Secret Supper Soiree (Dine Out Vancouver 2012)

In the context of Dine Out Vancouver 2012, one of the activities I got invited to was the Secret Supper Soiree organized by Swallow Tail. I took Lorraine Murphy as my Plus One, and we were lucky enough to be joined by my good friend Sue Frause, who like me is a travel writer (but she is based out of the US).

Vancouver’s culinary speakeasy tour. Imagine being a guest in a 30’s underground bar, a room of unsolved mysteries, perhaps, an urban winery. A sommelier serves you stunning sips of wine. Chef Andrea Carlson formerly of Bishops sizzles up fresh, wild BC canapé creations. A classic double decker chauffeurs to the venues. The best way to explore the secrets of the city!

Five Courses. Four Wine Tastings. Two Secret Locations. And the most lovely chauffeur, we were swept off on a pink Classic Double Decker. Upon arrival to Secret Destination #1, we were offered a Pimms Cup a la Boardwalk Empire. The first two courses, served at the Secret Destination #1, were visually very appealing, although my favorite was the salad, rather than the soup (much as I loved the Erlenmeyer beaker!). All food was created by Executive Chef Andrea Carlson.

At Secret Destination #2, we had 3 additional tastings with very specific BC boutique wineries showcased. You should know that there is a vegetarian option available. Obviously a great deal of the Secret Supper Soiree is the fact that the meeting location and Secret Destinations are unknown until the day of, and that is very much part of the appeal and excitement.

Every time I write about an event, I write on my own experience and the discussions I had with other attendees. Every time I go out and review something I make a point of talking to people who paid the full price (as most of the times, my participation is complimentary) and ask them about their experience. Here are the things I heard from them, overall.

– The value for money was there.
– They enjoyed the fact that it was a unique experience.
– They loved the two locations and were completely surprised.
– The dance entertainment was also an extremely welcome surprise.
– The choice of wines (and the pimms cocktail) was really well executed too.
– Overall, they’d do it again.

My main course with quinoa was exciting from the perspective of an ingredient that is in vogue, but I think I probably would have preferred something with portobello mushrooms, etc. The salad was most excellent. The dessert was to-die-for. Personally, I don’t eat poached eggs but I ate the rest and loved it (the garnish) and my colleagues and the people sitting at the table also loved it. The wine selection was stellar.

The dress code is, as they mention, “as fancy as you like, the fancier the better. We encourage 1930’s speakeasy attire! Don’t forget your umbrella for rainy days.” I wore a suit with a fedora (which was courtesy of Lorraine, who knows about the 1930s way more than I do).

While the Dine Out Vancouver 2012 event is over, you can always contact The Swallow Tail to check when they will run the event again. It is totally worth doing. Sue, Lorraine and I went to the Keefer Bar right after for a night cap with part of the group and enjoyed meeting new friends!

Disclosure: My participation and that of my guest were both complimentary. As always, I retain full editorial control over anything I post on my site.