For a lighter take on macaroni salad, this recipe dials down the mayonnaise and balances richness with more acidic ingredients: lemon and buttermilk. To emphasize the freshness we love in springtime cooking, we add lots of fresh herbs and crunchy veggies.

Spring Macaroni Salad with Herbs and Lemon

Serves 4-6

1 lb (450 mL) pasta, cooked and cooled

2 cups (500 mL) sliced crunchy vegetables, such as celery, fennel, sugar snap peas, or red onion

1 cup (250mL) fresh English peas, shelled and blanched (or defrosted if using frozen)

1 bunch fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, dill, tarragon, or a combination

Dressing:

½ cup (118 mL) mayo

½ cup (118 mL) buttermilk or sour cream

Pinch of sugar optional

1 lemon, for zest and juice

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta, vegetables, and herbs in a mixing bowl.

2. Make a delicious dressing by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, taste, and adjust to your liking. Dress both the pasta and vegetables with the dressing, and then toss until combined.

On days when you are looking for an easy meal, avocado toast is a great option. It is popular for a reason: low-effort, minimal cooking, and super flexible. I have listed some of my favorite toppings, but consider this an invitation to get creative and use your own favorite ingredients!

Avocado Toast and Toppings

Serves 4

4 slices of sourdough from a boule, or thick slices of whole grain bread

2 tablespoons (30 grams) extra virgin olive oil

2 ripe avocados

1 lime or lemon

Coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings (As Much As You Would Like!):

Spices or spice mixes, such as paprika or everything bagel seasoning

Hot sauce or balsamic glaze

Pickled red onion or jalapeno

Shaved crunchy veggies

Roasted, grilled, or sauteed veggies

Soft boiled egg

Pesto

Grated or crumbled cheese

Fresh chopped herbs (parsley, dill, chives, tarragon, cilantro)

Instructions:

1. In a large sauté pan set over medium heat, add a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil and toast your slices of bread until golden on each side for about 3 – 5 minutes each side.

2. Slice around the avocado pit with a sharp knife, twist to separate the halves, and remove the pit from your avocado. Use a big spoon to scoop out the flesh. After transferring the avocado to a mixing bowl, mash with a fork or the bottom of a whisk until the consistency is to your liking. Season with salt, fresh cracked pepper, and citrus juice, and adjust to your liking. Spread the avocado on top of your toast, and garnish with any of the optional toppings of your choice!

Join our talented trainers for a group fitness class located in the Fitness Center. To sign up for one of the classes below, stop by the Fitness Center or email SH-WMUS-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday from 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Mondays:

• Tabata from 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• Yoga from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Strength & Conditioning from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Circuit Training from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Body Weight Tabata from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Indoor Cycling from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Yoga from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Strength & Cycling from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• HITT from 1:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

• Circuit Training from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• Pilates at 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 pm
• HIIT from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Our cafeteria continues to delight and surprise us all month long with several tasty offerings that will be available on the days listed below. Don’t miss out on these special events from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.!

• May 7th Celebrating Mother's Day

• Chef Table: Make sure to stop by the Chef's Table taste exquisite Lobster Rolls served with House Chips!

• May 21st: Celebrating Memorial Day

• Global Buffet: Savor cookout staples such as BBQ Chicken, Chipotle Slow Cooked Ribs, Grilled Corn, Baked Beans, and Corn Bread.

Mental Wealth US is hosting a Mental Health Expo on Thursday, May 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Hawk's Nest B (adjacent to the Coffee Bar). This event will feature UBS resource vendors and community partners, breakout wellbeing sessions, raffles, snacks, and more! Join us to raise awareness about mental health resources and promote mental health in the workplace. Don't miss this chance to learn and connect with colleagues. See you there!

In celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Heritage Month this May, we are excited to provide the following book options by Jewish American and AAPI authors for our next book club meeting!

• (Jewish American author) Bess Kalb’s Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A heartwarming memoir that creatively reconstructs the author’s late grandmother’s voice to tell the story of generations of strong women in their family.
• (AANHPI author) Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart: From the Korean indie rock sensation known as Japanese Breakfast, an unforgettable memoir about family, food, and, love.
• Or, submit your vote for a novel of your choice.

Please submit your vote by scanning the following QR code by Friday,May 9th, so that we can finalize our book selection and distribute books promptly. Then, we will meet in June to discuss the novel. We can't wait to see you there!  

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, join us on Tuesday, May 13th, at 1:00 pm. - 1:45 p.m. in the Lincoln Harbor Auditorium for an expert-led UBS Mental Health Awareness Panel, “Stronger Minds, Healthier Lives: Thriving in the Workplace.” This panel features Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN), Wellness Manager and Registered Dietitian; David Rodriguez (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Behavioral Health Specialist; and Jacqueline McNally, EXOS Fitness Center Manager.

Please register below to take part in a meaningful conversation exploring how mental health is deeply connected to the way we eat, move, and manage stress. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for those attending in-person. There will also be a livestream for those who wish to join virtually. We can't wait to see you there!

