"Whether it’s street food, a hidden bar, or a stranger’s dinner invitation, Joburg rewards your curiosity." – Darren Meltz
Beyond the table, Meltz is embedded in Joburg’s creative environment. He is the Editor-in-Chief of More Than Food Magazine, a platform that has grown beyond dining to explore travel, wine, entertainment, and the cultural experiences shaping contemporary South Africa. He also lectures in creative brand communication at Vega School, while serving as chairperson of the Johannesburg Queer Chorus. In May 2025, SecretEATS expanded its appetite with SecretCinema – an immersive film experience that takes themed cocktails, gourmet canapés, and interactive storytelling to the movies.
Curious, ambitious, and endlessly inventive, Meltz is a connector of people and ideas, always chasing what brings people together and creates stories worth sharing. We sat down with him to talk about the thinking behind SecretEATS, the evolution of SecretCinema, and how he continues to shape Joburg’s dining and cultural landscape.
Book this: SecreatEATS will host their first experience of 2026 from Fri, Feb 20 – Sat, Feb 21 titled "Echoes of a New Beginning", including welcome drinks and canapés, followed by four gourmet courses each paired with premium wines. Book here.
You spin a lot of plates. Which is the endeavour that fuels you the most?
Event planner. Without a doubt. For me, it’s the thrill of pulling all the threads together – food, design, performance, storytelling, and watching people walk away transformed. Every event is alive, unpredictable, and filled with the kind of magic you can’t rehearse or script.
What first inspired you to be part of SecretEATS, and how did the concept evolve from an idea into reality?
SecretEATS started with a simple belief: food tastes better when it’s shared, and even better when it’s a surprise. I was inspired by the idea of bringing strangers together around a table, with a little mystery to keep things exciting. What began as intimate dinners in hidden homes has grown into a community of food lovers seeking connection and adventure.
"I saw strangers leaning in over their plates, laughing together as if they’d known each other for years, and I knew we had something special." – Darren Meltz
What role does the mystery factor play in shaping the dining experience, and how do you keep it fresh for regulars?
Mystery is everything. It keeps people on their toes and makes every event feel like a gift you’re unwrapping. We keep it fresh by constantly changing the chefs, venues, menus, and even the format. Regulars know to expect the unexpected.
Take us back to the very first event. What was going through your mind? And what stood out for you?
Nerves, excitement, terror – all of it. I remember worrying if people would show up, if they’d get the concept, if they’d connect. But then I saw strangers leaning in over their plates, laughing together as if they’d known each other for years, and I knew we had something special.
How do you select hosts, chefs, and venues for SecretEATS events, and what’s the balance between surprise and control?
It’s a careful dance. We look for chefs with passion and creativity, hosts who love people, and venues with character and a story to tell. From there, we layer in surprises to keep the evening unpredictable, but always make sure there’s enough control behind the scenes to keep it seamless.
What’s one of the most unexpected or unforgettable experiences at a SecretEATS gathering?
One night, during load shedding, the entire dinner had to be candlelit – and it turned out to be one of the most romantic, atmospheric events we’ve ever done. The guests loved it, and it reminded me that sometimes the unexpected makes the night unforgettable.
How do you see SecretEATS shaping conversations about food, culture, and connection in Joburg (or globally)?
SecretEATS challenges people to slow down, disconnect from their phones, and share a meal with strangers. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, that’s powerful. We’re sparking conversations about local ingredients, cultural storytelling, and the role food plays in building community.
"Guests arrive not quite knowing what’s in store and by the end of the night they’ve become part of the narrative. It’s indulgent, theatrical, and just the right amount of mischievous." – Darren Meltz
Running events that rely on secrecy and exclusivity must come with unique hurdles – what are some behind-the-scenes challenges you’ve faced?
Communication without giving too much away is always tricky. Then there’s the logistical side – transforming spaces in a few hours, juggling chefs’ creative visions, and ensuring guests feel taken care of while still in the dark. It’s a delicate balancing act.
What do chefs and hosts gain from partnering with SecretEATS?
Chefs love the freedom to experiment without the constraints of their usual menus, and hosts get to open their doors to a world of new connections. Both get to share their craft in a fresh and exciting way.
How do different cultures respond to the concept?
It’s been fascinating to see. In South Africa, people embrace the adventure and the social element. In the United States, there’s a real appetite for exclusivity. In Asia, it becomes more about respect for the artistry. But across the board, people connect with the mystery and the joy of sharing food.
If you could design your ultimate SecretEATS evening for yourself, what would it include?
It would be outdoors under a canopy of stars, with long communal tables, incredible South African wines, and a menu that blends global influences with local ingredients. The atmosphere would be warm, magical, and a little surreal.
What distinguishes a "culinary leap of faith" from a typical dining experience?
A culinary leap of faith is when you sit down with no menu, no idea what’s coming next, and trust the chef to take you on a journey. It’s thrilling because it strips away choice and expectation, leaving you open to surprise.
"Every event is alive, unpredictable, and filled with the kind of magic you can’t rehearse or script." – Darren Meltz
Where do you see SecretEATS heading in the next five years?
I see us growing across South Africa and further abroad, creating a global network of secret dining communities. We’ll keep pushing boundaries, collaborating with more chefs and artists, and building unforgettable cultural experiences.
What has working in the events sector taught you?
Patience, resilience, and the art of letting go. Things could go wrong, and that’s okay. Sometimes those moments become the most memorable parts of the night. It’s also taught me the power of human connection and the joy of creating something ephemeral but lasting in memory.
SecretCinema is your latest venture. Tell us more?
SecretCinema was born out of a love for storytelling and experiences that go beyond the expected. We wanted to create something immersive – not just watching a film, but stepping into the story, tasting it, and living it. Guests arrive not quite knowing what’s in store and by the end of the night they’ve become part of the narrative. It’s indulgent, theatrical, and just the right amount of mischievous.
This experience debuted in May 2025. What's next for SecretCinema?
The debut was an incredible ride, and it showed us just how hungry Joburg audiences are for experiences that blur the lines between cinema, theatre, and dining. Next, we’re exploring new films in a variety of genres, with each experience tailored to bring a story to life in a uniquely delicious way. We’re also working on expanding into other cities to create a series of experiences that keep people guessing.
"Food tastes better when it’s shared, and even better when it’s a surprise." – Darren Meltz
Rapid-fire round: Six questions about Joburg
Three words that describe the city.Bold. Gritty. Creative.
If you were Joburg's mayor for one day, what would you change?
I’d focus on public spaces – creating safe, beautiful, green areas where people can gather, connect, and celebrate the city.
What is a surprising thing people might learn about Joburg by having a conversation with you?
That beneath the hard edges, Joburg has an incredible generosity of spirit. Its people welcome you in and, if you let it, the city will teach you resilience and joy.
Your number one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
Say yes. Whether it’s street food, a hidden bar, or a stranger’s dinner invitation, Joburg rewards your curiosity.
"People welcome you in and, if you let it, Joburg will teach you resilience and joy." – Darren Meltz
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
A chef’s table dinner in a tucked-away kitchen – just a handful of us around the table, each dish served with a story. It reminded me why I love what I do: food isn’t just about taste, it’s about connection.
Visit thesecreteats.com and follow @thesecreteats on Instagram to keep up to date.
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