Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

Hi everyone. We have looked at several halls this weekend and have narrowed it down to two.

We saw Milleridge Cottage, Fox Hollow, Swan Club, Floral Terrace, Sand Castle, Jericho Terrace and Chateau Briand this weekend. FI is only interested in seeing Russos now since various people have mentioned it during our tours. He likes the idea of the bride & groom entrance from the floor....like at Chateau Briand I assume having never been to Russos?

We have narrowed it down to Jericho Terrace -Dome Room, Fox Hollow - Garden Terrace or Russos on the Bay (which we have not yet seen). We are having our ceremony at which ever hall we pick so lots of windows and/or skylights is important to me. We are planning for a Sunday afternoon.

Can anyone tell me the pricing range for Russos on the Bay for the winter 2006 for Sunday afternoon? I don't want to drag FI out for another day of hall shopping if it would be a waste of our time.

For comparison's sake Fox Hollow quoted us $51pp for 160 minimum. Jericho Terrace will be $55pp for 150 minimum. These are Sunday afternoon prices (Sat. & Sun for Jericho Terrace). We want a Sunday afternoon.

As for Russos, we have no idea but everyone raves about the place and we liked the virtual tour pictures. Even the BM at Floral Terrace told us Russos is very nice. Is it even possible that Russos will be under $60pp for the winter 2006?

Also, what is the minimum and do all of the rooms have the smoke/elevator entrance for the bride/groom?

Thanks much.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

anyone with info on Russos?

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

I don't know what it is on sunday in winter, but just for comparison's sake, my sister was quoted $188 for a saturday night in the spring...I know it's the opposite price spectrum, but I don't think russo's is ever under $100. I live right near Russo's and EVERYONE around here is having xmas parties there at that time, so it may not even be considered off season for them. The ONLY way to know is to go there. You may go there and not even like it, so... it's better to just go, get an actual price quote and figure it out for yourself. If I find out before you do, I'll let you know. I'm also planning for dec 2006. I'm going to look at russo's, but there's no way I could afford it.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by marymoon

I don't know what it is on sunday in winter, but just for comparison's sake, my sister was quoted $188 for a saturday night in the spring...I know it's the opposite price spectrum, but I don't think russo's is ever under $100. I live right near Russo's and EVERYONE around here is having xmas parties there at that time, so it may not even be considered off season for them. The ONLY way to know is to go there. You may go there and not even like it, so... it's better to just go, get an actual price quote and figure it out for yourself. If I find out before you do, I'll let you know. I'm also planning for dec 2006. I'm going to look at russo's, but there's no way I could afford it.

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Thanks so much. I don't want to drag FI out too much more. He has been having drinks at the visits and by the late afternoon he is not paying much attention. LOL

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

ROFL!

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

russos was my first choice when i was looking for a dec or jan date 2004. i went right before christmas 2003 and they didnt have any friday or sat nights available except for in the bigger room or the last friday in jan but i wanted the christmas deco up and didnt work for me. they quoted me 79.00 dollars p.p plus tax and gratuity for a fri in jan with 200 min that was a basic package they also included a seprate gratuity just for the maitre d plus what the other staff should get which i recall was like 19 percent . the prices in december were like 25 dollars highter then in january. they were more money then most of the places we looked at but if they had a date i would have booked them i think there food and service is outstanding.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by janwinterbridejoy

russos was my first choice when i was looking for a dec or jan date 2004. i went right before christmas 2003 and they didnt have any friday or sat nights available except for in the bigger room or the last friday in jan but i wanted the christmas deco up and didnt work for me. they quoted me 79.00 dollars p.p plus tax and gratuity for a fri in jan with 200 min that was a basic package they also included a seprate gratuity just for the maitre d plus what the other staff should get which i recall was like 19 percent . the prices in december were like 25 dollars highter then in january. they were more money then most of the places we looked at but if they had a date i would have booked them i think there food and service is outstanding.

