On May 9, Chicago magazine hosted its second Secret Supper of 2022 at One Off Hospitality’s fun and lively concept, avec River North. Ticket holders enjoyed a shared five-course dinner developed by Chef de Cuisine Dylan Patel. The menu featured house favorites such as the chicken liver crostini with strawberry balsamic preserves and mint, slow roasted pork shoulder with clams, fregola pasta and pickled nettles as well as avec’s signature braised cabbage with salted yogurt, walnuts, spiced tomato and dill. The dinner ended with a dessert duo: aged Manchego cheese and Pastry Chef Natalie Saben’s lavender flan. Guests enjoyed three specialty cocktails by The House of Suntory that featured their Haku Vodka, Toki Whiskey, and Roku Gin, in addition to a refreshing grapefruit and vanilla mocktail mixed with Topo Chico. The event was sponsored by Beam Suntory and Topo Chico. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefited World Central Kitchen in support of Ukraine.
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The sold out Secret Supper was hosted at avec's second location, avec River North.
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Secret Supper kicked off with a light and fresh 1st course: yellowtail crudo with pickled rhubarb and sunflower-urfa chili.
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A duo of guests taking photos of the 1st course.
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The evening's 5-course menu was revealed when guests arrived for dinner.
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House of Suntory's Yatai Cart provided guests with handcrafted welcome drinks upon arrival, made with Toki Whisky.
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avec's Chef de Cuisine Dylan Patel prepared the main course of slow roasted pork shoulder in peri-peri broth with clams, fregola pasta, and pickled nettles; an avec classic.
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Guests enjoying their evening at Secret Supper.
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The Appease Me cocktail made with snap pea-infused Roku Gin, strega, genepy, mint, and lemon, created by avec's Bar Manager, Kate Smith.
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In true avec style, guests enjoyed aged Manchego cheese with spring onion jam and fennel pollen for dessert.
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A look at Secret Supper tables prior to guests arriving.
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Guests enjoyed the Lust For Life mocktail crafted with grapefruit Topo chico, grapefruit vanilla cordial and lime.
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Guests enjoying Secret Supper cocktails.
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A snapshot of avec during Secret Supper from LaSalle St.
Photograph: Fox & Harrison Creative