Masa Is the Star at New East Side Mexican Spot Suerte

Suerte, the new East Side restaurant that focuses on Central Mexican cuisine with Texas ingredients from Odd Duck partner Sam Hellman-Mass, is opening this week on Thursday, March 22 at 1800 East 6th Street.

The star of the restaurant’s menu is masa, made using local heirloom corn. Dishes will include taquitos, tetela al carbon (grilled masa with black beans, hoja santa, and queso fresco), goat rib barbacoa, and, of course, tortillas. Hellman-Mass, along with executive chef Fermín Nuñez, want to emphasize the communal aspects of dining with Suerte.

For Suerte, Hellman-Mass and Nuñez often traveled through Mexico for research purposes. That’s when they picked up objects and decorations from local artisans for the restaurant (which was previously Tex-Mex restaurant Dario’s). This includes everything from Oaxacan textiles to a chandelier made with mezcal bottles. The space, which is designed by architects Matt Garcia and Bart Whatley along with Allison Burke Interior Design, features a patio as well.

Rounding out the Suerte team is Aaron Frescas as general manager. He replaced the previously announced general manager John Michael Williams.

Hellman-Mass is one of the founding partners of Barley Swine and Odd Duck, the twinned restaurants from Bryce Gilmore. Because of his solo venture, he is no longer a chef at either restaurant. Núñez previously worked at Launderette, La Condesa, Uchiko, and East Side Showroom

Once open, Suerte’s hours will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and until 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

• Odd Duck Partner Is Opening East Side Mexican-Inspired Restaurant [EATX]
• All Coverage of Suerte [EATX]