The Mezzanine/Frungillo caterers

hyman23

Hi all,This is my first time posting on here and I am just starting to plan my wedding.  I am really interested in the Mezzanine in Newark and am just waiting to get a date for my tasting.  Has anyone heard anything about this place or about the caterers??  I am really interested in getting feedback because it has been hard to find any reviews.  The other place I liked was Macaluso's in Hawthorne anything on that??  I am having a small wedding about 100-120 and have a budget of about $110pp.  Thank you girls for you thoughts....

Carameanie1824

Hi,I'm having my wedding at the mezz. what do you need help with?

hyman23

well I am kinda worried about the food.  I have my contract, but I asked for a tasting before I sign and He is giving me the run around.  So I am waiting to get a date for the tasting.  Did you sample the food yet?  What menu did you choose?  Also did you already set up the valet service?  He says I need 6 people to do the job for 100 guests... I feel like that is alot and was thinking about trying to look for a different company.  I just didn't know if he is giving a fair price and if I really needed that many people?  Thank you.

melissa82

Are you working with Ben? I'm having my wedding at the Villa, but I initially looked at the Mezz so I was working with him. They will do a food tasting before your book, you just have to pay $50 pp, and then it's credited to your bill if you book. My tasting was fantastic.

hyman23

Yeah I am working with Ben, I really like him and I love the venue!!!  I just am worried about the food because he is taking so long to get back to me about the tasting.  I looked at the villa too, it is beautiful, but I didn't like who I met with there.

melissa82

He sometimes seems like he is giving the run-around, but I think it's just the way he comes across sometimes. Just be like--I want to sign my contract, I need to do a tasting first, give me a date so we can get this done.

Carameanie1824

Ahh Ben! I heart Ben even though he's kinda sporadic. I have not done my tasting yet and I signed my contract last december.   He is still giving us "the run around" regarding the tasting, but relax, you will get a tasting. He was very honest with us, they try to accomodate the potential clients with tastings first, then the contracted clients second.  We're scheduled in Jan. to have our tasting- at that point we will be contracted with him for a 13 months; our wedding is 10//10/10.  Try to be persistant, but not a pain. He's better through email than catching him on the phone. Hang in there! I went to Frungillo's bridal show at the Villa sometime this past March. The food was yummy! It'll be fine.

Knowha

I'm having my wedding at the Mezzanine in March.  It is true, Ben is a tough one to get a hold of.  Even though you are better off contacting him through email, sometimes he only answers half of your questions.  It can get frustrating, but you just have to be firm with your requests and say "I need this done at this time, at this location, and I need to get these things done".  I still have not tasted the food yet, but it wasn't really one of my worries because I've heard their food is fantastic.  I fell in love with the Mezzanine, and as soon as I saw it I knew I didn't want my wedding anywhere else. The valet definitely IS the tough part.  My wedding has over 200 guests, and the guy said we would need 12 guys.  He started off at $2600, the moved to $2000, then my fiance spoke to him and he moved it to $1800.  Perhaps this was because my wedding is during the low season so I'm sure he needs the business.  But again, that's the inconvenience of the Mezzanine.  You have to book these things separately plus because it is in a building, there are extra building fees.  So definitely calculate that into your budget--could be an extra $3K with the valet and building fees.

hyman23

wow that is a really good price!!  He wants to charge me $1500 for 6 people, I thought that was unfair, but what do I know.  What menu did you choose, I am torn between the buffet and cocktail reception???  Did you find photographers yet??  I would really like someone who worked at this site because it is so unique and most of the pictures will be there.  Any suggestions???  Thank girls

Carameanie1824

FI's one request was a buffet, so thats what we're doing (even though I hate them).  The valet wasn't so bad. Just shoot straight, tell him what you're willing to pay, see what he can do. Interview a few photogs. Ask if they're willing to do a walkthrough of the venue before the actual wedding to get a good idea of the space. Like a PP said earlier - be aware that there is a site and ceremony fee also valet charges, liquor costs, lighting/venue design. For us, that doubled our cost.

hyman23

Yes I factor in all of the other costs already...How many people are you using for the valet and how many guests are you having?   For the liquor did you do it through the company or are you getting it yourself?  Thank you again!!!! =-)

JeannineG122

I didn't get married there, but I did have my wedding in Newark.  You can get a lot of cool shots outside in the streets in Newark. Good luck, it's a beautiful place.

Carameanie1824

Our guest list is at 160 now, we are using that valet company, but most of our family lives locally so we only need 6 guys.

hyman23

Can I ask how much he is charging you???  Since you family lives locally does that mean they know where to park so you don't need valet because that would be the same for me then too. 

JeannineG122

I believe there is street parking in the area, but again it is downtown Newark - carjacking capitol of the world.

Carameanie1824

I'm not so sure its the carjacking capitol of the world considering there is a HUGE police presence since they built the Prudential Stadium and they share the same block.No, its not that they know where to park, its more that people will be driving in together or taking the train since our hotel is linked to the Gateway Center.I think you could get the valet for somewhere around 1200

hyman23

Thank you for the advice I really feel alot better now!!!  =-)

JeannineG122

I know MH is a cop there, & work for the county, there is still may jackings & thefts.  Just saying.

hyman23

Jeannine, where are you getting married???  What photographer are you using???

JeannineG122

I got married at The Newark Club last year.  I honestly forgot about the Mezzanine when I was booking.I used Anne Constance for photographer. You can get a lot of cool urban shots there, penn station whatever.  That's what I wanted the Urban look.  I know the parking thing stinks.  I'm ok with Newark, but a lot of outsiders might think  "Where the hell are we" type thing"Anyway enjoy planning, it's an awesome spot.

yaaandleke

Hello All,  I'm trying to decide between the Mezzanine and another venue.  My budget is pretty much going be the deciding factor for me.  Has anyone been successful at negotiating the p/p at the Mezz.  Any tips will be appreciated.You can also email me at ydwame@law.columbia.eduThanks. 

hyman23

Hi, I love the Mezzanine, I am getting married there on 11/5/10.  Try to be honest with him and tell him what your budget is for your reception.  When I told him what mine was he got back to me with dates and menus that were in my price range while including all of the other costs.  Around how much is your budget?

yaaandleke

Including taxes p/p about 20-23K for the reception hall. All the additional "services" is scaring me.

teresaivey

I am having a wedding there in May and I am concerned about the decor and what to do with the rooms.  Does anyone have pictures of their weddings at the Mezz or ideas?  Thanks!!!!

vxexlxlxax

how much pp ?

Diggityd22

Hey everyone! I am considering the Mezz -- please tell me your opinion on the food, there are so many mixed reviews on this and great food is priority!
Thanks everyone!

tamarakai

We had our wedding there last May. We did it in stations - Thai, Indian, Latin, Soul Southern Food. All different foods we love. People are still raving about the food.We barely had any, but again people are still telling us how good it was.

As for decorations - we did most of it ourselves to keep the price down. Since we had access to the room a few days before. We were able to add things ourselves (like the candles) and have a friend go the day of for the flower centerpieces.