Brunch suggestions for 60th Anniversary Party

[compucook]

Mom and Dad will be married for 60 years later this month. I"d like to take the family and a few friends out for a celebratory brunch in the Westside or SFV. All told, probably 15-20 people. There's a few constraints- it has to be accessible for the disabled as Dad uses a walker and has somewhat limited mobility. I'd like a private room if possible and somewhere that isn't overly expensive.

My first thought was a hotel, maybe the Summit in Bel Air, but I don't have a clue if the food is any good. This isn't a gourmet party. My two grandsons, ages 1 & 3 will be there and my father is on a sodium restricted diet. So a menu with a wide variety, reasonable cost and a private room or a portion of the restaurant would be my preferences.

Suggestions please!!

[maudies5]

Just noticed that you were considering The Summit in Bel Air. Please don't give it another moment's thought. It is beyond dreadful. It seems to be only good for banquets. I remain convinced that Pacific Dining Car in Santa Monica is the best venue. There is a nice private dining area, good brunch menu, nothing is too spicy. The restaurant is very quiet (even when busy it is possible to have a quiet conversation). Service is good, large clean restrooms and the prices are reasonable at breakfast and brunch. Kids will like the food as much as the adults. Congrats to your parents. That is quite a milestone.

[Bria Silbert]

Although I like Joe's on Abbot Kinney quite a bit, I know there is some debate on its continuing quality. However, brunch still seems to be fairly solid and in fact, my friend had a 50th anniversary brunch for her parents there for 20 people and they let her choose a menu in advance and worked with her to make it a very special event with three choices of appetizer, entree and dessert for each guest.

[perk]

Ca del Sole, near Universal in the valley, does a very nice brunch. It's a lovely space, and they have a private patio in the back with a couple of private rooms. Their prices are reasonable. I've been to a couple of private parties there, and they do a terrific job.
Also easy access with valet parking.

[Emme]

If you don't mind the valley, Cafe Bizou has a nice back area, and a varied menu. I don't consider if over the top expensive.

[compucook]

I don't mind the valley, but cannot do another occasion at Bizou, I'm just tired of it. For some reason I'm thinking hotel, but I don't have a clue. Has anyone eaten at the Luxe Bel Air or the Marriot Woodland Hills?
Chez Mimi
Spago in the Valley
Michael's
Whist at Viceroy
One Pico at Shutters
All NICE PLACES but Way too nice for my grandkids! Michael's & Whist are over the top. What's Spago in the Valley?

[Emme]

Totally understand canning Bizou... I've been to way too many affairs there.

If you're thinking hotel, is Jer-Ne at the Ritz in the Marina "too nice" for the grandkids? There's also the W Hotel in Westwood.

Another thought - what about the Restaurant at the Getty? It seems like a perfect place to a do an anniversary, given the wonderful view.

[maudies5]

Pacific Dining Car would be my 1st choice. We had a birthday celebration there recently for about 12 people. The age range was from 6-91 and everyone was happy. We picked up the check and we were happy as it seemed to be a great bang for the buck.

[amandachef]

I agree with PDC- very old-fashioned and well done restaurant with very good food, decent ( not inexpensive) prices, and there are mostly older people there. I would say it is a good family place. The waiters are all in the 60's and have been there forever. We have had a great steak dinner there as well as there brunch which is elegant and lovely.
There are also many restaurants in Culver City now worth looking into.

[yogachik]

Chez Mimi
Spago in the Valley
Michael's
Whist at Viceroy
One Pico at Shutters

They all have fixed prices per person, for brunch.

[westsidegal]

fwiw,
i would NOT consider one pico nor michael's to be
'not overly expensive.'

those are two of the most expensive places in town.

(the last time i looked, michael's charges over $20 for a cobb salad. that, with a soft drink will have you getting out of there for about $30 for having a salad for lunch) there is practically nothing on the menu for the toddlers to eat.)
also, michael's would be one of the last places i'd bring two toddlers.

[amandachef]

One Pico is fabulous but very expensive and not at all for anyone with kids, it is an elegant adult venue for a romantic dinner or a special occasion place.

[New Trial]

You might try Napa Valley Grille (as I recall, there is a nice, private room up front near the hostess station) or Pacific Dining Car (breakfast is a reasonably priced meal there, unlike lunch or dinner).

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Pacific Dining Car
2700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Napa Valley Grille
1100 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024

[compucook]

TTT