Chef Beni Velazquez Sets an Opening Timetable for ChinaLatina

Chef Beni Velazquez is wasting no time in debuting his latest concept, pushing hard to reveal his Asian fusion and pan-Latin menu on the eastide within days.

Currently hiring and announcing a projected Oct. 1 opening day, ChinaLatina takes over the vacant Mexicali Raspados space, next door to the easy-to-spot Pancho’s Vegan Tacos at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Pecos Road.

The casual 1,080-square-foot restaurant draws on Velazquez’s self-described “eclectic Latin” style, featured locally at Bar + Bistro, Latin Fish, and Isabela’s.

Among previewed menu choices, miso tofu, or pork lechon ramen bowls and small plates of kung pao shrimp tacos, adobo chicken, and teriyaki lechon fries. Recommended dishes include spicy beef, crispy salt, and pepper salmon, honey almond shrimp and the Latin garlic lobster prepared in a Spanish sherry soy sauce.

Customers can order salads, sandwiches, and six different deserts, including egg custard flan or white chocolate bread pudding.

Yet to be confirmed, the restaurant website is also promoting future opening hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and closed on the weekend.

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