Most of us remember the fuss-free charm of La Chinesca in BF Homes and the quick and fool-proof goodness of their stall at The Grid Food Market. For July, husband-and-wife team chef Bruce Ricketts and Jae Pickrell are bringing La Chinesca to The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table from June 22 to July 21, 2024.

La Chinesca pops up at The Balmori Suites Pol Divina

Chef Bruce grew up in San Diego, California and brings with him Latin-American influences to their offers — characterized by vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Bruce explains, '[The birth of La Chinesca] was really to sustain a need for me, and I think, Jae as well, to have a place to eat and actually have, like, tacos that we like.'

'The style of the food was more like Baja, California. So it's very vibrant. It was very punchy,” Jae adds.

The duo of chef Bruce Ricketts and Jae Pickrell proves to be a winning combo Ching Dee

Their journey from a tiny taqueria to branching out with new concepts like La Chinesca at The Balmori Suites — and soon in BGC — reflects their dedication to evolving the dining experience.

The Balmori Suites Chef's Table Ching Dee

At Balmori, guests can indulge in La Chinesca's classics like the Carnitas Taco and Tuna Tostada while exploring exclusive new creations such as the Pato Tetelas and Wagyu Suadero Taco. The menu also features exquisite Platos Fuertes like Prawn Zarandeado and Hamachi Asada, all meant to be enjoyed with house-made tortillas and shared with friends and family.

Wagyu Suadero Taco, and Toro and Tuna Tostados Pol Divina

Chef Bruce shares, “We’re so excited to take over Balmori and introduce a whole new menu to our Rockwell regulars to show that La Chinesca can offer so much more than tacos and tostadas. Mexican food goes so deep and this is our way of exploring the cuisine a little more, while paying tribute to traditional techniques and the bold flavors we enjoy so much.'

Jae adds, “It’s always been a source of pride for us to cook everything with the right methods and good ingredients. For example, since we started as a pop-up concept in 2013, we have made every single corn tortilla by hand and cooked it to order. We will only elevate our standards higher at La Chinesca at Balmori.”

Here’s what you should get when you visit the pop-up:

Toro Tostada - An upscale version of the crowd-favorite Tuna Tostada, featuring Chūtoro zuke, ōtoro aburi, akami and tomato pico de gallo with chipotle aioli on a crisp tostada. The silky tuna works so well with the textures and flavors of every bite. Pol Divina

Jaiba Tostada - A delightful combination of soft-shell crab, local mud crab, mango, tapatío mayo, lime and punchy togarashi on a tostada. The play of flavors and textures make this dish an instant hit. Pol Divina

Choripán y Requesón - This is a hefty and delicious start to your meal. These savory ‘donuts’ are filled with chorizo and guava and served on a bed of shishito ricotta. Make sure to eat it right away while it’s still warm. Pol Divina

Caneza En Escabeche - When Chef Bruce and Jae said La Chinesca is all grown up, this is a prime example. The perfectly seared and tender slices of pig’s head (prepared almost like a terrine) is served over a sauce of jalapeño, tomatillo, ginger, and slices of red radish for freshness. Every bite is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. You can even enjoy this in one of their handmade corn tortillas! Pol Divina

Codorniz en Nogada - You can take a man out of Japan, but you’ll never take away Japanese influences from Chef Bruce. With quail prepared karaage-style, this is essentially what the couple calls a “fried chicken salad”. It has mixed greens with peppered walnuts, chunks of fresh pomelo, pickled mushrooms, and buttered daisies.Pol Divina

Flan de Coco - Make sure to get this silky, creamy dessert of coconut flan. It has hints of ginger and lime zest to break the richness of the dessert. The texture from the black sesame shortbread crumbs is a must with every bite! Ching Dee

Piña y Guava Tamal - Ever had tamales for dessert? This inventive dish has lots going on for it: the subtle sweetness and earthiness of the pineapple and corn tamal goes well with the guava compote and goat cheese crema.Ching Dee

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The pop-up serves as Chef Bruce’s test kitchen of sorts and a preview of the third La Chinesca branch set to open in BGC later this year.

'The menu is also a preview of the third La Chinesca branch we’re constructing in BGC right now, which will open later this year,” Jae explained.

“We want to localize it in whatever area we're in,' she continues, emphasizing their intent to adapt and integrate into each community while maintaining La Chinesca's unique identity. 'It's about offering something unique but accessible.”

Check out our dish recommendations in the gallery Pol Divina

Whether you're a first-timer exploring their carnitas or a regular indulging in their enchiladas, La Chinesca invites you to savor the journey of flavors they've crafted with passion and purpose.

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La Chinesca is at The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table from June 22 to July 21, 2024 / open daily for all-day dining from 11 am to 9 pm / For reservations, call (0905) 205 9151 / During this period, La Chinesca at The Grid will be closed for renovation.