Restaurant seeks pop-up kitchen events

Want to take over a downtown restaurant for a day?

The owner of K Restaurant is offering that chance.

Kristina Kuehn is putting out a call for chefs who want to create a pop-up meal at her restaurant at 8th & Railroad Center.

"I think everybody thinks they want to own a restaurant, and this gives them a chance to see what it's like," she said.

K Restaurant will host its first pop-up dinner Monday. K chef Paul Northdurft and a guest will prepare a four-course meal including roasted carrot bisque, leek carbonara, seared scallop and a won ton cup.

For Kuehn, it's a new way to use her space – which only serves dinner Friday and Saturday.

"I'm kind of looking for a new generation of cooks," she said. "And that's one of the things I think do well is working with other people. And kind of fostering that kind of environment. I have the space. I have a great customer base. And it's great exposure for us and for them too."

She plans to help wait tables for the Monday event and will offer assistance to others who need some help to pull off a pop-up dinner.

Kuehn said she likes finding ways to partner with people and isn't limiting the offer to dinner. Some have asked her about doing themed events such as a vegan meal or an 80s prom night. Her back patio also is available.

"It's just fun," she said. "It's fun for people to get excited about and do their food, but I've always approached some people and said, 'You love to cook. You're a great home cook. Why don't you take over the kitchen?'"

The pop-up chefs keep the majority of the money made at the event, she said. The restaurant can sell beer and wine.

"I can't believe nobody has done it, to be really honest, but I don't think anybody has or is set up like this," Kuehn said. "And I love working with them. They come in with a whole different style of cooking than I do, and it's an opportunity for me to learn from them and I get excited about it."

To make reservations for the Monday 6 p.m. dinner or learn more about pop-up kitchen options, call 605-336-3315.

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