Let’s face it – we all have that urge to experience the unknown.
For a foodie like me, when I’m presented with dining options that include common dishes and experience, I’ll often seek something new instead.
I was on Facebook a while back and stumbled upon a post about Secret Dinner Canada.
My curiosity took me to their website where I learned a little more – but not too much – it’s a secret after all.
A quick view of the teaser video promised an experience like no other, a long dinner table set up in a creative location with amazing food.
There was no doubt in my mind that I had to be at the next dinner, so I reached out to the creators of Secret Dinner Canada, Vanessa Fedeli & Zach Roy to book some tickets.
Joined by a couple friends, two days before the event we received our ticket noting the initial meeting point.
Still, no clue where we would be eating, the meeting point simply served as an arrival and departure point for the evening.
A novel second-hand bookstore and café serving speciality coffees and craft beers, Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar has cool vibes and two floors of books to discover.
We enjoyed a special Secret Dinner cocktail – a beautiful smoky and bright Mezcal Grapefruit Hibiscus Tea.
At once, we were whisked away through the back door where a bus was waiting to take us to dinner.
All aboard we were, and, on our way, we headed towards the airport and then a quick exit by the EY Centre had us all a little puzzled.
South we went and then West until our arrival at Laird’s Tree Farm.
A little ways in, we got off the bus and were greeted with a champagne flute and some bubbly to start our experience.
Here we are, at a Christmas tree farm, middle of June, and the sun was shining bright.
As we made our way, the sound of a crackling fire and smoke billowed down the pathway.
Once we arrived in the clearing a beautiful long table setup in the middle of the tree field, with beautiful wildflower arrangements and some fresh spruce tips on our menus – a nice touch.
The Chef of the evening was Jesse Bell – IG: @jesse_brett_bell.
The menu he presented was phenomenal and included the following dishes.
Shaved asparagus, cured egg yolk, smoked blue, puffed wild rice & green goddess
Charred Yellowfin crudo, rhubarb pickled shallot, sesame tuile & smoked crème fraîche
Brown butter gnocchi, fiddleheads, sunchoke purée, oyster mushroom & crisps
Duck two ways, succotash, carrot purée, braised radish & demi-glace
White chocolate/chamomile panna cotta, lemon curd, spiced pecan & field berry fluid gel
Chef Bell presented each course before we got to enjoy it – and every course was enjoyed by all.
All of the courses were paired perfectly with beverages ranging from bubbly to a sour beer and wine of course.
This truly was a dining experience like no other.
As dinner wrapped up we got back onto the bus and returned to Black Squirrel where a Jazz band was playing – part of their new evening show offering.
If you like food and adventure – this is for you – you are sure to be impressed.
To find out more or book tickets for one of their events visit:
SecretDinner.ca
IG: @secretdinnercanada