Throwing a private party can be daunting, especially in Greenwich where the options are seemingly endless. And yet in December, it seems like everyone is faced with planning a party.
Holiday parties, office parties, year-end parties, galas, client entertaining, New Year’s Eve bashes, toy drive parties, coat collection parties, baby showers, engagement parties and good old-fashioned birthday and anniversary parties. Greenwich loves to celebrate.
It seems that every invitation to celebrate this year has the party taking place at 35 Church Street. The new hot spot in Greenwich for private events, Gabriele’s. Last week, Kids in Crisis was generously hosted by Gabriele’s for its holiday luncheon and with four unique event spaces, it is easy to see why Gabriele’s has become the “it” venue for the 2018 year-end party scene.
A private library that holds up to 15; a wine cellar that can host up to 25; and a brand new space on the second floor, which enjoys its own bar and fireplace, holds up 225 for cocktails and 150 for a seated dinner, without feeling empty with just 50 guests. This 3,000 square foot space in the heart of downtown Greenwich is deceivingly large – also home to a long-established, exceptional restaurant and bar.
After thirty-five years as a home away from home for both the affluent and the gourmand, it’s re-imagined menu and setting are creating a buzz that has party planners in Greenwich rethinking the more traditional private clubs that can be exorbitantly priced given their offerings. New leadership from local legends and professionals like restaurateur Dana Cifone, Gabriele’s new director of events, makes the process incredibly simple.
Monday through Friday evenings, from 4:30 until 7:00, Gabriele’s bar now plays host to a different younger group, looking for a new spot without parking hassles. Chance has favored them in particular with a new Light Bites and special drink menu created just for the holidays, and the cold weather. It is equally delicious but less expensive than the dinner menu. During our visit, sitting by the fire the last week with a glass of red wine watching a friend devour Gabriele’s watermelon salad, we decided that chance had favored us as well.
We had found the perfect place to celebrate our holiday party too.
www.gabrielesofgreenwich.com
