Appetites: The Synergy Series

Gavin Kaysen
Gavin Kaysen, executive chef and owner of Spoon and Stable restaurant in Minneapolis, is kicking off his Synergy Series on Thursday.
Nikki Tundel | MPR News

Gavin Kaysen's past and present are coming together four times this year at his Minneapolis restaurant Spoon and Stable.

Before returning to his home state to open the critically acclaimed restaurant in 2014, Kaysen cut his culinary teeth in New York City.

Now, he's asked four chefs to leave the bright lights and the big city to spend a night or two cooking right here.

His Synergy Series starts Thursday night with Wisconsin-native chef Michael White. All 80 tickets for his two-night stint are sold out, but that doesn't mean you're out of luck if you want to try the fusilli with bone marrow and baby octopus he's made famous at his two-Michelin-star Manhattan restaurant Marea.

"The restaurant itself is sold out, but the bar will be open. The bar and lounge will be open to the general public and each guest will have an opportunity to receive one of those dishes from Michael White," Kaysen said.

The series' next chefs will be Michael Anthony, who's visiting in June, and April Bloomfield in October. The series ends in December with Kaysen's mentor Daniel Boulud.

"To be able to have him come into my restaurant now and cook with me will be really, really exciting. Not only for my staff but selfishly for me, personally," Kaysen said. "That's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

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