The Fine Dining Chefs Pop-Up Menu
By Chef Carlton | Hosted at Chocolate Secrets Refined barbecue meets jazz, wine, and indulgence. Join us every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. until close (or until we sell out) at the iconic Chocolate Secrets — where the aroma of smoked meats pairs with live jazz, curated wines, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Crafted by Chef Carlton, The Fine Dining Pop-Up Menu reimagines comfort food through the lens of modern plating and bold, elevated flavor. Experience brisket with black garlic aioli and cherry gastrique. Dive into smoked pork paired with spiced butter yams. Explore truffled mac, savory sausages, fresh herbs, and elegant textures — all plated with intention. This is a weekly pop-up experience — the menu will evolve regularly, keeping each visit fresh and inspired. Come for the jazz. Stay for the fire. Taste what happens when fine dining steps out of the kitchen and onto the street.
Seasonal Starters
A curated introduction to the season—light, elegant, and designed to awaken the palate. Each dish highlights autumn’s finest ingredients, prepared with smoke, spice, and refinement. From comforting soups to artful small plates, our starters invite curiosity and set the stage for the courses ahead.
Smoked Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash gently smoked and finished with nutty sage brown butter and a delicate crunch of toasted pepitas.
Smoked French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions enriched with subtle smoke, layered into a deep, savory broth, and crowned with a gruyère crostini. Finished with a hint of thyme ash.
Signature Proteins
Our centerpiece offerings, each thoughtfully prepared with smoke as the guiding technique. From tender cuts to refined pairings, these dishes showcase the depth, flavor, and elegance that define our cuisine.
Smoked Duck Breast
Succulent duck breast kissed with smoke, finished in a cider lacquer, and balanced by the depth of black garlic jus.
Braised Short Rib
Rich, fall-apart short rib infused with rosemary smoke, served over a silky chestnut purée.
Wagyu Brisket Ravioli
Hand-crafted ravioli filled with tender smoked Wagyu brisket, folded into a velvety porcini cream, and hinted with a whisper of truffle.
Signature Sides
Thoughtfully crafted accompaniments that highlight the season’s best produce. Designed to complement our proteins, each side balances comfort with elegance, turning familiar flavors into something unforgettable.
Maple-Roasted Root Vegetables
Seasonal roots roasted until caramelized, brushed with a subtle chili glaze.
Smoked Mushroom Ragout
A medley of mushrooms slowly smoked and simmered with shallot and thyme.
Charred Pear & Chicory Salad
Sweet pears lightly charred and paired with crisp chicory, candied walnut praline, and shaved manchego.