Business Dinner

[meeps2002]

Have to help pick a place for Monday evening (12th)

16-20 people to celebrate getting a big deal completed. The attendees are all fairly high up in their respective roles.

Past places a smaller version of this group has been Grill 23, Abe & Louis...

Any recommendations that would also NOT have a room fee? It doesn't have to be private, just accommodate the group. Half of us leave from Back Bay/Copley area, so that comes into play with vicinity.

[meeps2002]

Reporting back:

Ended up at Brasserie Jo in the private room, which was nice, but had that "empty feeling".

They had a very nice menu set up to choose from - plenty of food to make me feel like I needed an extra inch in the waist.

First Course: Crispy Pork Belly - in and of itself, very good. the sauce was a little over powering, almost leaving a acidic throat feeling. I would probably get it again, though might avoid the bathing it in the reduction.

2nd: Salad...standard

3rd: I went vegetarian to spice it up... Farro Rissoles- Raclette, Spinach ... they were (here's my ignorance) arancini in my eyes, though the rice was a little different - almost a wheat berry feel/taste etc.... 4 of them served over tomatos...nothing amazing

4th/5th: Cheese Plate/Trio of Desserts (Creme Brulee, Bread Pudding, Mousse) - good

Overall I would say that for a group of 20-40 this was ideal - very private and a nice long 5 course dinner to keep everyone social and talkative. Would I come back here with just my wife and I? I can't say I would anytime soon - I had a bad Chez Henri experience, RWeek at Petit Robert (SE) was awful....and this was so-so

where is the french food?

[opinionatedchef]

You mean where can you find top notch french food in boston? bistro du midi, aquitaine.

[marais]

Not sure that you had the best of Brasserie Jo at your group dinner. You will find much better from the regular menu, and I must say that the place has been a dependably delicious favorite of mine for years. Give it another shot on your own.

[ebaba]

Pierrot.

[food_lubber]

Just a word to the wise: the Boston Seafood Show is March 11-13, so you may have a problem finding a reservation for that number of people-it may be more wise to head out to Cambridge.

[opinionatedchef]

such a helpful tidbit for all of us. Thx!

[meeps2002]

I sent the list of CH recommendaitons to the one in charge of paying/booking - Brasserie Jo was selected. I have never been, but looking forward to trying it out any specific dish there?

[hotoynoodle]

i suggested brasserie jo to my b/f when he had co-workers in town not long ago and it was big hit. plenty for the both those with a slightly adventurous palate and the meat and taters crowd. solid pate and charcuterie, as well as steak frites. excellent alsatian pizza. i eat there often and am always happy. plenty of good values on the french wine list and martinis are served in giant bird-bath sized glasses.

[teezeetoo]

Maybe Citizen's - for the whole roast pig?

[meeps2002]

I would love to ... but this crowd wouldn't. It's going to be a "stuffy" evening Morton's might be an option....

Hotoynoodle - no, it doesnt have to be beef - I will give ICO a look

[libertywharf]

Room fees are always negotiable, better to do in person. Mortons is in the seaport area, smith and wollensky at Atlantic wharf.

[hotoynoodle]

neither morton's or smith charge room fees. very few restaurants do -- that's more of a hotel thing.

[hotoynoodle]

does it have to be beef? what about island creek oyster bar? huge space and could accommodate a group that size.

[Bob Dobalina]

How about the Salty Pig? Thought everyone is a big shot, who does not like celebrating making money by slaughtering and feasting upon the porcine carcass?

[meeps2002]

Has anyone dined at Deuxave?

[mkfisher]

Davio's in the Back Bay would work. I think there was a similar post recently for a slightly smaller group.

[meeps2002]

Yea I saw that one ...for like 6 people...Davios is our building, so thats overused...I should have added that bit.

They come to me to find new/fun spots, but they have to be tasty...

[opinionatedchef]

deuxave was very well reviewed by both devra first (globe) and mcslim (who posts here alot).
Aquitaine on Tremont near Berkeley -is comfy, handsome, great service. Also have excellent steaks in addition to more French bistro fare. They's likely put you at a long table in the front.
We always feel very happy and well cared for when we go there.

[Blumie]

I think Brasserie Jo will give you a private room without a charge.
Mamma Maria is great for events like this, but that will require cabs to the North End.