[pdx] restaurants for groups of 50-ish

[prasantrin]

There's a surprise party in the works for an aunt. They'd like to hold it at a restaurant, probably at brunch or lunch time, preferably one with very good food. I think the budget is about $50/person, including tax and service charge. Not sure about the alcohol, though.

Any suggestions for a Portland-area restaurant or country club that can accommodate such a party? Really, the only qualification is that the food be good. It could be Chinese, Continental, Japanese, PNW-type food with local ingredients...anything goes at this point. The party isn't until August, so there's plenty of time to do tastings if necessary. Too bad I won't get to be in on that!

Oh, I did do a search, but I think my e-Gullet search abilities are limited, at best. If this has been asked before, feel free to direct me to the appropriate thread, or merge me!

[trillium]

Hi Rona

I keep hoping someone else will answer, because I don't know about groups, but I do know about good restaurants here in pdx. I think there were a few threads on chowhound about this a while back.

take care

trillium

[prasantrin]

bumping this up...

I've been doing more research, and based on some pm-ed recommendations, and given the day of the party (it's on a Sunday), and the time (probably brunch), I've narrowed the choices down to Kennedy School (which is owned by McMenamins??) or Red Star Tavern. Both have private rooms which can accommodate parties of 50-100 (we still haven't narrowed down the guest list), and both have reasonably-priced menus.

Does anyone have any opinions of one vs the other in terms of food, location, atmosphere...anything?

I haven't contacted either place, yet, as the official organizers haven't confirmed the party will be happening...but I like to plan ahead. I'm a bit anal that way...

[Eilen]

bumping this up...

I've been doing more research, and based on some pm-ed recommendations, and given the day of the party (it's on a Sunday), and the time (probably brunch), I've narrowed the choices down to Kennedy School (which is owned by McMenamins??) or Red Star Tavern.  Both have private rooms which can accommodate parties of 50-100 (we still haven't narrowed down the guest list), and both have reasonably-priced menus. 

Does anyone have any opinions of one vs the other in terms of food, location, atmosphere...anything?

I haven't contacted either place, yet, as the official organizers haven't confirmed the party will be happening...but I like to plan ahead.  I'm a bit anal that way...

←

You're right, the Kennedy School is owned by McMenamins, thankfully their catered food is better than the the "food" on their pub menus. I do like the School, though, the property is quite nice and you don't feel cramped like at most restaurants where there are large parties.

I don't have any advice about Red Star Tavern because I've never been, but I was wondering if you'd considered Salvador Molly's at all. I believe they have a ballroom above their Belmont location and are on many preferred caterer lists around town.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

Eilen

[noambenami]

I don't know about the Kennedy School's catered food, but their pub food is mediocre. Red Star, on the other hand, makes some wonderful food - my company used them once and the food was awesome.

Another option to consider - rent out Hurley's restaurant for an evening. Very good food, and you'll have the whole restaurant to yourselves. http://www.hurleys-restaurant.com.

Have fun.

[prasantrin]

I finally managed to connect with the official organizers, and my Kennedy School plan is out!!! They don't think my aunt will like the bar atmosphere too much (she's in her 60's, very proper). She said she'd look into Red Star, and I suggested Hurley's. I also mentioned Salvador Molly's ballroom, but it seems (from their website) that renting their ballroom entails more work than we planned (choosing flowers, decorations, etc.). She's going to check it out, though.

If all those fail, she said we may end up at Governor's Hotel, which is where the other event (her sister's wedding) of that weekend will be held. She said we'd be able to have a catered affair there for less than our $30/person budget.

Any more ideas, keep them coming! I appreciate every single one!