One of Austin's rising star chefs, Alejandra “Ale” Kuri, is getting a chance to lead a promising new concept. The team behind Suerte, Este, and Bar Toti — three renowned restaurants in East Austin — is adding a fourth called Karaz at 2627 Manor Rd. The new restaurant focuses on Middle Eastern cuisine and connecting with the surrounding neighborhood.

Partners Sam Hellman-Mass, Fermín Núñez, and Celia Pellegrini are all involved in the new project, with Kuri joining as a partner and serving as executive chef. Kuri is a third-generation Lebanese Mexican, bringing a personal sense of identity Karaz, which means "cherry" in Arabic, referring to the Cherrywood neighborhood.

A press release says Karaz "draws inspiration" from Cherrywood and the Rogers-Washington-Holy-Cross neighborhood. Key ingredients will be sourced from Central Texas farms, a commitment Karaz's sister restaurants are already well-known for. Este even operates its own garden that's easily visible from the restaurant. Kuri has surely become familiar with the garden, having worked up from line cook at Suerte to chef de cuisine at Este, her current role.

The concept evolved from a family meal by Kuri for the Este team — a widespread restaurant practice where chefs cook a family-style meal for staff before or between shifts. They loved it, and Kuri followed that feeling to a pop-up series that was also well-received.

“It’s been nothing short of amazing getting to work with Ale over the last five-plus years. Watching her grow in her current role at Este leaves no doubt that she is going to be a great leader in the kitchen at Karaz,” said Núñez in the release. “I’m excited for Austin to get to eat the food she’s most excited to cook, but also to keep getting to know the incredible human being she is.”

A short preview of the menu includes pita made in a wood-fired oven, hummus, and charcoal-grilled kebabs. Other dishes will shift with the seasons.

Honoring the casual atmosphere of most of East Austin, Karaz promises to be a "welcoming neighborhood restaurant" where guests can build community together.

“I’m excited about being able to grow within a team that has believed in me since I was making eggs at Suerte’s brunch. There’s so much intention and love put into everything they do,” said Kuri. “Together, we have the dream of creating a place where everybody feels welcome and that celebrates Middle Eastern hospitality, all while honoring the community we’re in.”