Restaurants With A Chef's Table

Australia loves its foody scene, and many of the tourists that flock here every year do so largely due to the nation's fabled epicurean prowess. Part of the challenge of living up to its own lauded reputation relies on not resting upon its laurels. As a result, new restaurants open all the time offering fresh concepts, and the stalwarts that last the test of time either do so sticking to their guns ferociously, or by adapting to accommodate the latest whim. 

One of the latest fads on the wining and dining scene is the inexorable rise of the chef's table. A private space usually situated slap bang next to the kitchen, this flourish of the foody scene involves the head chef holding court, entertaining his diners on a personal level and talking them through the gastronomic delights as he creates them. Sort of like a multicultural version of Teppanyaki, except a little less tacky.  

This type of eating also requires you eat whatever the chef chooses. You wont be eating off the menu per se, rather eating a special menu or something the chef is honing.

It can be an outstanding way to expand your taste buds and explore new food frontiers, guided by an expert hand who knows exactly what they're talking about. You can then pretend you know what you're talking about to all your mates. It's also a great way to get a first hand view behind the kitchen door, something all us food porn voyeurs can't get enough of, what with the plethora of celebrity chef TV programs.  

The down side is you may find you don't really want to be that close and personal with an egotistical head chef, or even know what really goes on to get your food to your plate. Like other vaguely indulgent pursuits, you can also expect to pay a hefty price in order to get a front row seat. It all depends how much you are willing to pay and how much you want to learn. Or maybe you just want to get up close and personal with the latest celebrity chef? 

Stephen Russell, Citysearch

Find more restaurants reviews on Citysearch