Number 87: Table for 20

Last week, my list of Sydney experiences to tackle, or in some cases relive, sat at about eighty-five.  While the ultimate goal is to have at least one hundred under my belt by next year, I figured that at least fifteen noteworthy opportunities would present themselves over time.  I didn’t have to wait long before Table for 20 made it’s way into my world and onto the list.

Now I had heard and read about this Surry Hills eatery ages ago.  At the beginning of the year my neighbour came home raving about the place.   She and a couple friends had made reservations 6 months in advance!  The idea of having that much dining foresight was beyond me; however, when I walked past the establishment’s front door on my way to work this past week, I grabbed one of their cards.  Their website, which is essentially just a blog, announces that reservations for 2011 will be made available at the start of November.  However, requests to put your name on the waiting list are always welcome.  I thought it couldn’t hurt to give them my name.  As luck would have it, I got a call the same day for an opening the following night.  So I got the details: three-course set menu, BYO w/ no corkage, $65 all up, and "legs under the table" by 8PM.  I figured fair enough.  So Friday night, armed with a bottle of Brown Brothers Graciano, I made my way to dinner.

Table for 20 is owned and operated by a lovely gentleman named Michael Fantuz.  Michael plays the host of the evening in every sense of the word.  At 8 o'clock he welcomes everyone, offers his brief mission statement, and recognizes any special occasions in the room.  For instance, one man was celebrating his birthday with a large group of friends while two other couples recently found out they were expecting.  And after a proper group toast, the guitarist in the corner starts playing and the night begins.

As each course starts rolling out of the kitchen, the family-style platters quickly help you break the ice with your neighbours at the table.  Plus, Michael came around and had a bit of a chat with our end of the table as he personally started serving up the entree.  It didn’t take long for the conversation with the people around us to escalate from learning how they make their living to who were the great loves of their life.  I’m not kidding. Table for 20 has figured out the formula for breaking down the barriers all-too-many city dwellers walk around with and having people open up to enjoy each other’s company.  I could go on for ages about why I think this place has got it all sorted.  Instead I will leave it at that and add it to the list.