Wilshire Grand or Macaluso's?

tiffany104 · January 2012

We are currently deciding between two venues and I wish I didn't have to make this decision. Macaluso's is known for their weddings and food. My cousin got married there 20 years ago and everyone still raves about her wedding. Since they have remodeled it and I believe new owners took over, it seems nothing has changed and everyone still has rave reviews.
The Wilshire Grand is a lot more modern than Macaluso's which I like a bit more, however their rule for taste testing is a bit of a turn off. They normally don't provide a taste testing until 8 weeks before your date or if they do it before they require you to be prepared to book them. I feel I can't make a decision without knowing how their food is but I love the ambiance. Has anyone had their wedding at either of these places? Can you give any helpful tips or reviews?

twin2gv1 · January 2012

I am getting married at the wilshire in sept. I did not like that rule either but we decided to go with them. I am a hairstylist and one of my clients actually just had a wedding at the wilshire and she raavveedd about it and how the food was excellent. So that made me happy. And all the reviews I have Checked seem all good on them.macalusos is good to but nothing special.

sgdc2011 · January 2012

I didn't find anything great about the Wilshire Grand. They are owned by the same people as the Richfield Regency. Same menus, you can always try to get a tasting from them?

Jackie183 · January 2012

I have been to the Wiltshire Grand and thought the wedding was great. There was an elaborate cocktail hour and the main dinner was delicious. Good luck!

twin2gv1 · January 2012

yeah they are the same owners but different chefs obviously. The woman told me at the richfield regency that they are different.and she worked for richfield. I had my sister in laws bridal shower there so I wasn't interested in that place. I just wanted to speak to her about the wilshire. it was odd because she kept trying to sell me to go to richfield and not wilshire.

tiffany104 · January 2012

thank you all for your responses. I reached out to Wilshire requesting a taste testing as this would make our final decision. I will keep everyone updated :-)

jess4xo3 · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_wilshire-grand-macalusos?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2cdc2568-ae1d-4137-a538-f6df63f2c1f3Post:d2f8d13d-fd3d-4790-95a1-fea4662bc64c">Re: Wilshire Grand or Macaluso's?</a>:
[QUOTE]thank you all for your responses. I reached out to Wilshire requesting a taste testing as this would make our final decision. I will keep everyone updated :-)
Posted by tiffany104[/QUOTE]

I don't know much about Wilshire Grand but I booked Macalusos... We had a food tasting there twice (once before we booked and once after) and the food is amazing...

tiffany104 · January 2012

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about Macaluso's so I know we are not going to be disappointed. I heard back from the Wilshire today and they are willing to provide a taste testing. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing but both tastings are scheduled for Sunday!