Private Dining/Reservations Only

[Shea]

I saw a posting a while back about a Chef that started preparing prix fixe dinners in his home and years later he has an awesome following and a waiting list for months. Does anyone remember that? Also please offer any comments or details from experiences doing that kind of thing. I am thinking about doing that and for now it would be just for friends..maybe 4 at a time. This way "I can always cook what I want to cook! (smile) Among other reasons... Let me know your thoughts.

[Toliver]

I saw a posting a while back about a Chef that started preparing prix fixe dinners in his home and years later he has an awesome following and a waiting list for months. Does anyone remember that? Also please offer any comments or details from experiences doing that kind of thing. I am thinking about doing that and for now it would be just for friends..maybe 4 at a time.  This way "I can always cook what I want to cook! (smile) Among other reasons... Let me know your thoughts.

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Could you be thinking of eGullet member Bryan Zupon and his "Z Kitchen"?

Z Kitchen, Hypermodern Cooking in Durham, NC

And this post cited his mention in the NY Times:

Bryan Zupon (bryanz) & Z Kitchen in the NY Times

[BarbaraY]

First thing to check is your local health ordinances. Most states demand that you have a separate kitchen to prepare food commercially.

There may be ways around this as you're anticipating such a small number of guests.

[Tri2Cook]

One way around it is to not charge for the meal. Instead encourage donations. "A suggested donation of $x would certainly be appreciated but is not a requirement of attendance." You can't collect if they decide not to pay but you can remove them from the mailing list for future events. Ummm... not that I would know anything about that.

[Magictofu]

I have just read an interesting article on this exact topic. You can find it here.

[prasantrin]

Also are Bite Club and Cache, both of which were started when the owners were still relatively active members.

You'll find Bite Club stuff on the New York board, and I think Cache is on the Pacific Northwest board (and they both have websites).