Bridal shower - restaurant for brunch? Thoughts on Dahlia Lounge?

[rln]

Hello - A SF chowhound here.

I am planning a wedding shower for about 20 women in their mid thirties and up (aunts, etc) in May or June. The bride lives in Ballard so plan to have in in Seatte.

At this point I am thinking a brunch (Sat or Sunday). Good food a priority, but a nice setting conducive to a happy celebration is also my priority. I am not thinking "tea" or the likes at this point.

I've contacted Dahlia Lounge. Is the food and service here reliable? The private room looks a little dark but general internet results show positive things. Private room is not a must, but a restaurant that can serve about 20, and has an area for a group.

The Bride is vegetarian, but as long as there are some good options for her, type of food open. Modern to comfort food is fine.

Do people have suggestions on restaurants?

I'd also like to offer cocktails

Thank you for any ideas!

[rln]

hi everyone, thanks goodness I have time! I have yet to contact Cafe Flora. But want to check people's experience with Poppy too? It would be an early dinner vs brunch. I've read some on the board and my best sense is mixed...

[gingershelley]

IMHO, Meh on Poppy. Not sure the room would work for a group anyway. I would keep looking, and call Cafe Flora!

[firecracker]

I agree with Gingershelley. Poppy is a one and done place. Food and atmo are mediocre.

[rln]

Thank you! Have a call into Cafe Flora. From small amount of info I have, I know cost will be more for the sun room but I am willing to pay more for better food and setting. I feel like I waste money when food is not that great!

I see some iffy reviews on service at Cafe Flora (on Yelp). I don't need five star service but I will be the only hostess from the bunch. Have folks been ok with service there? I am guessing if we get a small room, we will have decicated servers.

[firecracker]

I'd have a clause in the contract requiring dedicated serviers, rln.

[rln]

Good idea... quick question-- is the atrium or sun room still a nice place in the evening? For an early dinner? They have it available in the evenings.

[firecracker]

Days wil be long in the PNW in May and June. Darkness arrives at about 10:00 p.m. in June. Sun Room should be lovely in June.

[shades]

when i was in seattle, went to cafe flora twice and service was good both times. i think it's a solid choice and better than dahlia

[rln]

Thank you for this ideas so far. I will check them out! Great info on Dahlia Lounge considerations.

[akq]

I'm a Dahlia Lounge fan, but I like the steak salad, and my veg coworkers refuse to go there for lunch because there really aren't many options. I also like Blueacre, but am not sure what a vegetarian would eat there. Same with Cafe Campagne.

If you want to go really veg friendly for brunch, you might check out Cafe Flora.

[Jeri L]

Cafe Flora was my first thought, too. I think the atmosphere as well as the menu would be very appropriate for the occasion.

[gingershelley]

+1 on Cafe Flora; if you could reserve the Sun Room for your group, it would be extra fabulous.
I am sure they could do a brunch menu where the rest of the group wouldn't even miss the meat!

I dine there a couple times a year, and am not a veg, and always leave happy. Creative fresh cooking coming out of that kitchen, and they know there way around eggs and pastry for sure:)

[howard 1st]

sadly, tom douglas' empire is very hit'n'miss - i've had wondeful meals there but also been served quite sad preparations. blueacre seafood (7th/olive) has private rooms of various sizes and has never disappointed me; a little advance warning will guarantee vegetarian's pleasure. their companion steelhead diner (pike place market) also has a private room which can handle 20 and always has vegie options available. both have excellent bars and intelligent wine lists.

[Bethwick]

Hello rin,

Dahlia lounge has been around for many years so must have its fans. I have eaten there twice in the past year after not dining there for 10 years or so. I thought the food was just okay and for what you will pay I can't recommend it.

I would suggest looking into Cafe Campagne located in Pike Place Market or Ponti Seafood Grill located along the ship canal between Queen Anne and Fremont. Both are not very strong on vegetarian options but I'm sure they could work with you on this. Ponti is not normally open during the day but they do a lot of special functions.

Good luck and please report back!