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For the Start-Up:
Grand Prix New York
Why It Works: It’s unexpected, different, and fun, just like the entrepreneurial team you work with. Show off your competitive spirit with a few races around the track (there’s also bowling), then head to the private dining room to fuel up on FUEL’s delicious special- ties—items like handmade gnocchi, giant salads, and the pièce de résistance, mouthwatering smoked barbecue. This is a big place with a game room, two bowling alleys (one 12-lane, one 7-lane alley), three racetracks—and a Good Humor ice-cream truck parked inside year- round. The private dining room, with a glass-wall view of the bowling alley, holds 20, while the hair-pin concourse holds 130. You can also opt for the VIP Bowling Center with its cushiony settees ideal for kick- ing back with a cold one while you watch colleagues hit the pins; this room holds 80 for dinner (plated or buffet). This space, like the others, features built-in audio-visual stimulation and a light show.
Fine Print: Got a really large group? The main concourse can seat 400; the entire space works for 800. Pricing starts at $60 per person, including activities.
Reserve: 333 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco (914) 358-3624; gpny.com For the White-Shoe Firm:
Blackstones Steakhouse
Why It Works: It’s got the rich, quiet ambience of a classic steak- house with starched white tablecloths set with gorgeous wine glasses; perfectly prepared cuts of massive steaks plus sides that can easily be
Blackstones Steakhouse
Don Coqui
shared; knowledgeable, experienced servers; and the kind of classic cocktails (and fine wines) that put everyone in a merry mood. Service is always plated; this is an Old World kind of place where entrées are carted out onto tables and waiters don’t clank your silverware when picking up a plate. Come December, the five Hima brothers who own this restaurant (as well as places in Norwalk and Greenwich, Connecticut) will decorate the cozy space with twinkling lights and tasteful, artfully displayed holiday decor. There are two rooms to choose from for private parties, each of which can be closed off with French doors and red velvet curtains. The back room accommodates up to 30; the larger (main) dining room holds up to 40, or book both rooms for a total of 70.
Fine Print: Prices range from $35 to $100 per person, depending on the menu. Personalization and customization are easy.
Reserve: 213 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 218-3880; black stoneswestchester.com
For the Foodie Crowd: Don Coqui
Why It Works: There’s a festive spirit at this Puerto Rican hotspot where sangria flows and portions are huge. For those interested in what goes on behind the scenes—or those who want to know how to make the restaurant’s famous tapas—you can actually step into the kitchen and cook yourselves, then eat what you’ve prepared. Along with a sit- down space for dining, the restaurant has a big kitchen on its first level and uses it to set up prep tables. A separate prep area also can be used depending on the size of your group. The food-centric among you can try your hand at making chicken satay, roasted eggplant bruschetta,