Epicurean: Tailor

Vivek Surti’s VEA Supper Club, the first and longest-running pop-up in Nashville, served enthusiastic crowds for more than seven years. When he opened Tailor, his own brick-and-mortar, fans rejoiced. “Tailor is named after both of my grandparents, who were tailors by profession, and it was also my paternal grandfather's last name,” Vivek says. “The name tells a very personal story of who we are — but also the way that we want to express our hospitality, that the experience is tailor-made for you.”

Settling in Germantown, Vivek converted the back room of the former Kuchnia & Keller into a space that feels more like an intimate dinner party than a restaurant.While the space is new, the experience remains the same: multi-course meals and stories behind the dishes — but more grounded in Vivek’s heritage. He is a first-generation American of Indian descent, and his menus showcase South Asian-American food, inspired by the Gujarati cuisine of his family. Working with his mom and her passed-along recipes, he developed written recipes, presentations and techniques so that the heart, soul and flavor of every dish always come through.

Tailor offers two seatings, Thursday through Sunday nights.Keeping with his VEA model, guests purchase tickets in advance through the website, just as they would for a concert or sporting event.At checkout, they have the option of purchasing the beverage pairing — a combination of cocktail, wine, beer and/or saké — as well as the opportunity to make note of any special celebrations or dietary requests or restrictions. Tickets also include taxes and gratuity. With this concept, Vivek and his team “give guests an all-encompassing experience at the best price possible.”

What to Expect

Tailor is cozy, yet sophisticated. The warm palette and rich textures — dark woods, Oriental rugs and metallic accents — began with the inherited teal banquettes. With dinners lasting about 2 ½ hours, seating (even at the bar) was chosen for comfort as well as flair. The breathtaking chandelier is among items Vivek brought from his parents’ home, and the intimate setting is completed with “little knickknacks and things" that they found, including books, antique punch bowls and Vivek’s sabering sword.

Why to Go

Whether it’s date night, a birthday or simply time away from the kids, Tailor is a simple, unique and timeless dining experience. Vivek is an affable host, engaging storyteller and fantastic chef who shares the Gujarati dishes that he grew up eating at home and on family trips to India. With beverage pairings, guests can relax and have an amazing evening from the minute they walk in. As the menu changes with the seasons, Vivek is excited to share more dishes inspired by his family's recipes.

What to Order

Vivek stays true to his supper club roots and offers a set menu of eight to 10 courses. “We want people to come in and feel like they're at a friend's house for dinner, where they don't have to make any decisions,” he explains. The evening begins with snacks and drinks, which are waiting on the table when diners arrive. For those who don’t opt for the beverage pairing, a full bar offers wine, beer and cocktails, such as the bourbon fruit tea punch, a boozy take on the Southern staple.