Spirit Dinner Series
Partner Information
Spirits in Action
About the Spirit Dinner Series
Hosted by Chef Todd Gray & Ellen Kassoff at The Federal, Rehoboth Beach
Now entering its fifth season, The Federal’s Spirit Dinner Series is a monthly celebration of craft distilling and seasonal coastal cuisine. Held October through June in our intimate 34-seat dining room—just one block from the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk—each dinner features a curated four-course menu by Chef Todd Gray, paired with small-batch spirits from some of the most exciting craft distilleries in the country.
Chef Todd Gray, a five-time James Beard nominee and 40-year industry veteran, brings decades of culinary excellence to the table. Together with his wife and business partner, Ellen Kassoff—also known as The Federal’s “Spiritual Director”—the duo has created a one-of-a-kind dining experience that’s lively, educational, and always delicious.
Past Promotional Graphic Examples
Past Menu Examples
Partner With Us
Event Details
Always held on Friday evenings
35-guest capacity for an intimate, curated experience
Please have representatives arrive between 6–7 PM
Vendors are welcome to share samples, swaps, or recipes
Happy to connect you with Loves Liquors to ensure product availability for purchase
Dinner pricing: $95–$135 per person, depending on the featured spirit
Optional: Feature your spirit on our cocktail menu the month following your dinner — just donate a recipe!
A Platform for Partner Brands
Each Spirit Dinner pairs a featured spirit with every course, offering distilleries the chance to:
Share their story and production process with a captivated audience
Engage directly with curious, enthusiastic guests
Introduce their product to a highly targeted on- and off-premise market
Guests love to meet the makers. That’s why we encourage a representative from the distillery or distributor to join us, guiding diners through the experience in a relaxed, story-driven setting. These personal connections build lasting brand loyalty—and create memorable moments that guests talk about long after dessert.
Marketing & Visibility
We support our partners with a strategic promotional plan that includes:
Robust social media across Facebook and Instagram
Local print and digital campaigns in Rehoboth and the DMV area
Press releases and event calendar listings
Dedicated email marketing to 10,000+ Equinox Restaurant, 2,000+ The Federal subscribers
Retail partnership with Loves Liquors, offering same-day purchase opportunities and product discounts at each dinner
This collaboration opens the door to increased exposure, hands-on engagement, and real sales traction.
Let’s Partner
We don’t ask for free or discounted product. Instead, we request reciprocal marketing support, and we’re happy to coordinate directly with your marketing team.
Past Series Partners
Meet the Hosts
Chef Todd Gray
Chef Todd Gray is a five-time James Beard Award nominee with more than 40 years of experience in the culinary world. Known for his refined approach to Mid-Atlantic cuisine and commitment to sustainability, Chef Todd is the creative force behind every Spirit Dinner menu. As co-owner and Executive Chef of both Equinox Restaurant in Washington, DC and The Federal in Rehoboth Beach, he brings an unmatched level of craft, care, and culinary storytelling to each dish. His philosophy is simple: let the season—and the spirits—inspire the plate.
Ellen Kassoff
Ellen Kassoff is the co-owner of The Federal and Equinox, and the driving force behind the Spirit Dinner Series. Affectionately known as the “Spiritual Director,” Ellen blends hospitality, brand-building, and environmental advocacy into every event. With a passion for connecting people through food, drink, and storytelling, she ensures that every Spirit Dinner is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From championing zero-waste practices to curating memorable guest experiences, Ellen leads with heart, humor, and vision.
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