473428 Thu Dec 27 12:38:40 -0800 2007 3 20 Tristate Region 0 3240494 For people who have had to host a private event with a separate area for a cocktail hour and then reception, have you found it less expensive to go the caterer- rent a venue or one-stop shop? It's quite challenging to find a place that does not scream catering hall but yet affordable- as in 100-180 inclusive of tax, gratuity, rentals, venue and drinks. We are looking IDEALLY for a space that has at least 2-3 areas- possibly some outdoor space. Basically, just not one large ballroom and yet does not require dependence on the outside but yet has good food. We are looking at either renting a venue and bring in a caterer. A low site/venue fee would be great- under 4,000. Any ideas for venues that hopefully do not require rentals of tables, chairs and linens if not a restaurant? The restaurants we have looked at EMP, Public and Kittichai are all 25,000-50,000 options- mind you, that is just for food and site! Other restaurants or places we have looked at can't accomodate the number of guests smoothly. French, Mediterranean, Asian influences are all good. Local/ seasonal food supported, even better! I kind of like the idea of family style rather than buffet but don't even know if anyone has ever done that before. If anyone who has done catering and site rental, what are the realistic costs involved? Caterers you would recommend that are reliable, can do rentals and drinks, and have good presentation along with excellent food? For people who have had events at a restaurant, what are the average costs for this number of guests for food, drinks, tax, gratuity? Interested in Westchester, Hudson Valley, or Southern Connecticut- We've looked at Astra, Central Park Boathouse, Alger House, Tribeca Rooftop, Pratt Mansion, Ethical Culture, and several Clubs thus far. We would also consider a venue/restaurant in either Westchester, Brooklyn or Hudson Valley. We've looked at Hammond Museum, The Castle, Tappan Hill, Kittle House, The Garrison, and The James House. have done a search already and used some of those ideas from previous posts! Thanks! Thu Dec 27 12:38:40 -0800 2007 96605 ral217 1 3240833 From my experience, off premise catering usually means bringing in all the china, glasses and often tables and chairs. It can run as much as $25 per person. The upside is that you really get what you want in terms of menu and decor. Restaurants are great for smaller parties but are not really caterers and most don't have the expertise to go from serving tables over the night to large scale events that require a different type of skill and presentation. Site rentals are all over the place from $2500 to 10k and more and that is space only..sometimes tables and chairs. Look at Brooklyn Loft spaces, there are three Botanical Gardens and they are have different packages. Ethical Culture Brooklyn, Picnic House, Brooklyn will all be less money than Manhattan. Queens Farm Museum is also a unique space and very reasonable. Thu Dec 27 14:37:00 -0800 2007 3240494 15366 lombia 2 3243451 We chose Tarrytown House for a similar size group. It is a corporate conference center with 2 separate mansions that are used for events. They also run a hotel on the premises. We were pleased when we tried the food at a Mother's Day brunch. The space is a beautiful, glass enclosed room although I must admit the shape of the room is different-- more long and thin rather than square. I suppose you can't get everything! We also looked at many of the places you mentioned. Fri Dec 28 14:42:58 -0800 2007 3240833 15910 debmom 1 3247126 Try Salt Water Grille in stamford, can accomodate over 200 ppl and does private functions. They have a website. Sun Dec 30 11:12:31 -0800 2007 3240494 153456 corb149