Kitchen dining

I have seen on tv shows and in magazines the concept of putting a table in the kitchen of a restaurant for special customers. The closest that I have ever come is a restaurant where the kitchen is in the dining room, like the Fire n Ice chain does. Have you ever been invited to dine in the kitchen? Are most kitchens clean or safe or cool enough? I have friends who always entertain in the kitchen, but that is at home. I am talking fine dining restaurants.