The Rush of Hush Experience's AFTER DARK


When is the last time you did something sultry and secretive for a night out with your partner? Planning can take a long time and not everything could be exactly as you want it. Enter Hush Experience which plans pop-up dates that have an element of secrecy to it - you don't know the details about the date until just 48 hours prior. That can add a little pizzazz into your relationship, no? I had written about their Valentine's Day-oriented event titled AFTER DARK not too long ago and was happy to give a reader the chance to join on in. In addition to this, we were able to attend the event ourselves and see just what a Hush Experience is like...and the verdict is that it's spectacular.



What a way to wow your guests. 48 hours prior to the event, we received an email with details such as time, address, attire, and parking but a Google Maps search turned up a business park for the address. What were we getting ourselves into? Once we checked in and stepped inside though, it was obvious that the point was to transform an unassuming place into the perfect environment. The venue was a photo studio which allowed for a unique backdrop via enormous seamless wall and mood lighting. As the many guests arrived, we all received a lock and key as an icebreaker activity; you had to find the person who could unlock your lock with their key! The cocktail hour gave everyone a chance to enjoy each other's company (or just their partner's), watch acroyoga from the talented Acrophoric & Satin Glove Entertainment people, and admire the romantic table settings.


How did we hear about AFTER DARK? The masterful Chef Nathaniel Nguyen of The Prince & Pantry was the chef that evening. The menu playfully keyed into the night's theme and included a range of flavors per plate. To add more excitement to the dessert portion, we were asked to blindfold each other to feed the desserts to. It contributed to plenty of giggles in the room.

DUSK
Lamb's Lettuce Salad with Roasted Baby Beets, Blood Orange, and Black Sesame Vinaigrette

MIDNIGHT
Spice-roasted Chicken with Black Rice Risotto, Prunes, and Olives

DAWN
His: Port Poached Pear with Toasted Meringue, Salted Pistachio Brittle, and Candied Kumquats
Hers: A Dark Secret

In addition to a stellar food menu, there were also several cocktails which attracted people's attention and kept everyone friendly. Without an corkage penalty either, there were plenty of bottles around that guests shared with their tables. It created a very lively atmosphere to say the least.

MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE
Sparkling Wine and Blackberry Ink (housemade vanilla bean and blackberry liqueur)

BLACK-HEARTED WOMAN
Bourbon, Black Cherry Juice, Lime, Simple Syrup, and Bitters with Luxardo soaked cherry and fresh grated nutmeg

TAINTED LOVE
Spiced Rum, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime, Simple Syrup, and Pineapple and Coconut Mix with honey-coated graham cracker rim, edible flowers, and allspice


The entertainment was endless throughout the evening as acroyoga pairs performed from the start. Dancers, singers, and flexible, enticing women filled up the night, keeping everyone riveted on their acts and adding more to the intimate air despite the number of people around. We were also regaled with stories and slight magic by the emcee for the evening, Westin Marc. All in all, an excellent combination of talented event producers and a pop-up that most everyone in the room is sure to remember, if they were sober long enough to!


Photography provided by Shane Karns for The Hush Experience.

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