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The most memorable moments occur when you least expect them. That’s exactly what happened on a magical Fall evening last weekend…

We were recently invited by Secret Supper to attend the Secret Supper presented by Roca Patrón event in an undisclosed, exclusive destination in Monterey County. They told us to bring a jacket, wear close-toed shoes, and arrive at 4 pm at the meetup location in Monterey, California. From there we would be shuttled to an unknown, private location that was 40-minutes away.

Secret Supper with Roca Patron in Monterey County - Photo by Highheels_and_Pineapples

Naturally, my mind was brimming with ideas. Was the dinner going to be held in Big Sur? Or perhaps Santa Cruz?

After much anticipation, we boarded the shuttle alongside about 50 other guests (who came from San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and beyond) to embark on an evening of excitement and adventure. As the shuttle drove deep into the Carmel Valley hills, we headed past Carmel Valley Village into a rural area known as Cachagua.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Set high atop a hillside in the Santa Lucia mountains overlooking Carmel Valley and Big Sur we ultimately arrived at our final destination – a private organic family farm and farmstead called Living Circle Farm.

Surrounded by an expansive grove of oak trees with unparalleled views of the mountain ranges just beyond, the rustic atmosphere set the stage for an enchanting evening filled with laughter, great food, and craft cocktails.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

If you haven’t heard of these “Secret Suppers” yet, you’re in for a treat. In collaboration with Roca Patrón, the Portland, Oregon-based Secret Supper Company recently partnered with the premium tequila brand to host a series of bespoke, sold-out dinners that are set in unique, majestic settings around the country.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Secret Supper x Roca Patrón Dinner Series

To provide deeper insight into the background and purpose of this special “Secret Supper” series, their team shared with us the following statement.

“With craftsmanship and sustainability at the forefront, Secret Supper and Patrón have teamed up to create the Secret Supper – Roca Patrón Series, seven unique events that incorporate Secret Supper’s known and loved communal dinners and Patrón’s artisanal time-honored “tahona” made tequila, Roca Patrón. Secret Supper and Patrón are working with talented chefs and mixologists in Portland (ME), Detroit, Denver, Santa Fe, Monterey, New Orleans, and Guadalajara, Mexico, to create these once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.

The Secret Supper – Roca Patrón Series is dedicated to celebrating culinary craft while supporting sustainable practices. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Savory Institute, an organization that works on large scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands to address desertification, climate change, and food and water insecurity.”

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Upon our arrival, we walked up a dusty path toward the happy hour location.

From bespoke cocktails by Mixologist Robin Wolf of Slo Bitter Company and passed hors d’oeuvres (like Coconut Shrimp Lollipops) by Chef Nelson German of alaMar Kitchen & Bar to live music by a guitarist, the team created a warm and inviting atmosphere that encouraged us all to relax and unwind.

After a round of brief introductions by the hosts for the evening, we were then escorted down to the main dinner site, which looked out toward the Big Sur mountain range.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

A long wood table adorned with rustic eucalyptus leaves, flowers, fresh fruit, and lit candles created a romantic and magical setting for the multi-course dinner.

Featuring fresh seafood dishes (like Dungeness Crab with Baked local cheese and grilled sourdough, Grilled Prawns with potatoes, and even Charred Gulf Lobster), all the food was served family-style. Not only did this encourage all the guests to mingle, but it also created a feeling of being part of a special community.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Throughout the dinner, each course was paired with a different bespoke cocktail featuring Roca Patrón. Of all the iterations (which ranged from sweet to smokey), my favorite drink was a flower-topped cocktail that contained Roca Patrón Reposado, local honey chamomile shrub, lemon, and sparkling wine.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

As the sun set over the mountains, the picturesque indigo sky started to sparkle as the stars gleamed brighter.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Before the enchanting evening drew to a close, we were served the final course – a decadent coconut banana pudding dessert (with coconut espuma, cashew crumble, and caramelized banana).

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

Aside from the gourmet dishes and cocktails, one of the most surprising parts of the experience was the warm camaraderie and enjoyable conversations we had with the hosts and the other guests.

Going on a culinary adventure into an unknown destination brings people together in a unique and memorable way, which is truly a cause for a celebration. In this fast-paced modern world, slowing down to savor life’s inspiring moments is often just what we need to feel connected.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

If you’re celebrating a special occasion (like a birthday or an anniversary), a Secret Supper is a great gift idea that will spark your sense of excitement, exploration, and enjoyment. To learn more, check out Secret Supper.

Secret Supper and Roca Patron Dinner Series in Monterey County

[Media Passes provided by Secret Supper. All opinions are my own. Photo credits: Header image c/o Carly Diaz; Photo of us taken by Highheels_and_Pineapples; all other images are by Inspirations & Celebrations.]


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