FAQ'S
What’s included?
-In order to secure the private room, we require a $500 room rental fee and Food and Beverage Minimum, which varies depending on the exact day/date. This is generally in the range of $2500-$4000. // The price per head includes the basic restaurant set up -- tables, chairs, plates, glassware and so forth. As long as you don't require anything we have to rent (champagne flutes for 100, for example), there are no rental fees added on; if however you need rental items procured by us, we can get you an estimate based on your requirements
- - The base price does not include service or sales tax -- gratuity is added to the final tab (20-22% depending on the nature of the event and number of guests), as well as sales tax (6.5%) AND a 3% CC processing fee (unless you are paying by check or cash)
What about additional decor and setup?
- The room is typically cleaned and ready 2 hours prior to your event, and any items you plan to add for decor can be set up at this time. If you need the room PRIOR to the 2 hours before your event, or if you are planning a wedding and will need to budget extra time to set up and break down, just let us know!
How should we make menu selections? How many courses should we offer?
Hors d' oeuvres
- Hors d'oeuvres are priced a la carte within the catering menu, and we recommend 1-2 choices if you're having a full cocktail ‘hour’ prior to seated service. We can also plan to have some apps stationed on the tables once your guests are seated.
Salad Course
-Salad course is narrowed down to one selection that you will make in advance, and is included in the main menu price. This course can also be subbed out for the dessert course. If you'd like to offer both salad and dessert, we simply add an additional $4 to the main menu price.
Entrées
-Entrées include three options from which your guests can choose, and you are welcome to mix-and-match menus as needed (price point may change based on the final selections). Your guests will receive a small menu card when seated, and they will order from the servers at that time.
(You do not need to submit menu selections prior to arrival -- guests will order when they are seated.)
Optional Dessert
-If you are offering dessert, we recommend either 2 choices for your guests printed on the menu, or a small dessert spread set up on the bar at the conclusion of the meal, so your guests can get up and mingle.
How does bar pricing work?
- Once we determine the food menu, we simply back this price out of your total budget per head ($50 for example), and the remainder is allocated to the bar tab. In other words, if we plan for a $35/head food menu, we are left with $15/head for the bar (or an estimated $600 bar tab based on 40 ppl for example). We will let you know once this cap is approaching, at which point you are welcome to extend the tab, or we can simply invite your guests to open individual tabs. Entirely up to you!
Bar Options
- For parties we typically offer beer ($6), house red or white wine ($8), and call cocktails ($6.50-$8.50) to keep things simple and easy for your tab. We are happy to limit the choices to basic cocktails if you'd like ($6.50-8.50 range), or can offer 1-2 specialty cocktails as well ($10-$12 range). If you would like to open the wine list up to all choices, these range from $8-$15/glass.
Specialty cocktail menus and wine lists change with the seasons, but we will get you an updated menu close to your date.
When do we need a final headcount?
The headcount is flexible up to one week prior. Any changes after this date will result in our option to exercise the cancellation policy, as detailed in the contract
Is there a Children’s Menu?
Absolutely! There’s no need to factor the kids into the Prix-Fixe, as they can order a la carte from our Kid’s Menu (grilled cheese, quesadillas, fried shrimp, grilled chicken, BBQ pork, etc). If you want to offer dessert for the kids as well, we simply charge for that a la carte in addition to the items they order.
When do we need final menu decisions?
Ideally we would like to start planning your preliminary menu about 1 month prior to your date, and then finalize your menu about 2 weeks prior. This gives you the time and flexibility to make some changes as needed, and will give you a better idea of the price per head for the food versus bar allocation, which can be really useful in making final decisions. We need a final menu at the very minimum of 1 week prior to your date so that we can order and schedule accordingly.
How do we secure our date and start a contract? What’s the next step?
In order to secure the date officially we ask that a contract is started with your preliminary headcount and numbers, and we take a 20% deposit on the estimated total. We can do this either over the phone with a credit card, or via a check in the mail. There is a window for cancellation in case your plans change, and we are flexible on dates, times, and headcounts within reason.
If you are still deciding, just ask that we pencil you in on the calendar -- we will make sure to check with you first if someone else inquires about the same date.
Can we bring our own music, or a band?
- We have a stereo system with both bluetooth and a cable hookup, so you are welcome to bring an i-device to play though - or we can stream whatever Pandora station you choose! We are happy to have live music, and we have a PA system on hand, available for rental (though the acoustic sets are a better fit for the upstairs area).
What about existing decor?
- For decor we are already outfitted with votive candles on the tables and along the walls, and fresh flowers in vases at every table. You are welcome to add as much or as little as you'd like, though we've found that most hosts are very happy that the decorating is already done, so there's less you have to worry about :)
Decor can be dropped off up to one day prior to your event, and we will be happy to set everything up to your specifications.
Please advise if any additional tables or stations are required (ie gift table, guest book table, cake table etc)
Can we bring in a cake/dessert?
Absolutely! We do charge a $2/head cake fee if other desserts are not ordered through us, and this will cover use of our plates, silverware, linens etc. Also keep in mind we have an incredible pastry chef who often supplies weddings and events with made-to-order specialty cakes in just about any flavor/combination you can imagine. We are happy to help you coordinate your dream cake/dessert spread through her (and dietary restrictions are no problem!)
Can you recommend other vendors for flowers, photography, bands, DJS, wedding websites etc?
Yes, indeed! Let us know what you’re looking for, and we can help you out. St. Augustine has some great local talent -- be sure to put them to use!
Most important: Parking?
Unfortunately, as with most restaurants in historic downtown, we don’t have a dedicated parking lot for the restaurant, though there are plenty of Pay Parking options in the direct vicinity (even adjacent to The Floridian!). Historic downtown is beautiful and scenic so we encourage walking the area and enjoying the journey:) If you need to drop off anyone/anything Spanish Street is a through street directly in front of the restaurant.