I did the Kitchen Table Experience at The Aviary. I was originally supposed to do the “regular” experience which was just 5 courses, but they contacted me about an opening the day of and I couldn’t say no.
It’s $185 per person with a $19 per person optional add on for the truffle explosion (the xiao long bao looking dumpling), which was 100% should not be missed. 7 “courses” with each course including a cocktail and a small food tasting.
My personal favorite cocktail was the first cocktail, Bird’s Eye (the metal bird). It’s everything you’d expect from an Alinea-group restaurant. Like, a custom made drink ware. Beautiful presentation. And a wonderfully unique flavor profile.
My favorite food was the corn dog. It’s so deceptively simple. A breakfast corn dog? Come on. But holy moly, I wanted 5 more of those.
But, I think the question everyone wants to know is if this is worth it.
I will say, if you’re going to do this, do the Kitchen Table. Because you can really appreciate the hard work everyone is doing behind the scenes to make these cocktails. The level of care and technique is truly outstanding. Plus the Kitchen Table is 7 courses versus 5 for the normal experience and it felt a little more satiating with extra food.
The service was really fun. I had a few excellent conversations with the staff (and maybe tried to suggest a Malort course).
(It was also pretty funny sitting there and getting slowly more and more wasted as you see the staff bust their ass.)
On that note, be warned: you will leave pretty sauced. Not like blackout drunk, but definitely eat a decent meal a few hours beforehand and also maybe after.
Also definitely do the truffle explosion add on!
TLDR: It’s fun. Do the Kitchen Table. Expensive, yes, but if you like cocktails, you will have an amazing time.
by jmaca90
7 Comments
I am really glad I did this a decade ago because it left me stumbling drunk when I was near the height of my drinking powers. My wife browned out. I’d probably be passed out on the table now.
My then partner booked this for us on my 30th birthday and it was awesome. I was super drunk, very full, but also very satisfied. It was worth whatever she paid for it.
The only hard part was that I had to give a presentation at work the next morning at 9 am. It went surprisingly well but I had to go home immediately afterwards lol.
be honest, was the food actually good?
This reminds me of Keanu Reeves scene in “always be my maybe”… Bahah
We did the Kitchen Table several years back. It was really fun, and that kitchen is pretty unique compared to other kitchen-type experiences. It’s more like a science lab. Great time!
I fucked up and drank the whole canteen. I didn’t want to waste it. Didn’t realize we had so many more drinks after that. I passed out. I was so fucked up. I ate at chick fil an after too was still hungry. And
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