Celebratory Dinner--If Money Were No Object

[DaisyM]

I'd appreciate knowing where you'd go for celebrating a very special occassion. Money isn't an issue. Just looking for some place that my family and I will long remember as a special evening for celebrating a college graduation.

We're going to be in Waltham, but driving into Boston or a nearby suburb isn't a problem.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

[bobot]

I assume this is after the graduation has taken place? If it's on a graduation weekend avoid the larger rooms, as they will all be packed. I'd recommend the tasting menu at Radius - last time we had it not only was the food excellent, but our server and the sommelier went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and at home, and to keep our party in a celebratory mood. Not at all stuffy.

Clio would also be an excellent choice, especially since it's a smaller, more intimate room.

[edgewater]

I would also recommend Locke-Ober. I agree with peelmeagrape I don't find it uptight or stuffy.

[DaisyM]

Thank you very much for all your suggestions. My stepdaughter doesn't eat shellfish so I eliminated Locke-Ober. I made reservations at L'Espalier. This is the place that I was looking for. We live in Philadelphia and wanted to find someplace like Le Bec Fin for that rare experience in service and presentation that she will remember. It isn't what my husband and I would choose for a special dinner...but it will surely "wow" my stepdaughter and that is what I'm looking for.

I'd also like to say that for all of you who are so willing to share your experiences and suggestions it is greatly appreciated. Whenever we travel I always check this board. I feel like our time together is so precious that whenever we are together I want to make it very special...even if it is going to a burger joint. So thanks for making me the hero in my family when it comes to finding wonderful places.

[BBHound]

Locke-Ober. The traditional place.
Actually, once upon a time the Dining Room of the old Ritz was the traditional place. The Dining Room is no more And the old Ritz is now the Taj. Oh well.

[eat4me]

Locke-Ober is just too uptight for "celebrating", unless one was celebrating closing some big deal.

[peelmeagrape]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't find Locke-Ober 'uptight' at all: I have quick, relaxed dinners there a couple of times a month. Certainly, the ambiance is formal and I don't remember seeing anyone wearing jeans. The servers, who default to deferential as one would expect at a fine dining establishment, are perfectly warm if you choose to engage them.

Maybe you're implying that a celebration requires a casual atmosphere? I disagree with that as well. To me, the perfect celebration includes tantalizing food that's more complex than what I would make at home, a welcoming and indulgent atmosphere, and the people I love. The decor and service at L-O never fail to transport me from my daily grind and, more importantly, the food is heavenly (though rich).

If the OP is looking for fine dining recs, I think L-O is a great option.

[cindyh]

GLORY in North Andover was perfect for our graduation party. We had a private room for 25 and the bill was $2500. Food and service were perfect!

[Blumie]

L'Espalier. IMHO, THE celebratory dinner place in Boston.

[winedude]

L'Espalier is a great suggestion. I'd think the only place that comes close is Aujourd'hui, in the Four Seasons.