How would you like to relax around a table with your friends while a professional chef creates a special menu for you and your guests?
This is a concept that modern day supper clubs are able to achieve and something that ‘At Your Table’ is proud to have in common with these creative culinary providers.
Zach Meloy an ex. private chef and his wife Cristina are a young culinary couple based in Atlanta GA. They were the brains behind Push Start Kitchen, an innovative and diverse concept that got them to where they are today.
Their story of success is the outcome of a culinary path less travelled. A result of some delicious nonconformist cooking, a 130 year old factory space and their cleverly formed speakeasy style guest list.
*(Speakeasy-a term given to illicit drinking clubs in the U.S. during the 1920s)
Their idea was simple; create an exclusive guest list and invite ten of their fervent followers to an unannounced venue. With Zach and Cristina’s combined professional cooking skills and faultless service in an unusual venue, they would create a one off, unique dining experience. With no idea where it would take them they had nothing to lose.
Pop-up dinners just like Push Start Kitchen are happening all over the world. Your local underground dining scene is an exhilarating place and something you should keep your ear to the ground for. A place where talented and unorthodox chefs have the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Dining in a fun and relaxed atmosphere is something many restaurants try and achieve. However, not much compares with dining in the intimacy of your own home or in this situation an old factory space with some cleverly thought out décor.
We caught up with Zach recently to find out a little more about his take on dinner parties and being a private chef.
1. What was your favourite thing about being a private chef prior to hosting pop-up dinners for Push Start Kitchen?
The best part for me was the freedom. I had the opportunity to communicate how I was feeling that day through my food. In my opinion having the guests so involved added to the intimacy, they were able to connect with the temporal nature of what we do?
2. What makes the perfect at home dinner party for you?
I like a situation where conversation is encouraged, music is good but not so loud that it takes over. Perfect pacing is another key element for me, serving too much too quickly can kill the evening. I also enjoy serving a swig of Moonshine at the end of a meal, it always ensures guests leave with an extra spring in their step.
3. What number one lesson did you take from cooking small intimate pop-up dinners for Push Start Kitchen?
Keep it simple, keep it clean, keep it honest!
4. If you could have any chef in the world come to your place and cook a 3 course meal, who would it be?
Honestly, it wouldn’t be a chef! I would say my Grandmother. I have missed her cooking since she passed away 15 years ago. Her simple roast chicken and beans straight from the garden would do it for me!
Creative folk such as Zach and Cristina offer great inspiration for dinner parties. They bridge the gap between the masterful display of a top restaurant and the comfort of sitting around a table at home with close friends.
Push start kitchen received plenty of media attention including many positive write-ups and a film entry into the New York, Chicago and Birmingham film festivals.
Take a look at this trailer for a sneak preview at their movie,
Wish you could host your own pop-up event?
Next week we have a 6 Step guide to hosting an at home pop-up dinner, be sure to come and check it out!
Feel like leaving it to the professionals?
Let ‘At Your Table’ take care of the catering and leave yourself free to sit back and unwind with your guests.
Chris Wright
16/06/2019