19816 Tue May 14 04:21:09 -0700 2002 4 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 66995 Hello Chowhounders, I'm in search of a restaurant for my upcoming bridal shower/luncheon for approx. 10 female friends & family. I thought it might be special to have either a brunch or tea in a beautiful, cozy, warm, intimate, reasonably priced (i.e., less than $20/person for lunch) restaurant in San Francisco, Berkeley, or Oakland. It will be a Sunday in June. Though I've grown up in the Bay Area, I'm at a loss for ideas for my own shower... The type of cuisine is not as important to me as the atmosphere; anything too noisy or bustling might make conversation awkward or strained, and I want my family and friends to enjoy this unique gathering as much as possible! Thanks for your ideas, An Overwhelmed Bride Tue May 14 04:21:09 -0700 2002 0 tigerserpent 1 67039 Posts like this make me mourn again for dear, departed Augusta's! Sunday lunch is hard -- most places are pretty busy, and bustling/noisy is the style. The first place I'd check out would be Thornhill Cafe in Oakland's Montclair district. I've never had lunch/brunch there, but the atmosphere there has always struck me as serene. My sister had her rehearsal dinner there, and it went really well. I also have a couple of off-beat suggestions ... Toutatis, a Breton-style crepe house in Old Oakland. They have a small but very nice back patio and they might reserve the whole area for a party of ten. Second, since you mentioned tea, I have an even more obscure suggestion: high tea at Webster House B&B in Alameda. She serves yummy tea (tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, hot savory, sweet goodies) on the back porch of the oldest house in Alameda, and again, for a party of 10, you could probably have the whole place to yourself (tea is by appointment only). I don't remember how much it was, but $20 is in the ballpark. It was very leisurely and relaxed. Hope this helps! Tue May 14 15:49:53 -0700 2002 66995 0 Ruth Lafler 2 67041 I had my wedding shower at Lovejoy's Tea Room, Noe Valley in SF, 1351 Church Street(Church @ Clipper, 415/648-5895. It was just what you're looking for. Tue May 14 16:03:24 -0700 2002 67039 0 Jill D 3 67079 I was just going to suggest Lovejoy's. It's charming, Tea-ish, fun, and the sandwiches and tea are good. Make reservations. Another possible place for Tea is Tal-y-Tara -- they serve Tea but are also an equestrian store. Very unique. I don't think The Palace serves Tea on Sundays, some places don't. Tea at The Fairmont was lovely but the service was not good. Also, more expensive than you want. Wed May 15 02:31:07 -0700 2002 67041 0 Kim Cooper 2 67826 Hi Ruth, On a coincidental note, my friend also suggested Webster House for my bridal shower. It sounds like such a unique and relaxed place -- just what I was looking for! Can't wait to try the tasty goodies next month! Thanks again. Wed May 22 10:33:05 -0700 2002 67039 0 tigerserpent