Chef's Table

We've had a lot of requests for a "chef's table" in the kitchen. Personally, I eschew the whole "celebrity chef" thing. But I can understand the desire to have a behind-the-scenes peek. Having loved to cook all my life, I would have loved the concept of a chef's table. When we used to travel to France--prior to living there--I used to like to watch what was going on in as many kitchens as I could.

Despite the fact that we've been one of the top-rated restaurants in Mendocino County for the past several years, our kitchen is less than fancy, and our staff less than large. Many people (and sometimes we, too) are amazed at the quality of the food we put out given our limitations. Most chef's tables in top-rated restaurants are in beautifully-appointed, custom-designed kitchens. Not here.

If you have a desire to be backstage and see what goes on in our humble abode, here are some of the things you can expect. The chef doesn't wear a chef's jacket or an apron. Stoves sometimes don't light when they should, and we curse them. You'll be sitting by a window which will probably be open for better air in the kitchen. Occasionally, a stack of sauté pans will come crashing to the floor. Our dishwasher (the human one) isn't exactly the quietest in the world. Bottom line, if you're looking for a quiet night out, our dining room would be a better bet.

You'll get a little extra special treatment. Maybe an extra amuse bouche, possibly a plate of mignardises to close out your meal. You want the chef to sign a menu? The chef hates that. Photo with the chef? Maybe next time. No celebrity stuff here. We just do what we love to do.

Here's the deal -- the small print, so to speak.

For the public:

The chef's table is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights by advance reservation only. Weeknights the table is available for inn guests and becomes available to the public one week ahead of time if not already booked. The cost is $20 per person, payable at the time of booking as a non-refundable deposit. This is in addition to the cost of food, beverage and gratuity. To book the chef's table, please use our on-line reservation system and note in the "special request" section that you would like to book the chef's table. We will phone you for a credit card number for your deposit.

For Rendezvous Inn guests:

On weeknights (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday) the chef's table is available to inn guests, as follows: The inn room must be booked for two consecutive nights, and the chef's table will be available one or both of those nights. The charge for the chef's table will be $10 per person, payable at the time of booking as a non-refundable deposit. This is in addition to the cost of the room at the inn, and of food, beverage and gratuity. To book the chef's table and an inn room, please use our on-line reservation form for inn rooms, and in the "comments" section, specify that you would like to book the chef's table.

Seatings are at 5:30 and 8:00 Friday and Saturday, and at 6:30 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.