An unparalleled and fully immersive dining experience, Dinner Time Stories has set itself apart, and Nashvillians have the opportunity to be the first in the United States to experience it. 3D technology is combined with overhead projectors to create animated visuals on the dinner table, complete with the tiny Le Petit Chef Marco Polo guiding you through each course. Surrounded by 33 other attendees, the dinner feels much like the communal experience of a concert or movie, each guest taking delight in every detail. Imagine a Disney ride combined with a delicious six-course meal that carries you from France through Arabia, India, the Himalayan Mountains to China. From Le Petit Chef navigating the rough waters of the sea to barely escaping death by a fire-breathing dragon, the journey is as fun-filled as it is tasty.
The Dinner Time Stories experience has toured parts of the world such as London, Dubai and Cairo, each area allowing the show to take on its own flare interpreted by local chefs. For the Nashville series, Nashville-based creative agency Go West Creative partnered with The Standard‘s Executive Chef Joe Shaw in hopes of introducing a bit of Southern hospitality to the joyous experience.
We kicked the evening off with a cocktail in the bar and proceeded into a narrow dining room with projectors lining the ceiling. With high ceilings and elegant décor, the upscale feel of The Standard meshes perfectly with this innovative experience. Shortly after we took our seats, our miniature animated chef friend, Le Petit Chef Marco Polo, began guiding us through the journey.
From oceans to desert landscapes, Marco Polo navigates all terrain during this experiential dinner, and does so with a sense of humor that drew plenty of laughs from the guests. One thing’s for sure, Le Petit Chef brought out child-like wonder in each of us. The whole evening was a refreshing experience, and by the end, it felt as if those sitting around us were longtime friends.
Each course involved key ingredients and flavors influenced by each region Le Petit Chef explores. One of the most notable courses boasted a tabbouleh salad with bulgar, parsley and mint alongside a delicious lamb tagine inspired by a visit to Arabia. Other courses included delectable creations such as a curry whiskey smash, a tangy sorbet and a main course rich in Asian flavor. Let’s just say we’ll be attempting to recreate an alcoholic beverage involving curry as soon as possible.
To finish off the journey, Le Petit Chef danced around our plate whipping up a rice pudding culminating in a combination of bold flavors from the various regions visited. Saffron, Grand Marnier and cardamom married perfectly for a flavor that was surprisingly seamless, making it an ideal final course that was definitely not lacking in depth.
While this was one unforgettable experience, words and photos simply cannot do it justice. And there’s plenty to the experience that we didn’t even divulge. Thankfully, Le Petit Chef is sticking around Nashville through March 17. If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional dinner and drinks, we highly recommend securing your spot. Get your tickets here, and rest assured you’re in for a night of whimsy alongside our favorite little chef.
Here’s a video to bring the concept to life:
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