Dining at the chef's table, camera in hand
I took a stroll around the neighborhood to shoot some holiday decorations tonight and stopped by a wood-burning (hearth and Neapolitan oven) Italian restaurant, just a few blocks from my home. When I got to the front counter the hostess said there was no table seating available, but I could sit at the bar or at the chef's table. I chose the chef's table, which I now consider the best seat in the house. I ordered the caraflex cabbage: wood-grilled heirloom cabbage, pickled asian pear, gorgonzola fonduta, and thyme. It was scrumptrulescent. While I was enjoying the cabbage, a waiter brought a plate with two items and said, "The chef sent this for you: tempura shiitake mushrooms drizzled with honey." They were divine.
The chef prepares my order of caraflex cabbage.
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Superb shooting too, by the way. Everything looks wonderful.
Lucky, lucky you, my dear Mousetoescamper!
Thanks and you're welcome!
I am also thrilled to see you eating so well too!
Excellent photos and the food...looks divine. I agree, you got the best table in the house.
I love the picture of Anthony Bourdain over the stove.
I had to include Bourdain's pic in the photo. The place is a shrine to cooking. The chef and cooks even have food-themed tattoos.
You are most welcome!
Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal.
Well, there’s a first for you.
Some neighborhood.
e Buon Natale
They used the words 'keep the change, you filthy animal' in Home Alone. I've never seen Home Alone 2. The orange traitor is in it. 
Ha! I also remember something about the fat chef eating all the good bits.
I noticed the Bourdain tribute as soon as I was seated; it set the tone for what followed.