Rehearsal Dinner & Brunch Suggestions

• By Nick Hofstadter
• Published Winter 2006

Trinity Place Bar & Restaurant

Stun your guests with a rehearsal dinner at the Trinity Place Bar & Restaurant (115 Broadway; 212-964-0939). With its showstopping entrance-two circular 35-ton solid-brass, copper, and steel-vault doors, originally built in 1904-this former bank has a private room perfect for a dramatic rehearsal dinner. It resembles an elegant beer hall, finished with rich mahogany, red-silk lampshades, and a gold colonial chandelier that hangs from a molded metal tile ceiling. Hosts can entertain a sit-down meal for as many as 60, or a buffet for up to 100 people ($35 per person) in this upscale gentlemen's-club-like lair. Executive chef Donal Crosbie serves bold American dishes for both arrangements, such as a quail-egg-topped beef-tenderloin tartare or duck confit, chanterelle-mushroom, and sweet-corn risotto.

If you make a sizable donation to become a member of the Neue Galerie-at least $5,000, and then some-the museum's Café Sabarsky is yours for brunch (1048 Fifth Ave.; 212-288-0665; from $35 per person plus $2,300 flat fee;). Styled after a turn-of-the-century Viennese kaffeehaus, the regal yet charming dark-wood-paneled room is adorned with German and Austrian prints and large picture windows looking over Central Park. Reminisce about the previous evening's event over a stellar cup of coffee, and chef Kurt Gutenbrunner's Austrian-influenced fare such as soft-boiled eggs served in a glass, Bavarian ham and cheese, or pastries like schlag-accompanied warm apple strudel.
For a less expensive but no less appealing option, barmarché (14 Spring St.; 212-219-2399) offers a chic European environment with its white molded ceilings, chandeliers, and simple wooden furniture.