Touring the kitchen?
 

The other night I dined at Maze and was invited to tour the kitchen afterwards, which I politely declined. I didn't really think anything of it as I used to work in a restaurant a long time ago, but I've had any number of people tell me I'm crazy, especially in hindsight as apparently Gordon Ramsay was there (didn't know that at the time).

Is it really that big a deal to tour the kitchen?

I've only done it once, at the London West Hollywood (while owned by Gordon Ramsey). It was a great experience and would do it again if offered the opportunity.

I was offered it a couple of times at the now closed restaurant March in New York and I sorely regret not taking them up on it :(

How does one become invited to tour the kitchen? Become a regular?

Also, is there any way to find out when say Gordon Ramsey is at one of his specific restaurants or other top chefs? That would be great to eat at very well known chefs restaurant when they are actually in the back cooking your food.

In general, it's most likely to happen later in the evening, or on slower days (so if you come in somewhere on Friday from 6 to 9 or so, don't count on it because they'll be slammed)

Well, a couple of things. I'm not sure if the Ramsay empire shares notes on customers who frequent more than one of their restaurants, but I have spent quite a bit of money in them recently. Last time I wrote a note of appreciation back to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and they sent me a really nice reply saying to give them a call for a reservation next time I was in town, etc.

As far as Mr. Ramsay actually cooking, I'm not sure if that actually happens anymore. The night I was at Maze I'm pretty sure he wasn't there to cook.

Well maybe not specifically Gordon. I'm sure he still cooks here and there at some of his places.

But just in general to go to a chefs restaurant and actually have them cook, would be a real treat.

In my case...when I made the reservation they asked if it was a special occasion and I said no, I was just a fan of Hell's Kitchen. This was right after the season where the winner went to work at the London West Hollywood. At the end of the meal they simply came over and asked if we wanted a tour. The winning chef was working in the kitchen and came over and said hello. Ramsey was not there.

ask, you'd be surprised.

Perhaps you won't get into a Ramsay kitchen but many restaurants I've asked for a tour and they were happy to take me on a brief tour.

Awesome I'll have to try some time.



Anyone know of any ways to find out when famous chefs are actually cooking?

We did a tour of Pierre Koffmann's when we were there last month. At least half of the tables seemed to be doing the kitchen tour, and we did the same.

It wasn't particuarly exciting....

In Michelin dining circles, it is considered a great a compliment to be invited to visit the kitchen in any good restaurant. It is an expression of pride by the owner or manager to observe how the culinary skills and standards are maintained by that restaurant.

One should do this if invited: Refusal is usually interpreted as an expression of something wrong, suspect, or amiss by the patron.

If there is a celebrity chef attending the kitchen, refusing to view the kitchen might then be grounds for future "errors" in finding your reservation for the next evening, or discovering other subtle hints of displeasure like as a golf ball in your Foie Gras.

Oddly when we were in maze in December they were approaching some1st sitting tables and offering kitchen tours. Couldn't think of anything more boring and so was dreading the offer as it was being whispered as if it was great offer.

However the tours were not offered after a certain time. My guess is that it is a way to clear the tables without upsetting the clients as every table that was offered a tour was filled up quickly whereas those who didn't get a tour and so lingered their tables remained empty after they left.

Visited the kitchen at Bern's steak house and the cellar.. awesome experience.

Like said above, usually a Michelin star dining kinda place.. I don't think I would care to visit a Pho kitchen.. :)

That was my first response also. After the full chef's menu and almost six smaller glasses of wine, plus quite a bit of time, I only wanted to waddle out.

I had already paid the check and was ready to leave. Given Swissaire's comments, I'll take them up on the offer next time around.