Private Events @ forsythia
Forsythia can accommodate groups of up to 45 guests for a full seated buyout of the restaurant. Most events include a cocktail hour. Typically canapes are passed as guests enjoy their first cocktails before being seated for dinner. Guests are usually seated directly after the cocktail hour as they transition into a seated dinner.
Length of events
Events are based on 3 hours of continued service. If you would like to adjust the schedule we may or may not be able to do so. It is important for us to wrap all brunch buyouts up by 2:30pm so that the space is completely clear by the time our dinner service team arrives at 3pm. All dinner events should be wrapped up by 11pm.
Smaller group dinners
If you do not require use of the full space, we are open to booking groups up to a maximum of 18 guests while conducting a regular service open to the public. In this case we would follow a similar menu format as the sample menus provided below for private events. Please contact us for any specific questions you may have. Keep in mind any group over 6 guests in required to participate in our chef’s tasting menu. $85 per person.
Restaurant Buyout Pricing
Our restaurant buyout pricing is based on our opportunity to earn. The buyout rate grants you access to the interior restaurant space from 10:30 am until 2:30pm during brunch hours or 5pm until 11:00pm for dinner. Typically we keep events to 3 hours or less during the day, 3.5 hours or less in the evening.
Evening Minimum Rates (available 4pm to 11pm but only for a max of 3.5 hours)
Monday- Thursday $4,500
Friday: $8,000
Saturday: $10,000
Sunday: $5,000
Lunch/Brunch minimum rates
Monday, through Friday: $2,500
Saturday: $3,000
Sunday: $3,500
Please note: We are typically closed Monday through Friday during the day. However, we are interested in hosting private events during those times.
All beverages are sold by consumption. Forsythia does not offer any beverage packages.
A limited beverage menu will be provided to all guests in order to streamline bar service so we can work fast and efficiently.
GRATUITY
A twenty percent [22%] gratuity charge will be added to the total amount upon the processing of payment. Gratuity can also be presented in cash which is much appreciated by members of our service team.
PA TAX
An eight percent [8%] sales tax and a ten percent [10%] liquor tax will be added to the total amount upon the processing of payment.
DEPOSIT/CANCELATION POLICY
Your event date and Forsythia space will be secured once initial deposit is made. Minimum Guest count will be required at this time. Security deposit is 50% of event minimum cost and is nonrefundable unless Forsythia is given 2 weeks notice. All cancelations must be made in writing via email and addressed to hello@forsythiaphilly.com.
Final Headcount
Head counts are due 2 weeks prior to an event. The final bill will reflect (1) the final headcount given two week before the event or (2) the actual headcount the day of the event, whichever is larger.
Sound and Space Restrictions
For full buyouts we will alter the lighting and sound levels to the host’s liking but only to a certain point. We are committed to providing a reasonable noise level to our neighbors upstairs. That being said a DJ for example is possible but not at the highest of decibel levels.
Tastings and Party Coordination
As we are a restaurant and not a catering venue we are happy to do tastings for future parties, but each tasting will be charged at regular price. We do not offer any help with wedding or party coordination but we will work with any coordinator or planner as per their schedule and vision.
Parking
There are several nearby parking garages in the area. Some suggestions:
-Autopark at Olde city located at 125 S 2nd Street
-Strawberry Parking located at 37 S 2nd Street
-Metered street parking is less abundant but available, payment through the MeteredUp app
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Confetti, confetti machines, streamers, sunflower seeds, fake flower petals, bird seed, or glitter. There will be a fee of $250 incurred if disregarded.
Sample Menu Formats
SEATED BRUNCH $45 or DINNER $85
Typically we serve 4 “tastings” of our appetizers for the table to share followed by a choice of individual entrees for each person in the group. A sample menu is below which would be adjusted appropriately for the meal period and season for which the event takes place. Menus will always end up differnt depending on the groups needs and current menu at the time of the event.
First Course Shared
Savory Crepe, Caramelized Onions, Delicata Squash, Fontina Cheese Fondue
Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup, Lobster Claw Salad, Pumpkin Seed Granola
Wagyu Beef Tartare, Black Truffle Marmalade with Onions, Sourdough
Escargots, Red Wine Sauce, Bacon Lardons, Cipollini Onions
Entree Course [3 options]
Arctic Char En Croute, Pumpkin Mousseline, Pappy Van Winkle Smoked Trout Roe, Buerre Blanc
Duo De Boeuf, Short Rib, Grilled Bavette Steak, Sake Glazed Salsify, Black Trumpet Puree, Sauce Au Poivre
Poulet Roti, Stuffed with Black Truffles, Smoked Cashew Butter, Broccolinit, Sauce Chasseur
Dessert Shared
Meyer Lemon Tart
Lemon Poppy Financier with Blueberries
Note: Upgrades to make your meal extra special can be arranged. For example, we can add seared foie gras, caviar, or truffles to dishes if arranged in advance.
FOR PRIVATE EVENTS QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE REACH OUT TO GENERAL MANAGER BRAD HISTAND AT bhistand@forsythiaphilly.com