Our Story

At every step, I felt my mother Rehana’s influence guiding our hands. A creative force in both the kitchen and the world of real estate, she taught my brother Faisal and me the value of stewardship and honoring history. If she were here today, she

would be refinishing the original floors herself, lovingly restoring the fireplaces, and preserving these hallowed walls that have witnessed so many stories over the decades.

 

Rehana, beloved mother, devoted grandmother, and cherished friend, would beam with pride knowing her legacy shapes this new chapter. As a young mother, she made the brave choice to leave her children in India to pursue a better life in

America. The lessons I learned as a child—watching her create magic in the kitchen, welcoming others with open arms, and transforming each space she touched—are woven into every corner of Rehana’s @529.

 

We invite you to experience this special place where history, family, and community converge. Whether you join us for a lively event or host your own celebration, you’ll find Rehana’s spirit alive in every detail, every gathering, and every joyful moment shared. Her dream, her resilience, and her love continue to inspire us, and we are honored to welcome you into our story—one gathering at a time.

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Rehana’s menu is inspired by her creativity and love of adventure and by her kindness and generosity. She was that cook who would take a few pantry staples and create a bounty. Along with her guarded recipes, I have learned other recipes from cherished friends and family and incorporated them into our rotating menu: hand-crafted pieriogies from my husband’s family, authentic jerk chicken while visiting Montego Bay and my favorite restaurant in Silver Spring, Negril, luscious paella which I first tried in Spain, spicy traditional huevos rancheros, or juicy beef satay from my love of Asian cuisine. You will never have the same experience twice.

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Rehana, my beloved mother, grandmother to my three daughters, and friend to many would love to know that her daughter was taking notes as a little girl watching her mommy create magic in the kitchen. She would giggle at my tweaks of standard recipes. She would marvel at the new recipes. She would be supportive of my community outreach (though she would caution me to take on one cause at a time). Mostly, she would be happy to know that she made the right decision as a young mother who left her children in India to pursue a better life in the States and that her legacy is being shared one meal at a time.

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She passed away in 2000 at 54 leaving her family an estate worth $1.5M. That same lady who came here with $80, through her steadfast habits and determination, had achieved the American Dream. I ask that you enjoy your meal and take a moment to thank my mother, Rehana.