Guests entering the spacious, carpeted second-story room, which accomodates 75, will find the black, white and lavender color theme of the cafe carried into a room that bespeaks calm elegance. Large prismed mirrors and striking but subtle photographs on the off-white walls, silk, dried and seasonal arrangements, and black lacquered tables and chairs bespeak Cynthia's belief that if a room is lovely to begin with, there is no need for detail decorating. She points out, as did most of the caterers interviewed for this article, careful thought goes into the menu for the rehearsal dinner so that guests do not encounter the same selection the following day at the wedding reception. Hors d'oeuvres range from caponata with bread crisp, to fruit and cheese, to salmon mousse, or anything in between. Seafood bisque and harvest blend are among a variety of soup choices, and entrees can be selected from roasted loin of pork to a carving station with London Broil.
Desserts range from baked fruit tart to Baked Alaska.
For those who find stairs a handicap, Cynfre's can accomodate private parties in the cafe on the ground floor, which also has spacious, handicapped-accessible restrooms. Only a few miles from Cynfre's is Guido's , owned by Liz and Pete Kyriacou. Here the bride and groom looking for a restaurant to hold their rehearsal dinner will find a newly renovated beige stucco building that is both inviting and uplifting. Carpeting, polished pine, brass railings, glass, flowers, a working stone fireplace and a greenhouse lavish with greenery and light welcome diners. Wide window ledges decorated with seasonal arrangements and colorful blossoms accent pale violet walls and purple striped upholstery.