ARECA - hidden GEM!!!
My fiance and I are about to book our 2005 wedding at Areca in Plainview. We went there on a whim, not expecting to find what we did...and in an instant it became our #1 pick! We even visited Flowerfield, Lands End, Fox Hollow, Capt. Bills (and about 10 others) recently and still liked Areca better, and at a considerably lower price it's a steal. New management and unrecognizable name I'm sure are what explain the affordability, and I'm going back this week to taste the food. I've heard great things, and the cocktail room (restaurant) is amazing and fun with lights, sound system, palm trees, huge windows w/outside terrace overlooking a lake with lighted fountains, booths and tables for a loungy yet classy feel. Then the ballroom is elegant and grand, and they're putting in a new dance floor (thank goodness because that was my one and only gripe). Also, they might say they can squeeze in 220 people, but even 200 might be tight so be careful! Andre and his staff have been very helpful, and even the area where you drive up and walk in is so elegant and breathtaking. Everything is brand new looking, and the fireplace, marble floors, gorgeous furniture, doorways, etc make it a PERFECT wedding site. Definitely go check it out before it becomes SOOO popular and the prices skyrocket!!! This new management also runs some popular catering halls in the area so they know what they're doing. Pictures on their website are good, but go see for yourselves! Inside a gated commuity right off the LIE (you would never know it was even there) allows for easy hotel access for your guests too! You won't be sorry, especially if you want some kind of fun/different cocktail hour, coupled with an elegant and gorgeous reception! I'll keep you posted on the food and service as the date gets closer. Good luck searching!!!
