy and thought into making each event its own.

    What is the one thing every event must have:

    An abundance of food!

    How did you get into creating events:

    When I was in high school, there were many people close to me that had breast cancer. I took it upon myself to create a non-profit event to raise money for breast cancer. The event was very successful and from that moment on I realized my passion for the events industry.

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  • Caroline Modica
    Caroline Modica

    Event Manager

    Shortly after graduating with a degree in Hospitality and Entertainment Management, Caroline joined the GAS team. Soon afterwards, Covid hit and she was thrown into the “new world” of events!

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    • Date Joined Gourmet Advisory: September 2019
    • What Party Planning Element is Essential? Attention to detail is essential in making every event feel special and unique.
    • Favorite Party Venue in New York City: Rainbow Room
    • Favorite Restaurant in Manhattan: Rosemary’s for Italian or Los Mariscos for fish tacos and spicy margaritas!
    • How did you get into creating events: I got into creating events while interning for Live Nation during college. While planning events for the VIP clubs of concert venues, I discovered my love for event planning.
    • Favorite Part of Working at Gourmet Advisory Services: Being surrounded and inspired by such a supportive and hard-working group of women every day!
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  • Gabby Rosenbloom
    Gabby Rosenbloom

    Event Manager

    Gabby Rosenbloom is the granddaughter of Gourmet Advisory Services founder, Harriette Rose Katz. Her journey with GAS began as a freelancer in her teenage years when she would shadow her mother, Melissa and aunt, Claudia, soaking up absolutely everything she could from them. Upon her graduation from the University of Miami in May 2020, Gabby joined the team in a more hands-on way as she worked to garner press attention for GAS. She now serves as an Event Manager and loves every minute of working with her family.

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    • Date Joined Gourmet Advisory: I joined Gourmet Advisory as full-time in May 2020
    • What Party Planning Element is Essential? My Grammy always taught me that the people make the party. If you fill a room with people who love each other and are ready to celebrate life, you're gonna have an amazing party!
    • Favorite Party Venue in New York City: The Pierre.
    • Favorite Restaurant in Manhattan: Peak Hudson Yards or Milos
    • How did you get into creating events: My journey with event creation and event planning is probably different than most, given my upbringing. I am the granddaughter of Harriette Rose Katz, the daughter of Melissa Rosenbloom and the niece of Claudia Warner. It was written in the stars that I was going to be involved in the industry in one way or another. I am very lucky that things manifested the way that they did and that I have been able to find my own role in my family business.
    • Favorite Part of Working at Gourmet Advisory Services: There is truly nothing like working with family, so I will start with that. There is nobody easier to collaborate with than people with whom you share blood — we just get each other. If I had to name another favorite part of working at Gourmet Advisory Services, it is definitely having the privilege of being a member of the team that makes a client's dreams come true. Girls dream of their perfect wedding day, parents dream of planning their child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah—and I have the honor of being part of realizing those dreams.
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  • Tamara Campbell
    Tamara Campbell

    Director of Office Operations and Event Coordinator

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With Our Gratitude

WE WISH TO THANK THE AMAZING ARTISTS AND EVENT PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE FEATURED THROUGHOUT OUR WEBSITE.