Este Chef Alejandra Kuri to Lead New Middle Eastern Restaurant, Karaz, in Austin
Austin’s culinary scene is set to welcome Karaz, a new Middle Eastern restaurant opening at 2627 Manor Rd. In East Austin. The restaurant will be led by Alejandra “Ale” Kuri, currently the chef de cuisine at Este, who will take on the role of executive chef and partner.
A New Concept from the Suerte Team
Karaz is the latest venture from the team behind the acclaimed restaurants Suerte, Este and Bar Toti – Sam Hellman-Mass, Fermín Núñez, and Celia Pellegrini. The concept originated from a family meal Kuri prepared for the Este team, showcasing dishes inspired by her Lebanese heritage [Austin Food Magazine]. This meal led to a successful pop-up series at Bar Toti, ultimately paving the way for a full-fledged restaurant.
Alejandra Kuri’s Background and Vision
Kuri, a third-generation Lebanese Mexican, brings a unique culinary perspective to Karaz. She joined Suerte as a line cook over five years ago and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming chef de cuisine at Este [Austin Statesman]. The name “Karaz,” meaning “cherry” in Arabic, is a nod to the Cherrywood neighborhood where the restaurant is located [CultureMap Austin].
What to Expect at Karaz
The menu at Karaz will center around Middle Eastern flavors, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Central Texas farms, a practice already established by its sister restaurants [CultureMap Austin]. Key elements will include pita bread baked in a wood-fired oven, hummus, seasonal spreads, and charcoal-grilled meats [Austin Statesman]. The restaurant aims to create a welcoming atmosphere where food is shared and enjoyed.
Expansion of the Suerte Restaurant Group
The opening of Karaz coincides with other developments for the Suerte restaurant group. Sam Hellman-Mass recently purchased the property at 2002 Manor Road, currently home to Hoover’s Cooking, with plans to open a taquería [Austin Statesman].
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