Our Secret Dinner Series
The Tallahassee Foodies Secret Dinner series is designed to foster community amongst our All Access Foodies supporters – a small group of patrons seated together at one long table, while also serving up a Chef’s Table experience and an element of mystery that makes each dinner special.
The location remains a secret, known only to myself and the establishment during the fun planning process, until it is revealed to guests the morning of the event! Later that day upon arrival, the prix fixe menu is unveiled, making the dining experience an adventurous discovery from start to finish.
Il Lusso’s Secret Dinner
I’m absolutely thrilled and incredibly thankful to Il Lusso for hosting our Secret Dinner last night. This stunning downtown gem, serving up big city vibes in Tallahassee, warmly welcomed our All Access Foodies and made the evening truly unforgettable. Known for its sophisticated Italian cuisine and elegant atmosphere, Il Lusso has long been a favorite for special occasions and indulgent nights out. This evening was no exception—it was a culinary journey that left us in awe from start to finish.
The best part of our Secret Dinners is the intimate “chef’s table” experience. At most dinners, we are greeted by the chef, who introduces us to the restaurant and personally describes each course. At this particular dinner, we had the privilege of meeting the entire team and each shared their contributions to our unforgettable meal — Il Lusso’s Bar Manager Steven Dennis, Chef de Cuisine Adam Young, Pastry Chef Ally Pekins, our amazing lead server Brittany and General Manager Tyler Peed.
One of the highlights of this dinner was discovering their private dining room, a space I hadn’t seen before. It’s a beautiful room with a wall of natural light streaming in from the windows, and the entire back wall showcases their impressive wine collection. I also appreciated the thoughtful touch from their Social Media and Marketing Manager, Amber Skye, who created slides that detailed each course and wine pairing—such an educational and enjoyable addition!
The Welcome Cocktail
Another standout moment that set this dinner apart was a generous contribution from Social House Vodka. This North Carolina based distillery made their Tallahassee Foodies partnership debut at our Secret Dinner with a Welcome Cocktail and gift featuring their Battle’s End edition vodka — a partnership with The Battle’s End Collective, the NIL supporting Florida State University (FSU) student-athletes.
Attendees were treated to a party favor bag containing their beautiful full-size garnet and gold Battle’s End edition bottle, along with the recipe for the Welcome Cocktail, expertly crafted by Il Lusso’s Bar Manager Steven. The Tangerine Dream was a refreshing blend of Social House Vodka, tangerine juice, apricot purée, Myer lemon juice, and limoncello, complete with a tangerine-infused ice cube—both visually stunning and absolutely delicious!
Our Il Lusso Secret Dinner Custom Menu
Amuse-Bouche: Arancini with Red Gravy
The first taste of the evening was an amuse-bouche of arancini, served over a rich red gravy. The starter was crispy on the outside, with a perfectly creamy risotto center. Paired with a glass of 2022 Casa Canevel Prosecco Rosé Brut from Veneto, Italy, this course was a delightful introduction to what was yet to come. The sparkling rosé added a light touch that complemented the savory arancini beautifully.
Raviolo with Cacio Sauce
Next up was a dish of perfectly crafted raviolo filled with a luxurious cacio sauce. The butter glaze, pecorino, and black pepper added layers of richness and depth to this simple yet stunning dish. We asked for bread so that not a drop of butter was left behind! The pairing for this course was a 2023 Cora Pinot Grigio from Colline Pescaresi IGP, Italy. The crisp, clean notes of the Pinot Grigio were a lovely contrast to the creamy raviolo, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Eggplant Parmesan
The third course was a twist on a classic, a cooked to perfection, STACKED Eggplant Parmesan. The eggplant was tender and flavorful, layered with pomodoro sauce, melted mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil. It was hearty yet elegant, a true testament to the quality of ingredients and skill in the kitchen. Paired with a 2017 Nielson Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara, California, this dish was elevated by the wine’s fruity, earthy notes, making it one of the highlights of the evening.
Porchetta
The main course was a stunning showstopper: Porchetta, featuring succulent pork belly with fennel and herb stuffing, wrapped in a crispy pork skin. Every bite was a perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the tender, flavorful meat to the crunchy, savory skin. This dish was paired with a 2022 Umani Ronchi ‘Podere’ Montepulciano from Abruzzo, Italy. The Montepulciano’s bold, robust profile complemented the richness of the porchetta, rounding out the main course with a satisfying finish.
Dessert: Cannoli
We ended the evening on a sweet note with Pastry Chef Ally’s fun take on a classic Italian dessert—a trio of Cannoli. With every bite, I was exclaiming, “holy cannoli”! The crispy pastry shells were filled with an incredibly delicious chocolate, cherry, and almond filling, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. To accompany this treat, we enjoyed a cup of Grassroots’ ‘Il Lusso Blend’ coffee from Thomasville, Georgia. The coffee’s rich flavor was the perfect complement to the cannoli, closing out the night with each comforting sip.
With so much joy and gratitude, I want to express a sincere thank you to Il Lusso and the entire team for their expert hospitality and gracious welcome. It was an honor to be treated to your culinary excellence as we enjoyed a wonderful evening in your beautiful restaurant. Your team’s talent is impeccable, and we are truly appreciative of the thoughtful attention we were given.
Find Il Lusso in Tallahassee at:
Socials – Website, Facebook, Instagram
Address – 201 E Park Ave #100, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone – (850) 765-8620
