Chef Lorena Garcia's Chica Opens At The Venetian Palazzo Resort In Las Vegas
Chef Lorena Garcia has put her shining culinary star on the Las Vegas Strip with her new restaurant Chica. Her Latin American flair and zesty flavors are truly spicing things up at the Venetian Palazzo Resort and Casino. "The healthy aspect of the food is always on the back burner so it is important to me to respect the ingredients from where they are sourced as well as playing close attention to our techniques," said Garcia. Executive chef Mike Minor, formerly of Border Grill, is at the helm of this exciting new addition at the Venetian, combining astute culinary skills with the flavors of Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina in creating dishes that will dance on your palate with creativity and bold flavors. "We are making handcrafted Latin American food that is elevated, very beautiful, and very sexy," Minor explained.
Several dishes sure to please include the asado negro braised short rib that is fork-tender and has just the right amount of heat with the epazote oil and tangy pickled onions adding a nice contrast to the dish. The Brazilian beef tenderloin is slow-roasted on the Brazilian rodizio, ensuring layers of succulent flavor. The mac con queso is a delightfully creamy and texturally rich Latin American version of mac and cheese with Peruvian corn, hearts of palm and spinach in a Parmesan cream gratin.
All that lively and lovely food needs a good libation, and Chica's rhum old fashioned, made with rhum agricole, Mexican Coke reduction, and orange bitters is an innovative take on a classic cocktail. Or consider the "Some Like It Hot" that turns the staple margarita on its head with Espolon Reposado, lime juice, papaya jam, and Scotch bonnet peppers kicking up warmth.
With this extremely well executed menu served with skill and passion, there is something that is sure to please everyone in your dining party. The many small plates and attractive prices allow everyone the freedom to reach out from their culinary borders while embracing new tastes and textures from one of the best Latina chefs this side of the border. Chica is now open for lunch and dinner daily along with weekend brunches. For more information, visit their website.