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Practice Makes Perfect

A rehearsal dinner sets the tone for the rest of the celebration, so we’ve rounded up some of the best spots for getting the party started

January 4, 2023

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Photo Courtesy of HOTEL AMARANO

Hotel Amarano
“Amara” means grace—and a 2020 renovation of the Hotel Amarano by HBA fully embraced that spirit. The only AAA Four Diamond Hotel in Burbank, it has been given a fresh and beautiful new identity that embodied modern-day glamour with touches of Old Hollywood. Welcome your loved ones into one of the property’s popular private event spots, including the Chairman’s Suite and Patio that features a breathtaking rooftop with a view of Burbank beyond. The real star of any event at the Hotel Amarano is the food from FYC Bar + Kitchen. A dedicated catering team will whip up top-notch California cuisine that has a little something for everyone—from sweet potatoes bravas and portobello mushroom burgers to parmesan shoestring fries and shrimp orecchiette.

Photo courtesy of THE KIMPTON CANARY HOTEL

Finch & Fork
The Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara recently reopened its much-lauded Finch & Fork restaurant in May 2022. The first-class venue offers the ultimate in Santa Barbara charm. Event spaces including the intimate Chapala Room features warm wooden tables, Mediterranean tile and floor-to-ceiling windows for airy yet cozy rehearsal dinners. Take it up a notch to the Kimpton Canary’s rooftop, which offers incredible views of the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains as well as classic mission-style architecture. Finch & Fork is known for its refined yet approachable dishes that draw inspiration from local ingredients. And to complement it all, the restaurant has a legendary wine list and cocktail menu, featuring over 100 wines and local beers and a variety of exciting twists on classic libations.

Photo courtesy of MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB

Mastro’s Ocean Club
Angelenos may be used to seeing Mastro’s Ocean Club along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, but the California institution is celebrating a new outpost in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant group’s ninth location in the state, the downtown spot will offer the unparalleled fine-dining experience for which its sister locations are renowned. A rehearsal dinner at the iconic restaurant is perfect for the couple with friends and families coming from out of town who want to give their guests a classic Southern California experience. Specializing in fresh seafood, the menu features a raw bar, seafood tower and creative sushi selections. For guests craving surf-and-turf, Mastro’s is also known for its high-quality steaks and a wide array of mouth-watering appetizers and sides.

Avant Garden Bistro
Angelenos may be used to seeing Mastro’s Ocean Club along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, but the California institution is celebrating a new outpost in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant group’s ninth location in the state, the downtown spot will offer the unparalleled fine-dining experience for which its sister locations are renowned. A rehearsal dinner at the iconic restaurant is perfect for the couple with friends and families coming from out of town who want to give their guests a classic Southern California experience. Specializing in fresh seafood, the menu features a raw bar, seafood tower and creative sushi selections. For guests craving surf-and-turf, Mastro’s is also known for its high-quality steaks and a wide array of mouth-watering appetizers and sides.