Imagine walking into a historic dining room, the kind you see in old photos that make you long for cozy dinners with family and friends where food and wine are both delicious and plentiful.

That snapshot is what customers get when they dine at Harrison Graham's Gourmet Grille and Wine Cellar, a sophisticated eating establishment designed for small gatherings such as rehearsal dinners, executive board meetings and other special but exclusive — and private — occasions.

The handcrafted stained glass that hangs above the antique tables and chairs artfully accentuates the softly aged, art-filled walls. Silver candelabras, with white, dried wax dripping down the sides, adorn the aged wood furniture placed throughout the comfortable dining room.

And if the atmosphere isn't enough to book a dinner party, then perhaps the menu by Executive Chef Jason Van Beukering might be what is in order.

Diners can choose from any of Jason's creations, though they must stick within a tiered pricing structure. One menu gives a choice of bow-tie pasta with basil, garlic, tomato, grilled vegetables and Parmesan herb olive oil, or Loire Valley chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, red pepper and herbed goat cheese sauce. Another menu offers the option of filet mignon with bordelaise and bleu cheese sauce served with mushroom risotto, fresh asparagus and baby carrots, or Chilean sea bass with tomato oreganata sauce served with balsamic-glazed snow peas, baby carrots and wild rice.

From Riesling to Merlot, patrons can choose from a selection of 2,000 bottles of wine to accompany their meal. Jason, however, is glad to offer guidance in this area. Also available is a full bar should the party host decide to offer it to guests.

Harrison Graham's owner, Michael Hennessey, is a familiar face around Orlando. He owns the local-favorite White Wolf Café, located on the same block, just a few doors down on Orange Avenue. After making his name by serving up consistently fine fare at the café, Michael saw a need to open another venue that could host larger events. Harrison Graham's debuted soon after. Michael's son, the namesake Harrison Graham, now 3 years old, was born a year before its grand opening.

Orlando Leisure hosted a private dinner in honor of cover subject Karen Dyer after the debut of the April issue, and it was the perfect place for a warm gathering of friends and family filled with lively conversation. For special occasions, it's a suitable choice as it has all the convenience and service of a fine restaurant with the attentiveness and intimacy of your own dining room.

Harrison Graham's Gourmet Grille and Wine Cellar
1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 321-439-8422 | harrisongraham.com

-- Michelle Yoffee-Beard