THE PROBLEM

The Washington, DC restaurant scene sorely lacks the kind of authentic, filling, and unique meals that only home kitchens can provide. Hush wants to add spice, both literally and figuratively, to your DC dining experience. So I have opened my home to hungry, adventurous mouths. I cook up Indian vegetarian meals, made from family recipes with generations of flavor. The meal follows the religious food rules of the Jains. My mother is my guru and guide. The menus vary by season, but you cannot find most dishes in any restaurant.

STORYTELLING

But Hush is about more than home cooking. With every meal, I tell the tale of its origins, giving a talk called The Spice Tour, explaining the dishes, sharing my spice box, and providing a cultural, religious, and culinary backstory to the menu. The mystery of the Jains and their unique diet will be revealed. We end with Playing with Food, where I have guests taste and sniff various ingredients used in that meal. At Hush, the cook and the company are not separated by a kitchen door. Questions are encouraged and sampling and peeking are allowed.

RESERVATIONS and DONATION

To make a reservation, go to the Supper Club Reservation page under Reserve and fill out a questionnaire for EACH member of your party. Donations are cash only. Envelopes with each diner’s name will be provided at the end of each meal. Requested donation is $105.

LOCATION

Hush is located a few blocks from U Street in northwest DC. There is limited street parking in front of the home, and the U Street/Cardozo metro is a short 5 minute walk away. Exact address, directions, and menu will be emailed the morning of your supper.

THE MEAL

The food is predominately from the northwestern state of Gujarat. The religious food rules of the Jains will be observed in almost all dishes. All meals are vegetarian but include yogurt, milk, and ghee (clarified butter). Yogurt, milk, ghee and most vegetables will be organic and local produce will be purchased when available. Hush uses the freshest ingredients possible. Each meal will include a complimentary cocktail, appetizers with chutney, two to three vegetables with bread, rice and dal, dessert, and masala chai. Wine and beer are BYOB.

THE DINERS

Hush seating is like a Hush meal – family style. There is a large table in the dining room that seats 12. Whether out with friends, on a date, alone on a Saturday night, or traveling from a faraway land, please join us at the social table. As a guest said recently, “I arrived a stranger and left feeling like family.”