On four evenings this year, Spoon and Stable (211 N. 1st St., Mpls., spoonandstable.com) chef/owner Gavin Kaysen will play host to some of New York City's — and the nation's — most prominent chefs.
With what he's calling the Synergy Series, Kaysen plans to connect local diners (and his own kitchen crew) to the talents of top chefs.
The guest roster reflects Kaysen's deep reach in the culinary world: Michael White (Marea, Ai Fiori), Michael Anthony (Gramercy Tavern, Untitled), April Bloomfield (the Breslin, the Spotted Pig) and Daniel Boulud (Restaurant Daniel, Cafe Boulud, Bar Boulud, DB Bistro Moderne).
"April and I were Food & Wine [magazine] Best New Chefs together," said Kaysen. "Michael and Michael welcomed me with open arms when I moved to New York, and I never forgot it." And Kaysen's impetus for inviting Boulud, his mentor, is obvious.
Kaysen has drawn sponsors (including All-Clad and San Pellegrino) to cover some expenses. "The intention is to take 25 percent of the revenue and give it back to local charities," he said. Beneficiaries include Angel Foundation, Appetite for Change, PACER Center and Children's Cancer Research Fund.
Each event will feature a multicourse dinner. Tickets are $295 (service and beverage fees included) for the dining room, and the half-dozen seats at the restaurant's chef counter are $395. Reservations at thesynergyseries.com/home4launch/.
White is scheduled for April 28, Anthony will cook on June 16, Bloomfield will appear on Oct. 13 and Boulud is set for Dec. 15. Tickets for White's appearance are on sale now, and tickets for the remaining dinners will go on sale two months before the date of the event.
During the events, the bar will remain open, serving its regular menu.
"We'll ask each chef to create a signature item for the bar," said Kaysen. "We've got to have Michael White make his fusilli with baby octopus and bone marrow."
