News Summary
Chef Ross Pangilinan is navigating post-pandemic challenges while expanding his culinary ventures in Southern California. Known for his innovative dishes, he operates multiple restaurants, including Mix Mix Kitchen Bar and Terrace by Mix Mix. Despite the pandemic’s impact, Pangilinan is adapting through outdoor dining enhancements and catering, while collaborating on new projects like Populaire and a plant-based café. His efforts reflect a commitment to quality and culinary creativity, offering hope for the restaurant industry’s recovery.
Santa Ana, California – Chef Ross Pangilinan Expands Culinary Ventures Amid Post-Pandemic Challenges
Chef Ross Pangilinan, celebrated for his unique blend of culinary influences, is overcoming significant challenges while expanding his culinary ventures in Southern California. With the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, Pangilinan is navigating a shifting restaurant landscape while continuing to innovate and grow his brand.
Originally from the Philippines, Pangilinan pursued his culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu. His professional journey includes stints at esteemed establishments such as the Michelin-starred Les Trois Marche in France and Pinot Provence at the Westin South Coast Plaza, where he worked until 2015. In 2016, he opened his first restaurant, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, located in Santa Ana.
Mix Mix Kitchen Bar quickly gained recognition, earning the title of Restaurant of the Year from Orange Coast magazine and named Best New Restaurant at the Golden Foodie Awards. Building on this success, Pangilinan launched Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza in 2018, which received Michelin Bib Gourmand honors in both 2019 and 2021.
Signature Dishes and Innovative Flavors
Among his notable culinary creations is the pork cheek adobo, a dish characterized by its rich flavors. The pork cheek is braised in a mix of Filipino vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns, then deep-fried for additional texture. Pangilinan’s careful selection of Filipino soy sauce and white cane vinegar provides a saltier profile that enhances the dish’s taste. It is served on a bed of garlic fried rice, prepared with jasmine rice and garnished with crispy shallots and micro cilantro.
Currently, Chef Pangilinan operates three restaurants: Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in Santa Ana, Terrace by Mix Mix in Costa Mesa, and ReMix Kitchen Bar in Long Beach. While Mix Mix Kitchen Bar earned a Bib Gourmand shortly after opening, the challenges posed by the pandemic forced Pangilinan to adapt his business strategy.
Adapting to Pandemic Challenges
The pandemic significantly disrupted the restaurant industry, impacting operations with restrictions on indoor dining and employee availability. In response, Pangilinan pivoted towards enhancing outdoor dining options and introducing high-end offsite catering to maintain service levels. His adaptability is complemented by a network of like-minded individuals, which he considers vital for fostering growth in challenging times.
Future Ventures and Collaborations
In addition to his current restaurants, Pangilinan is collaborating with the Segerstrom family to develop culinary spaces at South Coast Plaza. This collaboration has led to the recent opening of Populaire, a French bistro co-created with Chef Nick Weber. Furthermore, a new plant-based café named Verdant is set to debut in the Orange County Museum of Art in October, showcasing Pangilinan’s diverse culinary portfolio.
Despite closing Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in Santa Ana, Pangilinan remains highly optimistic about the future of his other culinary ventures. His ability to combine traditional culinary techniques with modern influences has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking chef in the Southern California region.
As Chef Ross Pangilinan continues to expand his culinary ventures, his commitment to quality and innovation remains strong, presenting a hopeful outlook for the recovery of the restaurant industry.
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Additional Resources
- Orange Coast: Chef Ross Pangilinan’s Pork Cheek Adobo
- Wikipedia: Ross Pangilinan
- Shoutout LA: Meet Ross Pangilinan
- Google Search: Ross Pangilinan chef
- LA Times: Popular OC Chefs Open Bistro
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Industry
- OC Register: Chef Saving Restaurants
- Google News: Chef Ross Pangilinan
