Help me narrow down a yummy bday spot!

[blissin]

Last year I went all out for my 30th birthday at Moun of Tunis. This year I want to do something delicious, fun, but not quite as grand. Fun, festive, and quaint is the key to my happiness... and the food must be tasty but not overpriced (say, no more than $20 a plate per person, not including drinks). I expect about 10? people to show up.

So far I am thinking along the lines of Tropicalia, which is pretty delicious but maybe a bit TOO casual? and Sake House Miro, which I've never been to.

Suggestions? Comments on either of those two places for birthday spots?

[Silverlaker]

Gardens of Taxco
Malo
Cobras & Matadors
Casa Bianca
Mexico City

*** Do a search, these have been much discussed.

happy birthday!

[blissin]

Trust me, I have searched high and low for something new-ish.
Don't much care for Malo's or Cobras
and Mexico City and Casa Bianca's are so/so.
Maybe I'll check Gardens of Taxco..

Thanks!

What about Bossa Nova Brazilian or M Grill?

[goodhealthgourmet]

bossa nova is a great idea.

[blissin]

Didn't do Bossa Nova but did end up at Cliff's Edge. It was a quaint and fun little place for a birthday dinner, and my guests seemed pretty pleased with their meals. My only complaint is that they don't accommodate parties larger than 15, and they charge a $3 per slice cutting fee if you want to bring your own cake. Service was decent but nothing to rave about.

I tried the Polenta Cake, Crab Cakes, Pumpkin Raviolis, Duck in Orange Sauce, and the Moroccan Lamb Stew. My favorite was definitely the lamb and ravioli. My roast duck was tender but a little bit on the salty side.

[goodhealthgourmet]

glad you had fun, but am i the only one who thinks a $3/slice cutting fee for cake is OBSCENE?

[perk]

Please.....not Mexico City. I went there a couple of weeks ago (with low expectations but a craving for Mexican food and a need to stay in the hood) and it was horrible. I mean....really horrible. Doubt that I'd ever be desperate enough to go back.