Hi everyone! New to the board!
Engaged for 3 1/2 weeks and trying to find a venue for reception in Feb 2011. Having around 300 guests for family style dinner and cocktails.
There are 2 venues that I am stuck between. One is BEAUTIFUL on the inside - high ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers, big open space with more than enough room. However, I have never had the food and they don't do tastings. I have heard from people who have been there that the food is average. Also, they don't have much variety to choose from on the menu. This place is also very close to where we live and our church.
The second place does not appeal to me aesthetically. The decor is cheezy, in my opinion - murals on the wall of vineyards, little cherubs painted everywhere you look, and the ceiling is short and painted blue with sparkly lights. Not my style. But I have been there before and the food is DELICIOUS. They have a plethora of great items to choose from on the menu. The also offer 2 tastings for up to 6 people. But it is about 25 minutes away in an ugly residential neighborhood.
The total cost at each place is about the same. So which is more important? The food or the ambiance? Not that the food at the first place would be terrible, or the ambiance at the second place would be disgusting. Just preferable over one another. And both places are giving is GREAT deals on food and bar.
Opinions please!