Chef Paul Barron — Local services in Madison

My husband booked us here for a belated Valentine's day dinner. He got us the 5:30 seating--the only other seating is at 8pm. We were shown into a small but beautifully furnished space: a rustic dining room with a table for 8, with a small kitchen off to the side in the back, in full view of the table. The entire staff for the evening consisted of Chef Paul and his two helpers, Cheryl and Chloe. Chef Paul was more than happy to chat with us about anything to do with food or cooking, and several times invited us to enter the kitchen area at any time to watch and ask questions. We sat down and got to know our fellow diners while waiting the first of four courses. We were served a small dish with chunks of parmesan cheese and slices of hard salami (I think). Each of us had brought our own wine (no corkage fee!), and those bottles were opened and glasses poured. Our first course was lobster risotto: risotto cooked in a tomato-based sauce with bits of lobster meat and 4 kinds of mushrooms. The second course was a cold couscous salad with black mission figs and caramelized brussel sprouts, topped with frisee. The main course was roasted beef tenderloin, so tender I almost didn't need a knife. It was accompanied by potato gratin topped with Taleggio, and haricot verts. The potatoes were served in a small pot, one per couple. For dessert, we had chocolate mousse cake with raspberries on the side, and coffee. No decaf, so I only had a few sips, but it was the best coffee I've had in a restaurant in a long time. Everything was so delicious, cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate. There is something about good food that can turn a table full of strangers into friends. The conversation remained light as each of us told our stories over 2 1/2 hours. Honestly, it was way less complicated than any family dinner I've attended!

Chef Paul also does catering, private in-home parties, and dinner parties and cocktail parties at the restaurant. He also offers hands-on classes for up to 6 people--you won't just observe, you'll cook as well.

Details: The restaurant is open Thursday and Friday nights with two seatings at 5:30 and 8pm. They are open some Saturdays, but you'll have to check the website for the dates. They open the doors about 5 minutes before the seating. The table seats up to 12 people. The night we attended, the price was $59/person. The menus are posted online 2 weeks in advance, so you can choose your meal. Everyone at the table gets the same dinner. You reserve online and pay in advance, and leave a cash tip on the table. The cost is non-refundable, but if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, they will credit your purchase price toward a future seating. Because it takes all of 2.5 hours for the entire meal, I don't recommend bringing children. The menu is geared to adults. The chef can accommodate some dietary needs if you let him know at the time you make your reservation. There are 3 or 4 steps into the building, and I did not see a ramp, though there is some handicapped parking. Getting a wheelchair at the table would be possible but would take some work. Check out their website if you need...

I recently hired Chef Paul Barron and his team to cater a surprise private birthday dinner for a family member at my home. The experience was nothing short of exceptional and amazing. From the start it was easy to plan through the office contact. We wanted a steakhouse dinner themed menu and Chef hit the nail on the head with the food choices.

The day of the event, the team took over the kitchen as if they had been cooking in it for years and prepared everything perfectly. The service was top notch. It felt as if a high end restaurant had been transported to my home. There really is something to be said about hosting a high end meal in your home and not doing any of the work form start to finish, including cleanup of the kitchen!

I would HIGHLY recommend Chef Paul Barron for any private meal experience and cannot wait until I can...

I had only ever gone to the table and eaten a meal there for the full experience, which was, of course, amazing. While cooped up in my house during quarantine though, my family was craving a high quality meal and decided to order one from Chef Paul Barron. The website for ordering was easy to navigate and there were so many mouth watering options to choose from. As a vegan I often have troubles finding plant based meals that are well made and delicious. My meal was so flavorful, filling, and nutritious. I was sad to see it all gone on my plate. My sister had shrimp scampi and was thrilled about it. Not to mention, the service was awesome. The wait staff that dropped it off was so friendly and showed up with a huge smile on her face. Thank...