Help in the Kitchen

Montecito chef Dario Furlati, who owns the Ca’Dario chain of Italian eateries, has been helping out with the Ensemble Theatre Company’s latest production Seared, directed by departing artistic director Jonathan Fox.

“The play takes place in a small restaurant kitchen that suddenly gets acclaim in New York Magazine and is absolutely overwhelmed with customers,” says Jonathan. “Matters get more hectic when a consultant comes on the scene.

“Dario has been invaluable in giving us an insight into the chef’s culture and kitchen geography; how to look professional on-stage cooking salmon, short ribs, lamb, gnocchi and scallops; and, more importantly, how to prepare onions without chopping off your fingers!”

Having been an editor on New York Magazine in the 80s I know all too well what a positive review from the late Gael Greene could do for a Manhattan eatery’s business prospects….