Recommendation for large party - location, environment, food

Hi all:

A group that I work with is planning a large dinner party (150 people) in Chicago for the middle of next year. Priorities are location, environment, and quality of meal, in that order.

Since the group will consist of a large amount of out-of-towners staying primarily in the mag-mile area, the best location would be relatively close (bus ride of no more than 20 minutes) to this area. The environment should be memorable and offer something more than your usual restaraunt or banquet hall. Dinner in a museum or something unique to Chicago would be ideal. Finally, the food needs to be decent but doesn't need to be superb. I guess that is the reality when you are talking about a group this large anyway.

I am not sure of budgetary constraints but would be interested to hear any/all ideas! BTW, I have been lurking here for over a year but haven't contributed yet. I hope to start as I read this forum at least twice per day.

TypeRx wrote:Dinner in a museum or something unique to Chicago would be ideal. Finally, the food needs to be decent but doesn't need to be superb. I guess that is the reality when you are talking about a group this large anyway.

TypeRx,

If great food isn't necessary, and the location and/environment is more of a priority, depending upon budgetary constraints, this is a fairly easy one, I think. You could rent out any of the museums such as the Field, the Shedd, etc., and have a memorable time there. I've been to a gathering at Navy Pier on the "roof deck" on a Saturday night that was memorable, especially as the fireworks were going off, although the food was not memorable in the least (I think Levy does the catering there). There's also Cafe Brauer, which is popular for these types of gatherings. I know someone who is going to an event at the Field Museum soon, maybe that person will come back and post.

Near the Mag mile I would consider any one of the hotels as well as the House of Blues which is pretty good for large private functions. I also favor the Museum of Contemporary Art as a great place for catered functions.




Museum of Contemporary Art
www.mcachicago.org
220 E Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-2660

House of Blues Chicago
http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/
329 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60654
t :: 312.923.2000

Personally, i would hold an event at the Chicago Cultural Center for the view alone.

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Wheelchair accessible at 77 E. Randolph Street
Information and Reception: 312-744-6630; Fax: 312-744-2089 TTY: 312-744-2947
General email address: culture@cityofchicago.org


The Chicago Cultural Center is the main office of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs as well as a venue for free public performances and exhibitions.

Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 7pm;
Friday, 8 am - 6 pm; Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm;
Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm. Closed holidays.

www.chicagoculturalcenter.org

RENTING SPACE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS
View information on rentals for private events

Manager of Private Events: Lara Ziemba,
lara.ziemba@cityofchicago.org