196858 Fri Sep 13 12:03:45 -0700 2002 5 18 Manhattan 0 1050607 A friend is looking to organize a birthday celebration for a foodie who is enthralled by successful chefs. The idea is to have a well known chef prepare a meal at the home of the birthday boy. The price is virtually unlimited (whether as a direct payment to the chef or charitable donation to the chef's favorite cause). Any suggestions? Thank you! Fri Sep 13 12:03:45 -0700 2002 0 OPJK 1 1050639 One idea is to find out what chefs your friend likes, then contact them to find out what they'd charge. If they're not available, you'll get referrals. Chances are, if they're an active restaurant chef it'll be easier to book them for a Sunday or Monday, but of course money can cure most problems there. Maybe there's some retired or semi-active chefs around. Jacques Pepin and Andre Soltner come to mind. Another source of leads would be the culinary schools in town. Fri Sep 13 15:40:30 -0700 2002 1050607 0 Uncledave 1 1050641 a co-worker of mine was taken out last month by some clients and what he did sounds really interesting. This married couple, both professional chefs, invite you into their loft, fully equipped with gourmet kitchen, in tribeca. Everyone who is in your party gets to help cook one course (there are 4 courses I think)that you will later eat. One group was assigned appetizer, one the salad, one the entree and the last the dessert. They hire other chefs that cook and show you how to do it all. He said it was great and it took like 4 hours in all. They also serve a tasting menu of wines and champagnes too. I wish I knew more, like the name or phone number....but I am sure you can find that out. Fri Sep 13 15:47:13 -0700 2002 1050607 0 sourpatch 2 1050657 If it's not too much trouble, could you please find out the name or phone number? That sounds like a great experience! Thanks. Fri Sep 13 17:34:07 -0700 2002 1050641 0 alyssa 1 1050688 We have in Philadelphia a chef who is not quite a national celebrity (yet!) but who would fit the bill nicely as far as food is concerned. Look around the Philadelphia board for comments on a place called Studiokitchen: the chef is Shola Olunloyo, and his e-mail is studiokitchen424@aol.com. I've been to two dinners that he's prepared and they are stunning. And this very morning, my friend and I are going for a private cooking lesson with him. He's also a great guy, really friendly and wonderful to talk to. Just don't steal him from us permanently! Sat Sep 14 07:42:43 -0700 2002 1050607 0 Julie 1 1050942 I think that the chef of the now defunt Sono, is doing private parties. It was posted earlier this year on this board. Wed Sep 18 06:59:20 -0700 2002 1050607 0 Claire