Venue Spotlight: The Burritt Room, Crescent Hotel San Francisco

If you haven’t already visited the The Burritt Room in San Francisco, then we think you should step to it, sit at the bar and enjoy one of their many exceptional cocktails right before you tour the space. The Burritt Room is located in the Crescent Hotel San Francisco, just steps away from Union Square. Perfect for out-of-town guests as some of the best shopping, sightseeing, theaters and restaurants are just a hop, skip and a jump off the property. Room blocks can be accommodated as well as local suggestions for your guests.

Originally opened in the Speakeasy era, The Burritt Room is a rare find in San Francisco as it imbues a historic ambiance with an urban edge, not found in typical wedding or engagement party venues. The façade, molding, wainscoting and hardwood floors tie in with vintage tiles and exposed original brick to showcase the historical bones of the property. The interior design team sprinkled luxurious chandeliers and vintage mirrors throughout the main floors for a touch of old-world grandeur, while offsetting these elements with a modern, clean color scheme of black, white and red.

Talking with Matthew Medinger, General Manager of The Burritt Room, he tells us the large back room is ideal for parties from 50 - 300 guests and features wainscoting detail and large windows bringing in natural light – which is not typical for “wedding ballrooms” around town. The open space can be modified to suit any design need, from a lounge feel to a table set-up for dinner. You can think of this backspace as a blank canvas to create your special day. The staff is happy assist with ideas for other special touches. For smaller celebrations of 50 or under, consider the spacious open room just off the bar area which can be blocked off. It’s perfect for an engagement party: we know because we’ve celebrated in this very space and can attest for it’s awesomeness (picture above).

Hosting your wedding celebration or engagement party at The Burritt Room means letting your imagination run wild to create the exact experience you want in its space. Their amazing cocktail program includes punch bowl recipes that are sure to provide a twist to the typical wedding experience, as well as classic cocktails. Matthew says they’re happy to work with local caterers and can offer DJ and live band suggestions – some of the best in the business. Simply put, you’re in great hands with the staff and space at The Burritt Room and Crescent Hotel San Francisco. Now it’s time to start planning with them.

Venue Spotlight: Epic Roasthouse, San Francisco

If you’re looking for an absolutely breathtaking seaside venue for a smaller, more intimate wedding or engagement party, consider Epic Roasthouse on the Embarcadero. We’re calling urban chic on this one. Located on the waterfront and featuring panoramic views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and our beautiful city skyline, Epic seats up to 60 in their elegant Bay Room, on their second floor, purposely set on its own for private events.

Beyond your traditional steak house, Epic offers a gorgeous space and a unique menu that combines the traditional and the contemporary. Chef Jan Birnbaum has packed his menu with fish, fowl, and of course, a fantastic selection of meats and steaks. The wine menu lists over 400, impressive, even considering where we are in the world of wine production. Should you call to take a tour, you will meet Nita Howard, Director of Sales and Business Development and Kevin Biggerstaff, Private Dining Room Director. Both consummate professionals, you will be treated like royalty and they will provide you with personalized, friendly service. They can help with your every need for your Big Day, from on-site planning to vendor referrals.

Besides from Epic being a special venue in San Francisco, Nita tells us about some of the recent events that they’ve been a part of. Rich Bride / Poor Bride just wrapped up taping there and will air in 2011 and Chef Birnbaum recently created a steak tartare birthday cake for Ron Owens at his celebrity studded birthday held there.

Epic is beyond worth visiting; the space is gorgeous and is the perfect place to host a celebration around your Big Day.

Venue Spotlight: Greens Restaurant, San Francisco

Greens Restaurant is a San Francisco favorite for foodies and event planners alike. Built by San Francisco Zen Center carpenters and opening its doors in 1979, the restaurant incorporates 12 types of wood, much of it recycled or reclaimed. Greens also features floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marina and the scenic Marin Headlands.

Ashley Pier, Greens’ Special Events Coordinator, tells us that five years ago Greens converted their storage room into a Private Dining Room with the same floor-to-ceiling windows and views as the main room. The room accommodates up to 50 guests for a sit down and 65 for a standing reception. The main room can accommodate 140 guests for a sit down and 200 standing.

The food is another fantastic perk. Led by nationally-acclaimed chef and author, Annie Somerville, Greens has become one of the most celebrated vegetarian restaurants in the world. Chef Somerville is the pioneer and standard-bearer for the practice of shopping directly with local, organic farmers, selecting the freshest seasonal products. Using produce, herbs, cheeses and veggies from local farms, Greens prides itself in using seasonal and fresh ingredients. Green Gulch Farm in the Marin Headlands provides the restaurant with a variety of organic produce year round. You can expect outstanding dishes created with a balance of colors, a contrast of textures, and flavors from places like the Mediterranean, Mexico and American Southwest.

“Each couple is unique in so many ways which brings such a charm to each event,” Ashley tells us. “We enjoy making all occasions as special and personal as it can be. I make available any extra touch to make it extraordinary, including individual floor plans, décor, photography, music and dancing.” Upon contacting Ashley, you will sit down for a tasting with her and Chef Somerville and then discuss everything about your Big Day. And rest assured. Ashley will be there every step of the way after the initial meeting, helping to ease your stress and worries, right up until the party is officially over.

Having 31 years to perfect itself, Greens is perhaps the perfect waterfront venue in SF to host the wedding of your dreams. Expect nothing but perfection. Just the way Bridebound likes it!