Having heard about Dinner Time Stories' Le Petit Chef in the past, I was really intrigued by what would be brought to the table - quite literally - when I was afforded the chance to attend the latest instalment of the popular dining and theatrical event.
In preparation and to get me in that pre-event excited mood, I checked out some of the reviews and videos online. Having done so, I was expecting a great night, but what I witnessed far surpassed my expectations.
The evening started with a warm welcome at the Blueberry Hill Hotel in Honeydew. Upon arrival, friendly staff clad in themed costumes checked us in and presented both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in style. The warm welcome set the tone for the rest of the evening's culinary adventure.
Once we were well lubricated and had time to mingle with the other guests, it was time to be transported into the world of Le Petit Chef - the world's smallest and most interesting chef.
In a separate dining room, long tables adorned with simple white tablecloths and a book greeted us. It was time to witness what the little chef had to offer - and what a ride it was as we opened our books to the blank pages that were housed inside.
These pages would not be blank for long, however, as the projectors above our heads would soon start to beam images of Le Petit Chef and his adventure of following in the footsteps of Marco Polo along the Silk Route. It was a bit trippy at first, I won't lie, but the more the images came to life on the table, the more I became engrossed in the story. I held on tight as the little guy went on his mission to find the perfect meals to bring to life for us.
As we were following the Silk Route, each of the six courses was themed to a different destination, from Turkey to India to China - Le Petit Chef really did take us on a journey of incredible flavours, textures and sights. They do say that you use all your senses when enjoying a good meal, and this evening played on that perfectly.
Each course, being themed, was presented using the sights and sounds of the area it pertained to. Even the wait staff changed their attire to match each course, making it a spectacle which not many would have experienced in the past, let alone dreamt up, as the creators of the production did.
Before I get on to the food, I just want to make special mention of the dancers who entertained us between courses. Like the wait staff, the dancers were dressed to the various themes and showed off their talents by replicating cultural dances from the various countries we were transported to by Le Petit Chef. It was a magical touch which further brought our adventure on the table to life.
While the spectacle was incredible, my one concern was around the food - was it going to live up to the rest of the hype of the evening so far? Put simply, yes. Yes, it did.
From the smooth, flavour-packed dips of the Middle East to the intense, rich broth of China, every dish was very clearly carefully created to not only match the country theme, but to whack the tastebuds with a journey that will certainly not be soon forgotten.
When I was pressed to decide upon my favourite course of the evening after the event, I must admit that I struggled. When you are treated to so many different styles, flavours and techniques, it seems almost rude to single any one course out. However, one course that did linger with me long after the night was over was the Turkish platter of dips, breads and accompaniments. I'm a sucker for that type of food; mixing and matching as you go to create different flavour bombs with each bite. Yum!
I would thoroughly recommend that you check out Le Petit Chef. It encompasses what dining should be - a show in every sense of the word. From the delicious food to the brilliant service and theatrics of the evening, you are taken on a journey which will not only satisfy your belly but leave you with lasting memories, too.
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