389817 Mon Apr 09 09:11:57 -0700 2007 6 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 2463204 I'm coordinating a dinner our president is hosting in May for 25 - 30 people. Last year we had the affair at Acadiana and it was spot on. The year before we were at Oceannaire, also well received. I'm looking for a casual but elegant place and a private room. It needs to be here in DC, no NoVA or MD. We'd also need a private room. Thanks for any suggestions and/or any thoughts about the below. I'm looking into: Cheff Geoff Viridian Vidalia Also recommended: Occidental Cafe Nora Kinkeads Tabard Inn Mon Apr 09 09:11:58 -0700 2007 14276 Cocinero Cubano 1 2463218 I'd skip Cheff Geoff- it's really a minor step above mediocrity. Vidalia is excellent Another addition might be Tehnpenh and I think Central may have a private room as well. If I had to choose between the Nora restaurants I'd go to Asia Nora where you could probably get the entire upstairs. Another place we've entertained clients has been Old Ebbit, but yet another is Zaytinya. I never think the food is all that good at Zaytinya but I know others who like it. Mon Apr 09 09:15:27 -0700 2007 2463204 49180 jpschust 1 2464132 Here are some comments on a number of the possibilities on your list: Occidental: I read a review recently that said the food has returned to its former quality, but I really want to comment on the room. The private upstairs room, the Presidents Room, is stunning! Your guests will feel like they're having a true Washington, DC experience with gorgeous paneling and portraits of the presidents for decoration. But here's the best part of all: the portrait painter cannot paint noses -- or more precisely he can paint only one style nose and it belongs to Lyndon Johnson. If you visit the space, look around the room to discover that every president has Lyndon Johnson's nose! A total hoot! Kinkead's: The food at Kinkead's is the draw rather than the room. The private dining room is simply separated by an air wall and, as a result, the look is quite utilitarian. My recommendation: Oval Room. The private room to the right of the lobby holds about 40 people. It's completely private the style is sleekly modern and elegant. Although this restaurant doesn't get mentioned too often on this Board, I think it deserves to be. The chef is the former executive chef at Jean Georges in NYC. The style food is modern with intriguing combinations that, happily, never veer off into eccentricity. I've been part of a group of two couples who have dined there several times. Any time we've done the tasting menu that has included something someone hasn't liked -- no allergies involved -- the chef has been willing to make a substitution. I like that kind of responsiveness. Mon Apr 09 12:56:16 -0700 2007 2463204 61567 Indy 67 1 2464278 If you are looking to spend a little cash but have a truly elegant memorable dinner I would suggest the private room at Equniox. It's their wine room or something called that. I'm not sure how many people fit in there but we had a private party for my Grandfather's 85th Bday party and it was one of the best memories my family has ever shared. Also I know Fahrenheit (at the Ritz in Georgetown) rent out a really cool room for private parties which is literally an old smoke stack or something along those lines. Actually from their website: "Towering 130-foot chimney stack with glass ceiling" That's pretty cool and the food is great. Other ideas: Clydes (for more casual but always something for everyone there and the one in Gallery Place has a nice room to rent) Other places with good food and private rooms: *1789-lets you rent out an entire room...def. elegant *Ceiba-Might have a private room and def. festive *TenPehn *Any of the steak houses I'm sure have private dining rooms. Mon Apr 09 13:31:06 -0700 2007 2463204 76776 Elyssa 1 2465181 I like Vidalia - but I am not sure how "casual" it is. Viridian is good and fun/lively. Depending on what you want the feel to be - viridian is defenitely more hip and cool. Old Ebbit Grill was mentioned below but the food isn't that great and the separate room is downstairs - dark, old and frankly could use a few dollars in renovations. How about Sequoia? Mon Apr 09 18:07:12 -0700 2007 2463204 89400 mgonzalez100 2 2466072 We were in Vidalia the other night in nice jeans and a nice top in the bar area- I'd think being in a private room that would be fine too. Tue Apr 10 05:35:14 -0700 2007 2465181 49180 jpschust 2 2466416 I've heard the food at Sequoia is a disaster and you should only go for drinks and the view...but I've never actually eaten there. I just know a handful of unfortunate souls who have. Tue Apr 10 07:58:16 -0700 2007 2465181 76776 Elyssa