August 7th, 2012 
Have I got a spicy mojo tidbit to share with you–a weekly, invitation-only dinner making waves among the culinary social set that’s so top secret, I can’t even tell you where it is. Behind the ingenuous concept of it all is Chef David Anthony Temple (Chef DAT)– a rising young talent in Dallas.
(Photo Credit: wherewearinthecity.com)
He started a highly coveted weekly happening called Underground Dinners, an exclusive, invite-only dinner event. Think of it as a secret society, where you’ll experience tranquility and culinary greatness, and do feel free to bring bottles of wine for yourself and to share with your new friends. Lucky foodies have feasted on crawfish gumbo, Virginia pork belly and seared lamb — what he serves when you go is up to him.
Before dinner service begins, Chef DAT gives a short speech on his philosophy in food – stressing his dedication to seasonal ingredients from local farmers, as well as taking advantage of foraging for wild edibles. He ensures that you get to eat the most natural and best tasting ingredients out there, and shares how it helps reduce our carbon footprint and limit the spread of crippling commercial farming that’s so prevalent in America today.
(Photo Credit: pegasusnews.com)
Chef DAT’s earthy demeanor and charismatic smile immediately puts you at ease and makes you feel right at home. The communal table brings complete strangers together to share one common passion further proves the notion that food is indeed universal–we all want to eat good food while nourishing our bodies, minds and souls. Chef DAT’s Underground Dinner does just that. So search far and wide for an invite, gather a group of friends, or go by yourself and find your way into this secret society of magnificent food, charming aesthetics and being in the company of one of Dallas’ most talented young chefs: Chef David Anthony Temple.
(Photo Credit: houstonfoodblog.com)
How do you score an invite to this furtive fête? Drop an e-mail to Temple, a gumbo-serving mastermind Louisiana native ,whose résumé includes being the foodie magician behind the delicious State Thomas Mason Bar, Tom Spicer and Avner Samuel, at dat@chefdat.com to get on his list.
After you get a confirmation back, you’ll wait until Sunday, when he’ll send you the time, location and menu. Mardi Gras beads, optional.
Being a Louisiana girl myself, we have this saying — “Laissez le bon temps rouler” — which translated from French To English means: “Let The Good Times Roll”, and indeed he is doing just that. In July, Chef DAT’s Underground Dinners started touring to many cities around the nation including Houston, New Orleans, Crested Butte, Malibu, San Francisco, Napa, Portland and Honolulu.
Geaux Chef Dat!
