As Tampa Bay’s dining scene explodes, there are new restaurants opening weekly. With increased competition, the culinary stakes have been taken up a notch. Earlier this year, three of Tampa’s best – Koya, Lilac and Rocca – were honored with Michelin stars. With presence on this esteemed list, elevated dining is truly a reality for Tampa, but as the region’s taste buds, and expectations, expand the question remains: is our area ready for a supper club to be the ultimate epicurean experience?
The supper club phenomenon began in the 1930s, in Beverly Hills, California, where the dinner was considered the destination and patrons would partake of cocktails and exquisite dishes in a relaxed, yet swanky, atmosphere.
Today, the supper club has evolved into an exclusive culinary gathering catering to those seeking exceptional food along with a sense of camaraderie and community. The intimate setting and original food for each dinner add to the appeal of the supper club. However, given their exclusive nature, where does one find a supper club in the area?
Luckily there is a new supper club sensation arriving on the Tampa dining scene. We bring you an inside peek at Adnoraf.
What Is Its History and What Does It Mean?
Like a true love story, Steven and Faronda Davis met as teenagers, in south St. Petersburg. Through fearless entrepreneurship they established the ABC Chefs Cooking Academy, in St. Louis, Missouri, and expanded the concept to California and Tampa. Along the way, Faronda also conceptualized Cake Drip, a pop-up, do it yourself, dessert party in Tampa.
As many businesses found the need to pivot, Faronda and Steven sought a new challenge to satisfy their adult entrepreneurial side and reach an audience that adores eating fine cuisine. Adnoraf was developed with the intention of bringing together a gathering of people who appreciate the finer luxuries in life. More than just a variation on the creator’s name, Adnoraf is an idea, an “exclusive” or “private” club where people can go to be pampered and treated like royalty.
Adnoraf is an intimate setting where people are encouraged to savor each course and discuss the intricacies of the menu items. Three times a month, up to twenty members dine, at the private location, with a surprise chef and ever-changing menu. Chef Brett Wright, the primary internationally trained chef, brings his flair to planning the suppers and invites additional chefs to participate in the rotation during the year. Each supper consists of between eight and thirteen courses, designed to tease the palate and foster conversation. No two dining experiences will ever be the same nor is there a standard libation, as cocktails are made to patron’s specifications. Sommeliers collaborate with the chefs to ensure that wine pairings are on par with each meticulously, designed course.
Every menu and theme varies and the chefs are given free rein to be innovative, always creating dishes for the higher echelon. Seasonal menus are centered around the finest ingredients from across the country. Chef Wright incorporates simple ingredients and focuses on the presentation, and culmination, of the flavor composition. For example, a simple dish of peas and carrots is elevated by aerating the carrots with coconut milk and blending a touch of garlic butter honey. The Australian wagyu is perfectly paired with French cheese, chard broccoli and roasted corn – creating that superb bite for the posher palate. For dessert, the tongue is tantalized with a refreshing blend of diced mangos, white chocolate and flash frozen strawberries, a light and airy way to end the courses.
However, Adnoraf provides more than one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Beyond an opportunity to socialize, among peers, in an intimate setting, members have access to reservations at the hottest places with a moment’s notice, concierge transportation service in ultra-luxury vehicles and entrance to social events including Wine Down Wednesday. In addition, there will be member vacations to a working farm in Costa Rica and a chateau in Switzerland.
Adnoraf offers two membership levels, and the Davises hope to reach their membership cap by mid-2024. For more information visit, Adnoraf.com ♦
Follow Barbara Lynch at @posherPalate and @AmbassadorBarb
