Table for 20
Editorial
Welcome to the hood. Why don't you come around for a feed and meet some of the locals? There's a dinner party my place tonight - I'll do the cooking, just bring a bottle of wine. And that, pretty much, is Table for 20. Michael Fantuz' “hood dinners” started off as a gathering of mates at his home, and grew organically into the dining movement they are today. Let's be absolutely clear on one thing: this not a restaurant. It's more like a larger-than-normal dinner party where you sit with friends and strangers, share platters of food and have a sociable evening.
You can BYO or drink Fantuz' wine, but naturally the meal incurs a cost. A three-course set menu costs $40 on a Wednesday or $50 Thursday to Saturday; however ten percent of the takings go to Hope St Mission, who own the building and do a lot of outreach work in the local area. That community ethic is a strong part of these gatherings. Table for 20 is a small antidote to the antisocial working, dining and living that is entrenched in our day-to-day existence. It's friendly and informal - if you want to come you just text or call Fantuz by 5pm that day (although he might need more notice if you have dietary requirements). Bums need to be on seats by 8pm, and then you can look forward to a laid-back evening of home-cooked food, wine and conversation.
Sarah Theeboom, January 2008
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