Just wanted to check back in and thank all the posters. We are going with Aria, which is 2 blocks from the hotel. Looking forward to a great time!

Thanks for all the great ideas. "Casual" just means not dressy -- still looking for good food. Walking distance would be preferable, but for the right place we will put people in taxis, etc.

Thanks for the response. The wedding is at the Levine Museum and the block of rooms for guests is at the Marriott City Center.

I'm a DC hound and need help for a late june rehearsal dinner in downtown charlotte. We need seating for 50-60 people, a patio or terrace or rooftop if possible. Goal: casual dining where people could mingle and enjoy a dinner, maybe buffet style. thanks for any ideas!

i recently went to both for a birthday weekend. LB for dinner and EMP for lunch. i would also give EMP the edge. LB had great food, excellent wine program and service. however, EMP had just a little more inventiveness in the food, enthusiasm in the servers and the space is gorgeous -- the space at LB is above non-descript but doesn't compare to EMP.

saw a post today saying it is closed. not correct; i walked by it today and it is very much open with regular menu posted outside. i had read recently that gerard plans to downscale to a bistro type concept. less pricey, etc. anyone know if this is correct?

i've only eaten there at lunch where the prix fixe is a great deal.