Savory Delights and Sweet Indulgences: A Culinary Journey Awaits in Austin

Austin, the vibrant heart of Texas, is about to embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure as a new Mediterranean restaurant and bakery duo prepares to grace the city's diverse food scene. BaLaFa, a savory street food haven, and Matok, a bakery offering a sweet escape, are set to open their doors in 2025, but not before captivating Austinites with a series of pop-up events throughout 2024.

Discover the Flavors of the Mediterranean in the Heart of Texas

Savory Sensations at BaLaFa

BaLaFa, the savory component of this dynamic duo, is poised to transport Austinites to the vibrant streets of the Mediterranean. This casual restaurant will focus on serving up authentic Mediterranean street food, offering a tantalizing array of pita sandwiches. Diners can indulge in shawarma, sliced fresh off a vertical spit, or savor the crunch of falafel, all wrapped in plain or jalapeño-infused pita bread. The option to add the tangy and sweet amba, a pickled mango condiment, adds a delightful twist to these handheld delights.Beyond the pita sandwiches, BaLaFa's menu will showcase the rich flavors of the region. Hummus, a beloved Mediterranean staple, will be served with a variety of toppings, including sautéed mushrooms or the smoky goodness of chicken shawarma. Salads dressed in tahini will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heartier offerings, while a selection of sides will round out the dining experience.

Sweet Temptations at Matok

Matok, the bakery component of this culinary duo, will cater to those with a sweet tooth, offering an array of baked goods and breads that celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean. Expect to indulge in the pillowy softness of challah, the tangy complexity of sourdough, and the rich, swirling layers of babka. For those seeking a more savory experience, Matok will also feature laminated breads infused with the bold flavors of tapenade or the earthy notes of za'atar-labneh.The bakery's pastry selection promises to be a true delight for the senses. Imagine biting into a flaky, pistachio-cherry croissant or savoring the decadence of a halva chocolate chip cookie. The menu will also feature date molasses cookies, croissant cakes, the buttery goodness of rugelach, and the savory-filled delights of burekas. For those seeking a touch of sweetness, the honey cakes will provide a delightful finale to any meal.

The Culinary Visionaries Behind BaLaFa and Matok

The driving force behind this exciting culinary venture is the Dami-Luka Group, a trio of co-owners who have honed their skills at the renowned Houston-based restaurant group, Doris Metropolitan. Sash Kurgan, Oren Ben Lulu, and Michal Michaeli, each with their own impressive culinary backgrounds, have come together to bring the flavors of their home country, Israel, to the vibrant food scene of Austin.Kurgan, the former head chef of Doris Metropolitan, now brings his expertise to the helm of BaLaFa. Ben Lulu, the former executive chef at Doris, has worked at various acclaimed establishments, including the now-closed Mexican Asian fusion restaurant, Tavo. Michaeli, the executive pastry chef and baker from Doris, has an impressive resume that includes stints at renowned New York bakeries like Silver Moon Bakery and chef Daniel Boulud's DB Bistro Moderne. She also launched the successful Houston-based Israeli bakery, Badolina, under the Doris umbrella.

Bringing the Mediterranean to Austin: Pop-ups and Partnerships

While BaLaFa and Matok search for their permanent homes, the Dami-Luka Group is keeping the anticipation high by hosting a series of pop-up events throughout the Austin area. BaLaFa will be a regular fixture at East Austin's Cork & Screw, offering its savory delights on Friday and Saturday evenings from October 18 to November 23.Additionally, the restaurant will join forces with Vacancy Brewing in the St. Elmo area, participating in their Dinner and a Show series on Monday, October 21. Diners can indulge in BaLaFa's offerings while enjoying a screening of the iconic film, The Shining.For those eager to experience Matok's baked creations, the bakery is currently offering online ordering for pickups and deliveries. The delectable pastries can also be found at Afuga Coffee's East Austin and Hutto locations, with plans to expand to the newer El Tigre location on 12th Street in the near future.As the countdown to 2025 continues, Austinites can look forward to the arrival of this dynamic Mediterranean duo, BaLaFa and Matok, which promises to elevate the city's culinary landscape with a tantalizing blend of savory and sweet delights.