Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants has launched a test kitchen at its downtown Chandler location where executive chef Lorraine Serrano and her team can try out new dishes.
The dishes only will be served at the Chandler restaurant – priced as specials – and diners will be asked to provide feedback. Successful dishes will be rolled out at the other four Serrano’s in the East Valley.
‘‘As an example, our Mexican street corn lollipop was a new side item we tested in September that was very well received, so we’ll be adding it as a regular menu item,” Serrano’s president and CEO Ric Serrano says.
Customers can find test items here or by asking a server. Current tests include:
- Taco ‘Bout a Bloody Mary: Tajin-rimmed Bloody Mary loaded with elote corn, a mini barbacoa taco, pepperoncini and a stuffed jalapeño ($12.99)’
- Horchata Paleta (pictured): Creamy frozen horchata paired with an arroz con leche paleta from Chandler-based Paletas Betty and sprinkled with cinnamon ($7.99 or spiked $9.99);
- Mini Taco Salads: Three bite-sized corn cups layered with refried beans, ground beef, lettuce, pico de gallo, queso fresco, cilantro and a lime wedge ($8.99);
- Quesadilla Stack: Shredded pork slow braised in tomatillo salsa layered with queso fresco and refried beans in your choice of flour or corn tortillas ($7.99);
- Chimi Stix (also pictured): Creamy cheesecake, Nutella, fresh strawberries, and bananas rolled and fried, then tossed in cinnamon sugar ($5.99).
In addition, November brings a new set of monthly specials at all five locations:
- Harvest Sangria: Grand Marnier and cider-infused sangria mixed with oranges and cranberries ($7.99);
- Loaded Fundido: Serrano’s classic Queso Fundido dip mixed with ground beef, pico de gallo and spinach ($10.99);
- Serrano’s Chopped Achiote Chicken Salad: Fresh chopped romaine, grape tomatoes, pickled red onion, cucumbers, roasted corn, black beans, roasted red pepper, and shaved radish, topped with queso fresco and sliced chicken breast ($15.99);
- Serrano’s Fish Tacos: Two corn tortillas layered with spicy fried cod, cabbage slaw, mango salsa, pickled red onions, queso fresco, cilantro, and a citrus avocado drizzle ($12.99);
- Apple Pie Taco: Filled with caramel apples, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce, and served with cinnamon ice cream. ($7.99).
