Las Vegas Welcomes Back ‘Chica’ From Chef Lorena Garcia

The restaurant reopens after a renovation and new menu at Restaurant Row inside the Venetian

La chica está de vuelta en Las Vegas. Translation: The “Chica” is back in Las Vegas. Chef Lorena Garcia and her restaurant Chica are set to reopen next week at The Venetian on December 31, which is just in time for New Year’s Eve. The Latin-inspired establishment has undergone a renovation of muy grande proportions and when they return they will have new tastings on the menu. There is even a celebrity added to Chica. 

Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance

The space at Chica adds to its former spaces homage to their inspirations with the design and not just the food. There is a mixing of contemporary yet classic influences from Latin America. Chef Lorena took her love of fresh tastes in her food and carried it to the surroundings as well. 

“The refreshed CHICA space brings the vibrancy and flavor of Miami to the desert,” said 50 Eggs Hospitality Group Founder and CEO John Kunkel in a statement. 50 Eggs Hospitality group partners with Chef Lorena in the Chica restaurant venture. 

“From design details like the striking bar that greets guests upon entry, to the open-flame Josper grill that intensifies the flavor and technique used throughout the menu, CHICA is here to make a lasting impression on Las Vegas,” Kunkel said in a statement released to Off the Strip (OTS). 

Latin American artist, Daniel Osorno, whose known for his Miami graffiti art, created a mural in the lounge mirroring the vibrancy of the food and atmosphere of Chica.

The design and the food blend together for the open, airy and fresh bites that deliver a flavorful classic and contemporary Latin American cuisine. 

chef chat

And speaking of the cuisine, “I am so excited to bring a bit of my Miami home to the new CHICA Las Vegas,” said Chef Lorena Garcia in a statement. “The new menu features many dishes that I have put my heart and soul into and really speak to the authentic Latin American culture.” 

Influenced by bold notes from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, Chica delivers a menu with dishes serving a rich flavor profile.

And those items are mouth watering times one hundred. Take a look at some of the new items that will be perfect for your palette.

Crispy Peruvian Octopus – Blistered Padrón Chile, Crispy Quinoa, Ají Amarillo Sauce, Brazilian Pico

Ember-Roasted PEI Mussels Cazuelass – Ají Panca, Coconut Broth, Chorizo, Pisco Italia, Garlic Herb Bread

Wagyu Quesa-Birria Empanada – Guajillo Consommé, Chili

Asado Negro Arepas – Handmade Piloncillo Arepa, Braised Short Rib, Brazilian Pico

Peruvian Corvina Ceviche – Leche de Tigre, Sweet Potato, Peruvian Corn, Red Onion, Cilantro

Wagyu NY Strip Steak – Black Garlic Mole, Watercress

Roasted Meat Parrillada – Wagyu NY Strip, Tenderloin Pinchos, Lamb, Venison Chorizo, Meyer Lemon Chicken, Chimichurri Sauce

The Flaming Skull – Warm Lava Cake, Horchata Ice Cream, Fresh Fruit, Corn Marshmallows 

celebrity collaboration

Chica will have a New Year’s Eve celebration with Casa Del Sol Tequila to go along with their public grand opening. That will have another chica being added to the mix. Eva Longoria is a co-founder of Casa Del Sol Tequila. 

She says of the new venture, “It has always been my mission to uplift the voices of women and celebrate my Mexican heritage, so that others may be inspired by the limitless genius and artistry that is rich in our communities. 

The Deets

WHAT: Chica Las Vegas

WHEN: Grand Opening on December 31

WHERE:Restaurant Row at The Venetian Resort, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd Ste 106, Las Vegas


You might also be interested in...

CASA Day Raises Awareness of Nevada Child Welfare System Challenges

Nevada’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) need more volunteers

Read More

‘Wild Beauty’ Documentary Explores Controversial Wild Horse Issues

A special screening of ‘Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West’ takes place on Wednesday, March 15 at South Point

Read More

Vegas Punk Rock Museum Ready to Shove Things In Your Face

The Punk Collective is building out the museum with a performance space, a merch store, wedding/wake chapel, a tattoo parlor and a bar

Read More

AFAN Black and White Party Returns for its 36th Year

Fundraising for a good cause has never been this fabulous

Read More

World Alzheimer’s Day: What Nevadans Should Know

Dr. Dylan Wint, director of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, emphasizes the significance of the connections between neurology and psychiatry when treating Alzheimer’s disease

Read More

What did you think?