Formal X-mas dinner for 20-25 people...SOS!

[hungryann]

Hi all,

I have been put in charge (i.e. dumped on) of organizing my department's annual X-mas dinner/party.We are 20-25 people and the budget is 100$ per person including alcohol. In the past, we have went to Les Halles, Les Caprices de Nicolas, Cube, Newtown and Ferreira. The criticisms have been that these places are too "stuffy" and since we are not seated together most of the time it becomes difficult for people to interact with everyone. I believe they still want something formal but in a venue that would allow them to socialize more.The food preferences seem to be french, italian, fusion cuisine but we will consider other options if menus can be adjusted (some people don't like spicy, others don't eat fish, etc). There will also be a 30 minute presentation before the dinner so a restaurant that could accomodate that would be necessary. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[C70]

Piment Rouge is grossly overpriced for both food and wine.

[hungryann]

I have looked aroun and currently I am considering: Vago (italian restaurant in Westmount) and Le Piment Rouge. I got a sample menu faxed from Le Piment Rouge and frankly it is not that impressive. Any thoughts on Vago? I am not familiar with it...the suggestion came from the company who is sponsoring our evening. Apparently, they have been pleased when they hosted previous events there.

[QcBoy]

La Montée de Lait

[Patelenberg]

I just organized a dinner for 35 people at La Loïe, thanks to the advice I got on this board, and it worked out beautifully. We had the whole place to ourselves. 20-25 might be a bit low for them, though if it is during the week I suspect they would go for it. You can always ask. In my view the place is ideal for the kind of affair you are sketching. It fits in your budget, the food is unusually good, you can work with them to develop the menu according to your taste, and they'll turn over the entire restaurant to the group.

Good luck.

[rcianci]

Wouldn't a hotel restauant such as Renoir in the Sofitel or Bronte in the Meridien or XO in the St. James be able to accomodate you?

[Frenchie]

I love Renoir when it comes to organizing things like that. But Renoir or XO will not meet the budget I believe.

[atoz]

I know where: Le Mas des Oliviers