There’s something a little magical about a spring evening at the historic Goodwood Museum & Gardens—and our latest Secret Dinner at Damas leaned in all the way.
Set in the charming cottage now home to Damas, founder Amanda Morrison and Executive Chef Jasmine Dunn welcomed our All Access Foodies supporters for a night that felt equal parts elevated and effortlessly relaxed. What made this evening stand out right away? We kicked things off outdoors, mingling on the lawn surrounded by blooming spring florals, golden light, and the kind of easy conversation that reminds you why these gatherings matter so much.
Instead of heading straight to the table, guests enjoyed a beautiful appetizer and slushy-style welcome reception under the open sky—an intentional, thoughtful start that set the tone for the entire evening.
What Makes a Secret Dinner… a Secret
For those new here, our Secret Dinner series is exclusive to All Access Foodies supporters. Tickets are released about two weeks in advance, the location is revealed the morning of the event, and the chef-curated prix fixe menu is unveiled upon arrival. It’s all part of the fun—trusting the experience, showing up curious, and letting the evening unfold.
A Perfect Spring Pairing with Ology
A special highlight of the night came in collaboration with Tallahassee Foodies’ supporting partner, Ology Brewing + Distilling. Ology’s contribution? Their wildly refreshing Raspberry Cherry Limeade Slushhhhh morphed into a creatively iced Berry Shrub Slushhhh, dreamt up by Amanda and Chef Dunn as our welcome beverage. Bright, tangy, and perfectly chilled for the warm spring evening, it was one of those drinks that had everyone asking for “just one more sip” before heading inside.
Thoughtful, Local, and Deeply Intentional
Damas continues to shine in its commitment to local sourcing and storytelling through food. Their menus are rooted in relationships with nearby farmers and producers, and you can truly taste that intention in every course. Each plate felt like a love letter to the region—fresh, vibrant, and beautifully composed with ingredients sourced just miles away.
As a trained sommelier, Amanda also guided us through each pairing, sharing thoughtful and passionate insight into the wines and the makers behind them, adding an extra layer of storytelling to every sip.
The Menu
The evening unfolded course by course, each pairing thoughtfully curated:
Welcome Cocktail & Appetizer
Sweet Grass Dairy Thomasville Tomme Cheese Biscuit Sandwich with Prosciutto, Plant City Strawberry Jam, and Capriole Farm Chevre Goat Cheese
Paired with Ology Brewing + Distilling Berry Shrub Slushhhh
First Course
Miso Butter Seared Scallop, House Fermented Apple Mignonette, Full Earth Farm Fennel
Paired with Labouré-Roi Chardonnay, Burgundy, France
Second Course
Pickled Strawberry & Turnip Gazpacho featuring first-of-the-season Moccasin Grove Farm strawberries, Stolle Farms turnips and turnip top oil, New Green Organiks microgreens, and herbs from the Damas garden
Paired with Ingrid Groiss Hasenhaide Rosé, Weinviertel, Austria
Third Course
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin, Celeriac & Apple Puree, Celery Top Salsa Verde featuring Mercier Orchards via Turkey Hill Farm, The Good Ground Farm, Full Earth Farm, and Rocky Soil Farm
Paired with Michelini i Mufatto Bierzo En El Camino Mencia, Bierzo, Spain
Dessert
Earl Grey Lavender Teacup Tiramisu featuring Color Theory Tea Co.
Paired with Graham Beck Western Cape Bliss Demi-Sec, South Africa
A New Twist on Gathering
Another fun shift from our usual format—this time, we didn’t gather around one long table. Instead, guests filled Damas’ three indoor dining rooms, seated family-style across multiple tables. It created a different kind of energy—more intimate pockets of conversation while still feeling deeply connected as one larger group.
A Beautiful Beginning
This dinner also served as a soft introduction to Damas’ new Friday night supper series—something we’re already excited to see more of. If this evening was any indication, it’s going to be something really special.
Between the outdoor springtime welcome, the thoughtful menu, and the warmth that filled every room, this Secret Dinner felt like a true celebration of place, people, and the power of gathering around food.
Find Damas in Tallahassee at:
Socials – Website, Facebook, Instagram
Address – Goodwood Museum, 1600 Miccosukee Road, Suite 10, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone – (850) 228-5611
