I will always remember my very first Chef’s table experience. It’s one of those things you never forget because it’s unlike any other dinner you’ve ever had and you leave wondering how you’ve managed to go through life without ever experiencing it before. Usually a chef’s tasting involves a table in (or right next to) the kitchen of the restaurant — hence the name chef’s table. It also feels a lot more intimate and it’s probably the only time you’ll actually get to interact with the chef while he/she is preparing the meal. For someone who’s used to traditional dining, doing a chef’s tasting table is like discovering a whole new world for the first time and in that moment you think that nothing will ever top your first time — until it does! On Saturday evening we had the pleasure of trying the new Masa14 Chef’s Tasting Table and it was incredible! The three hour, fourteen course dinner was beyond anything we were expecting going into it, and truthfully what happened in those three hours is deserving of a rave review by a professional food critic (which I’m clearly not) because all I really have to say is wow! But of course I’m not going to leave you with just that so here is my attempt at relaying our extravagant, delectable, and exhilarating evening filled with food, fun, and even some special effects.
We arrived on Saturday evening for the 9PM seating and were immediately welcomed by chef the cuisine Ryan Ratino (who we absolutely love!) The newly designed chef’s table in the back of the restaurant is strategically located next to the kitchen for this new tasting experience. Sitting higher than the rest of the tables, you can’t help but to feel a little bit like a VIP as soon as you sit down and are welcomed with a craft cocktail followed by a glass Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label.
What followed was a culinary journey that will excite even the most conservative palate. Chef Ratino creates magic right in front of your eyes and every dish is more exciting than the last. One of our favorites were the oysters served on a beautiful bed of greens with an unexpected element of surprise. Sorry if our photos give it away but we couldn’t help sharing such a stunning presentation.
Some other favorites aside from the beautiful oysters were: foie gras (cocoa and koi), pad thai noodle (lime, sprouts, peanut, chile), asparagus (buttermilk, dill, smoked egg, pickled onion), rockfish (artichoke, white beans, chorizo and ramps) and the lamb (black garlic, fava bean, spring onion and blue foot). But honestly, all the dishes are so perfectly prepared and beautifully presented that it’s hard to play favorites. Portion sizes are also perfect so even after fourteen courses, you don’t leave feeling too stuffed (unless of course you indulge in ALL the desserts in the end). The wines were also spectacular. Our favorite was domaine de la villaudiere sancerre, France 2014.
If you have a special occasion, birthday, graduation or just want a fabulous experience, this is a must do! Here are the details on how to book your reservation.
Where: Masa14
When: Friday and Saturday evening (6PM or 9PM seating)
What: Chef’s Tasting Table (individual or group reservations)
