A Moonlit Vampire Dinner

Some dinners don’t just gather people—they enchant them. The Vampire Dinner at Victoria Ranch was exactly that kind of evening: a candlelit immersion into food, story, and place, wrapped inside the rustic luxury of one of North County San Diego’s most breathtaking private venues.

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Victoria Ranch has a way of bending time. As the sun dipped behind the hills, guests wandered the winding path toward the lodge, cloaked in soft dusk and buttery gold light. The landscape looked almost cinematic—shadowed succulents, oak silhouettes, and a horizon that glowed like embers. It set the tone before the first sip or bite even arrived.

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A Table Set for Mystery

Inside, a long, moody banquet table flickered with tall taper candles and low, smoky glass votives. Each setting layered textures—black iridescent chargers, crimson napkins, printed menus edged in shadow. The effect was dramatic without ever losing its elegance. The room felt intimate, as if the walls themselves leaned in to listen.

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As guests settled into their seats, the first pours began. Wine glinted in the candlelight. Conversations softened to a hush. And the evening unfolded.

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A Michelin-Inspired Tasting Menu

Chef Joann + Co designed a four-course experience meant to surprise—familiar ingredients, reimagined; comforting flavors sharpened with vibrant acidity; plating that made guests pause for a moment before taking their first bite.

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Two passed appetizers opened the night during cocktail hour:
• Avocado Deviled Eggs with jalapeño jam
• Duck Confit Tostadas with black currant balsamic compote

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Then came the courses—thoughtfully paced, beautifully paired, and served with that signature blend of warmth and precision.

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Course 1
Chicken Bone Broth Elixir with Charred Lemon
Paired with Grüner Veltliner
Silky, restorative, and kissed with citrus. A calming beginning with a touch of intrigue.

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Course 2
Seared Ahi with Black Rice & Hibiscus Gel
Paired with Grüner Veltliner
Vibrant color, floral acidity, and a depth that lit up the plate.

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Course 3
Filet Mignon with Gremolata, Haricot Vert & Purple Potato Puree
Paired with Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This was the dish that made guests linger—rich, bold, layered with texture.

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Course 4
Mezcal Maple Pecan Cheesecake Cups
Paired with a “Black Widow” shot made of mezcal, Kahlua, rum chata, coconut milk, activated charcoal, and edible red glitter
A finale that balanced smoky, sweet, and theatrical.

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Between courses, the room shifted gently—more laughter, more softened shoulders, more of those small human moments that great food always seems to coax out.

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A Night That Felt Like a Secret

Part of what makes Victoria Ranch so special is the contrast: rugged landscape, elevated dining; rustic interiors, immaculate hospitality; a place that feels remote yet deeply connected. The photos from the evening capture this beautifully—guests in candlelight, glasses raised, slow walks along the ridge as dusk gave way to darkness.

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It’s the kind of setting that naturally lends itself to themes—Vampire Dinners, solstice feasts, seasonal harvest dinners. The kind of place where storytelling through food feels not only appropriate, but necessary.

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What’s Next at Victoria Ranch

This dinner is part of an ongoing series: monthly, Michelin-inspired pop-up experiences designed for guests who want something a little more intimate, a little more imaginative, and a lot more delicious.

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Next month, we’re leaning into a completely new direction — an Olive Oil Tasting + Pairing Dinner featuring award-winning Olivaia Olive Oil.

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‍Expect a menu built around brightness, earthiness, and true craftsmanship. It’s going to be extraordinary.

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Host Your Own Luxury Event at Victoria Ranch

For private celebrations, curated dinners, corporate retreats, and immersive culinary events, Victoria Ranch is one of North County’s most distinctive venues. Chef Joann + Co brings the kind of hospitality that elevates the entire setting—bespoke menus, thoughtful pacing, and an approach that turns a dinner into an experience.

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If you're envisioning a night with atmosphere, intention, and unforgettable food, this is the place.