The Next Big Thing: Staff Lunch

Today I was lucky enough to share staff lunch at a Thai place in Santa Clara. I arrived very late for lunch and I could see they were setting out food so I asked, "Is that staff lunch?" and the owner kindly asked if I would like to join them. I am ashamed to admit I took advantage of her generous invitation. The food looked to good to resist.

This made me think of restaurant trends and what might be "The Next Big Thing" in dining as entertainment. A kitchen table made available to patrons has become almost commonplace and I think it is a jolly good idea. In the same vein, allow me to propose perhaps opening an occasional staff lunch to just a few special customers.

Why feed customers staff lunch? It is not known to most of the public but staff lunch often consists of dishes that do not appear on the menu. It is usually the product of junior members of the kitchen and their inspiration and developing skills, with some guidance from chef. It at least keep things interesting and can be the genesis of exciting new dishes.

If you own a restaurant consider letting a few favored customers buy a place at staff lunch. You might start a trend.