Las Palmas Cantina (95 W. Boston), the newest concept from restaurateur Julian Wright (Pedal Haus Brewery, Canteen Modern Tequila), brings the food, drink and relaxed coastal vibe of the Mexican Riviera to Chandler’s burgeoning downtown culinary scene. While the Las Palmas team plans to soft open beforehand, they will be throwing a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 19 from 5-10 p.m. with 50 percent of the proceeds going to a Chandler charity called ICAN, a community organization providing family-centered youth-services to the East Valley. Attendees will also receive a $10 gift certificate good towards their next visit as well as a chance to win a $200 gift certificate.
After annual trips to Mexico exploring beach towns like Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, Wright had been looking for the best place to bring all the elements of the culture and lifestyle of this tropical region to his next concept.
“I love that Chandler is still very independent. Everyone is still very much your neighbor,” said Wright. “ICAN is a great example of the strong sense of community here. We’re excited to be able to support this organization and to share one of my favorite regions in the world with downtown Chandler.”
Las Palmas Cantina makes the most of its 5,000 sqft indoor / outdoor space with a mix of restaurant seating, two bars, and two patios – including a lively elevated deck area reminiscent of the region’s beach-side cafes. With the addition of garage-style doors in both the front and back of the building, it will be possible to see from the pedestrian-friendly Boston Street clear through to the elevated back patio for the first time in the history of this 100-year-old building.
Chef Luis Millan leads the kitchen at Las Palmas and has created a menu of lighter dishes, shared plates and street-style bites. Millan worked with Wright on the opening of Canteen Modern Tequila Bar and since then has also worked with well-known chef Matt Carter at The Mission. Some menu items include:
• Yucatan Ceviche: Corvina, Fresh Avocado, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Thin Sliced Jalapeno, Grape Tomatoes, Three Citrus Marinade
• Mussels Tropical: PEI Mussels in a Coconut, Lime, and Charred Pineapple Broth
• Fire Grilled Octopus with Frijoles Gigantes, Red Peppers, Cilantro and Chard Grape Tomatoes
• Vegetarian Tacos with Grilled Zucchini, Charred Tomatoes, Roasted Corn, Avocado, Queso Fresco and handmade tortillas
• Shrimp Salad: Bib Lettuce, Chilled Rock Shrimp, Roasted Corn, Roasted Pepitas, Cotija Cheese Croutons, Lemon Pepita Vinaigrette
Specialty tropical cocktails and craft-brewed Mexican-style beers created just for Las Palmas Cantina round out the experience. The first offerings of specialty drinks feature tequila, mezcal and rum and bring to mind Mexican agua frescas.
Las Palmas Cantina will be open daily from 4pm – close. Find Las Palmas Cantina at 95 W. Boston or online at LasPalmasAZ.com.
