Upcoming Events at Eleven Madison Avenue (EMA)
Dear Colleagues,
This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are filled with fun and engaging classes, events, and activations. Included are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy, as well as highlights of some of our Cooking School classes, Wellness Wednesday classes, and upcoming community events. Please join us for these exciting “Key Occasions.”
Regards,
The Community Management TeamRecipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Sydney
When the weather warms up, my desire to turn on my stove and oven goes down! As the summer months approach, I seek out proteins that can be cooked quickly, allowing me to keep my stovetop use to a minimum and preventing my kitchen from overheating. Searing tuna steaks is a great way to get dinner cooked within just a few minutes.
Coriander & Pepper Seared Tuna
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 tbsp (14 g) coarsely ground coriander seed
2 tsp (28 g) pink peppercorns
1 tsp (14 g) coarsely ground black pepper
4 (6oz / 170g) tuna steaks
3 tbsp (42 g) vegetable, canola, or olive oil
Kosher or coarse sea salt, to taste
For serving:
Lemon wedges
Arugula or watercress
Instructions:
- Combine spices with salt and oil and mix well. Add to tuna and coat well on all sides.
- Place a large skillet over high heat and add a thin layer of oil. When the oil is smoking, add tuna so that each piece is touching the pan (do not overcrowd, cook in batches if needed). Cook tuna until charred on both sides but still rare inside, about 1 – 2 minutes on each side.
Lay arugula or watercress over a serving platter. Top with tuna steaks, and place lemon wedges around outer edge of the platter. Serve immediately.
Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Brian
When you are looking for a hearty and bold side dish, grits are a great option. You can infuse your cooking liquid with herbs or other aromatics, or skip this step to keep things simple. Smoked cheddar cheese adds bold, savory flavor that brings a lot to the table, but you can use something milder if desired.
Smoked Cheddar Grits
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 cups (950mL) chicken stock, homemade or low sodium
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves or thyme sprigs (or both)
1 cup (240 g) stone ground grits
2 ounces (56 g) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
2 ounces (56 g) smoked cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (28 g) heavy cream
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to tasteInstructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock, garlic cloves, and herbs to a boil. Turn off the stove, and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain out the aromatics, return the stock in the saucepan to the stove, and set over medium-high heat.
- Bring the stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the grits are tender for about 20 minutes.
Group Fitness Schedule
Tuesdays:
- Kinstretch from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Cardiovascular Endurance from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Wednesdays:
- Kinstretch from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Calisthenics from 5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Thursdays:
- Tai-Chi from 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Virtual Wellness Wednesday Classes
Every month, our Wellness Manager and registered dietitian Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN) hosts informative virtual Wellness Wednesday classes. Don't miss this month's classes. Be sure to sign up below!
A Dietitian’s Take on GLP-1 Medications: Wednesday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Hot Topic Lunch Table
Summer Ice Cream Social
Celebrate the beginning of summer with an Ice Cream Social! Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with old and new colleagues as you sprinkle ice cream with delectable toppings. We will meet in the Union Square room on Floor 2B on Tuesday, June 10 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register below. Don't forget to bring your sweet tooth, and we can't wait to see you there!
Rosé Tasting
Special Events at the 2B Café
- June 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m: Father's Day Chef Table featuring Grilled Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Herb Grilled Prawns, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, and Creamed Spinach.
- June 12 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m: Fried Mac & Cheese Bites Pop-Up featuring truffle garlic aioli on the side.
- June 25 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m: Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Up featuring vanilla ice cream sandwiched between 2 chocolate chip cookies and rolled in crushed peanuts or crushed mini M&M’s.
US Open Watch Party
Calling all golf fans! In celebration of the US Open, join us for a watch party on Thursday, June 12 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Please register below so we know to expect you, and bring your colleagues for an afternoon of sports fun! We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B.
Dungeons & Dragons
Join us for an afternoon of epic quests, daring battles, and endless fun! Whether you're a seasoned dungeon master or a newbie looking to roll your first character, this event is perfect for you. We will be meeting on Thursday, June 12 in the Union Square Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please register below to secure your spot. Let the games begin!
