[MaryJane]

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES baffled guests at a New York restaurant when she waited on their tables as research for her latest film role.

The multi-talented Welsh actress even tried her hand in the kitchen of Manhattan's acclaimed Fiamma eaterie to prepare for romance MOSTLY MARTHA, in which she plays a top chef who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her young niece.

Cooking colleagues claim Zeta-Jones was so good at her job, she fooled all her customers.

A source tells People magazine, "One night she did a little serving. A few people said to her, 'You look so much like Catherine Zeta-Jones'. And she said, 'Oh, I get that all the time.'"

Her restaurant boss MICHAEL WHITE adds, "She's been doing a lot in the kitchen - sautéing and cutting. She's a great garnisher. Drizzling oil and balsamic on plates - she does a nice job."

contactmusic.com