Business dinner in Newton -- Biltmore? Bokx 109?
My SO has asked me to help arrange a business dinner in the Newton area. It will be around 6 people, financial types (but not big spendy) that we don't know all that well. I'm not very familiar with that area. The only things I can really think of out that way are Biltmore and that hotel restaurant, which I think is called Bokx 109 or something silly like that. Not looking for formal, but still I wonder if Biltmore is * too* casual? Is the hotel restaurant very expensive? Is there something else that I should know about? Probably can spend around $30-40 pp not including alcohol. TIA.
By purple bot
on Nov 13, 2009 10:58 AM
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Never been to Bokx 109 but I believe that it is pricey. Biltmore is essentailly a pub/bar. Better than the Biltmore but also an upscale pub is The Local in West Newton. Excellent, upscale new American can be had in West Newton at Lumiere where, if you eat off the a la carte menu, would exceed your limits; however, they have a prix fix menu, I believe Mondays-Thursday (check their website) for only $30.09 per person. The food is delicious at Lumiere. There is also a Capital Grille steakhouse in Newton but probably above your $30-$40 limit per person.
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I second Lumiere for atmosphere and food quality, but it is probably above your stated budget (entrees alone are $29-37). Bokx109 is definitely pretty pricey too. How about Metropolian Club in Chestnut Hill? Not sure on the prices there, but it is well spoken of on the boards.
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The first place that comes to mind is the Metropolitan Club on Route 9. Free valet parking, good food, tables reasonably spaced,slightly upscale but not stuffy. A wide variety of food. Kouzina is great but too small for a business situation. Biltomore is much too casual. Bokx 109 is very very pricey (I have a copy of the menu but have never been). Good luck
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Ariadne in Newton might fit the bill - entrees are a little less pricey, and I've had some great meals there. Haven't been there yet, but hear great things about Kouzina.
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Kouzina is wonderful, imaginative and well-prepared food, prices very reasonable for the quality, very decent selection of wine, friendly service -- but, it's a small room, tables pretty close together and not the greatest acoustics so bear that in mind if the "business meeting" aspects of the occasion are more important than the meal.
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Here's a link to Ariadne's website: http://www.ariadnerestaurant.com/
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Though I prefer Kouzina for the food, it is too loud for a business meeting. Ariadne has some good food, and it would be quiet for a business meeting.
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Thank you, everyone! I'll check these out, they all sound great.
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I third Lumiere. It took me years to go because I thought it would be the type of token, bland, pricey suburban restaurant you go to when you want something like fine dining but don't want to drive downtown. Boy, was I wrong! I went for the first time maybe a month ago. There is nothing phoned-in or phoney about it. I've been back several times since, including for a business dinner. I think it's a total gem that comfortably holds its own against the downtown restaurants. The staff is very personable, the service impeccable (many times anticipating and accommodating our desires, even for items not on the menu). The room is elegant and intimate and, of course, the food is imaginatively flavored and attentively prepared (and I'm impressed that the chef has been in the kitchen, working his magic, each of the 4 or 5 times we've been). I look forward to many more return visits.
It's way too good to be mentioned in the same breath as the Met Club, Capital Grille or Bokx 107. (Haven't been to Kouzina or Ariadne yet so can't speak to those.)
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Skipjack's in Newton has a private room that seats 10 or so people that would be great for a meeting. It's quiet and the food is pretty good and reasonably priced. The Biltmore would be a poor choice due to the noise level.
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Perhaps look into 51 Lincoln.
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51 Lincoln can be too noisy for a business meeting. Lumiere is a very fine restaurant, but the tables are closely spaced and it would be more noisy than Ariadne.
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