My organization is holding a departmental retreat, where we’ll be bringing together 12 people from across the country, who all have different food preferences. Some are vegetarians (not vegans), some are not adventurous eaters (one will only eat beef or chicken; no pork, seafood or fish), and some want to feel that they are going to place that has just a bit of LA “hipness.” I’d like a place that is not too noisy, where we can all be seated at the same table or in a separate room, if possible.
In the past, we’ve gone to Rivera and Mo-Chica (when they were still around), The Exchange (noisy, not great service, but the food was well-liked) and Bar Ama (way too noisy, food was disappointing). Finally, I’d like to keep this in the ballpark of about $35 per person for food (not including alcohol) - which may be unrealistic. But my boss is constantly saying things like “Why don’t you just take everyone to La Gondrina on Olvera Street?,” so I’m not going to be able to go some place like Redbird or The Palm.
If you’re letting them order anything off the menu (including appetizers, main course and dessert), then none of the above would work. I’ll keep thinking about possible other places.
Manuela might make a good option. Have enjoyed my two meals there, it’s beautiful and hip, veggies are good, and the menu is pretty approachable. Might push $35 but is probably doable.
Guelaguetza is also pretty great for a big dinner with legit LA style, and the cautious eaters could get quesadillas lol.
We haven’t been back since Chef de Cuisine left. When Chef Gresik was there, Drago was solid. Beautiful, elegant dining space, quiet, romantic (so you can talk without shouting). The pastas were good to great (nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly fine for a nice dinner).
But it gets loud… Don’t know if they would take a party of 12 given the size of the place and the kitchen, and there isn’t a separate dining area where they can eat and converse in a more private setting.
