When I go out to dinner, I usually ask my wait person what they like on the menu. I’ve always thought this was a great way to get the inside track on what’s great that day, and maybe no so great. Works both ways.  Believe me; if the person serving me won’t eat the food there, I won’t either! So discovering a very interesting book from authors Christine Carroll and Jody Eddy was an even better way to find out how it works behind the scenes for restaurant staff and what they enjoy at what is usually called the “family meal.” “Come In We’re Closed” takes you behind the scenes at twenty five world famous restaurants and what their staff enjoys before they open for the day or evening, sometimes even after they closed. Now, here’s one for you. If you’re thinking they all they get are leftovers, you couldn’t be any more wrong. Its five star cuisine for many of them, and very creative at that. Ever thought of the suckers from the octopus as enjoyable morsels? I didn’t, until they told me about what the let-nothing-go-to-waste mind set of head sushi chef Hiroki Fujiyama’s Crispy Octopus Suckers. 

   There were a few other surprises including the meaty meal served at a vegetarian restaurant. But overall, I loved the behind the scenes stories, the recipes are intriguing, and also the honesty of both Christine and Jody. Obviously some meals will stand out more than others, but they all want to make sure their staffs know the menu. Great quote from Fergus Henderson of St. John – “Never try and feed them slop.” Because that’s what they might tell the next tableful of diners. A delicious meal makes everyone happy, and well fed. Think about the amount of time those servers spend on their feet. The meal is well worth it.

   Take a listen to my full interview with Christine and Jody, and I think you’ll enjoy “Come In We’re Closed” as much as I have. It’s a beautifully illustrated book and the recipes are your chance to bring a little of that restaurant you’ve heard so much about into your home.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

I had to…

“Never feed them slop” Fergus Henderson