For Torontonians, venturing out of one’s comfort zone to meet new people isn’t typically high on the excitement list. However, writer Jess Janz is aiming to change that narrative with her distinctive supper series, Dinner with Strangers.
The dinner will bring together 20 guests from diverse backgrounds for a three-hour gathering, featuring a family-style 3-course meal curated by chef Jill Hiller. The meal will be accompanied with paired wines, beverages and indulgent desserts.
“… there is no work talk, just great food and good, gutsy questions that get us talking about where we come from, what we’re learning, and what we care about,” says a caption on Janz’ Instagram post.
At the dinner events, guests are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations beyond the realm of their professions. While the topic of work is strictly off-limits, Janz orchestrates guided discussions centered around specific themes chosen for each gathering. This approach allows participants to delve into personal experiences, values, aspirations and shared interests, fostering deeper connections and meaningful interactions among the group.
Janz has hosted hundreds of Dinners with Strangers and one of her takeaways is “Humans are fascinating. Every single one.”
“Whether they live in the suburbs or downtown, if they’ve moved a million times or stayed in the same place, had a million jobs, don’t have a job, have an impressive job, whether they’re regimented or spontaneous, everyone is a limitless trove of stories, experiences, and preferences,” she captioned an Instagram post.
Grab your wallet because tickets to the event come with a price tag of $190! The upcoming Dinner With Strangers gatherings are set for March 6 at W Toronto from 7 to 10 p.m. and March 14 at Summerhill Event Boutique from 6 to 10 p.m.
But if engaging in deep conversations with strangers isn’t your cup of tea, here are four other secret Toronto supper clubs to check out.
k.dinners
Artwork, storytelling, and quality food have combined for a one-of-a-kind supper club in Toronto’s east end. Goji Studio offers an unparalleled dining experience — going beyond the flavours of the food— in the heart of a ceramics studio and gallery. Located on Gainsborough Road, Goji Studio is hidden behind an unassuming garage door. Inside, the space has been transformed by the studio owners chef Ken Yau and illustrator Ashley Tse. As life and business partners, they crafted every element in the studio, from the extended harvest table to the shelves showcasing their handmade creations. Joining the waitlist for k.Dinners may be a challenge, but guests can also explore, purchase studio items, or participate in various ceramics workshops. The dinners, happen around five to six times monthly with seating for up to ten guests, feature a “multi-sensory” blind-tasting menu crafted by the chef, typically comprising 10 to 12 courses.
Jeudr3di
Toronto’s hidden gem, Jeudr3di, revolutionizes dining with its elusive, rotating supper club. Revealing little until the last moment, guests embark on a journey of discovery. Led by former creative producer Alexandra Francis and fashion designer Brutalé, Jeudr3di’s intimate dinners boast diverse culinary talent, each themed and hosted at unique, undisclosed locations. With attention to detail, from custom crockery to surprise menus, Jeudr3di elevates dining to an art form.
Oui Aïa
Oui Aïa offers a clandestine supper club experience, inspired by Chef Ayah Hanafieh’s Palestinian heritage. Guests discover the venue upon ticket purchase, engaging in tapas-style dining, forging genuine connections over shared plates and cocktails. Oui Aïa’s evolving menus and intimate ambiance unite strangers, fostering friendships with every meal.
Mystery Eats
Mystery Eats, founded by Samihan Rai and Shilpa Kotamarthi, orchestrates intimate gatherings at hidden venues, adding an element of surprise by revealing the address just 24 hours prior. Imagine indulging in saffron gnocchi stuffed with brie or savoring mezzi rigatoni tossed in kale pesto—all while surrounded by the thrill of the unknown. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the anticipation, the adventure, and the surprise that awaits around every corner. In a world where reviews often dictate our choices, Mystery Eats challenges the norm by offering an unparalleled dining experience that leaves guests buzzing with excitement.