Owners Dionicio Jimenez, chef, and Mariangeli Alicea Saez opened their doors on Aug. 30.
There are plenty of fabulous places to find an amazing meal, especially in the Borough of Ambler. But how many places can you enjoy fine dining with a side of story?
La Baja, a “Cocina de Frontera” is now bringing just such an experience to the community with its BYOB Mexican restaurant, which opened its doors on Aug. 30. Its menu, which features the food of the “Mexican borders” (or “Cocina de frontera” for Spanish-speaking guests).
La Baja’s chef, a James Beard Award finalist, Dionicio Jimenez aims to bring an opening menu that reflects the Mediterranean and Asian flavors that are often overlooked in Mexican cuisine. He said that the foods are “an elevated dining experience” presented so that guests can “appreciate the fusion of flavors that transcend borders.” Jimenez owns the restaurant alongside Mariangeli Alicea Saez.
Owner Mariangeli Alicea Saez, left, and chef Dionicio Jimenez have come together to open La Baja. (Image courtesy of Kerri Sitrin)“The Mediterranean flavors are because you can find Mediterranean ingredients and flavors throughout Baja California due to a similar climate and soil,” said the restaurant’s website. “The Asian flavors are because, in early 1920, a large immigration of Chinese and Japanese settled in La Baja and other northern borders, and this influenced the local foods and ingredients.”
As the restaurant brings the flavors of the country and its varied facets, it will also share the inspirations for the recipes. Jimenez said that some of his favorites include burrantina, tostada, lubina, pulpo con mollejas, and the short rib risotto (being prepared, pictured below).
Image courtesy of Kerri Sitrin“We’ll take you on a culinary experience throughout the Mexican borders, and share the stories behind the dishes,” said the site.
The location’s opening menu includes a wide variety of tasty dishes, from a starter selection that includes tostadas, ravioli, and ceviche, to the dessert choices of Crème Brule and “Poblano Tres Leche.” There are plenty of options for any taste and even beverages, such as the non-alcoholic margarita and paloma, which you are, of course, invited to “spice up” with your own alcohol in this BYOB hot spot.
“Guests are welcome to bring their bottles, and there is no corking fee,” said Saez. “We collaborate with a local Ambler winemaker, Stone and Key Cellars. You can order their wine from a menu we have at La Baja through a QR code, and wine will be delivered to your table at La Baja.”
Those that bring along their own tequila can enjoy the restaurant’s mixers for margaritas (spicy or lime) or paloma or papalo.
“We also serve mocktails made with nonalcoholic spirits from Wallace Dry Goods, a local, women-owned business,” said Saez.
Nearly all of the menu’s selections have a unique twist you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. You’ve likely had a ribeye before, but one with a chili-crust rub, with sumac and mint? That’s pretty original. You’ve tried stuffed peppers, perhaps, but ones with a scallop and chorizo, green curry, and queso inside?
In addition to the creative entrée twists, Jimenez also has added unusual proteins, like duck, quail, and goat to his varied choices of entrée. Saez said the restaurant will also feature changes to keep things fresh and new.
“The menu will change seasonally, allowing chef to create specials with seasonal ingredients,” she said.
The duo is excited to offer this new taste of the borders for Ambler and its surrounding community members, beyond the food on the table.
“We hope to bring to Ambler an elevated dining experience in a relaxed and welcoming environment,” said Saez. “La Baja is a concept with a bigger mission than just serving Mexican food by highlighting the foods from the Mexican borders. We envision curating conversations that share the positive contributions made by immigration and the diversified cultures of the borders.”
La Baja is located at 9 N. Main St., in Ambler. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Metered parking is offered on area streets, including in front of the restaurant, but also at the SEPTA Ambler Station parking lot, just two blocks from the restaurant (at 100 S. Main St., Ambler). Parking there is only $1 for the day.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 610-288-3809 or email info@labajaambler.com. You can also make a reservation online here.
Image courtesy of Kerri Sitrin
