Westchester's Top Caterers: Abigail Kirsch, Catering Relationships

As manager of special events for the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, Kim Turner needs to hire a caterer a couple times a month. Her go-to caterer? Abigail Kirsch. Indeed, when the Center celebrated its 10th anniversary last September—with guest-of-honor Steven Spielberg in attendance—Turner once again turned to Abigail Kirsch. “The entire evening was a complete hit,” Turner reports. “I not only love the personal care and attention our guests receive, but the fact that they are good at working within a nonprofit budget.”

Gaby Greenwald, VP of the Foundation at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, is also a big fan. “Abigail Kirsch is the whole package,” says Greenwald, who has hired the caterer to handle the Hospital’s gala for the past four years. “People are usually amazed the food is so good and the service is so strong for such a large event.”

CATERER: Abigail Kirsch, Catering Relationships (81 Highland Ave, Tarrytown 914-631-3030; abigailkirsch.com) COST PER PERSON: $50-$200-plus for food and beverage (waitstaff, setup, etc., additional); WILL FEED: 50-2,000-plus; ARE SOCIAL OR PROFESSIONAL FUNCTIONS MORE DIFFICULT TO MAKE A SUCCESS? “Social events are the most complex, as the client has an emotional investment,” Chef/Partner Alison Awerbuch says. “In addition to logistical and cooking challenges, we find ourselves assisting clients with social etiquette issues.” LARGEST EVENT CATERED IN THE COUNTY: The opening of The Westchester in White Plains, with 5,000 guests attending a cocktail buffet; INGREDIENTS NEVER USED: “Ones that aren’t universally accepted or are controversial; for example, foie gras, fish that isn’t sustainable, veal.” 

An Abigail Kirsch retro station for a 60th birthday party at Tappan Hill Mansion offered updated versions of the classics such as pulled short rib sliders, lobster rolls, and onion rings.