| A popular item to sell at benefit auctions is the | | | | Sometimes a restaurant will book the Chef's Table |
| opportunity to dine at the Chef's Table in a restaurant. | | | | when the restaurant is at capacity. Other times the |
| What is the Chef's Table? | | | | table might be left vacant unless a special customer |
| Perhaps not every restaurant has one, but a Chef's | | | | arrives. |
| Table is a table situated within the kitchen of the | | | | A few years ago while attending a conference in |
| restaurant. And as with real estate, what makes this | | | | Pittsburgh, PA, my colleagues and I headed down to |
| table unique is the location, location, location. | | | | an Italian restaurant on the South Side. I have since |
| By virtue of where it sits (in the kitchen), the table | | | | forgotten the name of the restaurant, but I haven't |
| allows the guests to see how their food is being | | | | forgotten the experience. The restaurant was packed, |
| prepared, observe communication among the kitchen | | | | and the only table large enough to accommodate our |
| staff, and generally experience the inner workings of a | | | | entire group was the Chef's Table in the kitchen. |
| busy restaurant kitchen. The uniqueness of the | | | | "Would you mind eating there," the hostess inquired. |
| experience is what makes this auction item popular at | | | | We were ecstatic! We got to enjoy a fabulous meal |
| fundraisers. | | | | and have a unique view of the restaurant which no |
| It is always nice to go out for a good meal. But it's | | | | one else did. |
| even a more fascinating experience to eat out when | | | | When soliciting for donations from restaurants, ask if |
| you are literally in the middle of the hustle and bustle of | | | | they would mind donating a dinner at the Chef's Table. |
| a busy kitchen. It puts a new dimension on the | | | | This is a better donation for you, and doesn't "cost" the |
| experience. You are dining in the kitchen, while dining | | | | restaurant any additional money. |
| out of your home. | | | | |