Where to have 70th bday dinner for mom?

[Anonymous]

My mom's turning 70 and we are trying to figure out where to have a dinner for about 20 people (adults + kids). We are considering Nora Restaurant but I'd love ideas of places with great food (my mom is a fantastic cook + particularly needs there to be good desserts!) and private rooms. My mom's hearing isn't perfect so I think private room is the way to go (also bz we will have a bunch of grandkids per her demand + that way we won't torture the rest of the patrons). DC/CC/Bethesda or Baltimore, or somewhere in between, plz. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think most of the good restaurants downtown have private rooms because they get so many business diners. Poste, Acadiana, are two that come to mind.

[Anonymous]

I was invited to a special occasion dinner which was held at Taberna del Alabardero (downtown...18th Street I think). It was in a private room and everything... the food, the service, the wine... was fabulous! I highly recommend it. It's one of the most memorable meals/nights out I've ever experienced.

http://www.alabardero.com/washington/index.html

[Anonymous]

For my mom's big bd, we went to Old Angler's Inn. It was winter then and we had a very nice cozy room and good food.

[Anonymous]

1789 is broken up into many small rooms. You should be able to find one the right size with enough advanced notice. On the more affordable end of the spectrum and friendlier to kids, Chef Geoff's has a back room that they book for private parties.

I know Et Voila occasionally closes to host private parties.

What about hiring a caterer or a chef and doing it at your home? Easier on the kids, and hence easier on the parents. A caterer could probably bring folding tables, as most people don't have a 20 seat dining table.

[Anonymous]

I second Taberna, and also recommend Tavira in Chevy Chase, which is a relatively newly discovered restaurant for me, although it's been around quite awhile. It has an unassuming exterior as it is located in the basement level of a plain office building on CT Ave, but inside it is warm and inviting - the food is terrific (medit./portuguese) - and the service is outstanding. It has the feel of a family owned restaurant straight from europe, so it's exactly the sort of place I'd like to have a private family party. Plus it's really easy to access off the beltway so easy for people coming from different directions.

[Anonymous]

I just learned that Carmines (famous italian in NY) just opened in Penn Q. Lots of private rooms and everything served family style. Wasn't practical for the business event I am hosting, but sounds like a very festive place, and at least in NY the food is very good.

[Anonymous]

L'Auberge in Great Falls, the food is really nice, great service and it has rooms that can be private.

[Anonymous]

Tabard inn. Great food. Great multiage vibe. They do have private rooms.