Birthday Party - Tasting Menu or Private Chef

[lvtotry]

I want to throw a birthday party for my friend. I am looking into either doing a tasting menu at a restaurant or hiring a chef to cook a dinner(about 20-25 people can be smaller group through). Any ideas?

[limster]

You could try getting 2 tables at some of the better places in Chinatown e.g. Gourmet Seafood. If you choose this route I'd definitely work out the menu (10 courses with a range of flavours and preparations is very typical) before hand, some braised dishes can take several days to cook. Prices will vary depending on the dishes you get; if you select high-end ingredients such as alaskan king crab, dried abalone, sharksfin etc... it could come up to $100-200 per person for just the food.

[Blumie]

I've done two private parties recently in Mistral's beautiful private room, the Salon Room, for groups slightly larger than this (approx. 30). Both have been extraordinary. For $100/person, you can choose five passed hors d'oeuvres, one appetizer, three entrees from which your guests can choose, and one dessert (including a dessert trio comprised of berries with sabayon, creme brulee, and chocolate pot de creme). Wine and other beverages are extra (I had them help me choose some excellent moderately priced wines).

Everything about both evenings was great. Unlike some restaurants, the food being served in the private dining room was as good as is served in the main dining room. Also, unlike some restaurants, they happily accommodated special requests (vegetarian, low fat, etc.).

[cath116]

For my 60th birthday my husband arranged a wonderful meal catered at our house for 14 people. He had Howard Swarz of Swarz Catering in Somerville do it - food and service were superb. Highly recommend - an incredible experience.

[Bostonbob3]

If you're wealthy, Daniel Boulud (the greatest chef in the world IMHO) is available for private parties.

If you're just well-off, I'd recommend the tasting menu at Clio.