Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spice Island Supper?

Spice Island Supper is a MEHKO-registered multi-course Sri Lankan dinner series hosted by Mariola Diaz Powell in her home kitchen in North Hills, Los Angeles. Each volume is a curated evening of seasonal Sri Lankan cooking, curated drinks, and communal dining for a small group of guests. It is intimate by design, and rooted in cooking that doesn't exist on any restaurant menu.

What does MEHKO mean and why does it matter?

MEHKO stands for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation, a California program that allows home cooks to legally operate and sell food from their home kitchen. Spice Island Supper is Los Angeles' first Sri Lankan registered MEHKO, meaning your evening is fully licensed, inspected, and held to the same food safety standards as any professional kitchen, just with a lot more soul.

What can I expect on the night?

Arrive, settle in, and let the evening unfold. You will be welcomed with drinks, seated at a communal table, and guided through a thoughtfully paced multi-course dinner. Expect good conversation, warm hospitality, and food that tells a story. Last course is typically served around 9:00 PM.

How many guests attend?

Seating is limited to 16 guests per volume. This is intentional. The small size is what makes the experience feel personal rather than performative.

What is the dress code?

There isn't a strict one, but guests tend to arrive in smart casual to elevated casual attire. Think dinner-ready, not formal. The vibe is warm and intimate, not black tie — come as your most put-together relaxed self.

What is the vibe like?

Outdoor garden, softlit, unhurried, and genuinely communal. This is not a performance or a pop-up in a warehouse. It is a home, set with intention, where strangers tend to leave as friends. Expect good music, great food, and conversation that actually goes somewhere.

Is there anything beyond the dinner itself?

Sometimes. Past volumes have included art talks and new work shown by Los Angeles-based artist Brandon Powell, bringing an added layer of creativity and culture to the evening. Each volume is shaped by what feels right for that moment, so guests can always expect something a little more than just a meal.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Please note that coconut, fish, and some nuts are used in our kitchen. We are able to accommodate certain dietary needs with advance notice. When reserving your seat, note any restrictions at checkout and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Where exactly is the dinner held?

The dinner is hosted in North Hills, Los Angeles, CA 91343. The exact address is shared after purchase to maintain the privacy and intimacy of the experience.

Is this a good experience for solo diners?

Absolutely. Many of our guests come alone and leave with a full table of new connections. The communal format is designed for exactly that.

What is your cancellation policy?

All ticket sales are final. Because seating is limited to 16 guests, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations. If you need to transfer your seat to another guest, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance and we will do our best to accommodate the change. In the event that Spice Island Supper needs to reschedule due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund or the option to apply your ticket as a credit toward a future volume.

Press, Partnerships & Sponsorships

Are you open to press coverage or media inquiries?

Yes, and we welcome it. If you are a journalist, food writer, photographer, or content creator interested in covering Spice Island Supper or Rasa Island, please reach out directly at mariola@rasaisland.com. We are happy to discuss attendance, interviews, and story angles.

Do you partner with brands or accept sponsorships?

Selectively, yes. Spice Island Supper is open to partnerships with brands that align with our values around food, culture, travel, art, craft, and community. If your brand is looking for an authentic, story-rich environment to connect with a curated audience, we would love to hear from you. Reach out at mariola@rasaisland.com with a brief introduction and we will take it from there.

Do you bring Spice Island Supper to other cities or countries?

Yes, and this is something we are actively exploring. In April 2026, Spice Island Supper hosted its first international volume in Ahangama, Sri Lanka, a Latin-Sri Lankan fusion dinner that marked the beginning of what we hope becomes a broader conversation about where this table can travel. If you are interested in hosting or co-producing a Spice Island Supper experience in your city, venue, or country, we would love to hear from you. Reach out directly at mariola@rasaisland.com.