Nostalgia in Nevada City: Stag returns for an epic weekend with Polly's Paladar at the National Exchange Hotel

Nevada City

Polly’s Paladar is more than just a supper club — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the deeply personal connections that food can create. Inspired by the Cuban concept of a paladar — a small, family-run dining experience often hosted in intimate settings — the series has long brought together locals and visitors in Nevada City around innovative menus and shared stories at the table. Founded by Megan Hart, Polly’s Paladar grew into a beloved culinary gathering, drawing notable chefs from near and far and turning simple meals into memorable experiences rooted in heritage and collaboration. When Megan approached Stag Dining Group’s Chef Jordan Grosser to come back to Nevada City, where he has thrown several Stag events, it was welcomed as an honor. Megan and her husband Brent came to San Francisco to experience the early years of Stag Dining Group when our own supper club series entitled the Clandestine Dinners was our first foray into the dining landscape of San Francisco. A cohort of creatives took similar paths and shared underground dining spaces that included Liho Liho Yacht Club, Lazy Bear, Forage, Hillside, Graf Eats, Phoenix and Radio Africa amongst many more stand out pop-ups. These communal dining experiences helped launch many restaurants and contributed to the fabric of the San Francisco dining scene.

Chef Jordan Grosser’s contributed to this event by reimagining treasured recipes from Megan’s grandmother, blending family traditions with his commitment to seasonal technique and heartfelt hospitality. Longtime Stag collaborator and barmen, Ethan Terry developed a custom cocktail menu for the event. A standout he made was the often forgotten Remember The Maine, a rich 1930s rye cocktail that embraces elements of a Manhattan and Sazerac. Simply delicious. This low-country dinner struck a nostalgic nerve in Nevada City, all 4 seatings sold out.

Over the years, Megan’s efforts have built a remarkable bridge between the vibrant Nevada City dining community and rising talents from the Bay Area, creating a forum where emerging chefs could explore new ideas and connect with an engaged audience. At Stag Dining Group, we were honored to be part of this lineage of culinary exchange and community building. Looking forward, there’s exciting potential to reimagine Polly’s Paladar at National Exchange Hotel, where Megan now leads the hospitality program at Lola which was a key element of the magnificently remodeled property. Reviving this series in such a historic and dynamic setting offers a beautiful opportunity to continue its legacy — nurturing community, celebrating heritage, and inviting bold new flavors to the table.

Photos by David Dines of @dines.co