A short story about...

India believes that some of the most important conversations happen around a table. A proud “host-with-the-most,” she has been cooking and conversing for as long as she can remember, because creating a warm, welcoming space is as important to her as the food itself.

Her instinct for gathering people extends beyond the table. India has a degree in Conflict Studies focused on negotiation, a certificate in Community Mediation, and years of experience facilitating discussions among diplomats and data scientists, visitors and locals, Baby Boomers and Gen Z. She has a knack for making sure every perspective is heard, everyone feels welcome, and conversations can meander organically without ever losing purpose.

In the long tradition of D.C. dinner parties, India believes the moment calls for renewed attention to who is in the room — and what we’re talking about once we’re there. She hopes you’ll enjoy your seat at the table.

...Your Host

...Course & Discourse

Course and Discourse was born from a desire to bring people together for meaningful conversation in a comfortable space. After years of hosting imaginative themed dinners — complete with playlists, cocktails, and costumes — India wanted a new challenge. Course & Discourse goes beyond décor and menus to curate the conversation itself.

Many of us leave academics behind when we leave school, trading deep inquiry for headlines and feeds. Course & Discourse brings back the spirit of Parisian salons: philosophizing, questioning, opining, and even collective action on complex current topics. It is for people looking to make new friends, encounter new ideas, and step outside their usual social and intellectual algorithms. Around the table, generations mix, perspectives stretch, and conversations unfold with people you might not otherwise meet — neighbors, strangers, and soon-to-be friends alike. If you’re looking for a new kind of evening out (or in), Course & Discourse offers something both familiar and refreshingly different.

Dinner inspirations come from well-known cookbook authors like Yotam Ottolenghi, Alison Roman, and Samin Nosrat, NYT Cooking, and classics like Silver Palate and Joy of Cooking. Discussion topic ideas come from all over, spanning the arts, sciences, current events, and more.

FAQs

What is Course & Discourse?

Course & Discourse is a dinner and dialogue series that combines delicious meals with engaging conversation.

Who attends the dinners?

Which topics are discussed?

How do I prepare?

Topics span the arts, sciences, culture, and current events — sometimes timely, sometimes timeless — but always designed to surprise, connect, and inspire.

Course & Discourse is open to all curious people. It aims to bring together individuals of all backgrounds to enrich the conversation.

Before each dinner you will receive a few suggested sparks — perhaps a podcast episode, an article, even a local field trip — to get your wheels turning on the evening's topic.

Where are the dinners?

Dinners are held at the host's table. An intimate setting and a shared, home cooked meal are designed to make everyone feel comfortable so that the discussion can flow. Building is historic, with stairs, and unfortunately not accessible.

What if I have an allergy or dietary restriction?

Options are available! Complete the questionnaire after registering to share any allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences.

What if I don't drink?

Non-alcoholic options are available!

What if I don't get a seat?

To keep our promise that dinners will enable you to meet new people, we curate the guest lists to ensure a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints.

What does it cost?

The dinners are pay what you wish. There is a suggested donation of $99, the cost of dinner and an activity.

Our Space

Nestled in a residential dining room, our space invites you to relax and engage in meaningful conversation.

Where

Northwest Washington, D.C.