Benefit auction item idea: Restaurant dining at the chef’s table

By Sherry · Monday, October 19th, 2009

Here's a view of a chef's table in a kitchen in Leesburg, VA.

Here's a peek at a chef's table in a restaurant kitchen in Leesburg, VA.

A popular item to sell at benefit auctions is the opportunity to dine at the chef’s table in a restaurant.

What is the chef’s table?

Not every restaurant has one, but a chef’s table is a table situated within the kitchen of the restaurant.

As with real estate, what makes this table unique is the location, the location, the location.

By virtue of where it sits (in the kitchen), the table allows the guests to see how their food is being prepared, observe communication among the kitchen staff, and generally experience the inner workings of a busy restaurant kitchen.

The uniqueness of the experience is what makes this auction item popular at fundraisers.

The Chef's Table awaits guests in this restaurant. During my meal at the restaurant, no one sat at the table.

It’s always nice to go out for a good meal. But it’s even a more fascinating experience to eat out when you are literally in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. It gives you a new dimension. You are dining in the kitchen, while dining out of the home.

Sometimes a restaurant will book the chef’s table when the restaurant is at capacity. Other times the table might be left vacant unless a special customer arrives.

A few years ago while attending a conference in Pittsburgh, PA, my colleagues and I headed down to an Italian restaurant located in the area known as “South Side.” I have since forgotten the name of the restaurant, but I haven’t forgotten the experience. The restaurant was very busy, and the only table large enough to accommodate our entire group was the chef’s table in the kitchen. “Would you mind eating there?” the hostess inquired.

We were ecstatic! We got to enjoy a fabulous meal and have a unique view of the restaurant which no one else did.

When soliciting for donations from restaurants, ask if they have a chef’s table. If they do, would they mind donating a dinner at that table? It’s a better donation for you, and doesn’t “cost” the restaurant additional money.

And as always, follow-up with a thank-you letter to the auction donor.

For 100 other auction items that are selling for top-dollar in benefit auctions, please enjoy our charity Auction Item Guide. I’ll email you the Guide instantly and you can use it at your next auction procurement meeting.

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