Can I see the kitchen?

My son and I go to a local sushi restaurant every Monday. He's 12 and most of the staff love him because he eats sushi. He's very polite and they think it's great that a 12 year old is sampling the menu. The sushi chefs regularly give us tastings of their specials, the owner knows us, and we love going there.

My son loves to cook at home, and he's asked me several times what it's like in a restaurant kitchen. Is it ok to ask for a tour of their kitchen? Lately on Mondays it's been slow.

I'll often take my whole family on the weekends for hibachi and I wouldn't ask when they were busy.

I'd like to know if a chef or owner would consider asking for a tour out of line, or if its not allowed for health reasons, etc.

Alternatively, i could take him to hooters and he can see how to bread wings

Art,

Congrats on having a son with taste!

I think it entirely depends on your relationship with the restaurant. In a small place, they may be happy to accomodate you during off-hours ( say 2-4pm). I'm not aware of anything in the health code that would restrict a tour and/or a child- as long as they aren't cooking/prepping anything.

If he has an upcoming birthday, you might be to arrange a specia B-day present of a tour, then dinner. I bet your son would be thrilled, and the restaurant would be very flattered to be asked.

Deb

I am not aware of any problems taking guests on a tour of the kitchen. I think it would be a fun treat and kudos to your son for having such an interest in the culinary arts and double kudos to you for encouraging his interest!

I agree, it would entirely depend on your relationship with the owners, but I would think they would be honored by the request!

Alternatively, i could take him to hooters and he can see how to bread wings

Please do. Ask for Dawn. Fun will be had by all.

You may be a little disappointed. Most restaurant kitchens in town, outside of a precious few, are incredibly hot, cramped little spaces. It amazes me the number of people that get served out of a lot of these closets.
If you want to see a top notch kitchen with all of the bells and whistles then I highly recommend Corbett's or maybe Marsha can show you the kitchen at Gardiner Point Residence Hall.

But that's half the fun. Unless you see something you can't unsee.

Most restaurant kitchens in town, outside of a precious few, are incredibly hot, cramped little spaces.

Similar to my first apartment.

When we were open at Kunz's The Dutchman & at Kunz's Fourth & Market,people alway's came in thru the kitchen door ...
It was always fun to be slamed on the grill during derby or any other busy night to have someone come and want to talk ...The great old day's

Art,

My thought exactly when I saw Dan's response. While what would appeal to a chef is a kitchen with all the bells and whistles, what really amazed me was seeing exactly what Dan said: how incredibly small, hot and cramped the kitchens are where all that impressive food comes from- and how fast everyone is moving. Ouita Michel ( Holly Hill Inn) me once that our small demonstration kitchen at the store was larger than her kitchen at the Inn- and it's a four star place.

I bet your son would think it "way cool' to see the feats of magic Chefs are pulling off in small kitchens.

Deb

Alternatively, i could take him to hooters and he can see how to bread wings

Please do. Ask for Dawn. Fun will be had by all.

Offline ??......

Art,

Would be happy to show your son around our new kitchen downtown. We will even let him make his own pizza! We are pretty proud of our new spot. It's 9600 sq ft with a 2500 sq ft kitchen. No crowded kitchen here. 6 deck ovens and a conveyor oven. Come in (110 W Main) and ask for me or one of the managers and tell them to give you the tour.

That's awesome Wes. We will take you up on that soon! Thanks.

Alternatively, i could take him to hooters and he can see how to bread wings

Please do. Ask for Dawn. Fun will be had by all.

Offline ??......

You have a HUGE kitchen......

If he likes Italian, book the kitchen table at Buca di Beppo's(Joe's Basement).

For his birthday, take him to a chef's table somewhere . . . he can watch the entire process, from start to finish, instead of just a quickie tour! It's expensive, but for a birthday?