Registration For In-Person Event: Sign Up Here
Registration For Livestream: Sign Up Here

Are you ready to explore the healthy food options available in the café? Join registered dietitian, nutritionist and wellness manager Maya Billig on Tuesday, May 13th as she provides tips to improve your daily meal choices. She will explain the Better For You program and will also educate those with special dietary needs about the signage related to food allergens. There is no better time than the present to start eating better! We will meet at the Coffee Bar in the café, and this tour will occur from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Registration: Sign Up Here

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us! This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re honoring Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.:

• May 14^th: Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

• Chef Table: Za’atar Roasted Chicken, Sumac Potatoes, and Tahini Glazed Carrots

• May 20^th: Celebrating AANHPI Month

• Chef Table: Marinated Hanger Steak Ssam, Red Kimchi Puree & Ginger Scallion, Roasted Cauliflower, and Roasted Sweet Summer Corn

Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event on Thursday, May 15th, in Hawk's Nest B (adjacent to the Coffee Bar) from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Taking care of your mind is just important as taking care of your physical health, so stop by to speak with the team about your behavioral health. When you need support, Premise Health is here to listen. No pre-registration is required!

This month, expand your palette and join us for flavorful samplings and sales from an array of vendors below! Samples and sales will be available during lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:

• Tochi: Irresistible snacks including popcorn and chips with Asian-inspired flavors and nutritious ingredients: May 13th
• Artisan Tropic: A Colombian, family-owned company crafting flavorful cassava and plantain snacks using whole ingredients and sustainable, regenerative agriculture: May 15th
• Monster: Taste the new flavors that this tried & tested energy drink has to offer: May 19th

Celebrate the season at our Spring Farmer’s Market at the Exchange Place Café on Wednesday, May 21st! From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, there will be a curated selection of fresh, locally sourced produce with pre-labeled bags for easy scan-and-go convenience. Once you have made your selections, then you can enjoy a self-checkout experience at the register.

Learn about the local farms behind your favorite items and support sustainable agriculture while savoring the flavors of spring!

Join us for an engaging Foosball tournament on Wednesday, May 21st, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.! Impress your colleagues with your speed and dexterity. We will meet in the Game Room located inside of the Hawk's Nest. Spots are limited for this event, so please be sure to register below to secure your spot.
Registration: Sign Up Here

Take a stroll through the café with registered dietitian, nutritionist, and wellness manager Maya Billig on Thursday, May 22nd. She will be teaching about the Better For You program and educating attendees about the signage used in the café. She will also spotlight the vegetarian and vegan options that are available. If you want to learn how to build a balanced plate, master our wellness icons or discover how to eat a more plant-forward diet, then this tour is for you! We will meet at the Coffee Bar in the café, and this tour will occur from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration: Sign Up Here

Throughout the month of May, unleash your inner child and join us for a medley of fun games as listed below from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.! No registration is required:

• Thursday, May 22nd: Game Room

• Pictionary: An energetic game where players alternate attempting to get their team members to guess a word by drawing it out.

• Tuesday, May 27th: Hawk’s Nest A (seating area by the Cooking School)

• Taboo: A thrilling game where players alternate attempting to get their team members to guess a word without using any common words.

In celebration of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, May 23rd, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., where snacks and refreshments will be served! We will meet in Room 8 of the 1200 Building. Bring a friend, and enjoy as we socialize and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! No registration is required.

On Wednesday, May 28th, join us as we partake in Cheese Tasting & Sip! This session will be led by an expert from Beecher's cheese, who will provide education as you taste and learn about mouth-watering cheeses while sipping on delectable wine. We will meet in Hawk's Nest A (seating area outside of the Cooking School) from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Our “sip” events always sell out quickly, so be sure to register now! We can’t wait to see you there.

Join us for a thrilling Ping-Pong tournament on Thursday, May 29th, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Showcase your skills to be crowned champion and win bragging rights for the rest of the year! We will meet in the Game Room located inside of the Hawk's Nest. Spots are limited for this exciting event, so please be sure to register below to secure your spot.

World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20th, is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of bees and their crucial role in our ecosystems. Bees are essential pollinators, contributing to the growth of many plants and crops that we rely on for food. At UBS, we are committed to supporting biodiversity and sustainability through various initiatives, including the installation of beehives across our office locations in the Americas, including Weehawken, New York, Shelton, Chicago, Toronto, Nashville, and Raleigh. These beehives not only help increase local biodiversity but also provide unique opportunities for our employees to engage with nature and learn about the importance of bees.
There are several ways you can support bees, biodiversity, and general sustainability efforts. Starting a garden with a variety of native flowers and plants can provide bees with essential nectar and pollen sources. Additionally, creating a small water source, such as a shallow dish with pebbles, can give bees a safe place to drink. Supporting local beekeepers by purchasing honey and other bee-related products can further contribute to the health and sustainability of bee populations. Another great spring tip is to start composting. Composting organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings can reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. This practice not only helps the environment by reducing methane emissions from landfills but also provides a natural fertilizer that promotes healthy plant growth. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can play a significant role in promoting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

• Mood Enhancement: Vitamin D helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Immune Support: It strengthens the immune system, helping to fend off illnesses.
• Sleep Regulation: It plays a role in maintaining healthy sleep patterns, essential for mental well-being.