That Hungry Chef Supper Club

I don’t attend all that many supper clubs and can recall more mediocre or actually disastrous experiences at them than list any exemplary clubs doing anything all that interesting. However, I still love the concept and when it works it’s a wonderful way to dine. So, it is with pleasure that I recommend the delicious and convivial dining on offer by That Hungry Chef.

I pulled up a chair at last month’s rather hopefully titled “The Arrival of Spring and Sunshine!” Here’s a look at the menu:

• Bread and butter;
• Wild mushroom cracker, Stilton cream an sumac;
• “Yoghurt kebab” with asparagus chutney, charred cucumber, orange, chick pea confetti;
• South-Indian spiced lamb, carrot puree, lamb cigar, spring cabbage, saffron sauce;
• Jasmine creme brulee, poached rhubarb;
• Frankincense and rose tartlet.

The so called non-meat “yoghurt kebab” was full of intriguingly meaty flavour and the two (yes two!) desserts (particularly the frankincense and rose tartlet) were both delightfully moreish. Vegetarian options were available (and the few folks having them seemed pleased). It was BYOB but some tipples were offered at the end.

What I liked most about the food was its fine dining restaurant quality and presentation. A lot of supper clubs (even a few I really like) lean too heavy on the homier aspects of the meal; this one struck the right balance between at-home informality and that extra attention you expect as a paying customer on a night out. And it was done with gracious confidence.

That Hungry Chef is hosted by husband and wife team Pratap and Nikhat Chahal. Chef Pratap boasts an impressive CV, having worked in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay Claridge’s, Chez Bruce, Cinnamon Club, The Orrery, Galvin Bistrot and The Peasant, while front of house Nikhat comes from a career in child psychology (a perfect background for handling dining patrons?). When not hosting their club, they cater private events and make a range of Mojo Risin’ chilli sauces, relishes, and pickles. I had a taste of their smoky chilli relish – it set my mouth on fire, and I frickin’ loved it.

Sounds yummy, huh? Well, the next supper club – Coastal Cruising: Traditional Goan Thali – is scheduled for 9 April and promises to take guests on a “journey to the coastal Indian state of Goa, famous for its beaches, parties and food, especially the infamous Pork Vindaloo (which, incidentally, tastes nothing like the alpha-male slop cooked in Britain).” The feast begins at 8pm and costs £37.50.

I think the only prerequisite is that you need to enjoy good food and be open to dining in mixed company. I went to the last event with a friend but found it easy enough to chat with others, some of whom where on their own.

That Hungry Chef supper club are hosting in an impeccably stylish private home in north Islington that’s walking distance from a few Tube and Overground stations. The address is shared with RSVPed guests in time to plan for travel. Find out more at thathungrychef.com.