A five-course dinner inspired by classic horror stories, realized by a talented local chef, and enjoyed in a real-deal historic early-20th-century manor? Can you imagine a cooler and more delicious way of getting into the Hallowe’en spirit?

On Friday, October 25th, Hycroft Manor in Shaugnessy will open its doors for a hauntingly unforgettable long-table dinner. This immersive evening, hosted by Hycroft’s Executive Chef Mariana Gabilondo, invites the bravest of guests to take part in a spine-chilling five-course journey of food and beverage pairings inspired by the works of literary icons like Baudelaire, Shelley, Poe, Stevenson, and the Brothers Grimm. Each dish echoes the eerie themes of some of the writers’ most powerfully fearsome stories, and will be presented with readings of passages for the diner’s pleasure. Take a peek at the menu:

Hycroft Manor, the setting for this Halloween dinner, is an Edwardian mansion that exudes a moody elegance, making it a perfect backdrop for an evening of dark stories. The experience begins at the wrought iron entry gates and proceeds through a pillared entry into a grand hallway and rooms adorned with chandeliers and intricate decorative elements that evoke the era of the macabre writers whose works will inspire the evening. In other words, as you move through the evening, it will be easy to surrender to the atmosphere, feeling transported to a time when dark tales and haunting stories were born.

This event is limited to 100 guests, making it an exclusive experience. Though a single ticket will run you $295, that price includes all of your food and drinks, plus a tax-deductible $120 donation to the Hycroft Heritage Preservation Foundation (supporting the preservation of the old Hycroft Manor, a key piece of Vancouver’s history). So, if you’re not spooked by the cost, you’ll be enjoying a thought-provoking and creative evening AND you can also feel good about supporting a historic estate that not only stands as one of the most charming and storied buildings in Vancouver, but is also an important cultural institution and home to The University Women’s Club.