No Politics, Just Patrón at Secret Dining Society DC

In an election year as heated as this one, it’s virtually impossible to get Washingtonians to agree on pretty much anything. Unless you’re talking about tequila. 

At Patrón’s Secret Dining Society event, hosted at Fathom Gallery in Logan Circle, guests voted unanimously in favor of Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s Mexican-inspired dinner. Then again, there’s not much to debate when it comes to craveable dishes like poached shrimp veracruz and roasted duck breast in a dark mole sauce.

And if there’s one person in this tough town. capable of winning a few votes, it’s Meek-Bradley. She recently placed fourth on Top Chef and also received top nods as a James Beard Rising Star semifinalist and Food & Wine Best New Chef. 

The three-course dinner was a welcome challenge for Meek-Bradley, who helms the kitchens at two D.C. restaurants: Ripple (in Cleveland Park) and Roofers Union (in Adams Morgan). 

“I don’t always get to cook Mexican, or with tequila, so this really is a fun way to give it a try,” she says. “Turns out that tequila works amazingly in these dishes.”

Meek-Bradley worked closely with Atlanta bartenders Brandon Kemp and Kellie Thorn, who concocted cocktails that perfectly complemented the heat and spice of the food. 

“This dinner is very much inspired by Mexico and where I’m from: California,” Meek-Bradley says “It’s very much west coast cooking; it’s simple and refreshing. For example, my shrimp veracruz is marinated in tomato water and spiked with Patrón Añejo, which adds a bit of a burst to the dish.”

Of course, the chef saved the best for last, offering a lime semifreddo with tres leche cake for dessert. 

“It’s a cold dish that’s cuts through the heat and humidity of summer. It’s pure bliss,” she says.