Posts by Nathan Watson2

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brightpuma15 said:I’m starting to feel a little bit of panic setting in. Out of the six bands I tracked down—Twist Off, Kocka, Nero, Taxi, and those Bora suggestions you guys gave me—only Nero and Bora actually have openings. To be honest, I’m not even sure if I’m really feeling Bora.
I guess I only have myself to blame for not starting my search sooner. 🤦
Has anyone here checked out the Nero group before? What’s their vibe like?

Honestly, Kocka is easily the best option on the table, so it’s a real shame you can’t pull them for this. As for Nero and Bora, they’re pretty mediocre—to put it mildly. You might want to try digging a little deeper and unearthing some of those lesser-known acts. Show Legende is actually quite a solid choice, even if they aren't exactly household names yet. Then there’s Tip Top, though I’d be careful there; they lean a bit too heavily into that country-pop vibe for my taste.

Gary Reed9 said:From what I gather, Nautica is sitting at about $45... Honestly, might be worth putting a deposit down now for next year.
There’s stuff out in Dugopolj Dolis for $37, and Phoenix is probably a couple bucks cheaper than that.

I suspect that the $45 price point refers to the expanded menu package; the basic option is actually quite a bit cheaper. Furthermore, that $45 rate typically includes full lighting for the entire hall—complete with all those fancy effects, equipment, and a dedicated technician—as well as the table decorations, such as flowers, candles, linens, and colored bows.
If you're strictly looking at the bottom line, there's the robot venue on TTTS, which I believe is currently priced at $32; honestly, I don't think you'll find anything more budget-friendly in St.

It’s the honest truth: Nautical is easily three steps ahead of any other venue in Castle Rock. If you ask me, it’s comfortably in my top three venues, period. Between the atmosphere, the food, and the service, everything about it is just top-tier...
@goldenmarlin11 .. it honestly warms my heart to hear someone say that about Duilovo. I’ve always maintained that it’s probably the most underrated hall out there. I even recall getting a bit of heat once just for promoting it (lol), but seriously, the quality there has always been stellar. Anyone booking either Nautical or Duilovo definitely knows what they're doing and isn't making a mistake.

wearypilot39 said:Could someone please share their experiences regarding the Nautica restaurant in Castel? Thanks!

I’ve been there several times now, and honestly, every single visit has been absolutely wonderful. I’m not quite sure which specific details you’re looking for, but I can tell you with confidence that it is easily one of the finest dining rooms around.

goldenmarlin11 said:Has anyone actually stayed in the ballroom at the Hotel Plaza over in San Francisco? I’ve been hearing whispers that the place is top-tier—just finished a massive renovation and the prices aren't even that bad... if you know anything else about it, drop a comment here or just hit me up in my DMs.

I actually worked an event there this past weekend. It really is a lovely space, though in my humble opinion, the food and service have always been top-tier regardless. They’ve certainly put some serious work into refreshing the room lately (they’ve been under the umbrella of Pletar Services, which handles major national contracts, for several years now). The ceiling isn't what it used to be, either; apparently, that was one of the main reasons they were seeing fewer weddings lately, as couples just weren't feeling the vibe, but they've fixed that right up along with the lighting and overall ambiance. As for the cost, if my memory serves me correctly, the standard menu runs about $550 per person. I also know that the couple still gets a complimentary night's stay, and all the guests can grab rooms at very reasonable rates. If there's anything else you need to know, just ask here or send me a DM.🙂

Keith Gomez9 said:Since we’re running low on space for any kind of chill hangout, we had to settle on a stripped-down version of our pirate party, so for now, it’s just the Amigos playing at Malibu. I’m just wondering if anyone here has experience with this spot—specifically, what’s the absolute maximum capacity for a group there?

I’ve never actually been to a formal party there—just stopped by for lunch a few times—but honestly, the food is absolutely incredible; it hits the mark every single time. Aside from the view, which is lovely, the actual layout isn't anything special; it's more of a standard restaurant setup than a dedicated event hall, but the cuisine is easily the best you'll find in Malibu.

Robert Rogers21 said:Has anyone here actually eaten at Ruth's Chris in San Mateo?
The decor is decent enough, I suppose, but I have my doubts about the food and the service... I noticed nobody has even mentioned the dining room yet, despite how recently they renovated it.

