Celebrating women in the culinary world
Damas is already becoming a delightful addition to Tallahassee’s dining scene. It’s the kind of place we admire in other cities.
Damas (ladies in Spanish) began in the spring as a pop-up in the “Rough House” cottage at Goodwood Museum & Gardens, showcasing the talents of women in the hospitality business.
In September, sommelier Amanda Morrison, teaming up with local chef Jasmine Dunn, created a permanent restaurant in the cottage. The pair will offer brunch every Friday and Saturday; four-course, once-a-month dinners, special events and a potluck cookbook club.
The cottage has many lovely touches. Photo / Tallahassee Table
My husband and I were so impressed by the quality of the food and the charm of the cottage when we had dinner in the spring, we were eager to come back. My friends, who were having a Damas experience for the first time, considered the brunch altogether a pleasant afternoon, liking the delicious food, the cozy setting, the homey atmosphere and the friendly service.
Their lunch fare is casual but a classy eclectic selection.
If you’re a fan of deviled eggs, you’ll want to try these. We shared four pieces, which were topped with a dollop of caviar from the woman-owned Louisiana Caviar Co.
A quiche Lorraine, made with rosemary ham, Swiss, gruyere and spinach, is one of the main dishes on the menu. Photo / Tallahassee Table
Other starters include sweet and savory breads with homemade butter (maple butter on our visit), caviar chips and dip, house-smoked fish dip and Sicilian marinated olives.
For our main dish, we ordered two of the quiches on the menu. One was a quiche Lorraine with rosemary ham, Swiss, gruyere and spinach. My friend noted it was fresh and creamy, unlike some renditions which are too dry.
The Farmer’s Market Quiche or frittatas feature locally sourced ingredients. On our visit, those ingredients included winter squash and homemade ricotta, a meld of light and autumnal flavors.
Both quiches were plated with a generous side salad, brightly dressed in a Dijon shallot vinaigrette.
Other choices include a garden or ham baguette, like a treat you’d savor on a Parisian street and a few salads.
Southern Niçoise salad is on the list of main dishes on the Damas menu. Photo / Tallahassee Table
My husband raved about his Southern Niçoise salad with a scoop of their house fish dip, dressed greens, Roma tomatoes, olives, spring beans and a jammy egg (a type of soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk).
Top off your meal with a glass of wine, spritzes, Lady Falcon “Attagirl” Single-Origin Blend Coffee or the Color Theory Tea Co. Hot Tea, each made in an 18-ounce French Press.
Amanda and Jasmine said they will be focusing on locally sourced ingredients, including herbs and vegetables grown at Goodwood, which has launched its own food nutrition program. Beauty berries, grapefruit and chanterelles are some of the crops found there.
Here’s what else is going on at Damas:
Oct. 14 and 21: Opening Bites: Preshow happy hour before Opening Nights.
October 22: Portuguese Tinto, Tins, & Tapas
October 24: Friday Night Supper Chef’s Table
* Pot luck Cookbook Club: Damas started a once-a-month pot luck cookbook club this summer and that will continue. The pot luck takes place the last Wednesday of every month at the cottage. Check the Damas Instagram site at the start of each month to find out the name of the cookbook author and add your name to the start-up sheet. Decide on a dish you’d like to bring (preferably enough four to eight people). You pay $5 to participate and bring your own plate (you can wash there). Sign up quickly because the pot luck club books quickly.
IF YOU GO ….
Damas, Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Rd. Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Walk-ons are welcome but reservations are suggested for most events. To reserve a spot for brunch or dinner, visit resy.com or https://resy.com/?date=2025-09-18&seats=2.com or https://resy.com/cities/tallahassee-fl/venues/damas?date=2025-09-18&seats=2
