Company dinner for 16 on the westside?

[hrhboo]

Hi All, it's been a while!

I'm trying to find a reasonably upscale venue for a business dinner. It should be ideally be in or around the Santa Monica area and the budget is $50pp not including drinks, tax or tip. Riva would have been my top pick but we'd prefer plated courses to their new tapas-style menu. Type of cuisine isn't really a concern as long as there is a variety of dishes to suit different tastes.

The company booked I Cugini for a different night so that one's out. Any input would be much appreciated!

[Phurstluv]

Realize you've settled, but just in case, to throw it out there, have you looked at Buddha's Belly? Haven't been myself, just wondering how the prices are...

And I know it's on the promenade, which doesn't help, but Monsoon is actually pretty decent asian-fusion food.

Also Houstons may come in at your budget.

[westsidegal]

not necessarily appropriate for this poster, because this is a business dinner, but for the rest of us, HOUSTON'S offers free corkage.

[Phurstluv]

Good to know, thanks westsidegal.

[hrhboo]

Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions! I've settled on Cache but will look into a few of the others if things don't work out.

[JBC]

You could very easily stay under $50 p/p at Warszawa with everybody ordering a starter, entree, and dessert plus some appatizers to be shared by the table:

http://www.warszawarestaurant.com

The day of the week can sometimes make a difference. Example: If you wanted a private room and it wasn't a Friday or Saturday, and your budget was $60 p/p, then you could get the Alcove room at Chez Mimi. However, the food doesn't excel throughout the menu but they do some options well:

http://www.chezmimirestaurant.com/pri...

[westsidegal]

even though hrhboo selected another option, imho, your warzawa idea was brilliant.
the chez mimi idea, though, was over budget.

[ipsedixit]

Joe's?

[New Trial]

Three thoughts: Suzanne Goin's new Tavern, Cache and, depending on when you are looking for, the about to open La Cachette Bistro.

http://www.cacherestaurant.com/
http://www.lacachettebistro.com/
http://www.tavernla.com/

[westsidegal]

do you need a place with a full liquor license or will a beer and wine license do?

[westsidegal]

the problem is the westside 'dumb bell' problem:
there are tons of high end fine-dining restaurants on the westside.
also, there are many, many, low-end fantastic ethnic restaurants.
what we lack are a supply of mid-range restaurants.

also, since you already are doing italien for one night, you probably don't want to do it again. .. .

[Emme]

Have you looked into Il Moro?

[westsidegal]

dessert and cappucino at il moro can cost $20/pp all in.
could one realistically come in at budget at il moro?

also, they already have booked one italien restaurant, so a second one might be overkill. . .

[Emme]

i know il moro can work to put together a set menu of offerings or try to help you work within a budget... it was worth a call to me :)

you're right with overkill though. too bad musha's back room only holds 10-12. that might have been a fun pick.

[westsidegal]

i so love musha!

[cookie monster]

The Daily Grill at Colorado and 26th is reliable if not terribly exciting. Or maybe Typhoon at the SM airport? I'm trying to think of places that are reasonably nice but a step down price-wise from Wilshire, Josie, Buffalo Club, etc.

[eder]

Stefan's at LA Farm has a great wine room, seats 16, private, in your price range and aside from other postings I've found to be a great chef with a wide range of culinary acumen.

[Burger Boy]

Would something in Culver City work?

[goodhealthgourmet]

- La Botte?
- Beechwood? (need to add a Places link for it, there doesn't seem to be one...)

[Phurstluv]

La Botte is very pricey, awesome foie gras ravs with truffles tho!!

[Phurstluv]

Have you looked into either:

Josie's on 24th or
Wilshire on 25th ?

[hrhboo]

I did and both are sadly over budget. Thanks!