James Beard Award finalist announces new Raleigh restaurant

Less than a year after closing her downtown Raleigh restaurant, chef Cheetie Kumar has announced plans for a new venture.

Kumar and partner Paul Siler will open Ajja in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood at 209 Bickett Blvd later this spring, the two announced Wednesday.

Ajja is the Hindi/Urdu word for “come over."

"Ajja’s menu will draw inspiration from the diverse foodways and cultures, vibrant spices, and cooking techniques of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and beyond. Building on Garland’s legacy, Ajja will continue telling the rich story of North Carolina’s growers, farmers and purveyors in a vibrant indoor-outdoor neighborhood restaurant," according to a press release.

“In Southwest Asia, and the Global South at large, the meal consists of many shared components; each bite can provide a different experience. In these parts of the world, the simple gesture of welcoming a guest with food and drink is a deep-rooted tradition. The table is about abundance and intentional generosity. We are excited to embody this spirit of hospitality at Ajja,” Kumar said.

Chef Chris Gamble will join Kumar in creating Ajja's opening menu.

Kumar announced the closing her beloved restaurant Garland in August. It had been open since 2013.

Ajja employees will include General manager Gaëlle Laforest and beverage manager Lindsay Ogden, both formerly of Garland.

Ajja will be adjacent to Anisette Sweet Shop. In addition to the indoor space, there will an outdoor dining area that features a covered patio and a large fire pit overlooking Raleigh’s skyline.

Kumar, who is in the band Birds of Avalon with her husband, was a finalist for 2022 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Southeast Chef. The honor went to Durham's Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood.