No More Tears: Spilled Milk Catering at WNDC

Written by Anita

September 5, 2011

Spilled Milk Catering co-owners Amit Gulati and Raj Bhattacharya don’t have anything to cry about—in just two short years, they (along with partner James Shea) have created a successful catering company that has DC foodies begging for more. We recently met the pair at a tasting event held in the historic Whittemore House , headquarters of the Women’s National Democratic Club (WNDC) (more on that later).

Amit hails from New Delhi and worked in the information technology industry for over six years before leaving to pursue a career in food. After a stint working nights and weekends at Nage, he formed Spilled Milk Catering with Raj, whom he met as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland. Raj, who is Bengali, still works in the IT sector, splitting his time between that and managing Spilled Milk’s finances. James (who we didn’t get to meet) trained in Bologna and brings rustic Italian-influenced fare to the table.

The company, which does 10 to 15 events a month, prides itself on offering accessible food with international flair. Spilled Milk caters a variety of events, including corporate functions, office lunches, private dinners, weddings, fundraisers, galas, cocktail soirees, and holiday parties. Recently recognized in Washington Life Magazine’s “Hot List,” it also offers corporate cooking classes for small groups.

We dug the spicy ahi tuna tartare served in a crispy wonton ice cream cone. The tuna, which carried a bit of a kick, was pink, fresh, and flavorful. We also really enjoyed the zesty curried crab with mint and cilantro salad served atop a skewered wedge of juicy watermelon. The lobster roll slider featured big chunks of delicately seasoned lobster meat encased within a soft glossy bun. Tarragon potato chips (served inside the slider) added a surprising but welcome crunch. The braised pork tostada, topped with a rich avocado crema and spicy red cabbage, provided a bit of southwest flavor.

Jenna Huntsberger (the force behind The Modern Domestic) prepares Spilled Milk Catering’s desserts. She and Stephanie Willis (from Adventures in Shaw) have been selling their delectable desserts through their company Wisked! for some time now, and the guys from Spilled Milk decided she would add just the right (sweet) touch to their endeavor. Jenna’s decadent lemony cheesecake squares (streaked with blueberry) were a fan favorite, as was her slightly savory goat cheese ice cream layered between zingy ginger sponge cake. And who can turn down a mint chocolate whoopie pie…

The tasting was held at the Whittemore House, in an upstairs room expertly styled by Candy Borales of Candy and Co. Events (complete with decorative milk jugs)! This historic building (designed by Washington architect Harvey Page) was built in the late 1800s for Sarah Adams Whittemore, an opera singer and member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts. The house, which is available for private functions and events, showcases both Victorian and Arts and Crafts-style architecture.

Want to see it for yourself? Then make a point to join this Wednesday’s art, tea, scones, and conversation afternoon tea at which artist Elizabeth McClancy will discuss her stunning Democratic Principles portraits of lawmakers that adorn the walls of the house’s lower level. Or for something different, spend an evening with Geena Davis there as she discusses gender in the media and screens her classic film, Thelma and Louise.

To have the best of all worlds, hold your next event at the Whittemore House, have it catered by Spilled Milk Catering, and styled by Candy and Co. Events. The only tears you might shed will be tears of joy!

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