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, located a few blocks down the street.

Although the opening has been pushed back a bit to late April, 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 on Monday, April 2 and Monday, April 9.

Like McNaughton, Gaines has plenty of experience in the fine dining scene, including spending time at highly regarded Manresa in Los Gatos. In talking to McNaughton at an earlier walkthrough of the building, he said Central Kitchen is going to be completely different from what patrons have come to expect with flour + water. “It’s going to be a finer dining experience. The pastas and pizzas that are staples at flour + water will not be on Central Kitchen’s menu,” he said. “The restaurant will definitely highlight the flavors and ingredients of Northern California.”

The eight-course tasting menu will also include an assortment of amuse bouche and will be paired with wines as well. Guests will also be able to talk to chefs McNaughton and Gaines about the food, concept and inspiration behind Central Kitchen.

The dinners will be held in the Dough Room at flour + water at 2401 Harrison Street. Price for the dinner is $275 including wine and gratuity (but exclusive of tax). Each of the dinners will start at 7:00 p.m. and is limited to 14 guests. Click here for reservations.

Photo Credit: flour + water

• Tag: Central Kitchen, dough room, Events, Flour + Water, Michael Gaines, Preview Dinners, Restaurants, Thomas McNaughton