The story behind Via 13’s Champagne and Caviar Masquerade Mixer

There are networking events. There are parties. Then there are nights that are a melange of the two, where people talk about the next morning and beyond. On October 30, Via 13 in the West Village hosted one of those nights. The Champagne and Caviar Masquerade Mixer brought founders, emerging investors, cultural figures, and nonprofit leaders together for a night of networking, celebrating, and eating. The event supported Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education. While DJ Axel kept the music present with the help of a surprise rap performance.

The menu set a deliberate tone. Servers began with Lasagna Nigiri, a single square of crisp pasta layered with béchamel, crème fraîche, caviar, and spicy tuna. It was followed by Polpo Croccante with potato purée, hazelnut stracciatella, crispy pancetta, and Calabrian ’nduja, then Beef Tartare Rustica with egg yolk and crostone. The Capesanta Scottata, a seared scallop presented on cauliflower cream and melted Provolone del Monaco, moved the room into its first quiet rhythm.

Two tasting formats shaped the rest of the dinner. The three course menu paired pasta — Tagliatelle Pistacchio e Tuna Tartare or Spaghettone Sea Urchin with beurre blanc and lemon — with desserts that remained restrained, Tiramisù Espresso or Millefoglie Chantilly. The five course option expanded the range and included Filet Mignon d’Oro with Barolo reduction and potato purée, Lobster Royale with béchamel and caviar, and a vegan Milanese with cashew emulsion and vegan caviar. Champagne service remained constant throughout, reinforcing the night’s pacing rather than working as a showpiece.

At Via 13 that night, introductions turned into working conversations. People compared notes on deals, philanthropic projects, and upcoming ventures. The evening functioned as a simple idea executed well. Put the right people in one room, serve thoughtful food, and give them a reason to stay. Everything else followed from there.

The night was a reminder that some of the most interesting activity in New York now happens in rooms that choose intention over attention. It is also a reminder that hospitality still plays a role in shaping the city’s cultural and business landscape when it lets the night unfold at its own pace.