CLANDESTINE DINING CONCEPT, SECRET EATS, RETURNS TO ITS SOUTH
AFRICAN ROOTS FOLLOWING INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION.
SecretEATS is an exclusive dining experience unlike any other. Top, talented chefs and young,
rising stars are invited to step out of their everyday kitchens and into a mystery location to create
a once-off dining experience that leaves guests hungry for more.
Invited guests are treated to an exclusive, intimate dinner party featuring course after course of
gourmet food, and premium wine pairings from some of the country’s top wine farms.
The idea is simple – SecretEATS brings together outgoing, adventurous food and wine lovers
looking for a decidedly different dining experience.
Our guest chefs take diners taste buds on a culinary journey in the most unusual, unexpected and awe-inspiring locations across South Africa.
Founded in 2013, SecretEATS made waves on the dining scene by inviting guests to join thirty
or so adventurous, outgoing food and wine lovers for a ‘by invitation only’ secret dining
experience at an undisclosed location. SecretEATS has worked with some of the country’s top
local and international chefs, including Brad Ball, Bertus Basson, James Diack, Vicky Crease,
Michelle Theron, Kobus van der Merwe, Vanessa Marx and more.
From wineland homes to stunning art galleries, private gardens, ancient Milkwood forests and
anywhere in between, our evenings are always hosted somewhere guests can’t simply go and
make a booking. To add to the intrigue, the Secret chef and menu are only unveiled upon
confirmation of your password at the secret location on the day of the event.
Since mid 2016, SecretEATS South Africa has been on a hiatus as the founders explored the
culinary tastes and flavors of Southeast Asia and established the first series of secret dining
events outside of Africa.
With events now hosted on three continents, SecretEATS is quickly
becoming an international dining phenomenon but we haven’t forgotten our strong South African
roots.
By exploring, traveling and living in cities around the world, our team has had the opportunity to
see first-hand how food brings people together and how bonds are made, and solidified, over a
shared meal. Whether it’s on the sandy shores of Vietnam, in the small mountain villages of
Thailand or at an upscale Italian restaurant in Melville, there is a magic that happens around the
dinner table. Now, it’s time to come home to Africa.
Leading our return to South Africa is SecretEATS regional event director, Darren Meltz. Darren
brings a wealth of experience in marketing and hospitality and a real passion for food, wine,
people and all things magical.
“There’s something truly unique and special about meeting and connecting over a beautiful meal.
Moments are shared and friendships are made. I am beyond excited to bring the enchantment of
SecretEATS to our guests.” – Darren Meltz, Events Director JHB/PTA
A SECRET SPRING CELEBRATION
Here’s a Secret to good not to share: our first dinner back in the Rainbow Nation is blooming up
brilliant this Spring. While we can’t say too much, our Secret Spring Dinner welcomes back one
of our all-time favourite guest chefs for an unforgettable evening in a uniquely unusual space in
central Johannesburg.
As always, every dinner hosted helps raise funds for a local charity in need, an important aspect
of the SecretEATS brand. This has allowed us to support and give back to the local community
where we – and our guests – live, work and play.
“SecretEATS is about bringing people together around a shared, communal dinner table. It is
about strangers coming together, breaking bread, sharing a laugh and, more often than not,
leaving as friends,” says founder Gregory Zeleny.
Beyond our first evening back, our 2018 plans include a return to hosting our evenings every 4-6
weeks in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg. Space is limited and guests are
encouraged to reserve their Seats early to avoid disappointment.
To be the first to know when our next Secret evening appears, interested food and wine lovers
are encouraged to Request an Invitation at www.thesecreteats.com.
Information and Pictures Courtesy of The SecretEats and Darren Meltz.
