Just over a week ago, approximate twenty members of the Patrón Social Club got an e-mail that they had won a coveted seat at Patrón’s Secret Dining Society Dinner. They had no clue where it was going to be held, who was creating the dinner nor who was the mixologist. They joined Patrón’s Social Club site knowing of other dinners and events that have been held around the country. A number of the attendees advised me they signed up at Patrón’s Social Club website because of a post on Urban Daddy. No matter the reason, Baltimore is a big Patrón city.
The trend now is pop up restaurants and pop up dinners, off the grid locations with a somewhat exclusive in-the-know attitude. But this isn’t so new, in days gone by when alcohol was illegal one would go to a speakeasy to drink and dine. At a speakeasy the little window in the door would open and if you had the correct password you were in. For the Patrón Secret Dining Society, the little window in the door is now the text window on your cell phone with directions where and how to get to your dining experience.
The invite welcomed you to the Patrón Secret Dining Society. You were informed you earned a spot for yourself and guest at Re-Imagining The Holiday Feast to be held in Baltimore.
All the e-mail said is that it was Friday, December 17th, in the evening, somewhere in Baltimore, dress is cocktail attire and for those who need it, free taxi service at the end of the evening would be provided.
Then the following e-mail arrived:
The Patrón Secret Dining Society event in Baltimore is upon us! We are very excited that you'll be attending the event tomorrow, Friday, December 17. Many people are involved in planning this for you, so we cannot wait to have you along.
Here are your instructions:
Please arrive at Hotel Monaco Baltimore (2 North Charles Street) where you and your guest should be in the lobby at 6:30pm EST sharp (cannot stress this enough). If you are driving to the venue, mention Patrón at parking to receive free parking. Once you and your guest are inside the lobby, text Patrón Holiday at 6:30pm EST and you will receive further instructions at that time. This very secret meeting will conclude at approximately 11pm at the Hotel Monaco Baltimore
Being one of three from the media, Randi Rom and Ryan Rom from Baltimore Eats and myself knew where it was being held and we could have met everyone there but we really wanted to enjoy the whole experience. We met at the Hotel Monaco and went up to the 2nd floor lobby. We were in the correct place. Once texted to Patrón the reply was to go to the fireplace and look for the gentleman in the dark suit. The 20 winners and their guests followed the gentleman outside to a waiting bus. A ride to the county, to the Cloisters, a castle like venue that plays hosts to many a wedding and special event.
On the dark, cold night the Patrón Secret Dining Society emblem lit up the walls of the Cloisters' façade. Candles lit the way through a room with poinsettias on the floor and pictures on easels to the library where Baltimore’s Brendan Dorr, mixologist supreme was shaking up Patrón Lillys and Patrón and Stormys to pair with the passed hors d’oeuvres of sweet potato tot, chicken live pave and smoked chestnut and pear soup. Personally, I was extremely fond of the Patrón and Stormy.
Note: Cocktail recipes can be found at my National column
After a sufficient time for the reception we walked into the main dining room to one long table decorated with holiday flowers, pine cones, votives that set the tone for the food and wine pairing. Our chef for the evening was Executive Chef Christopher Becker of The Wine Market. Chef Becker is a graduate of the Baltimore International Culinary College and worked at the Brass Elephant, Linwoods, five years at The Wine Market and did a stage at the Inn at Little Washington.
Our menu for the evening was outstanding:
Hudson Valley Duck Breast Carpaccio & Tartare (root beer syrup, aioli, honey poached cranberries, crispy yams) paired with a Rested Miss Clementine (Patrón Reposado, stone pine & herbal liqueur, Clementine and lemon juice, egg whites)
Pan Seared Scallop (cauliflower flan, white chocolate, malted curry oil) paired with Pumpkin Patch Elixir (Patrón Reposado, sherry, pumpkin ale syrup, orange & old-fashioned bitters)
Crispy Pheasant Confit (rutabaga puree, pheasant jus, roasted Brussel sprouts, pomegranate and pistachio vinaigrette) paired with Patrón Sleigh (Patrón Anejo, honey & cherry liqueur, bitters)
Toasted Walnut Carrot Cake (bourbon raisin puree, candied carrots, a La Minute cream cheese Chantilly) paired with Patrón Eggnog XO (Patrón XO, honey, herb & walnut liqueur, homemade eggnog)
The cauliflower flan with scallop had a hidden egg yolk – it was an awesome surprise as well as being delicious.
Read my National Column's Patron's Secret Dining Society Story
Comments