Lucha Loco, inspired by the fun and colorful nature of “Lucha Libre”, continues to enthral diners with their casual and vibrant Loco atmosphere. Inspired by the tropical restaurants and bars in Tulum Mexico, their newly renovated space houses a fresher and healthier menu with an exciting Aztec and Mayan themed cocktail list. The restaurant is also set to host an all-star Taco showdown amongst six of the most acclaimed chefs in Singapore.
With warm, blue hues resonating through the space, Lucha Loco’s interior is chic yet has elements of low seating couches, festoon lighting and soothing hues to evoke a cozy atmosphere, making one instantly comfortable. This has been seamlessly integrated with the existing distressed concrete walls, maintaining a touch of the gritty street vibes of Mexican back alleys.
Exciting New Dishes In A Fresh, Tulum Inspired Menu
In line with the expertly designed new interior, The Loco Group’s Culinary Director, Chef Jason Jones and Head Chef of Lucha Loco, Tony Tan, present a refreshed menu with lighter and leaner options. This menu not only reflects their culinary take on the vibrant Mexican flavours, but is also curated to revolve around the “Beach” or “Playa” theme of Tulum, Mexico.
Their innovative new creations include Tostada de Atún, served with torched tuna, crispy fried onion, tangy lime mayo, creamy avocado, and smoked sea salt. For quesadilla lovers, the Quesadilla de Res is a must-try. It comprises succulent braised beef, chipotle chili, melted cheese, tangy pineapple salsa, and pickled red onions. Not to forget the mouthwatering Taco de Hoja de Lechuga, packed with cured tiger prawns, leche de tigre, sweet corn, rich avocado, Serrano peppers, and fresh coriander.
Stellar Tequila And Mezcal Bar Offerings
An agave spirit aficionado’s heaven, the Lucha Loco bar is stocked with a carefully selected portfolio of 100% blue agave tequilas and mezcals. Within this extensive list are rare and unique bottles that would pique the interest of any connoisseur. Lucha Loco works in tandem with Proof & Co. (owner of Asia’s top ranked bar, 28 Hong Kong Street) to curate this outstanding collection.
Embellishing the reinvigorated beverage menu are cocktails inspired by the ingredients, approach, and flavor combinations unique to Mexico’s historical civilisations: the Aztec and the Mayan. Co-founder and Bar Director Ajay Parag shares, “we loved the way the Aztecs combined a wide array of ingredients to create flavours seemingly ahead of their time. They prepared chocolate by whisking ground, toasted cacao beans and parched corn with honey and water, which they flavoured with vanilla orchid pods.”
Representative of this inspiration is the Mayan Mule, a creative rendition of the classic, and made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, toasted ancho chilli, Alipus mezcal, and topped off with ginger beer.
For those who like their cocktails bold and old fashioned, indulge in Smoky Ron De Banana, prepared with Plantation Dark rum, banana, honey and cinnamon infused mezcal, and black walnut, Aztec chocolate and orange bitters.
The Blueberry & Acai Margarita provides a healthier option for those who are looking for a refreshing drink packed with antioxidants. Made with blueberries, açaí berries, lime, agave and mint, it is available frozen with Cimarrón Blanco tequila, or on the rocks with Alipus mezcal.
Adding to the list of playful creations is the Tamarind Margarita that is complexed and full of character – an original combination of peach and apple crumble infused tequila, tamarind, lemongrass agave, lime and sour candy.
“Taco Libre” – An All-Star Taco-off With Six Chefs And One Champion
With the rising trend of chefs focusing on ingredients found in their respective surrounding regions, many around the world are looking for ways to reinvent the Taco. From humble beginnings, the Taco has risen to celebrity status, clinching awards and obtaining the label of “the perfect bite” by world-acclaimed chef Rene Redzepi of Noma, Denmark.
At the peak of the worldwide Taco hype, Lucha Loco proves to be a front-runner in the local taco scene, putting forth inventive and exceptional tacos that excite the palates of diners. Launching its very first “Taco Libre” campaign on 15 August 2017, Lucha Loco sees six of Singapore’s heavyweight chefs battle it out for the title of “Ultimate Taco Champion”. This scrumptious twelve-week initiative that will feature one uniquely crafted Taco by an acclaimed chef every two weeks, will culminate in a finale party where the winner will be crowned by a panel of esteemed judges. Along with the bragging rights, Lucha Loco will also present the champion with a specially crafted Mexican wrestling belt trophy, air flown directly from Mexico.
Set to kick start the battle is chef-owner Bjorn Shen of Artichoke. Unofficially the busiest man on earth, he lectures at the Culinary Institute of America in Singapore, and is the Asia-Pacific chef ambassador for a United Nations food project. He has also authored a popular cookbook, “Artichoke – Recipes and Stories from Singapore’s Most Rebellious Kitchen”. Bringing to the table a Surf n’ Turf Taco (SGD12+) which showcases crab tatziki, avocado, chilli caramel, smoky bacon, pickled onions, and mint, Shen reckons that it perfectly represents him and his culinary direction. “It’s totally my kind of jam. It’s called #dudestronomy, and that’s the name of my game. I mean, how many people in the history of the universe have paired smoky bacon with crab?” he playfully remarks.
In the weeks that follow, guests can also expect to savour Tacos from top chefs like Chef Andrew Walsh of Cure, Chef Rishi Naleendra of Cheek by Jowl, Chef Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends, Chef Sam Aisbett of Whitegrass, and Chef Ryan Clift of Tippling Club. Part of the proceeds will go to Singapore Children’s Society, a voluntary welfare organisation that looks after the welfare of children, youth and families in need in Singapore.
Satisfying Mexican food lovers for over four years, Lucha Loco strongly believes in keeping things fresh for their diners. From the newly refurbished space and refreshed menu to the various ongoing thematic campaigns and personable service, it is no wonder why people return time and time again for a convivial and multi-sensorial dining experience like no other.
Lucha Loco
15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598