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Thanks so much. FI and I want to look at them but don't want to waste their time our ours. He's kind of sick of hall shopping and liked Jericho Terrace (dome room) and Fox Hollow (Garden terrace) the most. I will check them out today if they are open. They are in Brooklyn too which is great for us - also in Brooklyn.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

Russo's is actually in queens, close to brooklyn, though. Russos is very different form fox hollow and JT. It's basically a big cinderblock and it's next toa gasstation. They're re-doing it, but it's a very different look from the outside. It's very different from the other places. You don't get to pull up on a long driveway, etc, you're basically on the street on a main drag, etc. Have you see pictures of the outside? It's a really upscale place and I've heard it's like no other and the food is great, but it's VERY different from the LI catering halls. There are no grounds, and there are only windows on side of the building, so keep that in mind. It's on the water, but all you'll see are the people's houses across the water. Just FYI.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by marymoon

Russo's is actually in queens, close to brooklyn, though. Russos is very different form fox hollow and JT. It's basically a big cinderblock and it's next toa gasstation. They're re-doing it, but it's a very different look from the outside. It's very different from the other places. You don't get to pull up on a long driveway, etc, you're basically on the street on a main drag, etc. Have you see pictures of the outside? It's a really upscale place and I've heard it's like no other and the food is great, but it's VERY different from the LI catering halls. There are no grounds, and there are only windows on side of the building, so keep that in mind. It's on the water, but all you'll see are the people's houses across the water. Just FYI.

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Ugh! No I did not know that. I checked the website but that was it. I love the idea of pulling up to a pretty place - hence JT & FH. FI wanted to take a look so it they are open we will swing by today.

Thanks for the info. We are probably down to JT & FX but if he wants to look I'm happy to tag along. We were going to lLeonard's but up to 4 weddings at once freaked FI out. LOL

He wanted 1 wedding at a time but did not like North Ritz Club (found it by accident after getting lost leaving Fox Hollow) and he thought that Milleridge Cottage needed lots of renovation. I liked Milleridge and thought it was quaint....but I really want him to like the place we pick too.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

It IS pretty, it's just ..different. the only way to know is to look. It's so easy to get to, right off the parkway.

What did you think of sand castle? it's right near FH's new apartment, so we were thinking of checking it out. Russo's is kind of like that, pretty, but right on the main drag. you don't get that spaciaous country club feel like at the LI halls.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

I have never been to Russos, but have been to both Fox Hollow and Jericho Terrace... I would definetly chose Fox Hollow over Jericho-- it is more elegant, the food is more elaborate and the service is much better. That's just the experiences that I had while I was there!

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by marymoon

It IS pretty, it's just ..different. the only way to know is to look. It's so easy to get to, right off the parkway.

What did you think of sand castle? it's right near FH's new apartment, so we were thinking of checking it out. Russo's is kind of like that, pretty, but right on the main drag. you don't get that spaciaous country club feel like at the LI halls.

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hi!

I thought Sand Castle was okay but on a main road. There was a wedding in progress so we got to see it being set up. FI did not like the knights armor - said it was corny. The price for 2/19/06 in the afternoon - $80PP++ and they do not have tastings. I think the guarantee was 150. Plus, the BM said we HAD to use their florist. FI was not cool with that at all since he has a friend who owns a flower shop. Not that he is insistent on using her but being told he could not was a strike against Sand Castle.

We saw the ballroom they use in pics but there was a wall up. They are only using half of the room since it was a smaller party of about 120 people. The problem for me is that the BM told me the reasoning for such a small amount of people in that room which is typically for only larger parties. The bride was relocated for her job and Sand Castle could not reach her? They CANCELLED her wedding and when she called (I guess to make payment or check on details) they scrambled to give her a space. There is also a 75% cancellation fee - 75% of the contracted price.

Had we seen the entire ballroom, I think it would have been a different feel. FI loved the big king/queen chairs.

Sand Castle wanted $500 deposit, $1500, $1500, $2500, $3500 in lump sums.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by GoingNutty

I have never been to Russos, but have been to both Fox Hollow and Jericho Terrace... I would definetly chose Fox Hollow over Jericho-- it is more elegant, the food is more elaborate and the service is much better. That's just the experiences that I had while I was there!

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We went to Fox Hollow and there were weddings so we saw the video presentation. We both liked the valet parking and tipped the guys. They had on cute blue vests.

