I first discovered closed door restaurants in Buenos Aires and immediately was enthralled with the concept. These worldwide secret sanctuaries are typically owned by chefs who prepare innovative meals using local ingredients. Because you dine at communal table, they’re ideal when travelling. It’s salon dining.
Dan Perlman of Casa SaltShaker left his native New York for Buenos Aires burnt out after years of working in restaurants. Now every weekend, he opens his casual dining room for food and conversation. Like other underground restaurants the location is secret; when you sign in and pay you receive the address and password. The mystery is part of the appeal, not to mention the surprise of what you might eat or who you might dine with. Some serve alcohol, where they are allowed, some are BYOB. To open up this form of entertaining to the world, Mr. Perlman did his research and started the Web site casasaltshaker.com, which has links to closed door restaurants and secret supper clubs all over the world.
Check your city and pick a place and style of cooking that interests you. You will dine with some fascinating people. My dinners opened up lots of additional off-the-beaten track experiences in Buenos Aires; I always look forward to trying these places wherever I’m in a new city.
Casa SaltShaker lentils with fried eggs
