Alpharetta's Best Kept Secreto

Alpharetta's Best Kept Secreto Dinner with Chef Boyd Rose

Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar

It translates to secret—the secret art of incredible food. We craft dishes based on recipes that have been handed down, recreated, and refined to amaze the palette. Our authentic meals have been shaped by Chef Boyd’s passion for food and flavor, emphasizing the best in every bite. Our combination of a warm, comfortable atmosphere and farm-to-table ingredients makes for an unforgettable meal. This isn’t just another restaurant; this is a sensory experience. This is Secreto.

We are about to get it on baby! ~ Chef Boyd Rose

Those words from Chef Boyd Rose greeted us as we walked through the doors of Secreto, Alpharetta's hidden Southern gem. I immediately knew this was going to be one hell of an experience.

Secreto has a modern yet warm and welcoming vibe.

Because great stories never begin with a salad...

At Secreto, craft cocktails such as the Puebla flow like wine. Created with Tequila Reposado, Ancho Reyes, Pineapple Puree, Guajillo Syrup and this cocktail has a deliciously spicy twist.

Southern Passion Craft Cocktail

A personal favorite cocktail was the Southern Passion expertly created with Vodka, Orange Liquor, Falernum, Passion fruit, Agave and Lime.

If you prefer beer or wine Secreto has you well covered with an excellent selection of local craft beers as well as other favorites. Their wine list is solid and features some delicious choices from Spanish Rioja Tempranillo to Napa Valley Cabs. ...and what a gorgeous way to showcase your options.

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

In the south you can find these on a lot of menus. The difference is ours are the best. ~ Chef Boyd Rose

I have to agree chef. Fried green tomatoes are a southern staple and yours were tart, sweet, salty, crispy and perfectly perfect.

Red Chile Glazed "Bang Bang" Shrimp

I have a soft spot for Bang Bang Shrimp. I've always loved the combination of crispy, spicy and sweet. Served with a Sesame Ginger Cucumber salad, this completely fits the bill. Hashtag Satisfied.

If y'all like that one, you're about to be blown away ~ Chef Boyd Rose

Charleston Style Crab Cake

I'm only going if they serve crab cakes. ~ Keith Hass, Husband

...and crab cakes they had. Chef Boyd's version is a Charleston style crab cake (yes, they are different from Maryland style cakes) served with spicy remoulade, Secreto flatbread and a Petite Arugula salad. Hashtag, HappyHusband.

Crispy Seared Lamb Belly

We're gonna slow this down a little bit to give you time to really enjoy it. Your meal tonight isn't a race, it's a journey. ~ Chef Boyd Rose

With those words, we were served this amazing, tender, delicious, perfectly cooked lamb. This dish is an ambrosial powerhouse of flavors designed with Lemon Goat Cheese Grits, Spicy Tomato Jam and a decadent Star Anise Demi. This was one of my best bites of the year.

Roasted Red Pepper Crab Bisque

Following the lamb came a rich, velvety Roasted Red Pepper Crab Bisque. Loaded with fresh crab, and highlighting such a luscious texture, this could easily be a complete meal.

Chef Boyd's Southern Fried Chicken

A cook knows what is happening. A Chef knows why it is happening.

Being a true Southerner, born and raised in Gilbert, South Carolina, I unequivocally, undeniably, without a single iota of a doubt, know good fried chicken. Served with Buttermilk Mash, Garlic Green Beans and Smoked Bacon Jalapeno Gravy, this right here is some GOOOOOOD fried chicken! #MamaApproved

Grilled Apple Brined Pork Chop

This was a Sunday Supper served straight from my mama's kitchen. Every bite brought back memories.

North Coast Salmon

I came for the crab cakes and got a Salmon bonus! ~ Keith Hass, Husband

Deliciously paired with Roasted Butternut Squash Mash, Brown Butter Bacon Brussels and Buerre rouge, I am pretty certain my husband has a man crush on Chef Boyd.

You are not a successful Southern cook nor ready to get married and feed your husband until you can properly cook collard greens that don't taste like something you pulled up out of the front yard. ~ My Grandmama

...and speaking of grandmamas, Chef also shared his grandmother's seasoned bean soup.

Everytime I make these I think of walking into my grandmamas house and her huggin my neck. ~ Chef Boyd Rose

If you want a hug and some baby love, try this! ~ Chef Boyd Rose

I have no words other than...

EAT. THIS. CAKE.

White Chocolate Raspberry Creme Brulee

Then there was this. It just magically appeared on the table. It disappeared just as magically. Really.

As a chef and food writer, we are blessed to enjoy spectacular meals by amazing chefs. Somehow, this felt different. It felt as if we were sitting in my grandmother's kitchen sharing our day while surrounded by an endless amount of comfort she had worked effortlessly to place on that table.

All throughout our experience, Chef Boyd came and sat with us, freely giving hugs and full of comical "southernisms". He not only shared his words and his food, but his feelings on life and family. He's real. A real dad, a real son, a real husband...and a real good chef.

When I walk to the tables to talk to customers, they smile. And I smile. My heart is happy, and I'm fulfilled. ~Chef Boyd Rose, Executive Chef Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar

Click here for more on Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar

We would like to thank Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar, and Chef Boyd Rose, for a stellar dining experience. We would also like to thank our readers for allowing us to share our thoughts and opinions on these complimentary experiences and products with you. Thank you too for your confidence in us and supporting these local businesses and our community. For more from the Front Porch Gourmet, visit www.thefrontporchgourmet.com.

Created By

Melissa Pelkey-Hass

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Photos by The Front Porch Gourmet

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