Experience Georgian food and culture in the heart of Shaw at Supra (1205 11th St. NW). Jonathan Nelms opened Supra in 2017 after spending many years living and working in the former Soviet Union. Nelms became familiar with Georgian cuisine and culture throughout his time there. But when his family returned to the United States, they found themselves unable to find the dishes they missed, inspiring him to open a Georgian restaurant.
Nelms said the focus of Supra’s menu is “the classic, best-known Georgian dishes” such as khachapuri, a boat-shaped cheese bread and khinkali soup dumplings. Georgia, Nelms said, has the oldest wine culture in the world. In addition to red, white and rosé wines, they also specialize in an amber wine, which Supra features on their menu.
“A Supra, the name of our restaurant, is a celebratory feast,” Nelms explained. “It’s sort of the centerpiece of Georgian celebrations and hospitality.” Supras, featuring an abundance of food, wine and toasts, are also offered at the restaurant. Occasionally, for a fixed price, guests can enjoy the three-hour experience, all inclusive of food, wine and desserts.
Introducing Georgian cuisine to the Shaw community, Nelms said, is one of the joys of his work.
“It’s always fun to have people come in and say that they don’t know anything about Georgian food and wine, but are curious to try it and then to hear good things from them,” Nelms stated. “We certainly have regulars from the neighborhood. One gentleman comes in almost every day.”
Supra is open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with happy hour, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and takeout is available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Visit supradc.com for more information.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
