Not having hosted any dinner gatherings myself this Summer, for one reason or another (I seemed to have had a lot in the previous two Spring/Summers, so perhaps this was a good rest), last Sunday I was delighted to go along to one of the underground dining phenomena that some are whispering about excitedly in Los Angeles in recent times (part of, but different in spirit to, the pop-up restaurant movement). I was a bit tired and poorly (and had spent a big chunk of that day and the one before holed up, interviewing candidates for our new Provost. Announcement of the -fantastic- result here) but was determined to go and take up the spot I’d promised to fill.
The Dining Society has no fixed abode and pops up in a variety of interesting places 
around the city. A collection of fantastic chefs (led by Kevin Van of Providence), sommeliers, and mixologists (cocktail makers) show up and make a delicious meal, and you dine and chat with interesting people for an evening. (This time there was Yutaro Tachibe, sous chef at Melisse, and Alison Trent of Bouchon, as well as the video mixologists Alie & Georgia, and two other mixologists I forgot to mention. There were also two other treats from chefs that could not make it, including dessert.) You pay $50 all in and you’re done. I think it is tremendous value. Have a look around your city for something similar going on. It might be worth a try, if you’re interested in fine food, wine, and interesting company.
Gillian Ferguson has more words and pictures at KCRW’s blog Good Food.
-cvj
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