I can say with absolute certainty that their veal medallions in mushroom sauce served with potato croquettes were quite possibly the finest meal I have ever had at a banquet in any venue imaginable. I’ll be attending another event there in just three weeks, and frankly, I don't intend to eat anything the day before just so I can fully enjoy it. Both the cuisine and the service are truly top-tier.

Robert Rogers21 said:I’ve been lurking on this forum for two days now, searching for some actual insight, yet nobody seems to mention the Hilton in Smalltown, USA. Does anyone here actually have firsthand experience with them? I’m looking for the truth regarding their service, the event space, and the food quality.
Thanks in advance for any input. ����

I have a bit of a cautionary tale to share, based on a very close family member's recent experience... we were looking at a wedding for roughly 250 guests. To start, the appetizers were perfectly fine—the charcuterie and cheese were decent enough, though certainly nothing to write home about, which wasn't exactly what we were expecting. However, the French onion soup was absolutely abysmal; it was incredibly sour and had this strange, unpleasant aftertaste that really didn't belong in a dish. We also had about 20 children in attendance who don't typically eat much, and unfortunately, there wasn't even any risotto available as a backup option. As for the main course, the beef stew was so acidic it was practically inedible. At this point, the groom is absolutely livid and is demanding to speak with the person in charge. A certain lady in black (if you’ve been there, you know exactly who I mean) simply brushed him off, claiming she was too busy with the rush to talk. The roast was just as disappointing; the meat tasted old and was poorly cooked. You would naturally assume that for the head table, they’d serve the finest cuts, but that was far from the case here. By the next morning, the groom was understandably furious. Since several guests don't live nearby, we had arranged for a block of rooms at a discounted rate so people could rest before heading home, especially since the hotel was nearly empty following the wedding the night before. However, when guests arrived at the front desk for check-out, they were charged the full standard rate instead of the agreed-upon price. When people tried to resolve this, they were told by someone over the phone that the previous arrangement had been completely disregarded, and everyone was expected to pay full price. The groom, rightfully incensed, refused to let his guests be overcharged, especially after being served such revolting food the night before. Her response? And I quote: "Then sign this stating that's what you agreed to, so I know how much I can sue you for." It was truly the bottom of the barrel. Perhaps some people had a pleasant time there, but in my estimation, they are utterly disgraceful. About a week later, a man called the groom—having heard whispers about the situation because he’d held his own wedding there a few months prior—to ask for details, as he is currently in legal proceedings with that same woman.

Alexander Morgan said:I’m actually looking for something outdoors by the water, somewhere along the coast between Charleston and Savannah, for about 100 people.
We were checking out Benjamin Franklin in Saint Louis, which honestly seems like our best bet, but like we mentioned earlier, they aren't exactly the most reliable spot; the reviews are pretty rough, and they don't even use email, so you have to go down there in person 🙄 which would totally mess with my schedule since I don't live in San Francisco during the year.
Places like Santa Barbara and The Beverly Hills Hotel are just way out of our budget, and the Radisson is too, plus I don't think their terrace can even hold that many people. I'm not really feeling the Carnegie vibe either, and that house in Savannah isn't for us—those are basically all the outdoor spots I know in Saint Louis, so if you guys have any other ideas, please shout.

The Old Mill in Santa Monica seems alright, and you could probably decorate it nicely, and they can handle food and I think they have seating for maybe 80 people, but if you go over that, you're kind of on your own. Also, a wedding there could run until midnight, which makes it a whole daytime thing, and mid-summer is just way too hot for that, whereas if we pick an earlier or later date, there's a higher chance of getting crappy weather. 😁

What about Barbera in Durham? Does anyone know anything about that place, like how many people it can actually fit? And would it even be possible to set up a dance floor there?

