Some of my favorite things happen because of a simple conversation.
Last month, I attended the Visit Tallahassee Industry Partners luncheon to announce Tallahassee Restaurant Week. Afterwards, one of our fellow All Access Foodies supporters, Alan Hanstein, mentioned that Chef Hervé of Little Paris was opening a new restaurant on Lafayette, appropriately named Lafayette, in the former Lucilla space.
I reached out to Chef Hervé, and before long, we found ourselves sitting inside his beautiful “new to him” restaurant having a fun conversation getting to know each other. I had three questions for him:
- May I feature Lafayette in an article to give our community a look at what you’re creating?
- Would you like to host one of our signature Secret Dinners and share your creativity with our wonderful All Access Foodies supporters?
- Would you like to help us put Tallahassee’s dining scene in the spotlight during our inaugural Tallahassee Restaurant Week?
I was so grateful to receive an enthusiastic “yes” to all three, and two have already come to life. I’ve had the opportunity to share the story of Lafayette and introduce his exciting new restaurant to Tallahassee, and now we’re here to relive our incredible Secret Dinner at Little Paris.
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.
Filling the Room with Foodies
For this Secret Dinner, we decided to do something a little different. Since Chef Hervé was gracious enough to open the restaurant on his day off just for us, I thought it would be fun to fill the room and welcome even more All Access Foodies into one of our events that typically sells out so quickly (in seconds). It also became another reminder of the power of this community – on a traditionally slower summer evening, we were able to gather around the table, fill the restaurant with happy foodies, and support a local business in a meaningful way.
And what a night it turned out to be. Walking into the restaurant felt like stepping into a little French escape. The blue accents, black and white images of Paris adorning the walls, sparkling wine glasses, and beautifully set tables created an elegant setting before a single bite had even arrived. From the moment guests walked through the doors, there was a buzz in the room – big smiles, hugs between familiar faces, and conversations that picked up as friends, old and new, were seated together.
🇫🇷🍷🍽️ The Menu
A French Martini
We began the evening with a French Martini Cocktail featuring local Ology Distillery Vodka, pineapple, and raspberry liqueur. The cocktail arrived in a gorgeous lavender-haze shade topped with a shaken foamy layer, and garnished with a fresh raspberry. It was fruity, refreshing, and the perfect welcome to the evening.
Course by Course
Then the culinary journey began.
Our first bites included a delicate mini avocado tartlet topped with shrimp tartare, paired with a Viognier from France’s Rhône region. The tartlet was light and bright and set the stage for what was to come.
One of the standout dishes of the evening was the Exotic Mushroom Toast. A poached egg rested atop earthy mushrooms with bacon cream, fried onions, and green oil. Rich and comforting, it was the kind of dish that had our tables buzzing after the first bite. More than one guest quietly wondered if this one might find a permanent place on Lafayette’s menu.
The entrée featured Grouper à la Lentille, beautifully prepared grouper served with green lentils, parsnip purée, poultry jus, and crisp parsnip chips. Every component on the plate felt intentional, with layers of flavor that reflected the time and care invested in each sauce and preparation.
Dessert brought us a Tiramisu Mascarpone Tart with a creamy coffee center and a glass of Sauternes dessert wine. It was the perfect ending to a meal that felt both indulgent and thoughtfully curated.
Every bite of the evening was worthy of applause. Chef Hervé and his team created a menu filled with dishes that were clearly labors of love, and the wine pairings elevated every course even further.
A Night You Don’t Want to End
But what made the evening truly special was the feeling in the room. This was one of the most fun, energetic Secret Dinners we’ve ever hosted. You could feel from the very beginning that this one was something special. The laughter was constant, the conversations flowed effortlessly, and nobody seemed in a hurry to leave. Even after the final course and last sip of wine, guests lingered around the tables, chatting and soaking in a night none of us wanted to end.
Looking Ahead to Lafayette
As we said our goodbyes, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the relationships that continue to grow within our food community, grateful for chefs willing to open their doors and share their creativity, and grateful for our incredible All Access Foodies supporters who bring such warmth and joy to every gathering.
If last night was any indication of what’s to come at Lafayette, Tallahassee has something truly special to look forward to. And if we’re lucky, perhaps a few of these unforgettable dishes will make their way onto the permanent menu. I know many of us would happily order them all over again. 🇫🇷🍷✨
Find Little Paris in Tallahassee at:
Socials – Website, Facebook, Instagram
Address – 1355 Market St a7, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone – (850) 765-7457
