A Table in the Kitchen
If you're fascinated by the workings of busy restaurant kitchens, don't make do with fly-on-the-wall TV programmes about temperamental chefs: get right in amid the action. The latest trend in five-star dining is to eschew a fancy table on the restaurant floor in favour of a behind-the-scenes seat. Kitchen-dining tables are the new place to be, and smart chefs know it's prime real estate going begging. Chef's tables are big in the US and starting to pop up in Europe. British chef Gordon Ramsay builds chef's tables in his restaurants, as do top London nosheries such as Claridge's and Zuma. At the Aria restaurant at Sydney's Circular Quay, chef and owner Matt Moran (above) has installed an eight-seater table next to his ovens, fridges and chefs. "Chef's tables offer a fantastic insight into kitchen operations," he says. "Guests are able to enjoy the theatrical elements." All will be revealed!
