Understory Dinner Series

Featuring Donum Estate Wines & Chef Briana Riddock

Introducing Understory — a new dinner series from Burle's Bar and The Victorian celebrating the creative intersection of food, wine, plants, and place.

Named for the layered world beneath a forest canopy, Understory draws inspiration from both nature and the space itself. In the rainforest, understory plants thrive just below the canopy — rich, textured, and quietly vibrant. Our dinners take place in the lounge directly beneath Burle’s Bar — an intentional gathering space designed for thoughtful dining, conversation, and shared experience.

Each evening in the series will spotlight talented chefs alongside exceptional winemakers and distillers whose work reflects a deep connection to land, sustainability, and craft.

For our inaugural dinner, we are honored to feature wines from Donum Estate in Sonoma. Donum focuses exclusively on site-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, guided by the belief that wine is both an offering and an experience. Committed to biodynamic and sustainable agricultural practices, the estate — owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team — is also home to one of the largest outdoor art collections in the world. Monumental works by globally celebrated contemporary artists are installed throughout the vineyards, creating a rare intersection of fine wine, landscape, and art.

The evening’s menu will be created by Chef Briana Riddock, chef de cuisine of Forth Hotel. Known for her ingredient-driven approach and celebrated work featured in Food & Wine and other publications, Chef Bri will craft a seafood-forward menu highlighting local seasonal ingredients.

The experience begins with a welcome cocktail crafted by the Burle’s team, followed by a live paella cooking demonstration to enjoy alongside your first sip. Guests will move through a five-course dinner — three plated courses, a family-style entrée, and a plated dessert — each paired with wines from Donum Estates. Throughout the evening, guests will learn about the winemaking process and the terroir behind each pairing, creating an experience that is as educational as it is delicious.

Understory is designed to be immersive, conversational, and beautiful — bringing together thoughtful food, expressive wines, and the kind of shared table experience that lingers long after the evening ends.