The owners of the New Orleans-based steakhouse Doris Metropolitan, which also has a Houston presence, announced in December they are bringing a modern Israeli restaurant concept called Hamsa to 5555 Morningside Drive, in Rice Village, which could open by summer 2020. The restaurant's name is a reference to the Hamsa hand, a Middle Eastern symbol of an open palm and five fingers. The word also means “five” in Arabic, a nod to the restaurant's address. The casual but upscale concept will draw inspiration from the diverse cuisines of Israel, headed by executive chef Sash Kurgan. “It’s a melting pot of traditional Jewish food from all over the world, along with the local Arabic food of the region," Kurgan said in the announcement.