FI and I are having a tough time coming up with a short list for this. We've discussed doing a low-country boil in the backyard, but his dad and brother are allergic to shellfish (he still wanted to do it anyway! omg!) so that's out. We either want someplace close to Casa Feliz or someplace downtown, since most guests will be staying at the Embassy Suites or the Grand Bohemian. We just don't know the downtown restaurants very well.
Here are the parameters:
-Local flair (not Panera, Buca, or some other national chain)
-Can take a group of about 20
-Low-key but not grody
-Not a bar/party scene (probably... since we'll likely be doing the RD on a Thursday evening we don't want to compete with noisy crowds)
Thoughts? We've talked about doing it at Harmoni in College Park or Winnie's in Winter Park. More casual than that would be ok. I considered Crooked Bayou (I'm from New Orleans) but then I read that it's more of a bar scene at night.
The other idea is to do the rehearsal Friday morning (day of the wedding) and then have rehearsal breakfast somewhere. I don't know... is that kinda weird? Does that take away from the day somewhat? TIA!