There's this farm called Panj in Haverhill that looks really beautiful and I've heard nothing but good things, but it's not right by the ocean. 🕺

If you ever find yourself wandering around Santa Barbara, you absolutely have to stop by the Nautic restaurant located right within the Marina del Rey. It’s one of those rare finds where everything just clicks. They have this stunning glass-walled dining room that sits right on the water's edge, offering an incredible view, plus a lovely terrace and—thankfully—reliable parking if you're driving. Honestly, the price is almost laughably low; as far as I know, they're keeping it at $36 per person through the end of the year, which is practically a steal considering the sheer quality of the meal you receive.
Regarding those restaurants you all were mentioning around Malibu, if I’m being perfectly honest, the only one actually worth bringing up is Austin. That said, if you’re planning on grabbing a bite during July or August—right when they’re absolutely swamped with summer crowds—I wouldn't be surprised if you have a hard time snagging a table. As for San Antonio and the rest of that crowd, they're frankly overpriced, the seating is cramped and uncomfortable, and to put it bluntly, the food just isn't up to par.

Keith Gomez9 said:Hey everyone! I’m on the hunt for a restaurant in San Francisco that can accommodate about 120 guests. We’re really looking for somewhere with a killer view, because we’d be willing to pay the premium to have an officiant come to the venue so we can handle everything in one single spot. Benicia is definitely off the table for us. Right now, the only place even on my radar is Pirate, so I wanted to see if anyone else had some better ideas.

It isn't quite San Francisco, but it’s just a quick ten-minute drive away—check out Nautica in Castel. They have this terrace sitting about twenty meters from the water; the food and service are solid, and they've become quite the hotspot lately. Also, right across from the Pirate, you'll find the Rose Bowl restaurant. They have a terrace too, which might actually be a bit oversized for a group of 120, but it's worth a look—it's a lovely spot surrounded by olive groves and the ocean.

Steven Lewis14 said:Thanks a lot for this detailed report! In the end, we decided on that new venue in San Diego, even though it's still under construction. Hopefully, they finish up soon.
I see you have some experience, 🙂—do you know if the Euphoria group is any good? (Or maybe some other reliable soul from the forums?) 🙂

Are you thinking about the studio located within the Salon Hotel?? If I recall correctly, the hotel itself isn't slated to open until March 1st, with full operations kicking off by April 1st... and I believe the base menu is priced at around $40 🙂 ..
As for the band, I've caught them playing at a few different parties; they’re decent enough and perfectly pleasant people... I'd say they're a solid choice. 🙂

Steven Lewis14 said:This forum is an absolute goldmine. I’m planning a wedding for about 250 guests, and my shortlist includes: Poljud Restaurant, R2-D2, Dolis, and ExxonMobil. What has your experience been like? I've only ever been to Dolis, and while I know they're decent, I haven't set foot in any of these other venues. Looking at the threads here, the feedback is all over the place: people rave about the food at ExxonMobil, but I personally can't stand those pillars in the hall, and the dance floor looks tiny to me. Some people love R2-D2, while others claim the catering is terrible. As for Poljud, I haven't seen many specific complaints. Please, I need help! I have to make a decision fast!

Drawing from my own personal history with these venues, I might say this:

Ruth's Chris Steak House: This is a fantastic choice; they offer the option of having a feast either indoors or outdoors. The last time I was there, it was back in September and the weather looked like it was headed for rain, so they had both setups ready to go, and when the rain actually hit during the night, we were able to move inside seamlessly. The venue has been recently renovated, and both the food and the service are well above average.
ExxonMobil: That beef stew!! It truly stands out from everything else and is one of those things that sticks in your memory; of course, taste is subjective, but I can tell you it was the second best stew I've ever had (the absolute best was at Duilio's, but since you didn't mention that venue, I won't dwell on them—though, for what it's worth, I think they are excellent and better than most). Those pillars do take away from the aesthetic a little, but otherwise, everything is fine.
Boston Dynamics: As someone else mentioned earlier, their roast is genuinely superb. The gnocchi is also outstanding, and I was quite pleasantly surprised that they serve sheep's cheese with the appetizer; it was truly delicious... The service is top-notch, the staff is perfectly in sync, and we didn't lack for anything all night. Given the price point (around $34, if I recall correctly), they are certainly a solid value...
Dell: Up until about two years ago, they were excellent, but lately, things have been sliding downhill. Word is they changed their head chef, and the difference is unfortunately quite noticeable...

Keith Palmer said:Hey everyone!

I've got a summer wedding coming up and I'm totally torn.
Who should I pick for a studio: Bonacci, Smile, Ivica Matić, or Beep?

Just a heads-up, we’re only looking to get photos done.

Anyone here an expert on this?

