Westside Rehearsal dinner suggestions 50+ people

[mycatlovespopcorn]

Hi all,
New to chowhound and getting married in November. Wondering if anyone has suggestions for a unique, fabulous place for a rehearsal dinner ($40-50/person) for about 50 people. Some kids under five.
thanks in advance!

[PattiB]

I was at an eight course food event on the patio at Il Moro recently - it was realy nice. We had about 45 people and a little space, I think you could do 50 +-. Sthe staff was very nice, good service.

The food we had was all off menu I think and quite wonderful!! The menu is below...

Antipasti:
Affetati I Salumi Nostrani e Gnocco Fritto con Cipolline Brasate (Assortment of cured meats with braised onions, rustic bread.)

Pastas:
Cappeletti di Magro in Brodo (Hat-shaped pasta filled with braised beef, in capon broth)

Rigatoni al Coniglio (Tube pasta sautéed with rabbit ragu, vegetables, white wine reduction, and tomato sauce.)

Tortelloni di Zucca al Soffrito (Pasta stuffed with sautéed pumpkin in vegetable-spice sauce.)

Entrees:
Risotto Alla Finanzera (Arborio rice with porcini mushrooms and chicken livers and gizzards, white wine sauce.)

Baccala in Umido con Polenta (Baked salt cod with white wine and garlic, served with soft polenta.

Coniglio all’ Agro Dolce (Rabbit in sweet and sour sauce with capers, raisins, and white vinegar.

Dessert: Torta Dura, Sfrappole e Tortelli di Prugna a
Ciocc olata - Hard cake with sliced almonds, prunes, and chocolate.

[Francesca]

Il Moro is a great idea - excellent food, they just remodeled about 6 mos. ago. I've seen their private party menus, impressive. Very nice patio.

Congrats.

[stormin norman]

We had our rehearsal dinner at Koutoubia restaurant in Westwood...this is a Moroccan restaurant w/ big cushions to sit on and a set menu under $30.00.This was fun and a different experience then your basic sit down.The owner Michel is a bit of a character,and he will push the drinks like crazy to bump up thetab,so be wary.

[yummyinmytummy]

I would suggest the outside patio at Il Moro...it is really nice, the water feature keeps you from hearing the traffic and the food is really good.

[WestsideLisa]

The Restaurant at The Getty has a private room available, and I believe the dinners are in your price range. The view is impressive, and the food is great too. Your guests could wander around the museum ahead of time, and there's no charge for that (other than parking).

I'm looking for a wedding rehearsal dinner location for October, so I've done the research. I wish The Getty was in my budget!

[mycatlovespopcorn]

Thanks will check at the Getty. If you don't mind suggesting any other options you found (lower prices work for me too) I'd appreciate them as well.

[chica]

Castaway in Burbank has private rooms that can fit such a large number of people. You may also consider hotel restaurants, like Cut in Regent Beverly Wilshire, or Belvedere at the Peninsula, or Cezanne or One Pico in Santa Monica.

[Hunter]

You could do the dinner at Cut or the Belvedere, or you could buy a house in Brentwood for about the same amount. How much do you want to spend??

[Hunter]

Oops. Just realized you want to spend that much. Guess you've already got the house in Brentwood. Gongraulations!

[mycatlovespopcorn]

Unfortunately, no house in Brentwood Hunter :) Of course, if I can find a nice place for under $40, I'll take it ...

[Bria Silbert]

At one point, I was seriously considering a private party at Monsoon Restaurant on the Third Stree Promenade in Santa Monica. It's exotic and different looking and not outrageously expensive...and no, you don't have to order the crickets and ants that are on the menu!