He’s an executive chef. She’s an executive pastry chef. Combined they are a culinary match made in heaven.
You can’t dine at their restaurant coming to Autry Park quite yet but during the month of love, Kirthan and Kripa Shenoy are sharing what inspires special meals in their home.
“In culinary school I learned there are two things that make a meal memorable: sensation and perception. Kripa and I have also had the opportunity to travel the world sharing dining experiences with different cultures. Because of these learnings, our menus at home—and the menu we’re developing for Auden—are infused with interesting and innovative flavor combinations that are inspired by our journey together,” said Kirthan Shenoy.
“I started exploring more cuisines after I met Kirthan. As we have traveled and gained more exposure together, it has shaped who we are as humans and chefs. Every meal with him is enlightening and adventurous and leads to brainstorming and curation. Our inspiration for each menu comes from our travels together as well as our commitment to technique and quality produce,” said Kripa Shenoy.
So what do Kirthan and Kripa recommend for making a memorable meal at home? Whatever you make, make it from the heart.
Kripa emphasizes, “People know when you’ve made something with love. You can truly taste the difference!”
Here’s a sampling of a memorable dinner with friends at their home:
Starters
Bread Service
“Caviar” Amuse Bouche
Quiche – Collard greens, bacon, goat cheese
Main Course
Burger – Prime short rib and chuck blend, tomato jam, brioche
Filet – Turnip puree, roasted new potato, snap peas, sherry jus
Desserts
Guanaja Chocolate Mousse
Masala Chai Panna Cotta
Auden at Autry Park will be the first concept by Kirthan Shenoy, a Houston native who will serve as executive chef of the concept, and Kripa Shenoy, who will serve as executive pastry chef. Both Kirthan and Kripa spent years working in New York City at Michelin-starred restaurants under the tutelage of Chef Michael White (Altamarea Group) before deciding to take their culinary expertise to Houston. Auden is slated to open in late summer 2022.
The vegetable-forward menu will include global-inspired dishes that pay homage to the diverse palates of Houston and are attuned to Chef Kirthan’s commitment to sustainability, freshness and seasonality. Conceptualized as a love letter to Houstonians, the menu will weave together local and multicultural flavors into a constantly evolving menu.
Follow their journey to opening on Instagram at @audenhtx, @kirthanshenoy and @shenoykripa.
Photos by Emily Jaschke.