HOW TO HOST A DINING AFFAIR TO REMEMBER AT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL HOTSPOT, STRAIGHT FROM A CHEF

BY CHEF DAVID BURKE PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BURKE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT.

Here are my top tips for how to host a fun, memorable, and delicious event at your favorite restaurant.

Menu Bottom line: you need to determine what you want. Communicate your expectations to the chef. The best place to get ideas for dishes is to visit the chef ’s Instagram and the restaurant’s website to see if there’s a dish you like for your event’s menu. Do you want something from the a la carte menu, or a special dish you’ve seen elsewhere? Don’t be afraid to ask. Consider the intention of your event. Who will be attending? Is it business or pleasure? Friends or family? Will there be kids? Personalize your request by asking the chef, “What would you make if it was your daughter’s engagement or rehearsal dinner?”

Chef Interaction People enjoy having their chef interacting at events. It makes for a lively, memorable experience. We like to be involved, to be challenged – and we like to show off! Have the chef make an appearance, or do a quick demo? Do you want him or her to attend a welcome session where the chef and/or pastry chef acts as the host, like you are a VIP in their house? The chef could mingle with your guests, or carve something. A ten-minute Q&A with the chef is popular, too. He can give the backstory on how his journey began, how this restaurant’s concept was born, how she found the source of a particular ingredient, or perhaps how he learned a particular dish while cooking abroad? People like to get inside the chef ’s head to see what makes him or her tick. A tour of the kitchen can be a fun treat, too, and guests can even leave with a signed menu. I have had hosts come into the kitchen the day before to help cook a dessert, so they can say, “I did this!” Or kids in your party can help finish off a dessert wearing chef ’s hats. Guests love interaction. Interaction with the chef is fun, informative, and creates lasting memories.

Time and Location Most fine-dining restaurants will hold an event anywhere in the restaurant (not just the private dining room) as long as it doesn’t interrupt the flow of business. Have your event on a Tuesday instead of Saturday, for instance. A brunch event works well too, or a happy hour: begin at 4 and wrap by 7. If the sky’s the limit, do an entire buyout, then your favorite restaurant is yours for the night. Cost Yes, the quality of food and service will cost more, but if you’re going to have your friends, relatives, or associates at your event, you want it to be great. There are several ways to keep within a budget. Most chefs and owners are willing to negotiate. Keep an open mind and use your imagination! You will have an event that is flavorful, beautiful, and memorable.

Red Horse by David Burke

26 Ridge Road, Rumson / 732.576.3400 27 Mine Brk Rd, Bernardsville / 908.766.0002 redhorsebydb.com / chefdavidburke.com