Some, though, make sure they're out of the kitchen on their days off. It always tastes better when someone else makes it. My favorite is Tong Kaiang's dim sum in San Francisco. He admits to being an equal-opportunity diner. I'll go to Burger King or McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken.
People can be so snooty about food.
He says it takes some planning in order to visit other fine restaurants. And it's important, he says, for chefs to make the effort. When you get confident you realize you have a lot more to do. Eric Tosh, formerly of Eulipia in San Jose and who now prepares his creations for Valeriano's in Los Gatos, shares his nights off with girlfriend Diane Rose, chef at Mio Vicino, which has restaurants in San Jose, Santa Clara and Campbell. We dine out as often as possible.