FI liked Fox Hollow much better than me. I liked Milleridge Cottage. We were pushed toward the Garden Terrace for a 160 minimum. We looked around a little and I was turned off since we were shown a wedding in progress. Neither of us was dressed properly so I would not go in and FI had on sweats so he stayed away too. Also, the BM was pushy - FI thought cocky since he knows the room is really nice for the price. He also turned me off by showing us a contract for 10/05 at $120 pp to prove that Feb was half price I guess - as if I thought he was lying? I would be pissed if he showed a stranger my contract!

The place does not have the same appeal for February as summer though and the price we can work with it for Jan - Feb 2006.

BM was very pushy and tried to get us to book that second. One date open is my dad's birthday which I happened to say out loud to FI and the BM tried to make us book it. He then stepped out to let us talk and tried to get us to book again, which was part of the reason I guess he showed me some other bride's contract for $120 pp for 10/05. He kept saying I am giving you $51 pp and you don't want to book. That cocky attitude annoyed me. FI thought it was okay since the BM was offering a nice 'product' and could afford to be a little cocky. But still, trying to rush us into a date in January as if it could be booked at any second was just irritating.

We got a price of $51 pp. FI really liked the video and said he wanted Fox Hollow over Milleridge Cottage. His family business is property management so he thought that Milleridge was not modern enough. I loved Milleridge so I hated Fox Hollow. I kept telling FI that he could not like the place since he only saw it in a video. He had not even seen it and it could be just good editing. LOL Plus, I had attended a ceremony/reception there and did not care for the Briar Fox room which would be used for our cocktail hour.

We next went to Swan Club and neither of us liked it. We ended up calling Fox Hollow to ask to see the Garden Terrace room the next morning before any wedding. We were invited back that night instead and ended up waiting (and drinking) in the restaurant until they were set up for the next wedding. About 6:45 or so we were taken to the Garden Terrace while the party that was being set up was ?. I have no idea where they were but they were not in the room. The prior bride was leaving the bridal suite (beautiful purple callas I might add) and I was allowed to check out the Garden Terrace bridal suite. It is really nice. The room was beautiful too. I had to admit that it was much nicer than Milleridge Cottage. There is even a fire place in the Garden Terrace bridal suite. It can fit maybe 15 people? I hope the bride from the day wedding was not upset that we peeked in. If so, sorry about that. I was told it was empty.

We then went down to Briar Fox (where I had been for a prior wedding in 2002). I like the way Fox Hollow is set up so the brides do not ever see each other. I had not even realized until that day that there was another part of Fox Hollow. I never bothered to check it out when I was at the last wedding. That is important to FI. I thought he would like Milleridge for that reason but he was put off by the decor. During the Milleridge tour Debra said something about it being 16th century and he said but it's the 21st century. LOL

Fox Hollow is in the top 2 but I am concerned about the centerpieces. I saw some beautiful high ones for the party we viewed but they only offer $10 credit per table if the house florist is used. What am I supposed to do with $160 for flowers for 160 guests?

We visited Floral Terrace. They have a nice ceremony room and a fabulous ballroom!!! It is very different and the dance floor is elevated. And FI's big issue was solved - Floral Terrace is a one wedding at a time place. I was concerned that it's on a main road and right at the highway. There was no wedding today so no valets were outside. However, they have valet parking (underground) and the price was $60pp ++ on 2/19/2006 in the afternoon with a 125 guarantee. Marilyn was really nice. They also do not have tastings - owned by same people as Sandcastle. The bridal suite is HUGE and very nice. There is even a groom's suite which FI liked. They too have a 75% cancellation fee.

We next went to Jericho Terrace at 249 Jericho Turnpike since I thought it was down the block from Floral Terrace - 250 Jericho Turnpike. It is actually a few miles away.

We pulled up and both loved it immediatley. It is 'gated' by some stone work. Once we went inside we were more impressed. The place is gorgeous. The service was excellent too. We met with Mike and he gave us a tour and we had lunch in his office. John, the waiter for lunch, was also very nice. FI took note that John waited until I finished talking about whatever it was to FI and then John asked if I needed anything before he walked away. FI said most waiters drop the food and run off. LOL (I never did that when I was a waitress but it was not at a catering hall).

