Suerte super fans, rejoice: The team behind the award-winning restaurant has finally set an opening date for the second concept, Este. Celebrating coastal Mexican cuisine, the much-anticipated East Austin establishment will open on October 3.
Owner Sam Hellman-Mass and 2021 Food & Wine Best New Chef Fermín Núñez are the dynamic duo behind the operation.
“I feel very grateful for the opportunity to create another beloved restaurant in one of Austin’s most iconic properties,” said owner Sam Hellman-Mass. “This project is truly a dream. The past few years have been challenging for everyone in the restaurant industry. I do not take for granted that our team is so fortunate to do what we love and put our hearts and all of our passion into Este. It is going to be a delicious place to dine and a lot of fun.”
Where Suerte focuses on interior Mexican cuisine, Este will transport Austin diners to the coast with fresh seafood sourced from close relationships with premier fishmongers. Think: oysters, ceviches, aguachiles, fried fish tacos, and more.
“Suerte is all about our masa and the story we tell with it,” said executive chef Fermín Núñez. "Este will focus on the canvas of heirloom corn masa and cooking seafood with a Mexican point of view. When I think of mariscos, I think of the many delicious raw dishes as well as the timeless tradition of grilling beautiful fish and shellfish on the beach over a hot charcoal fire. I am not only looking forward to cooking this way at Este but also having that be a place where I get to eat on my days off.”
And you won't have to leave the turf behind when you dive into the surf, thanks to items like the cast iron-seared T-bone steak, seasonal vegetables, and other inland dishes. The dessert menu will feature the handiwork of Suerte pastry chef Derrick Flynn.
To complement the charcoal cooking and regional flavors of the menu, general manager Celia Pellegrini's curated wine list will pull influences from coastal regions throughout the world as well as Champagne and other seafood-friendly wines. Bar manager Patrick Wasetis' beverage program will likewise feature vibrant coastal-inspired cocktails and signature margaritas.
Located at 2113 Manor Rd., Este will occupy the iconic 1920s bungalow formerly home to Eastside Cafe. The Suerte team updated and rebuilt the bungalow, revitalizing the onsite garden to grow local vegetables and adding birdhouses for migratory purple martins as well as beehives for pollinating the crops.
Much like Suerte, the team drew inspiration for the restaurant's bright interior dining spaces during travels around Mexico. While developing the concept, Núñez and Hellman-Mass explored coastal cities including Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, Tijuana, Puerto Escondido, Tampico, and Merida. Design elements reflecting these trips include natural materials, artisan decor, and a spacious outdoor deck to bring the ambiance of an amazing seaside meal to East Austin.The team also worked in collaboration with local architect Matt Garcia and José Noé Suro, mastermind behind Mexico’s leading ceramic studio, Cerámica Suro, to create a tile representing the waves and sand dunes of the Mexican coastline.
In total, Este can seat 80 in the main dining room, with eight additional seats at the bar and six seats at the chef counter. Open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday 5 pm to 11 pm, the restaurant will announce lunch service, happy hours, and private dining options in future. In the meantime, visit esteatx.com to make reservations.
