632168 Sat Jun 27 15:39:32 -0700 2009 6 4 Pacific Northwest 0 4811485 Hi everyone, I'm getting married next summer and am sad about the huge number of restrictions most catering companies place on venues. The food is a huge priority for us, so instead of fussing around with menus, I'd love to have the entire reception at a really great restaurant and let everyone eat and drink whatever they want. We're expecting about 75 guests, and since we haven't picked a place for the ceremony, the perfect restaurant would be within walking distance of somewhere pretty to hold it (park, beach, some really rich and generous person's backyard, whatever :). Since we live in Seattle, somewhere within at least an hour's drive would be best to accommodate out-of-town folks. Does anyone have any good ideas for me, or places I should steer clear of? Thanks very much in advance for all your suggestions! Sat Jun 27 15:39:32 -0700 2009 1089092 cascadia 1 4814191 Are you looking for a restaurant with a private room to fit your party, or to rent out the whole restaurant? I don't know if any restaurants have private rooms that large, but you could check the Palace Ballroom and Kaspar's. Otherwise, call restaurants you like and ask about a buy-out. Buying out a restaurant will likely cost several thousand dollars, with weekends higher. You may need to agree to a more limited menu than what they normally offer but should be able to get a few choices for each course. If they have a pastry chef they may want to make your cake, or they may be willing to let you bring it in, that is probably negotiable. Some places may be willing to open on a day they are normally closed, just depends. Basically, start calling your favorite restaurants and see if they are willing/able to accomodate your party. Keep in mind that the more seats a restaurant has, the higher the minimum charge will be, so you probably don't want to buy out a place that seats 150 if you only have 75 guests. . Mon Jun 29 00:11:23 -0700 2009 4811485 13150 babette feasts 1 4814917 even a restaurant seating 75 and which would normally serve 1 1/2 turns (around 200 covers) each day will find it difficult to handle the entire dining room at a single seating if a full menu is offered. even limiting your guests' choices to 3 or 4 will still mean the kitchen eithers runs out of something or has huge overages and this will be paid for by you. if you do not wish to limit your guests too much, consider buffet service with special needs (vegie, etc.) provided for Mon Jun 29 09:23:14 -0700 2009 4811485 14758 howard 1st 2 4815244 If the choices are existing menu items for the restaurant, 'overages' are not a problem, they can sell those extra salmon the next night when they are open again. If it's a special menu, there could be problems, but restaurants are pretty good at figuring out what to do with extra ingredients - soup, special appetizer, change the sides on something for a day to use up those extra fava beans or whatever. I'm talking about pre-prepped ingredients, not recycling cooked food or buffet food. The chef will let you know what s/he thinks is the best option for the space and your needs. Business is down for many places, so you might be able to negotiate a better rate on a slow night like Sunday. I've heard that Fri/Sat are still busy and places might still get their 1-1/2 to 2 turns, but I bet a lot of restaurants are only getting 1 turn on slower nights. Mon Jun 29 11:04:20 -0700 2009 4814917 13150 babette feasts 3 4815770 I didn't even think of the fact that it would be 75 people sitting down at once, as opposed to the ebb and flow that a restaurant would normally get -- thanks for pointing that out! I certainly wouldn't be opposed to working with the restaurant for a limited menu. I'm just having a hard time thinking of a great one that: (a) could hold up to 75 people in one area, and (b) isn't too far from somewhere pretty to have the ceremony! Mon Jun 29 13:30:45 -0700 2009 4815244 1089092 cascadia 4 4816105 Walking distance - especially in dress shoes - makes it hard. I think the sculpture garden is available for weddings, then it wouldn't be too far of a walk to Belltown. If people are driving in anyway, I don't think a short drive between venues is that big of a deal. One set of friends had the ceremony at a little flower garden/park up on QA (not prospect park, west of there) and dinner at Ray's private room, sister did ceremony at church on Magnolia, dinner at Kaspar's. Driving between was no big deal. On the other hand if you are looking at restaurants downtown, parking for 20 to 30 cars could be an issue and you may want to look into getting a valet. Congratulatons and good luck! Mon Jun 29 15:18:15 -0700 2009 4815770 13150 babette feasts 1 4816113 Cascadia, What is your per person food and bev limit? A "really great restaurant" will certainly help make for a great party, but can be very price unless that restaurant serves BBQ or pizza (which could be great fun). What are the restrictions by catering companies that you're referring to? Keep in mind that, unless your guest list entirely consists of chefs, restaurant critics and foodies, your guests will be there to celebrate you and your marriage--not to dine on the finest meal available. With a guest list of only 75, you should be able to have some latitude on where to have this. All that being said, Ponti Seafood Grill by the Fremont Bridge could accommodate your 75 person sit down dinner in their restaurant. It would be expensive but probably very good. It's also not far from Gasworks Park, and it's a nice place. Let us know what you learn. Trying to create a wedding that is outside of the typical packaged deal is difficult. Mon Jun 29 15:21:37 -0700 2009 4811485 190917 seagrace