Café Samplings
- WonderPop: Delectable popcorn infused with water lily seeds, a superfood, and packed with flavor: Thursday, June 12
- KiZE Concepts: Offers tasty, 5-10 ingredient energy bars while donating millions of bars to the hungry: Friday, June 13
- 50Hertz: LGBTQ-owned company crafting bold snacks infused with floral aromas and Sichuan pepper, including rich toffee chocolate: Thursday, June 26
Canadian Grand Prix Watch Party
In celebration of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, June 13 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided! We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Bring a friend, and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! Please register below so we know to expect you.
Virtual Cooking School Classes
The UBS Cooking School offers free, virtual classes daily where employees can practice their cooking skills and prepare fantastic recipes designed by our onsite chefs. A few of our popular, upcoming classes are featured below:
June 13: Backyard BBQ Party Sides, Low & No-Cook
June 20: Homemade Cracker Jacks
June 25: Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class: Scallops, Green Goddess, & Avocado
June 27: Homemade Cornbread & Flavored Butter
Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School
Mini Golf Challenge
In celebration of the US Golf Open this month, join us for a Mini-Golf Challenge. Embrace the spirit of friendly competition as you play to become EMA's Mini Golf champion! We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Tuesday, June 17 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. To secure your spot, please register below:
Super Smash Brothers Tournament on the Nintendo Switch
Join us as we debut a brand new game for EMA's Nintendo Switch - Super Smash Brothers - and compete to crown EMA's first Super Smash Brothers champion! Do you have what it takes to smash the competition? Play to find out. We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Wednesday, June 18 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register below.
Café Collaborations with MOSAIC
Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!
This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re honoring Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month with themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.:
- June 18: Juneteenth Chef Table featuring Braised Oxtail, Glazed Carrots & Chayote Squash, and Red Beans & Rice.
- June 26: Caribbean American Heritage Month Chef Table featuring Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Coconut Quinoa Bean Salad, and Grapefruit Ginger Dressing.
Family Feud
Back by popular demand, join us for the return of Family Feud! Teams of 5 will compete for a prize for each member of the winning team - and the title of the new Family Feud champion. We will meet on Wednesday, June 25 in the Club Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register individually here.
Outdoor Running Club
Say hello to Spring and become a part of our supportive community by joining our weekly outdoor running club! No experience is required, as all skill levels are welcome. We will meet at the Lobby Reception Desk on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. and on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m to run along the East River. No registration is required. We can't wait to run with you!
Premise Health Activation
Many common men's health issues can be treated or avoided through regular screenings. In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Premise Health will be offering a tabling event on Thursday, June 26 focusing on the power of prevention. Come to Floor 2B near the G elevator bank from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. to speak with the team about key screenings that can improve men’s well-being. No pre-registration is required
Summer Fun at Madison Square Park
Kick off summer with the following special events hosted by Madison Square Park Conservancy this month:
- Make Your Own Seed Bombs: Join us for a hands-on, family-friendly, free workshop on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. where you will learn how to make wildflower seed bombs! To register, please sign up here.
- Seeding Dreams & Manifestations Workshop: Join us for a free workshop on Wednesday, June 25 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. where you will learn how to grow your own microgreens using beginner-friendly methods! All materials will be provided. To register, please sign up here.
Book Club
Thank you to all of those who voted for June's book club pick! Our selection by majority vote is 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. We will meet on Thursday, June 26 in the Union Square room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. where snacks and refreshments will be served.
To purchase a copy of the book and register, please use this link: Purchase a Copy Here. Kindly note the registration cost covers your physical copy of the book.
If you are sourcing and bringing your own copy of the book, please register for the event by emailing sh-americas-community-management@ubs.com.
From Our Wellness Manager, Maya Billig
The Power of Protein: Why It Matters and How to Get Enough
Protein does more than help build muscle. From supporting your immune system to stabilizing your energy levels, protein is an essential nutrient for recovery, strength, and overall vitality.
