Last week, immediately after my daughter's wedding, my son announces that he and his girlfriend are engaged! Daughter had a "traditional suburban" wedding....golf course, seated dinner, lighting, draping.......you get the idea.
Son and GF are very different. They live on Printers Row. Foodies to the max---cooking classes, adventurous in what they order/taste....love new restaurants! They are both MDPhD students. My son just defended his thesis---our gift was a night at Alinea. That's what they love....what they would want.....BUT they are also the most independent, frugal couple in the world. They find the majority of the wedding "trappings" extravagant, frivolous, and "a waste". Even though they know his dad and I are happy to make a significant contribution (and truly no strings attached), they are hesitant to spend that type of money for "one day". I get it---I get them.
SO...they have done some research and are having a difficult time meshing their tastes with a budget. They are looking at approximately 100 people. Their biggest focus is food and ambiance. They do not care about liquor (although they love wine), I doubt we are looking at DJ's, or even traditional "dancing". Their hope was to find a restaurant venue where they could afford a good meal without spending $100 a person. They do need to have it on a Saturday, but might be open to a late afternoon reception versus a traditional "dinner".
I have suggested they look at cooking schools that offer private events. I think their hope is an all inclusive venue, but I have thrown out places such as A New Leaf, Prairie Productions, and other loft/blank slate venues.
Any and all ideas regarding easier, all inclusive restaurants that focus on food would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much!