Shhh! Here Comes Secret Summer
In recent years, the farm-to-table movement has thoroughly transformed the American culinary landscape. Chefs are increasingly turning to local, seasonal ingredients, while consumers are becoming more curious about the stories behind what’s on their plate. For the fifth year in a row, the organizers of Secret Summer, a festival centered around artisanal cocktails and immersive performances, are trying to carry the locavore spirit into the world of mixology.
“Secret Summer is the first and only farm-to-bar festival in the nation,” says Tyler Hollinger of HighLife Productions. “Our goal is to connect brands with local farmers and purveyors of seasonal ingredients to produce fantastic and original cocktails. As the culture is changing and people are caring more about what they put into their bodies, we want to be at the forefront of that movement.”
Hollinger is one of the festival’s co-founders, along with Andrew Maturana of luxury caterer RAPT Hospitality and Allison Du Val of The Foundry, where the festival is held. The venue, an elegantly restored 19th-century factory in Long Island City, is typically reserved for private events, such as weddings and corporate parties.
During the festival, the Foundry’s various rooms will be transformed into what Hollinger describes as “360° immersive spaces where creative, high-quality mixology is paired with interactive performances.” Each of the Foundry’s many rooms is sponsored by a different producer of spirits and is themed accordingly, Sip House of Suntori spirits at the Garden Courtyard, lounge in the Aldez Tequila Hacienda and be swept away at the Aperol Greenhouse. In each space, a different cocktail is served, each showcasing the sponsor liquor mixed with local fruits, vegetables, sweeteners and aromatics.
“We have partnered with urban farms to provide our mixologists with ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, local and of the highest quality,” says Hollinger. “This is a great time of year to host an event like this because so much is in season. We get rooftop honey from Brooklyn Grange, Hudson Valley community of family-owned farms, Square Roots will be providing local basil Lucky Dog –– berries, and Gotham Greens has been amazing with providing heirloom herbs that you simply cannot get anywhere else.”
While the event places its focus on showcasing farm-to-bar cocktails, it is also known for its immersive performances and an array of musical guests including the popular High & Mighty Brass Band, a roster of favorite festival djs and the dance troupe SS Clique.
“We seek to provide a wrap-around experience that engages on all fronts,” says Hollinger. “At Secret Summer, the lines are blurred between performer and attendee, producer and consumer. To complement the mixology, we also bring in artists, poets, actors and an aerialist to produce an array of immersive performances.”
The festival will also feature a variety of food vendors, including Crazy Taco Mex, from Stamford; Cash Only Barbecue, for both meaty and vegan smoked treats, last year’s Vendy Rookie award winner, Nansense; and Tipsy Scoop, with their signature booze-infused ice cream.
It’s the exquisite local ingredients muddled, blended or infused, crafted by seasoned mixologists that play the starring roles. Top that with curated local food designed to pair with these masterful creations and you have an experience that truly represents the best summer has to offer.
Secret Summer is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 4, from 3 to 9pm at The Foundry (42-38 9th S.t, Long Island City, NY 11101). Tickets may be purchased at https://www.secretsummernyc.com/secret-summer-farm-to-cocktail-festival Use code EdibleSecret
The Foundry | @thefoundrylic
Brooklyn Grange | @brooklyngrange
Gotham Greens | @gothamgreens
Elmhurst Milk
Suntory | @suntorywhisky
Gem & Bolt | @gemandbolt
Aperol
The Choripan | @the_choripan
Highlife Productions | @highlifeproductions
RAPT Hospitality | @raptny
Chooose
*Additional fees apply. Edible Queens is a media sponsor for Secret Summer.
