Touring the kitchen?
Feb 9, 2012 | 4:33 am
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2005
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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?
Is it really that big a deal to tour the kitchen?
Feb 10, 2012 | 3:50 pm
#3
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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 
Feb 11, 2012 | 10:41 am
#4
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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.
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.
Feb 11, 2012 | 11:28 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2012
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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)
Last edited by cblaisd; Feb 11, 2012 at 12:39 pm Reason: Removed commercial solicitation link
Feb 11, 2012 | 11:38 am
#6
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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.
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.
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.
Feb 11, 2012 | 5:38 pm
#7
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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.
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.
But just in general to go to a chefs restaurant and actually have them cook, would be a real treat.
Feb 12, 2012 | 2:46 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
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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.
Feb 12, 2012 | 6:51 pm
#9
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Feb 14, 2012 | 1:28 pm
#10
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Anyone know of any ways to find out when famous chefs are actually cooking?
Feb 14, 2012 | 2:23 pm
#11
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It wasn't particuarly exciting....
Feb 14, 2012 | 3:09 pm
#12
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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.
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.
Feb 14, 2012 | 3:19 pm
#13
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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.
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.
Feb 14, 2012 | 3:26 pm
#14
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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..
Like said above, usually a Michelin star dining kinda place.. I don't think I would care to visit a Pho kitchen..
Feb 14, 2012 | 11:45 pm
#15
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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.