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Updated Daily: December 2008

Dining In: The Chef’s Table

Offered by the world’s top restaurants, this dining privilege is the latest in exclusivity. Joanne Collings takes us behind the scenes.

Published in: October 2007

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Dining In - The Chef’s Table

Vue de Monde, Normanby Chambers, Melbourne
When it comes to a superb gastronomic experience Down Under, the award-winning Vue de Monde in Melbourne is head and shoulders above the rest. Located at the historic Normanby Chambers, Vue de Monde is the creation of owner and Executive Chef, Shannon Bennett. His philosophy of serving classical French-inspired food prepared with flair and finesse has earned Vue de Monde a world-class reputation among food connoisseurs.

Shannon Bennett

There's plenty of action at Vue de Monde, where most of the restaurant focuses on a seriously exposed and recently extended kitchen pass. For the best seat in the house, the chef's table – situated in a semi-private alcove at one end of the kitchen – gives an unobstructed view of the chefs at work.

Catering for four to six guests, the lunch menu offering is the same as that of the main dining room, while evening diners are served the specially created gastronome's menu. Bursting with flavor, the white truffle risotto, Spring Bay scallop tartare on papaya and Western Australian marron will not fail to satisfy. To complete the meal, there is an impressive wine list to choose from with guidance from the sommelier.

Lunch at Vue de Monde's chef's table costs from A$100 *(US$88.00) per person. The evening gastronome's menu costs A$250 *(US$221) for a 12-course dinner and delectable handmade chocolates to take home. Drinks are an additional cost. For reservations, call +61 3 9691 3888.


Gordon Ramsay   Uwe Opocensky   Shannon Bennett   Ian Mancais   Matthew Levin
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