Popular Birmingham Chef Set to Open His Third Restaurant
Raising the bar for Birmingham’s culinary scene, Abhi Sainju has unveiled his plan to introduce another new dining experience in the city. With a reputation for introducing local diners to flavors from his native Nepal, Sainju is now expanding with a unique coastal-inspired establishment in the latter part of the summer season 2024.
Surf Hound: American Classic with a Twist
The third restaurant, Surf Hound, is located at 2721 Cahaba Road, previously occupied by the Dram Whisky Bar and Carrigan’s Public House, now shared with Sainju’s own Abhi Eatery + Bar. Aimed at striking a balance between classic American bar food and Asian influences, the menu plans to feature Sainju’s unique take on familiar dishes such as burgers, wings, nachos, and the likes of grilled fish.
“I’ve always wanted to do burgers and wings – you know, like the American food over here – but with a little twist,” says Sainju. With considerable room for patrons, the establishment also echoes the casual beach setting, accommodating between 80 to 100 guests, including indoor and outdoor seating options.
A Unique Dining Experience
Surf Hound promises to offer not just a gastronomic experience but also an engaging and vibrant atmosphere. As Sainju shares, the place is all geared up to welcome a diverse crowd. He stated, “You can come in casual, just like you’re at the beach — flip flops and all that, no problem — but you’re going to get a high standard of food and a good atmosphere. Catering to football fans and weekend chillers alike, the venue will have numerous TVs for sports enthusiasts to indulge in their love for the game.
Culinary Journey Foretold
Sainju’s culinary journey started in 1996 when he landed on American soil, and his longing for his home food encouraged him to tap into his culinary roots. In a quest to recreate the traditional Nepalese dishes inherited from his mother and aunts, Sainju made a name for himself in Birmingham’s culinary landscape. Following the success of his initial venture, Everest Sushi, he continued to innovate and share his chef d’oeuvres first with Abhi Eatery + Bar in 2017 and then Maro in 2023.
Moving Forward
Excited about the upcoming venture, Sainju hopes that Surf Hound will be operational before the onset of the football season. An optimistic Sainju said, “We’ll see how it goes, but definitely, by August we want to be running.” The oceanic ambiance of Surf Hound, 2721 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, Alabama, is all set to welcome diners to enjoy a relaxed, high-quality dining experience six days a week, and for brunch, lunch, and dinner on Sundays.
