‘Mexican food is now a pop pick’
With over 25 years of hospitality experience, and specialising in Mexican cuisine, Chef Pablo Flores has built his career successfully in the Middle East. Pablo is currently the chef de cuisine of Poco Loco restaurant at The Beach, working with Chef Neal Witney to show their take on Latin American cuisine. He speaks to Khaleej Times about what’s cooking on the local scene, and his personal foodie preferences. How popular is Mexican cuisine in Dubai? Mexican cuisine has gained popularity, over the years, in Dubai. We now see a number of people choosing Mexican cuisine as their preferred choice of food. At Poco Loco, we create each dish differently and offer variety. Our menu ranges from sweet dishes to the smoky and fiery hot food. This is what makes our cuisine flavourful and brings our customers back for more. How much is the average spend — say, for a family of four? On an average a family of four will spend Dh450 for two starters, four main courses and dessert. When do you have maximum traffic? We see a lot of traffic in the evenings, when people get off work. However, we see the majority of traffic over the weekends, throughout the day. We see groups coming in with their friends and families to enjoy a great meal together.
How has the dining scene — all around the city — evolved?evol Dubai’s dining scene h has always been dynamic. These daysd we are seeing a number of ce celebrity chefs opening new restaurants.restaura I think this is because people in DubaiD are open to explore new and diff different cuisine. Which is the best complimentcomp you have received about theth food you prepare? I have received many c compliments but the best so far has been a customer telling me th that our barbacoa was so tende tender and scrumptious that it rem reminded him of his mom’s cooking. Other than Mexican, whichw is your fave cuisine? And for Mexican,M if it’s not Poco Loco, whichwhi other restaurant is your top p pick? My favourite go-to pla place is an Indian restaurant on Bank Street.Str Their brain fry along with fre fresh rotis is what I enjoy. As far as Mexican food is concerned, finding authentic cuisine from my home country is essential! Aside from Poco Loco, there’s a few other spots in town that I love; if I’m craving fajitas, it would have to be The Shore, in Atlantis. Maya, in Le Royal Meridien, for their amazing Lamb Barbacoa is another favourite! What are the top three Mexican dishes diners order when they visit Poco Loco? Ceviche baja is famous as it is a perfect combination of citrus flavours, spicy chillies, and fresh seafood. Barbacoa is another favourite. It is a complex dish made of slow-cooked meat over an open fire and the 3 leches — or threelayered cake — is a preferred choice of dessert. Do you feel Dubai is one of the top food capitals of the world? If yes, why? Yes, Dubai is a melting pot of many cultures and cuisines which naturally makes it one of the world’s top food capitals. People love experimenting with food.
Our menu ranges from sweet dishes to smoky and fiery hot food