Protein is made up of amino acids—tiny building blocks that are involved in nearly every process within the body. Unlike carbohydrates or fats, protein isn’t stored for later use, meaning we need to include it in our diet regularly to meet our body’s needs.
Consuming enough protein supports several vital functions. It plays a key role in repairing muscle tissue, especially after physical activity or strength training. It helps manage hunger and fullness, which can support weight management by keeping you satisfied between meals. Protein also contributes to bone density, an important factor for aging well and staying active. Protein powers your metabolism and hormone production, influencing everything from your mood to your ability to recover from illness or injury.
Whole foods are the best way to meet your protein needs. Animal-based options such as eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in complete proteins and other nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. For those who follow a plant-based approach, lentils, tofu, edamame, quinoa, nuts, and seeds are excellent choices that provide protein and fiber.
While protein powders can be helpful in certain situations — especially on busy days — they should complement, not replace, a diet rich in whole foods. When choosing a protein powder, look for clean labels with minimal ingredients. Avoid products that contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and opt for options with third-party testing when possible.
Sustainability Tips
A Sustainable Summer
June is here, and it's the perfect time to go green! With the sun shining and the days getting longer, it’s easier than ever to adopt some eco-friendly habits. Sustainability means making sure our actions don’t harm the planet, so we can all enjoy it for years to come. Think of it as giving a little love back to Mother Nature. By reducing waste, saving energy, and supporting biodiversity, you’re making a big difference. Did you know a single tree can soak up about 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year? And recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Amazing, right?
Get creative with sustainability this June! Host a swap party with friends to trade clothes and books, organize a community clean-up to keep local parks beautiful, try some DIY projects with recycled materials, and join workshops to learn more about how to live sustainably. Every little bit helps. Together, we can create a greener, happier world. Enjoy your eco-friendly adventures this June!
Premise Health Article
Mental health thrives when individuals feel safe and empowered to express their authentic selves—especially in the workplace. Navigating professional spaces while suppressing core aspects of your identity can take a toll on mental well-being, resulting in internal conflicts. Fostering an environment where personal expression is encouraged is beneficial and essential. Authenticity fosters confidence and reduces stress. When employees feel comfortable being themselves, they experience greater job satisfaction, improved performance, and stronger connections with colleagues. Whether it’s sharing cultural traditions, embracing gender identity, or being open about personal values, expressing who you are allows for a more fulfilling work experience. Individuals can advocate for their own well-being by setting boundaries, seeking supportive allies, and confidently embracing self-expression. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to share your true self at work, know that your identity is valuable. By embracing who you are, you contribute to a more accepting and emotionally healthy professional environment: not just for yourself, but for those around you. Your mental health matters, and authenticity is taking one such powerful step.
How to Access Services: All UBS (Non-Contractor) Employees can access our Health Center Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch) with the option to schedule appointments online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling the Health Center directly at 212-538-7770. No cost, no obligation 30-minute mental health consults are available upon request with our Behavioral Health Professional.
Shoe Repair & Shine
Since 1989, Shoe Repair & Shine has offered an abundance of onsite services to EMA, including patent leather clean-up, shoe dyeing, and shoe stretching! A wide variety of related products are also available for sale, such as suede renewal spray, leather conditioner, insoles, and shoe trees. Shoe Repair & Shine is located in EMA’s lobby in front of the 25 St/Park Ave S entrance. For service, please visit Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For more information, you can contact Shoe Repair & Shine’s office at 212.325.7610, or mobile at 917.655.2931.
Dry Cleaning Services
Look no further! Dry Cleaning & Alteration by Flatiron Tailor Shop is available for all of your dry-cleaning needs. They offer competitive dry cleaning prices, alteration services, and free pickup and delivery. In addition, State and Liberty suits also receive a 15% off discount. Dry Cleaning & Alteration by Flatiron Tailor Shop is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and is conveniently located onsite next to the shoeshine in front of the 25 St/Park Ave S entrance. For further details, please call 551.574.4699.