At Dream Nashville’s signature restaurant, Stateside Kitchen, glamour and high-quality cuisine aren’t the only powers at play — a storied past imbues the property with mystery and intrigue. This history is explored in the Echoes & Elixirs chef’s dinner, which launched on Aug. 20 and will be served through Oct. 3. 

The immersive dining experience nods to two sites that have since become Dream Nashville — the Embers Building, AKA the Climax Saloon, and the Utopia Hotel. While the Utopia Hotel housed some of America’s very first “power lunches” for distinguished businessmen, the Climax Saloon was a site brimming with brothels, gambling and exits hidden in the walls — frequently used during police raids.

The Echoes & Elixirs menu playfully reflects this rich, layered history. Priced at $125 per person, the dinner features four luxurious courses that each hint at the property’s legacy. “I really want people to just have a great time,” says Daniel Katona, Dream Nashville’s director of operations. “I think ‘fun’ is such a basic word, but we want every guest that walks through this door to have fun.”

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While entertaining, the dining experience is also delicious. To start, expect delightfully truffle-flavored potato mille-feuille, followed by a rich burrata salad. For the main event, you’ll be presented with creamy linguini, framed by a whole lobster. Then, luxe strawberry olive oil cake ringed with jasmine tea anglaise will top off your experience. 

A supreme cocktail pairing for each course is a must, as each beverage is intended to complement, not compete with, every dish. “What’s American now is a collaboration of so many different tastes and cuisines,” says Daniel. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish with the regular Stateside menu, which continues to evolve.”

While chef’s dinners such as Echoes & Elixirs infuse hospitality with fun, Dream Nashville’s team intends to further draw in locals — and provide fresh experiences worthy of coming downtown for. “We invite locals who have been down here countless times to come back and see what we’re doing, and my hope is that they’ll be pleasantly surprised,” says Daniel.

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Daniel attests that organizing this experience with his team has been a highlight of his year working at Dream Nashville — and that he’s excited for what’s to come. “Not only the creativity of everyone that I work with in this building, but the willingness to try something new and experiment is allowing us to push boundaries that I haven’t yet experienced in my career,” says Daniel. 

To reserve your spot, visit https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/statesidekitchenbnadz/echoes-elixirs-a-culinary-journey-through-the-climax-saloon-utopia-hotel-4942449329913856.