Dining at the chef's table, camera in hand

[Mousetoescamper]

I took a stroll around the neighborhood to shoot some holiday decorations tonight and stopped by a wood-burning (hearth and Neapolitan oven) Italian restaurant, just a few blocks from my home. When I got to the front counter the hostess said there was no table seating available, but I could sit at the bar or at the chef's table. I chose the chef's table, which I now consider the best seat in the house. I ordered the caraflex cabbage: wood-grilled heirloom cabbage, pickled asian pear, gorgonzola fonduta, and thyme. It was scrumptrulescent. While I was enjoying the cabbage, a waiter brought a plate with two items and said, "The chef sent this for you: tempura shiitake mushrooms drizzled with honey." They were divine.











The chef prepares my order of caraflex cabbage.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Wow! Now I get what you mean by the photos that make you hungry! These did that.

Superb shooting too, by the way. Everything looks wonderful.

Lucky, lucky you, my dear Mousetoescamper!

[Mousetoescamper]

3. Paybacks for all of those mouth-watering pastry photos you've posted.

Thanks and you're welcome!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. I am very happy to be the lucky recipient of such gorgeous payback, and . . .

I am also thrilled to see you eating so well too!

[sheshe2]

2. Thank you. Wonderful post,

Excellent photos and the food...looks divine. I agree, you got the best table in the house.

I love the picture of Anthony Bourdain over the stove.

[Mousetoescamper]

5. Thanks and you're welcome, sheshe2!

I had to include Bourdain's pic in the photo. The place is a shrine to cooking. The chef and cooks even have food-themed tattoos.

[sheshe2]

13. He, Bourdain, spent a summer in our old cottage on the Cape.

This was after my dad sold it. There was a video of his time there and he stood on the beachside saying that was where he stayed. Kinda cool. 😎

Thanks again for the wonderful pictures!

[Mousetoescamper]

14. That is a cool connection! Imagine the potential conversation with the tenant.

You are most welcome!

[usonian]

4. Aside from the wonderfulness, I'm intrigued by the hat.

Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal.

Well, there’s a first for you.

Some neighborhood.

e Buon Natale

[Mousetoescamper]

7. Nice

Last edited Fri Dec 20, 2024, 02:27 AM - Edit history (1)

[Dem2theMax]

8. It's a line from the movie 'Home Alone 2.'

They used the words 'keep the change, you filthy animal' in Home Alone. I've never seen Home Alone 2. The orange traitor is in it.

[Old Crank]

9. Great pictures

But what about the saying; Never trust a skinny chef.

[Mousetoescamper]

10. Thanks, Old Crank!

Ha! I also remember something about the fat chef eating all the good bits.

[Old Crank]

11. I'll have to remember that one.

Fits in with,
Great minds think alike; fools seldom differ....

[Diamond_Dog]

12. Mouse, I'm just stunned! This is fabulous!

Your photos, descriptions of the process, this is great! Those chefs are soooo into their creative work. And all within walking distance of your home! I would love to watch something like this.

I agree, I think you got the best seat in the house!

And I, too, smiled at the photo of Bourdain tacked up on the stove.

[Mousetoescamper]

15. Thanks, Diamond_Dog!

I noticed the Bourdain tribute as soon as I was seated; it set the tone for what followed.