The James Beard Award-nominated chef Oscar Diaz’s Durham takeover continues with the opening of a new all-day cafe and eatery called Aaktun .
Why it matters: Diaz and the group behind the Mezcalito restaurants are forging a fruitful partnership across downtown Durham, with three separate businesses either open or in the process of opening.
- That includes the popular and creative dinner spot Little Bull , Aaktun and the under-construction taco joint Tataco .
The latest: Aaktun opened this week at 704 Ramseur St., serving a daytime menu of coffee, sandwiches and pastries and a lunch menu that includes small bites like papaya salad, poke, sandwiches and burgers.
- In the evening, the menu evolves to include chicken skewers, ceviche, Temaki rolls as well as jerk chicken, hanger steak and a range of seafood.
Driving the news: The restaurant continues Diaz’s playful exploration of combining the Mexican-American staples of his youth with cooking techniques from around the world, especially Asian cuisines.