I first heard about what we now call “underground dining” in Paris where it was about expats getting together for Sunday night dinners. They were mostly about the camaraderie and companionship. In the past two years it has morphed into more of a dining experience where foodies gather with their own kind,  sometimes coming with friends and to meet other people. Now the trend is full blown in Miami and has, from what I’m told, even arrived in  Brazil. I first read about the Miami version in a tweet, surprised by how there were nine venues that qualify, which means they have a dedicated space that can be a home or a private space –warehouse, art gallery, you name it. The owner is usually the chef, and you sign up without knowing what the menu will be. Intrigued, I recently tried out a gold standard of the category, Copperbox  Culinary Atelier at 3328 North Miami Avenue, T.305-392-0983 .

Expecting a modest, possibly even a shabby chic decor and setting at best at this former woodshop, I was totally surprised. You enter the side door with no sign but you know you’ve arrived by the copper facade. Voila. You’re greeted with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvre and a stylish setting — two tables with votives and fresh flowers, sparkling wine glasses, orange and dove gray upholstered chairs, leather banquette, original photo art on the walls, and large bouquets of hydrangeas and red roses with a buddha in the corners of the L-shaped room.

The crowd was interesting — the Director of the Miami International Film Festival; a Homestead farmer/grower (Brock Farms) of vegetables and herbs for Cooperbox and supplier to the city’s top restaurants, a high-power woman executive who had just returned from the economic summit at Davos where she lead a group, several attorneys, the director of a not for profit organization dealing with justice, and others, 20 in all (up to 30 can be accommodated). One guest had been here 8 or 10 times and Copperbox has only been open for less than a year.

The dinner was a seven course tasting with paired wines punctuated with a palate cleanser. Menu items included a creamy, indulgent soup of carrots & strawberries made with ricotta mousse, pate of pork and carrot confit; beef carpaccio with mushrooms, Asian pesto, mustard seeds and radishes;main course Hudson Valley Duck, break and confit and puree of parsnips. That was followed by a tasting of French cheeses and chilled bon bons of mango, roasted pineapple ice cream and cookies. Portions were tasting size except for the duck which was the substantial entree.  Everything was delicious and it was obvious the ingredients were of the highest quality, locally sourced wherever possible.The kitchen is presided over by Chef Gabriela Machado, a Venezuelan with 12 years of experience as a chef and caterer to the jet set, owner of a gourmet shop, and  a real talent. When she came to Miami she decided she wanted to have her own place, so she teamed up with Brazilian Leticia de Mello Bueno.  Leticia hails from a background that including a stint with Norman Van Aken. She acts as a charming host throughout the evening.

Dinners which are held on Thursday and beginning February 16, on Saturday as well, and cost between $125 and $150 per person which includes service and tax. We arrived at 7:30 p.m. and didn’t leave until close to midnight. And, by the way, no cell phones are allowed to be on — what a refreshing change!

It was a really fun evening and I came away knowing people I’d love to keep up with. Now that’s what I call getting your money’s worth. They also do private parties.