Ask Amanda: Where To Book A Rehearsal Dinner
Following my Ask Amanda post on graduation dinners, I got quite a few requests for rehearsal dinner/wedding dinner suggestions.
Chester writes:
"I am wondering if you can pass along any ideas for a great rehearsal dinner space. For ours, we will be about 40-45 people and enjoy all types of cuisines."
Many of the same places mentioned in the previous post would fit perfectly here as well: Ardeo+Bardeo with its tucked away rooftop patio and seating for 40, Oyamel's colorful private room for up to 50, and Poste with private rooms that can fit up to 45 guests.
A few tips: Remember that (for the right price) many restaurants are available to buy-out for an evening. And consider restaurants within hotels, which are often set up to handle private parties for hotel guests or local patrons.
Here are a few more ideas for accommodating parties of 40 or more:
• Art & Soul: For a Southern-inspired meal, look into the private party options at Art Smith's Capitol Hill restaurant. The patio can fit up to 150 and there's also a hotel rooftop pool area available for parties.
• Bibiana: Make it an Italian feast in the private room, which seats about 50.
• Brabo: In Alexandria's Lorien Hotel, Robert Wiedmaier's restaurant can do large parties in a variety of locations, including the outdoor terrace.
• DC Coast: For a classic mid-Atlantic meal, the Wine Room at DC Coast seats up to 50.
• Equinox and Watershed: Todd Gray's restaurants offer plenty of spaces to host a private dinner
• Sonoma: For a casual affair, check out the options at Capitol Hill's Sonoma. The upstairs is a great spot for private events.
• Tabard Inn: This historic Dupont hotel is a popular spot for hosting private events.
• Westend Bistro: Eric Ripert's restaurant in the Ritz can seat 40 guests in a semi-private dining area in front of the kitchen.
Had a great rehearsal dinner experience in DC? Let us know about it in t he comments.
See more questions answered in ASK AMANDA.