September 25, 2007 | Food + Drink

Diamonds with a Side of Fries

When it comes to fashion, mixing high and low isn’t a novel concept. But, for catering, this would-be fad has experienced surprising longevity. Fancy hors d’oeuvres of foie gras and caviar are no longer the choice of luxury brands who continue to gravitate towards comfort food. In fact, the trend we picked up from this past Fashion Week might be – the more decadent the party, the simpler the fare.

Van Cleef & Arpels, the famous French jewelry house hosted the first (and arguably, the most expensive and over-the-top) event of the week with performances by cabaret dancers from the Lido in Paris and the all-girl band The Plasticines. Celebrities and socialites drenched in diamonds were treated to an elaborate fashion show (that even featured a poodle dyed pink…don’t ask), endless glasses of Dom Perignon and gourmet mini burgers.

Next was Prada, the innovative Italian fashion house who brought in British band, The Hours, to perform a live set from their debut album Narcissus Road. Guests partied under a giant skull designed by artist Damien Hirst, while enjoying a menu of American classics – burgers, hot dogs, potato skins (complete with chives and sour cream) and mini apple pies cooked up by catering wizards, Creative Edge Parties. Galvanized steel bins filled with beer and ice were placed around their multi-million dollar Rem Koolhaas designed epicenter store in Soho.

Even The Weinstein Group, known for their A-list parties, served grilled cheese sandwiches at their post premiere bash at the Toronto Film Festival. Sasha Tcherevkoff, co-owner of Pop Burger and Pizza Bar tells us that his corporate clients including Calvin Klein and W Hotels love serving comfort food at their parties. “Serving mini-burgers and pizza at upscale events is a trend that is going strong. The goal is to make your guests happy and this kind of food is always a crowd pleaser.”

Both Pop Burger (58-60 Ninth Avenue, 212-414-8686) and Pizza Bar (48-50 Ninth Avenue, 212-924-0941) are available to cater your next function whether it’s a small gathering or, if you stay on trend, a lavish, black-tie affair . Mini-burgers are $6 for 2 and pizzas range from $5 – $10 for 4 x 10 inch pies. There is no minimum order for delivery or catering. Staffing and rentals (of glassware and tableware) can be arranged.