in most of the european 2 and three star restaurants when we thought we had a spectacular meal, we have asked the chef for an autographed menu. we have never been refused.

we usually ask about 1/2-2/3 of the way through the meal. unless the chef is a shy chef, he will usually come out, stand by the table(never had one sit), and converse with us till the end of the meal. they will frequently ask if they can prepare something special for us. (we do not do desert, and do not ask, as there is usually a separate person doing deserts)