IntoxiKate was created to showcase some of the innovative chefs popping up in Westchester. But it was also developed to highlight some of the really amazing foodie events going on in and around the county. Case and point: the Forks, Corks & Cocktails mixer—a gay and lesbian food, wine and spirits social mixer developed by Bjorn & Company. The event takes place May 2 at Life: The Place To Be in Ardsley, featuring food from The Cookery, Saint George, Polpettina and Cedar Street Grill. (And, of course, cocktails!) Tickets cost $65. To read more about the event, click here.
{Q+A with Bjorn VW}
I recently caught up with Bjorn VW, founder of Bjorn & Company and the creative mind behind Forks, Corks & Cocktails, to find out the inspiration behind the event.
(IntoxiKate) What inspired you to become an event planner?
(Bjorn) It took me a long time to get finally choose what career path I wanted to follow. I was a party planner for a restaurant in Dobbs Ferry for a few years, and I loved it. That’s when I knew I found my niche. From brain storming an idea, to the planning process, and execution, there’s no greater feeling seeing it successfully all come together.
In your opinion, how important are food and cocktails when it comes to planning an event?
Being a foodie myself and having worked with some of Westchester’s finest chefs, food is the most important element at an event. If the food isn’t the best, it is the one thing your guests will never forget. Regarding cocktails, it’s pretty obvious, what’s great food without a great cocktail!
That’s certainly a winning combo! Which brings me to my next questions—I love the idea behind Forks, Corks & Cocktails. How did you come up with the idea?
New York has made great strides in terms of equality. There is still a lot to do, but we are in a good place and felt I should do my part as an openly gay professional. I’ve been a part of the food and beverage industry my whole life. I love eating great food and always loved connecting with people. Westchester is such a great county with fantastic restaurants and nightlife. The idea came about when my girlfriend was celebrating a milestone birthday. It was group of great woman, interacting with each other on a mature level, eating, drinking and having a good time. That’s when the idea hit me. There are not many events being offered targeting the Westchester LGBT community and it was a perfect time to launch a social event and bring the gay and lesbian community together.
I bet you have some huge support behind the event. How has the feedback been so far?
The feedback for the event has been great so far. The community is curious and very excited from what I have heard, because, from my knowledge, no one has.
You have some pretty amazing vendors involved. What are they serving?
You’re correct, they are amazing vendors. I want to offer great food so I’ve asked the chefs to put forward their best three dishes on their menu. As for what the three dishes are, you’ll just have to wait and see!
What is the format (dinner by the bite, cocktail party, sit down dinner)?
It is definitely dinner by the bite. Each vendor will have their own station where they will present their delicious offerings.
Why did you decide to host the event at Life?
Life: The Place To Be is the perfect venue for this type of event. It’s modern, has a very chic aesthetic, and gives you that New York City feel, without actually being in New York City. I have always been a huge fan of loft style, innovative type venues.
Can guests purchase tickets at the door?
Guest can absolutely pay at the venue. However, to avoid waiting in line, I do recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Are there any other upcoming Westchester events you are working on?
I’m working on a fall rendition of Forks, Corks & Cocktails.
