One of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings in the early part of 2012 is flour + water’s off-shoot restaurants, Central Kitchen and Salumeria...A few lucky diners will be able to try out what’s to come from chef de cuisine Michael Gaines and chef/partner Thomas McNaughton, as the two are hosting a pair of preview dinners. The eight-course tasting menu will also include an assortment of amuse bouche and will be paired with wines as well.

Chefs Thomas McNaughton and Michael Gaines will be cooking table-side for up to twelve guests on each of those consecutive Mondays, and explaining the concept of Central Kitchen as they go. (Think elevated California cuisine, with a focus on fish and vegetables, and informed by Gaines's recent experience in the kitchen at Manresa.) Each dinner will start at 7 p.m. and cost $275 per person, inclusive of wine and gratuity.