TOWSON, MD — A James Beard-nominated chef recently closed his Mexican restaurant in Towson.
Nana, located at 6901 York Road, shuttered last week.
"We can no longer sustain Nana and have made the extremely heart-wrenching decision to shut Nana’s doors. Effective today. And it hurts," Nana said Friday on Instagram.
Chef Carlos Raba opened the eatery in January 2024 after much fanfare at his hip taqueria named Clavel in Baltimore's Remington neighborhood. At Clavel, Raba was a semifinalist for the 2022 best Mid-Atlantic chef award from the James Beard Foundation.
Nana, however, struggled to find its groove.
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"This past year has been trying as a business and we’ve been pushing so hard through rotating menu items, restaurant collabs/partnerships and promotions to be able to stay afloat and spread joy through Mexican cuisine for you all," the restaurant said.
Raba was born and raised in Culiacán in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. He was raised by his mother and five aunts, who taught him traditional cooking.
Nana's website said Raba opened the eatery "as a love letter to his childhood in Sinaloa and his great grandmother, his 'Nana.'"
"Nana was a vision that came from honoring Carlos’ great grandmother, a strong woman that dedicated herself to her family and the kitchen. Nana was a place that allowed him and the team to explore creativity through food, meet so many new neighbors and families and expanded our collaborations with other local culinary and music artists in the industry," the restaurant said on Instagram.
The menu featured whole rotisserie chickens, pork al pastor, carne asada, seasonal vegetables and other regional specialties and treats. Tacos, quesadillas, burritos and tortas were among the staples. All tortillas were handmade.
"We’ve met so many amazing people and are truly grateful for all who stopped by," Nana said. "There will never be enough words to thank you all for sharing space with us, stories, feedback and love on this beautiful community corner in Towson. We will miss serving you all."
Raba is still the chef and a partner at Clavel.
Raba, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, also founded Baltimore's Guardian Gym. The nonprofit offers free Jiu-Jitsu and yoga classes for kids aged 6 to 17.
Clavel and Guardian Gym will remain open, though Nana bid its last farewell.
"Thank you to all that enjoyed Nana. Thank you to our family, friends and community that pushed us in this short but sweet endeavor. We appreciate any kind words, thoughts and messages from you all," the eatery said. "Please continue to support the local small businesses/organizations in your neighborhood/city - it all counts."