Rehearsal Dinner in Dallas

[sjoantwe]

I need some recommendations for a large rehearsal dinner: perhaps as many as 75-100 people. We are staying at the WEstin and the Fairmont Hotels for the wedding.

My thoughts are:
Abacus
Dakotas
Oceanaire
Stephen Pyles
York StreetNick & Sams
Marie Gabrielle

Has anyone been to a large private party at any of these places?

[dalaimama]

Don't go to Abacus. I went last fall and while there were a couple of dishes that were very good, there were several that were awful. My main problem was the horrible service. It was crowded that night and they made it clear they wanted to turn the table as quickly as possible and were placing dishes down before we were finished with the current course. The waiter even came by, picked up my husband's appetizer dish and then waited for me to finish mine. While sighing in an irritated fashion. I told the management I would not be back and that it's sad when you get better service at Applebee's than Abacus.

Go with Nick and Sam's.

[Scott]

While the service at Abacus might not be on par with some other fine dining restaurants in Dallas, it's usually quite competent. And I can say, having eaten there more times than I can remember, that I have never had anything there that I considered "awful."

Scott

[ieatdallas]

Unless you're doing it outside (you didn't mention time of year) I would skip Marie Gabrielle. Based on your list it sounds like budget is not the #1 concern. Have you looked at Hotel St. Germain? In my opinion its the most beautiful wedding/rehearsel/reception venue in town. We had our reception there and it was fabulous. Not your run in the mill banquet room setting if you know what I mean.

[sjoantwe]

Did we mention Marie Gabrielle? How is this restaurant?

[sjoantwe]

Thank you soooooo much:
Its either Stephen Pyles or Nick & Sams !!
I will visit both next week, you have really narrowed the field.

[simply_victoria]

Dakota's isn't bad, but I think its kinda small too. I've never been to Oceanaire or Nick & Sam's.

I would say Abacus or Stephn Pyles.

[sjoantwe]

Thanks, York sTreet is off the list. What about Dakotas , Oceanaire, or Nick & Sams, or Stephen Pyles?

[sl1]

Nick and Sams has a really nice private room. They could easly accomodate your party. Stephan Pyles has a nice room as well. It appears that it could hold a party of your size. Nick and Sams private room has little more of a darker more elegance to it, with wine shelves all around the room. Stephan Pyles also has nice lighting but, its brigher and more modern minimalist. Nick and Sams is steak and Stephan Pyles is Southwestern "haute" cuisine. Both are great choices.

[simply_victoria]

Knock York Street definately off your list. Way too small.

I would reserve waaaay in advance. You would take over Abacus and probably have to close the place down for the night.