We were absolutely thrilled with both the pricing and the quality of the work. I'm sure there are other great options out there, but we went with them and we definitely didn't regret it for a second. 😛👍

Ashley Hall5 said:Hey ladies,

I need some help here. For my narrow selection of speakers, I'm looking at John Doe, Michael Jordan(Plato), and R2-D2...
Any thoughts based on what you've heard?

Beyoncé 🙂

Well, looking at those three options, R2-D2 seems like the clear winner to me—both based on what I've heard through the grapevine and from my own little bit of firsthand experience..

Amy Evans64 said:Hey ladies, I was wondering if you could give me some insight on the typical timing between different parts of the wedding ceremony? We have a wedding coming up out in the Midwest, and I need to give my sister a rough timeline. Our group is basically putting together our own custom itinerary, though we’re totally open to tweaking things or adding new elements if you all have any bright ideas... thanks!

I’d say aiming for about 75 to 90 minutes between sets is really the sweet spot. Honestly, even if you hire a professional coordinator or an MC, that's exactly what they'll tell you is ideal..

Due to some rather unfortunate scheduling hiccups, we’ve had an unexpected opening on April 23rd at the Robot hall during TTTS. If anyone happens to be in urgent need of a venue and that date works for your plans, please do reach out—I’d be more than happy to pass along all the specific details. This availability also extends to the band and the other arrangements we had locked in for that day.

Richard Mendoza2 said:Hi everyone. I’ve already asked about photographers in another thread, but there’s no harm in asking here too.

Does anyone have recommendations for a photographer in the San Francisco area? We’re planning a small, intimate wedding. We aren't looking for video services—just photography—and we don't need all those extra bells and whistles agencies usually push, like parent albums or a million extra digital files.

We are even open to an amateur or someone who does this as a serious hobby. My only real requirements are that they have decent, reliable gear and actual talent—someone with a true eye for composition rather than someone just clicking a shutter and hoping for the best. Budget-wise, we aren't exactly rolling in it, so we're looking for something reasonable, ideally under $500 ($667 max). Honestly, we’d prefer to just take the photos ourselves since both my fiancé and I have a knack for photography, but that’s obviously not an option...

p.s. I hope no professionals take offense by this post; I realize high-quality work commands a premium, but that’s just the reality of our situation.

Maybe try Studio Bonačić?? Personally, I think their work is fantastic; everything I've seen from them has really resonated with me, so it might be worth reaching out if you're interested.😉

Andrew Taylor12 said:It would be awesome to get some fresh takes on Aria, Bolero, or Velum. How’s the vibe at Tip Top lately? Also, has anyone checked out the Centrifuga group? I think they’re based out of Imotski.

In my estimation, they are among the very best; please feel free to send me a private message if you'd like to discuss the specifics.👍

I’m not sure if any of you have had the pleasure of hearing Barbarossa yet, but in my humble opinion, they are truly, genuinely spectacular... for this particular gig, they actually borrowed the lead singer from Fire Kiss, and honestly, they created an absolutely electric atmosphere 👍

Maria Hughes11 said:Nathan Watson2, thanks. I guess you could tell me why it isn't the Radisson 😢? I'm starting to have my doubts;

Look, my friend, if you’ve already made up your mind, then honestly, don't let anyone else's opinion sway you; at the end of the day, it’s your evening. I’m certainly not suggesting the venue is terrible, but given the price tag they’re asking, I just can’t quite justify the value. I once worked an event similar to this where the per-person cost was around $80, and frankly, even the most basic details were off—it wasn't at the Radisson, but rather at a local Hilton. Interestingly enough, the banquet manager from that Hilton eventually moved over to the Radisson, so he's now working alongside John (though I'm not entirely sure who you were coordinating with originally). The location itself is absolutely stunning; with the right lighting, the view is spectacular. My personal take, however, is that the food tends to be mediocre at best and the service can be quite lackluster—which, to be fair, makes sense since hotels of that caliber often opt for cheaper staffing solutions rather than investing in top-tier waitstaff. I won't ramble on too long, but feel free to shoot me a private message if you want to dig deeper. I mean no disrespect to the staff or the establishment, I simply believe it doesn't quite live up to its premium price point. Ultimately, if you love the place and the cost isn't a dealbreaker for you, then follow your gut and ignore the noise. 👍