Feelin’ the LOVE

This was no “little old place” for people to get together—it was Above Twelve in Midtown Manhattan, the site of Marcia Selden Catering & Events (MSC) and Ron Ben-Israel Cake’s annual near-Valentine’s Day “Love Party.”

The two teams transformed their NYC headquarters and venue into an over-the-top celebration of love.

“This year we took our guests back in time with our Love Shack theme, complete with bright colors, retro costumes, flower power décor, specialty cocktails, incredible entertainment, and amazingly delicious food,” said Robin Selden, Executive Chef, MSC.

Robin and the MSC Culinary team had a ball designing the menu with an old school vibe, showcasing everything from “Hungry Man” TV dinners, a fondue station, a Valentine bakery, and fabulous cocktails.

Working with some of the most talented creatives in the event world, the entertainment was as unforgettable as Ron Ben-Israel’s wig.

When the world is shut down via COVID-woes, a little LOVE is what we need to brighten our days. “’Cause love rules at the love shack.”

All photos courtesy Kathleen Stoehr.

Hosts for the evening. From left, Robin Selden, Ron Ben-Israel, Jeff Selden, Marcia Selden.

A multitude of cake samples from Ron Ben-Israel Cakes were a delight to behold. Shown, Funfetti with Champagne: strawberry and Valrhona dark chocolate fillings, white and dark chocolate drizzle.

Old school crudités with flower veggies.

Mini falafels with sesame seed, preserved lemon aioli and flower petals.

Uh-Oh SpaghettiOs with tiny mini meatballs in MSC-logo’d tin can.

“Hungry Man” TV dinners of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mushroom brown gravy, and peas and diced carrots in a branded aluminum tray. Click on the photo or use this video link: https://youtu.be/fduYTB5xWqU.

Herbed chicken and vegetable pot pies with “flower” crust.

Click on this photo or use this video link: https://youtu.be/Rf210qpFagU for a tour of the bakery.

Guests could fill a box with goodies to take home.

Ron Ben-Israel Cakes offered a to-go box with four cake samples inside for late night snacking.

Foie on a log.

Cocktails included Pink Pineapple Daiquiri with rum, Campari, pink pineapple and lime (shown); Diamond Rose with vodka, raspberry tea, lime and rosewater; and Naked Lady Punch with gin, Aperol, yellow chartreuse, lime and orange juice, and prosecco.

Click on this photo or use this video link: https://youtu.be/KPx0Ni-roxM to watch the bartender’s technique

Flowers hung from the ceiling.

A lively band encouraged people to start moving!

Temporary tattoos—flowers, peace signs and more, were applied to guests.

Hula dancers and other characters entertained the guests.

Click on this photo or use this video link: https://youtu.be/Ed_hZ7E23Xg to watch the flowers shake their petals.

Credits

Hosts: @marciaseldencatering + @rbicakes

Venue: @abovetwelve

Bubbly: @domainecarneros

Décor: @konstantinofloraldesign

Music + entertainment: @elementmusicnyc

Photography: @clanegessel

Rentals: @smithpartyrentals

Invitation: @cecinewyork

Bar service: @the_cup_bearer

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Embedded article videos: @mytravelingbar