Soquel, CA, USA < change city >

Response from the couple:
Hi,

We loved Michaels on Main! It has a great combination of casual comfort and great food. We were in the rectangular room with lots of windows facing the creek. I think it has a door to the bar area. It was not a problem with sound, but I'm not sure that's where you'll be. It was actually fun to have a more festive atmosphere with other people in the restaurant too. The wait staff was great and everyone in our party enjoyed the ambiance and food. We went back for our anniversary the first 2 years also. I haven't been to Chaminade, but it seems more stuffy and pricy. We toured about 5 places in person, and felt the most comfortable at Michaels hands down. It also feels cozy and private and has a pretty outdoor area with trees and a creek if you need to get some air. The food was really delicious and we are pretty picky California foodies. We were very lucky to find it. We also had about 50-60 people and had the table in a open square shape which was nice. Email me if you have more specific questions.

Response:
Thanks so much for your response, Leah! I was choosing M's for the same reasons - casual, fun atmosphere rather than a typical wedding kind of place or formal/stuffy, as you said. The person I'm dealing with, Stacie, said we would have to be in the front room because we're abt 55 or more people & she said the other room - the one I think you were in - Fireside Room - was too small. At first I thought we'd use the patio for our dinner. She also said the F'side Room & patio were even closer to the band so we'd hear the band more in either of those places. I actually liked the idea that there was a band, figuring people cd hang out, listen to music & have drinks at the bar after the dinner but just wish they weren't starting at 8:30! I'm curious that you said the sound wasn't a problem...did you hear the band while your dinner was still on? Did you have a lot of toasts (this family loves to toast, tell stories, do skits!) and I'm concerned we'd be trying to shout over the band! I'm glad to hear you are foodies (I'm a NY foodie!) because I am worried about the idea of picking a restaurant that I have not even eaten at! Where else did you consider - you said you looked at about 5 places? If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear since I have to make a decision very soon - thanks!!

Eve

Response from the couple:
You know, I don't remember the names of the other restaurants, and I don't have time to research it. But, they were restaurants I found using google in the soquel/Aptos/Santa Cruz area that were highly rated and could seat larger parties. We've eaten in the front room before and it is diagonal to the bar area, so the door opening is not that big and sound does not carry that much. I think the restaurant staff will be honest with you about the sound if you ask them. You do hear some of it, but you can still talk. They have music every weekend, and continue to have people dining in the front room. We've dined in the front room and I don't remember it being very loud. I think for toasts, people will need to speak up somewhat. If you are really concerned maybe you can get a microphone? But, I really liked the place and was thinking that if I had a lower budget wedding, I'd even consider having the whole reception there. Wedding industry prices and formality is overrated (as I ponder this in my older age wisdom!). I like the coziness and reasonableness of Michael's. I hope you choose it - I think you will not be disapointed. They are also willing to customize the food (as they did for us). The house salad is really yummy (I think it has terragon dressing and cheese) and the beef dish was a favorite of our crowd.

Response:
Thanks again for taking the time to answer. Yes, perhaps we can get a microphone since this type of dinner is different than for regular diners just having a meal. I hope we can work things out for Michael's and appreciate your recommendation. I definitely agree with your thoughts regarding wedding prices in general! My son & his fiance are getting married at Monarch Cove in Capitola and it sounds like it will be an informal wedding, which is what they want.