because Stefen gets to be creative,” said Julie. “At restaurants it is always what they want, which to a certain degree can be stifling, but with Kitchen Kriminals, people trust us.”

Guests really respect Stefen’s creativeness in cooking, regarding the experience not just as a hearty filling meal but also as an experience with a true artist. A few guests even snuck back to the kitchen, like Davis local Mike Nolan, who joked, “It’s like watching Michelangelo work on the Sistine Chapel.”

After a few minutes, though, it was time for the main course, which Stefen introduced to the crowd, light heartedly describing how he kept the fat in the spare ribs as he cooked them because “It’s a special night, tomorrow we will all go for a bike ride and it’ll all be good!”

Stefen’s humor adds to the festiveness of the dinners. He is personable, outgoing and a real conversationalist. He is truly comfortable amongst friends as well as strangers. “That’s what I love about these dinners,” he said. “They are not impersonal at all. It feels like extended family every time.” The dinner guests were comfortable too, leaning back as the dinner ensued and voices rose. Wine glasses and plates became empty as conversations flew and laughter spread.