Monterey Bay Area Dining, Perfect Parties

Monterey Peninsula is loaded with excellent restaurants. But there is something special to be said for a restaurant that can accommodate the needs of a party of 30 or 40 people, be they close friends or business acquaintances. Or, what about having an entire restaurant to yourself, so you can celebrate with as many as 150 of your friends?

Consider a select group of Carmel restaurants, any one of which can throw your dinner party for you; a gathering in which one of the lasting memories will be just how clever you were for thinking of it. The planners at Portabella, Merlot! Bistro, Anton & Michel, Flaherty’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill, and The Village Corner are just the folks to consult when you decide you’ve had enough of the same old thing.

At Portabella and Merlot! Bistro, you might choose the country elegance of the Santa Maria Stone Room.This lovely setting, with its flagstone floors and high ceilings, can accommodate up to 45 dinner guests.A more intimate setting might be the Brick Room for up to 30 guests, or the Garden Room, which seats 21. On a larger scale, dine amid the thatched adobe-like ceilings and the Mexican-tile floors of the Merlot Room. If you are more inclined to have a huge bash, Csaba Ajan, owner of both Merlot! and Portabella, will open up the entire space of these adjoining restaurants for up to 150 of your partying guests. Oh, and what a gracious host Csaba can be! His European charm will delight you; his skill will impress you. Did we mention the gourmet food and wine?

If it is Old World elegance and modern charm you seek, treat as many as 100 of your friends to the exquisite menu and 800 wine options of Anton & Michel.This upscale establishment is a perfect venue for a wedding rehearsal dinner or even a wedding reception. Anton (Tony) Salameh, the owner of Anton & Michel, takes it a step further, saying “Suppose you are having a wedding reception and you require assistance in ordering the cake or getting the flowers.We can do that! We have people that can handle the whole thing.”

Would you like to have a menu tailored just for you? Bring your party or corporate event to Flaherty’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill.This casual dining establishment can serve 100 guests by opening the entire space for your private gathering. Or, if your needs are smaller, you can reserve space for up to 60 guests in the Seafood Grill or 40 in the Oyster Bar.Whatever your preference, the staff at Flaherty’s is there to make it memorable.

The Village Corner is another fine establishment from which you can order up a party. General Manager Chris Tanner and his professional staff can assist with providing anything you might want for any occasion.

And for the ultimate in outdoor fun, have Flaherty’s or The Village Corner put together all you will need for a clambake or beach party. How cool would that be? Play host your friends on Carmel River Beach with a bonfire roaring and all the food and drinks supplied and served by professionals.

Just think, having a party without the mess to deal with! This is the way to go.

GUESTLIFE DON'T MISS

Anton & Michel
Mission between Ocean & Seventh
(831) 624-2406

PortaBella and Merlot! Bistro
Ocean between Lincoln & Monte Verde
(831) 624-4395

Flaherty’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
Sixth between Dolores & San Carlos
(831) 625-1500

The Village Corner
Sixth St. at Dolores (831) 624-3588