Uli’s Kitchen, the first concept for Luna Hospitality, is slated to open in The Woodlands in early May. Husband and wife duo Bonnie Alcaraz and David “Ulises” Alcaraz will open the doors at 8021 Research Forest Dr. next to Dosey-Doe Coffee in the Alden Bridge shopping center. Chef Ulises will lead the kitchen at their family’s authentic Mexican restaurant. Guests can expect a variety of modern dishes combined with old tried-and-true techniques – all acquired from his three decades in the industry.
“Our culture is very important to us. We are excited to share our way of cooking with the community and show them an authentic approach without sacrificing on special Mexican ingredients that make our cuisine truly what it is,” said Chef Alcaraz.
The new 2,100-square-foot restaurant boasts 89 seats including 10 seats at the bar. Large floor to ceiling windows adorn the front of the restaurant, which were left in place by the previous occupant, Taco Nation. The windows and brick façade are some of the only building features that remain in place from the former tenants. With the help of Houston-based design group B & D Community Design Studio, the space has undergone a full remodel complete with a new and improved kitchen and expanded full-service bar.
The Uli’s Kitchen menu will offer a substantial lunch and dinner menu with a wide range of homestyle, made-from-scratch dishes. Shareable options include refreshing plates like the Aquachile Negro De Ahi Tuna, a dish comprised of sushi grade ahi tuna, pickled red onion, cucumber, avocado, toasted sesame seeds, black pasilla, and morita pepper aguachile; Camarones Fritos with tempura-style shrimp, thinly sliced jalapeños, tamarindo glaze, and a chipotle lime aioli; and Veracruz Style Cocktails, which are made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, cucumber, and cocktail sauce and mixed with your choice of shrimp or a combination of shrimp, octopus, and crab.
As you work your way down the menu, you will find sections dedicated to Sopas y Ensaladas (soups and salads), De Las Calles (tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas), Especialidades De la Casa (house specialties), Recetas de la Abuela (grandmother’s recipes), Steaks, and Sides. Guests can expect many of the same lunch offerings on the dinner menu with the addition of more substantial entrée items like the Huachinango A La Talla, which involves a whole, wild-caught grilled red snapper rubbed with herbs and flavorful guajillo adobo and served with curtido de habanero, avocado, and tortillas; and the Osso Bucco En Pipian De Cacahuate which is a slow-roasted pork shank in a red mole with peanuts, smoked dried peppers, and spices. The food menu will be complimented with a long list of wine, beer, and specialty cocktails. Guests are also welcome to order margaritas and traditional cocktails from the restaurant’s full-service bar.
OTHER MENU HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Tacos de Birria: Slow-braised beef tacos served on lightly fried corn tortillas with chichuahua cheese, cilantro, diced onion and a consommé dipping sauce
- Picanha: Juicy 12-ounce grilled top sirloin cap steak
Bonnie Alcaraz will step in as General Manager of the restaurant, ensuring that all operations run smoothly outside of the kitchen. Alcaraz brings seven years of experience, having worked multiple front-of-house positions in various restaurants in Augusta and the Atlanta area. She hopes to create an inviting and lively space for guests at Uli’s Kitchen – one that you can use to celebrate life’s milestones or pop in for a casual cocktail and appetizer with friends.
The restaurant is located in a development across the street from the Alden Bridge Kroger. Neighbors include Dosey Doe Coffee and the Kumon learning Center. The restaurant plans to host a number of social events including wine tastings and possibly a monthly Latin night once the pandemic is under control and officials deem these types of events to be safe again. An official opening date will be announced soon.
For more information, please visit www.uliskitchen.com.
