WILMINGTON—Two veteran chefs – from very different culinary backgrounds – are teaming up for a different take on Mexican cuisine, opening La Brasa in the former San Juan Café location on Wrightsville Avenue.
Owner Andy Tsingelis, who’s family has run Chris’s Restaurant for 41 years, set his eyes on the location back in February. After a serious overhaul, including new floors, furniture and kitchen, he’s hoping to open in time for Mother’s Day.
La Brasa will be a departure from the “classic Southern Greek restaurant cooking” that Tsingelis grew up in.
“I’ve always done the all the real comfort Southern food cooking, all from scratch – so that’s what I’m bringing. You’re gonna see homemade Mexican food, everything from scratch, sauces, tortillas, sauces, everything,” Tsingelis said. “We’re going to I think five salsas. A mango one, a pineapple green salsa, some different things.”
Tsingelis will be joined by longtime friend Noe Pinzon, who currently runs the Taco Movil food truck and commissary kitchen located at the Starway Flea Market on Carolina Beach Road.
“I’m bringing the business side of things, but Noe’s the genius in the kitchen. His food – especially his tacos – are just incredible. He’s been looking for his own spot but I talked him out of it. When the San Juan location opened up, I think we both knew it was the right time and the right spot,” Tsingelis said.
Pinzon, who is from Acapulco, said the coastal cooking style of his hometown would influence the food at La Brasa.
“It’s Mexican food, yes, but I think it will be something different for the area,” Pinzon said. “Different kinds of seafood you don’t usually see.”
Along with Acapulco-style seafood dishes, Pinzon also said he’s looking forward to debuting the “Machete,” a two-foot-long relative of the quesadilla. Pinzon said his version is filled with shrimp, beef and mushrooms, along with two types of cheese.
La Brasa will initially serve beer and wine – along with sangria and specialty fruit drinks.
Tsingelis said he plans to open La Brasa seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
La Brasa is located in the Coastal Plaza at 3314 Wrightsville Ave.
On the map: La Brasa restaurant
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