re: Sit down dinner for about 175 people in the French Quarter....

is it convention related?

if not thats pretty far in advance to book a hotel banquet room for a "local social" event (as its called in the hotel biz); they'll move you ten times before the event as they book the rest of the banquet space. You can book it but they won't be able to guarantee a specific room that far out.

175 ppl is a large group for a restaurant but a small group for a hotel. If the event is convention related you are less likely to be moved around especially if the space is ICW (in conjunction with) a large convention group. Also, what is your budget? If this is a relatively high dollar event you'll have more leverage

just trying to share knowledge on how the booking process works; every hotel is different. If you do book this thing this far out, at either a hotel or restaurant, they will also be wary of committing to a menu price as food costs will be variable that far in the future

so my suggestion is to do your research, meet with the banquet sales people at the venues you like, and make sure they know what's important to you about the event. Know your budget first and foremost