From Guyana to Nashville: A Supper Club Changing the Southern Narrative

A rainy day did not stop me from experiencing the warmth of Caribbean vibes and Guyanese culture right here in Nashville, Tennessee. I was invited to attend The Pepper Pott’s new monthly Guyanese Supper Club, where attendees take pleasure in “a Guyanese Getaway” dining experience. The food was rich in flavor, and so was the overall night out from receiving a three-course meal, the choice between crafted Caribbean cocktails or mocktails provided by Sipping Decisions, live DJ entertainment curated by Kiya Lacey that had us swaying in our seats all evening, to connecting with like-minded individuals who were all loving their cultural escape in a city that is commonly mistaken to be just “country”.

It was an honor to sit at the dinner table with the visionary, matriarch, and head chef of The Pepper Pott, Karen Thomas. Her energy and aura were contagious, and when I say we laughed all night long, we laughed all night long. She shared her passion for food and spoke proudly about her upbringing and what she has raised her children to be. Her dedication to her legacy can be felt in the heart of the meals we consumed. She told us stories about how she began cooking and how her grandchildren now love to assist her in the kitchen. I hope that when she reads this article, she remembers that I want to travel home with her to Guyana for the Christmas holidays. The stories she shared made us feel like instant family, so I have my passport ready!

As we ate our meal, it was even more of a pleasure for Karen to tell us what inspired the entrées that were bursting with flavors, leaving diners asking for to-go boxes to continue their feast at home. There were three options to choose from: seafood, chicken, or vegan (vegetarian). I chose the seafood option, and my flavorful three-course meal began with split pea soup infused with turmeric, curry, and masala, garnished with coconut cream and dried herbs, followed by Madras curry wings party-style with house ranch. For the second course, I had spinach rice with escovitch, sliced cucumbers, and Caribbean red snapper, skin-on, garnished with coconut cream and dried herbs. The meal ended on a sweet note with a slice of plantain banana bread served with coconut ice cream.

After a night of delicious food and unforgettable moments, Karen’s son Isiah, managing partner of The Pepper Pott and a clear reflection of the strong family dynamic that drives its success, took a moment to honor the women who made the evening so special. In celebration of Mother’s Day and in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the women behind the event received beautiful bouquets of flowers. Each woman in attendance was also given a single rose, a gesture that captured the heart, generosity, and care at the core of the restaurant’s mission. Isiah shared that one of The Pepper Pott’s core principles is to celebrate others, and this evening was no exception. He also guided us throughout the night, sharing thoughtful details about each course we were enjoying.

The Pepper Pott, which is known for its beloved food truck and catering services, has now evolved into a monthly supper club that brings vibrant unapologetic taste, intentional community, and meaningful cultural storytelling to the table. June’s upcoming installment will honor Juneteenth through a Southern Comfort and Guyanese Fusion experience. If you're looking to experience Nashville in a way that fills your belly and leaves you with a lasting impression, I suggest you make plans to attend the third installment of the supper club series, taking place on June 29th.

Tickets are available for purchase now.

Photos by: LeXander Bryant | founder of Orgnzd Visuals