DREXELBROOK RECEPTIONS

gizzywines

     Brides, please be aware that you will not be able to taste Drexelbrook's food before you put a deposit down.  Most reputable caterers will do a tasting before they take your money.  Not DB.  My family and I went to their tasting on June 29, 2011.The bride-to-be was on the verge of tears after seeing how poorly the event was organized and after having tasted mediorce lukewarm food.  She was assured that if she was unahppy with their services, her deposit would be returned.  Unfortunately, she did not receive the entire deposit.  Furthermore, she was screamed at.  And this is an awardwinning caterer!!!!!?????  How did that happen?. BUYER BEWARE! 

jelybeancg

I think it is fairly common to NOT have a tasting before a non-refunable deposit is made.

Sorry to hear she was unhappy and treated poorly, was it in her contract that she would receive the entire deposit back if she was not happy? If so, maybe pursue an action is small claims court?

jenmac628

thats awful! Did the contract state she would receive a full refund if she didn't like their food?
Just to put it out there, I have been to the Drexelbrook for multiple showers and thought the food was fine. I haven't heard of any bad food reviews from friends that attended weddings there either.

Jely- I agree with you. I looked at a ton of places for my wedding and none offered a tasting before the booking. In fact, most charged you for a tasting if you wanted one!

lauren123455

None of the places that I looked offered a tasting before booking (all of which were prominent, nice Center City hotels) - nor any of the places that any of my friends have booked.  In fact, one of my friends won't even have a tasting before her wedding (also a very reputable Center City caterer).  So I don't think it's that unheard of.

I'd also agree that I've had some very good experiences with food from Drexelbrook, so she might want to stick it out there!  But if she was totally put off by the experience, I'd tell her to look elsewhere and make sure she gets a clause in the contract that she'll get a full refund if she doesn't like the food.

lalarochelle

I'm having my wedding and reception there.  Since they do the tasting expo style, if you hang out and go talk to vendors....don't get to the food in time-what else do you expect? There's a lot going on but it's all happening at the same time.

I have nothing but good things to say about them-and I switched to them and lost my deposit at another venue due to their lack of attention.

angel33284

The only award I am aware of them winning is the channel 17 Best of Philly award, which I know for a fact is not a real contest. A friend of mine sent me a Facebook link and asked me to vote for her DJ and I was able to vote even though I had no idea who this guy was. I'm sure Drexelbrook gets all their employees to vote for them because I have been to many reception halls that are much better.

kamira87

I'm having my wedding there as well and must say I've been there a few times and have never been disappointed. The food and bar was one of the main reason I picked drexelbrook. The food is great and the portions are great

rockstarnat

I was in a wedding there a few years back. I remember the food being good. 

What I do remember is the DOC was excellent (I have no idea who it was).  I remember that she was so helpful to the bride and the rest of the bridal party.  

nat

tdmaus

oh oh,... i'm hosting my reception at Drexelbrook next year too. I havent been to a food tasting yet - hopefully i'll get a better experience than your friend...

Bean32

I think it's very rare to have a food tasting before you put down a deposit. Our tasting wasn't until about 6 months after we decided on the venue - so the deposit plus another payment in.

No food tastes great when it sits there for an hour waiting for people to make their way around to it. I would tell her not to worry about it. It'll be a lot more delicious on the actual day and it is made and served and doesn't sit in a heating pan forever.