And One <i> Way </i> Over 20

Here’s a little stocking stuffer you might want to consider: Patina, the restaurant, is for sale for a day. You pay $1,250 to slave over a hot stove in chef/owner Joachim Splichal’s kitchen. The payoff? A six-course dinner for you and seven of your friends.

Your day begins at 6 a.m. downtown, where you shop for fresh produce with Splichal and crew. Then you stop for breakfast, “at a funky place . . . like McDonald’s,” says Splichal. Chop, peel, wash, strain, work a few hours in the pastry station, a few hours in fish, a few hours in meat. Lunch is the regular staff meal with the rest of the kitchen crew. Dinner is your menu, with a different wine for each course.

The pricy package includes a photo of yourself with the kitchen crew, a chef’s jacket and a special Patina diploma. And, of course, the appreciation of your friends.

Patina is located at 5955 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 467-1108. “A Day In Patina’s Kitchen” is available only Mondays through Thursdays.