A collision of history, southern hospitality and the modern age

photography by Tina Sargeant
event design by Shawna Carpenter
of 2 Sisters Events
featuring Chef Marcos Fernandez

Just before sunset on a breezy April evening, 26 Lakelanders gathered to share a meal at The Lakelander’s third Secret Supper Club. In the Southern tradition of hospitality, strangers and old friends alike came together to share in community, celebrate our commonality, and enjoy the one thing that ties us all together: food.

Chef Marcos Fernandez, owner and executive chef at Nineteen61, designed a delicious Southern meal with a modern twist. A plated low-country boil, alligator bites on a nest of grits, johnnycakes, and more, delighted palates and inspired conversation throughout the evening.

Seated around a common table and surrounded by the aged walls of Lakeland’s Federal Building, guests’ attention was subtly drawn back to the foundation of hospitality, growth, and the vision on which our city was built. This distinguished home of Lakeland’s first post office, and treasured national historic landmark, has known the corner of Tennessee and Lemon as home since its dedication in 1919. Dining together within its nearly 100-year old walls called forth within us the desire to pay homage to our history, both the bane it may exact and the honor it bequeaths, as together we continue to forge a bright future.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Buttercup Bakery ~ bread and dessert
J & l Farms ~ eggs
Red Roof Farms ~ honey
Gregory Fancelli ~ blueberries
Emerson Bamaca ~ cocktails