Suerte: Masa-Focused East Side Mexican Cuisine
The much anticipated restaurant from culinary mastermind Sam Hellman-Mass is now open on 1800 East 6th Street and I had a sneak peak of the space and menu last week. Suerte has focused their menu on the simple but foundational masa- the making/nixtamalization of corn which in turn become tortillas.
Suerte’s website states that “Executive chef Fermin Nunez and the kitchen team have prepared a menu that combines local ingredients, thoughtful cooking techniques and the flavors of Mexico. From our full bar with tasty beverages to our patio overlooking East Sixth Street, Suerte is the perfect spot for anything from date night to a big fiesta. Our team believes hospitality prevails, homemade masa reigns and every day can be an occasion to celebrate.”
The cocktail menu boasts extravagant mezcal, tequila, and more. The drinks pictured include the campesino made with blanco tequila, chareau, carrot, lemon, white pepper and dill dincture. The terranales has sotol, sesame orgeat, beet, lemon and mole bitters. My favourite was the agua fresca with beets, hibiscus and mint.
We started with an amouse bouche called infladita: mahi mahi, aji amarillo and yogurt. So much flavor in the smallest bite!
The beet tostada was one of my very favourites: smashed avocado, peanut yum yum sauce, pickled onions on a blue tortilla. This little tasty dish was surprising filling, too!
The pastor taco has chile arbol salsa, green onions, and yellow beets. One of the tastiest tacos I’ve ever had. The chile arbol salsa is made with dried chiles and roasted tomato skins (so yes, it’s quite the process to make) and I could probably eat it by the spoonful.
The chicken tamal has a delicious recado negro sauce that covers the pulled chicken as well as chicken skin chicharrones for a nice crunch.
The flan was one of the best desserts I HAVE EVER HAD. This wasn’t ordinary flan. This flan was made with duck egg cashew custard plus had crunchy molasses crumbles and an apricot orange sorbet on top. Absolutely divine.
I recommend trying Suerte as soon as possible to try this immaculate, unique and delightful restaurant.
