Special events are planned at Palacio Catering

GOSHEN — Planning an event in Orange County just got a lot easier as Palacio Banquet and Catering recently opened its doors as the region’s premier event facility.

With a prime location on Route 17M in Goshen, Palacio can accommodate all occasions, from large weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthdays, family reunions, as well as more intimate gatherings and corporate functions. The facility is completely remodeled and expanded from its former days as the Owen Murphy Inn. The décor is elegant and sophisticated, with crystal chandeliers, decorative wrought iron, carved mahogany staircases, polished wood floors and plush furnishings.

“Our goal was to create a space that was tasteful and with a European flair,” said owner Fidencio Barajas, who also owns the nearby popular Mexican restaurant, Hacienda. “It took a number of years for the renovation to be complete, but we are incredibly proud of the results. We’re open for business and are extremely pleased with the reception we’ve received thus far.”

The rooms are spacious and well appointed. The Grand Ballroom, which features a spacious lounge and cocktail area, can accommodate 350 for banquet seating and up to 900 for theatre-style events. The upstairs meeting rooms are ideal for business meetings of up to 40 guests.

The venue is also home to Valeria’s restaurant, a continental eatery with a contemporary steakhouse menu. The menu features an array of appetizers ranging from oysters and clams on the half shell to stuffed baby Portobello mushrooms and Maryland crab cakes. Dinner entrees include spicy garlic cedar plank salmon, double cut lamb chops and porterhouse, ribeye and filet mignon steaks all cooked to perfection. Valeria’s is now offering Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a special brunch menu for Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day by reservation only for $25 per person.

The facility will be conducting a variety of special events, beginning with a Polka de Mayo celebration on the traditional Cinco de Mayo day, May 5. Polka impresario and Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr will be on hand for entertainment.

Palacio will also host a very special wine tasting on Thursday, May 16, featuring a selection of wines from Spain and Chile. Vineyard owner and wine master, Caesar Baez, will be on hand to introduce his wines and discuss the food pairings. The event price is $59 per person for the tasting and dinner.

For more information about Palacio Banquet and Catering, visit the Web site at www.palaciocatering.com or call 845-294-8474.