We thought the service was really great. We were in Mike's office viewing photo albums and eating and people knocked (and waited for an answer) before coming in. Even the waiter who was serving us in the office did that. Not that we were doing anything all that private but I liked that little touch.

For the smaller room we would need to guarantee 125 but once I saw the larger ballroom in pictures -- I wanted it. That will be a guarantee of 150. There are 4 fireplaces, an indoor fish pond, nice gardens and plenty of places for pictures. Plus, if it is not too cold or raining, we would take pics outside.

The price we got is $55 pp ++ including a grilled shrimp station at the cocktail hour and whatever else we can create. We get to totally create the entire menu or pick items from the menu that Mike showed us. We also get 2 bridal attendants, valet parking, a 4 tier cake, cocktail centerpieces and some other things I can't recall right now.

Jericho Terrace has a showcase on Wednesday and we plan to go. I want to see the ballroom and bridal suite that we want in person since Mike could not show it to us today - there was a wedding going on.

We even toured the kitchen and met the staff at Jericho. It was very clean. I saw the tomato sauce being made for that night's party as well as filet mignon uncut and some of the fruit carvings. I also went into one of the refrigerator's and saw fresh mozzarella - made on site. It was really good too. I had the pasta, creme brulee, super fresh raspberries and some other cocktail items for lunch. I took photos too. Although it's 2 weddings at once, it was so separated and the timing is staggered so we would not run into the other bride. We would pick 11:30 - 5 or 12:30 - 6.

There is also a waiting are for guests who arrive early which I liked. The guests at Fox Hollow (still a contender) waited upstairs in the restaurant - same place we waited to take the tour.

Mike Closs is great. FI really liked him alot. The funny thing is when we did not find Jericho Terrace a few blocks from Floral Terrace, we started to just skip it. I'm so glad we didn't. I really disliked the BM at Fox Hollow. He was pushy and borderline rude.

We then went off to Chateau Briand. We liked it but Jericho Terrace won us over with the windows and skylights. Chateau Briand also had a lot of parties going on at once. There were two weddings across the hall from each other and we were able to peek into BOTH of them. That is the second time I was allowed to go into someone else's wedding and I would be pissed if a stranger was allowed to peek into my wedding. We were also given a video to take home. Oh yeah, we saw the kitchen through the windowed area by all of the plaques/awards.

It's cool that the bride and groom enter the ballroom through the floor. I thought that was at Floral Terrace or Russo's.

I was being a bit finicky after Jericho Terrace and got annoyed that I was not offered a drink for nearly 20 minutes while we waited for the BM to finish with a prior tour at Chateau Briand. I was offered a drink seconds after I complained to FI about the service not being as good as Jericho. We took the tour and thought it was a little too dark. They are renovating (carpets and bathrooms) and will be done of 9/15/04. But the renovations will not brighten up the place. Windows are important to me since I want an afternoon wedding.

I think we are picking Jericho Terrace but that decision will made later this week. FI liked the Garden Terrace at Fox Hollow and today he said he really like Jericho Terrace. More than one wedding was his BIG issue but he said he did not care that Jericho had 2 weddings at a time since it was such an elegant place. Oh yeah, for Jericho Terrace brides, Mike said he is putting in a gazebo where the valet booth currently stands. It will be done after high season ends and will take up about 4 parking spaces that are now beside the valet booth. FI also liked the payment schedule at Jericho - $500 deposit and then a minimum of $500 a month (if we have that many months to go) until 50% is paid with the balance due 10 days before the wedding date. Floral Terrace payment plans is $500 deposit, $1500, $1500, $2500, $2500 in lump sums.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

i live right by russo's and i am actaully having my e-party there. what they said about russo's is correct. it is right on a blvd and there is no long driveway to pull up to in front. BUT the place is beautiful if you like chandeliers and granite and marble. it is very fancy and they treat you like a princess. you can't go wrong with the food and the service is outstanding!! it all depends on your taste. i am not having my wedding there b/c i really loved the atmosphere at glen island harbor club. it was different. but russo's is still a great choice

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

I just wanted to say hi....I'm Toni, the bride you met yesterday at Jericho Terrace (I recognized you from your picture). Keep in touch!

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

this is a hard question to answer because its such a personal opinion.... i will TRY not to be biased

I have heard amazing things about russo's, but mainly for the food, i havent heard much about the decor. I did go there for a police function 2 years ago, and the food was very good, but definitely talked up a lot. maybe it wasnt as amazing because it wasnt a wedding, but it was a fairly fancy affair. It was a very pretty place, but was very trafficy and loud around it.

as far as pricing goes, we were looking for a friday or saturday night in november only, we were quoted 75 for fri and 95 for saturday, at both JT and FH.

we did go to visit fox hollow, my neighbor got married there, and all we ever heard were really good reviews. this is where the personal opinion comes in.... it just was NOT our style at all! as soon as we walked in, we wanted to walk out but didnt want to be rude. we were w/ 3 friends and we all just looked at each other like this is not the place for us. it has its certain charm to it, but it reminded us of an upstate cabin, it was dark and the hallways were sooo narrow! we too didnt like the bm, he was a kind of rude, and real snotty!!! we were sooo disappointed because of the great things that we did hear about the hall.

we also visited woodbury CC and crest hollow CC, and really liked both of those halls. I have been to weddings at westbury manor, chateau briand (OK), east wind (very pretty)and the watermill(we really liked this place, its kind of weird that you are upstairs for the cocktail hr and then kind of go into the basement for the reception, but its a very pretty place, too far out for us though).... so i had a good idea of places i wanted to look at for my wedding.

When we walked into JT we were blown away, it was just US, and i think that is the most important thing. It was our style, we have the garden room (I think lol, its the biggest one)for our CH hour, and i think that was the real reason we booked hahaha. its sooo pretty and huge!! We also booked the dome room, that was FH's decision, because I actually liked both rooms upstairs. I am slightly jealous of all the attention that you got at JT lol, we didnt tour the kitchen of have lunch w/ our BM, but they were very attentive, and very friendly. we have a similar pmt schedule, but its slightly higher due to our 200 minimum, and fewer months than you have. so far i have had nothing but great things to say, their food is amazing, and I have heard great things about the hall. ofcourse i have heard little things here and there that could be changed, but i plan on addressing them when the time comes and hoping for the best!!!

basically, which hall fits u guys better, the menu is similar, as are the prices (for JT and FH, not russo's). Good luck!!
p.s. if you book jt, come join our thread!!! we will bump it for you!!

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

Hi Katrina,

I am a Russo bride! I am having a Saturday afternoon wedding in June. Russo's was my first choice but I could not afford the per person rate at night (Saturday)So I opted for a afternoon wedding. I was quoted $75pp person. I booked the Renassiance room - you don't come out from the floor but from a stage where the doors seperate and go down a lighted stairs. I have never been to a wedding there but I based my decision there because of the outstanding service and delicious food. IF you have any questions, please FM me. You should drag FI there, it would be a good experience!

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by wintergirl06

I just wanted to say hi....I'm Toni, the bride you met yesterday at Jericho Terrace (I recognized you from your picture). Keep in touch!

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HI!!!!

We just loved Jericho Terrace!!! We are planning to go to the showcase on Wednesday.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

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Posted by champagnebride

Hi Katrina,

I am a Russo bride! I am having a Saturday afternoon wedding in June. Russo's was my first choice but I could not afford the per person rate at night (Saturday)So I opted for a afternoon wedding. I was quoted $75pp person. I booked the Renassiance room - you don't come out from the floor but from a stage where the doors seperate and go down a lighted stairs. I have never been to a wedding there but I based my decision there because of the outstanding service and delicious food. IF you have any questions, please FM me. You should drag FI there, it would be a good experience!

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That's a great price fo an afternoon wedding in the summer!!! We are going to Russos today. The whole appeal is entering through the floor so we will see what they tell us for Feb 06.

Re: Russos on the Bay, Fox Hollow & Jericho Terrace - honest opinions

I am a Russo's bride. I definitely recommend it. The food and service is excellent.