The first time I heard about Lucha Loco was when I was strolling on the cobblestone pavement of Duxton Hill and snapping pictures after dinner at a restaurant in the vicinity. At about 6pm plus only, the place was coming alive already. While enjoying scenic surroundings and the cool breeze, I heard someone telling her friends excitedly, "The alcohol drinks here are fantastic. The food is good too!"
Out of curiosity, I turned towards her to see her pointing at a quaint heritage building with a turquoise flamboyant signboard that read "Lucha Loco".
What really got me interested in this place is an upcoming party on a special day for the special ones not celebrating in the traditional way. I like the daringness and unique concept of this restaurant. After finding out that it serves Mexican food, a domain I had yet ventured into, I know I have to try the food here soon. And after an outing here, I have to say, excitedly, "Amigo! Mexican food is fantástico!"
This place is great for couples, friends and even solo diners. Quite a number of solo diners and couples are here just lounging on the most comfortable high chairs, or should I say sofas, enjoying the food and the vibrant Mexican music. I like how inclusive this place is.
Anyway, I opt for lunch set where I will get 2 kinds of tacos, a set of chips and salsa and an add-on of churros.
The earthy flavour of the crispy corn chips goes so well with the refreshing tomato with an iota of spiciness in the salsa. A nice snack to start the meal with.
Just reading Prawn Taco's ingredients of marinated tiger prawns, jalapeño, strawberry, bacon, fennel sauce, I think this will be good, and I got it right! The tiger prawns, hidden beneath the sea of flavourful ingredients, are succulent and briny sweet, complemented very well by the ingredients that range from zesty, creamy, slightly spicy to refreshing. This is full of distinctive yet nuanced flavours. I love this.
Lion's Mane Al Pastor Taco is unbelievably awesome. Who would have thought that a vegetarian dish of grilled lion's mane mushroom with achiote, lettuce, pickled onion, avocado, chipotle mayo, grilled corn, radish and cilantro can taste so meaty, flavourful and packed with grilled protein smokey goodness. This can rival any meat dishes. In fact, the mushroom tastes like meat. Like Prawn Taco, this one has a great juxtapose of different strong flavours that simulate the palates in a subtle way. A must-try. Good recommendation by the friendly guy staff who wear spectacles.
Churros served warm is actually very good, despite my initial scepticism prior to trying it. The brittle sugar is a nice contrast to the fluffy interior of churros and its slightly crunchy exterior. And the chocolate sauce, while ordinary on taste, is interestingly sticky. Good play on textures.
At the staff's recommendation to try something different, I ordered Blood Orange and Guava Frozen Margarita. It tastes really unique, and the bitterness of the alcohol goes very well with the mellow citrus taste with floral tones of blood orange. A great beverage to have with Tacos.
The place is so cool, vibrant and trendy, plus the air of fiesta and some cosiness to feel all comfortable to be yourself and just enjoy life when dining there. The guy staff I had mentioned earlier is super thoughtful, being able to make all the great recommendations to me and offers to manage the portion of churros served so that I don't get too full. He is also very friendly, going the extra mile to ask the customers for feedback on the food and is prompt to respond to requests. The other staff are cheerful to add to the fiesta atmosphere.
Definitely the place I want to go to when I have cravings for Mexican food.
Thoughts: Exciting Flavours!
15 Duxton Hill
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar or Maxwell
