Boston
MIDDLESEX LOUNGE
Located in Cambridge’s trendy Central Square neighborhood, Middlesex Lounge has earned a faithful following as a nightlife destination since opening its doors in 2004. This cool, minimalist space encompasses one large, open room overflowing with low, moveable furniture. Though sleek and stylish with ample mood lighting, the décor is sparse and unobtrusive enough to allow organizers to add their own creative flourish. During the week, guest DJs spin electronic dance and underground soul, complementing the visual vibe. The lounge has a capacity of 120 people for private events, and offers full AV capabilities, including DVD and audio equipment, plus a projector screen behind the DJ booth. The moveable furniture means that the traffic flow can be easily directed to match the needs of any event. The kitchen provides catering menus starting at $10/person, and the bar has a full liquor license for beverage needs (www.middlesexlounge.us).

New York
NAYA MEZZE & GRILL
Nestled in New York’s Midtown East, Naya Mezze & Grill pairs traditional Lebanese- Mediterranean fare with a sleek, contemporary design. Serving as a chic setting for small corporate meetings and special events, the space’s long, narrow footprint features perforated backlit walls, bright white booths, walnut
tables, an illuminated wine wall, glass skylight and dark wood flooring. Menu offerings include fine mezze-style meals (appetizers) as well as fish, lamb, poultry, beef and other Lebanese-Mediterranean specialties. The entire restaurant can be rented out to seat up to 54 guests. Naya also has a private chef’s table, which seats up to 15, near the semi-open kitchen. To accompany the menu, choose from selections including a solid list of Lebanese beer and wines, exotic, nonalcoholic specialty drinks and unique desserts (www.nayarestaurants.com).

Richmond, VA
LEMAIRE
Named in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s White House maitre d’hôtel, which introduced Americans to the art of cooking with wine, the Lemaire restaurant at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA, reopened this summer after undergoing a complete renovation. The venue’s décor features beautifully restored historical architecture, hand-painted faux finishes, bare wood tabletops, a new mahogany and granite bar and a spacious lounge. As a Virginia Green-certified restaurant, the classic American menu reflects a farm-to-table philosophy with locally grown ingredients and Southern influences, in addition to a creative cocktail list and more than 150 wine offerings. The restaurant can seat up to 130 guests with an additional 22 seats at the bar. A private dining room can accommodate groups of up to 60 guests. Audio visual and floral services are also available (www.lemairerestaurant.com).