KUT is a fine-casual concept in West Village, starring one of the most popular Mediterranean offerings, the kebab. KUT, which when broken down combines K for kebab and the phrase “cut the meat,” is the passion project of entrepreneur and Avignon-native, Henda Miliani. The kebab is a street food staple in France and as Henda notes, is known to be preferred over the quintessential hamburger. A lover of Mediterranean street food, she came to the states on holiday and searched for a kebab destination, but quickly realized that there was no real market for her favorite fast meal. A global traveler with a head for business, Henda came to New York to create an elevated takeaway kebab experience, opening the doors to KUT in May 2018.
Henda heads up the kitchen with consulting Chef Flourent De Brunelis, who worked under former White House Executive Chef, Pierre Chambrin, at the St. Louis Club. The menu at KUT reflects a thoughtful execution of consistent healthy and authentic flavorful options surpassing the standards of the kebab stands in France.
At KUT the meat takes center stage, where the highest quality chicken is marinated for 24 hours before cooking on a large cone-like spike that slowly turns. After the chicken is cooked, the layers are shaved off while the rest continues to cook. The bread is made in the open kitchen and made fresh daily, using a special preparation of two unique flours to ensure its consistency. Guests can then choose between a sandwich, a kuttie (half sandwich), a durum (flat bread) or a salad (bowl).
An array of different savory fillings is offered as well including a Mediterranean Ratatouille, caramelized onions, coleslaw, salad, pico de gallo, feta, a homemade hummus and a zesty lemon squeeze. To finish it off, a selection of sauces at varying heat levels is offered including Green (parsley, green jalapenos, white onions, lemon juice, olive oil, salt), Red (fresh tomatoes, dried tomatoes, harissa, white onions, olive oil, garlic and salt), Samurai (Mayonnaise, ketchup, harissa, lemon juice) and White (Yogurt, mayo, mint, shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, salt). Veggie lovers can simply enjoy sandwiches and bowls with a choice of the vegetable mixtures and hummus. Extras are also made available with choices including bread with hummus or three of the dipping sauces.
The beverage menu includes selections of beer, various soft drinks, bottled water and Nana Mint Tea.
Located on the bustling corner of Carmine Street and 6th Avenue, KUT is hard to miss with a welcoming bright blue storefront. Upon entering, the space is casual and relaxed with a centered service station and the kitchen on full display, where guests can view the rotating kebabs. The restaurant is lined with wooden tables and stools with an exposed brick wall with KUT splashed in white.
