A Celebration of Flavor and Craft with Chef Noe Alcala at Lucia

Dec 03, 2025

Chef Noe Alcala knows how to make food that feels alive. At Lucia Mexican Grill inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, his dishes celebrate flavor, color, and creativity, the kind of food that makes you pause after the first bite and say, “wow.”

From Chile Relleno to Ribeye Aguachile, every plate is built with heart and precision. That blend of artistry and authenticity is exactly what we’re celebrating this International Chef’s Day.

Tradition, Craft, and a Modern Edge

Start with the Chile Relleno, a comforting favorite stuffed with birria, flamed queso panela, and a side of rice and beans. It’s rich, layered, and everything you want from a classic with a few surprises tucked in.

Then there’s the Ribeye Aguachile, made with seared ribeye slices, charred jalapeño, citrus, avocado, and truffle oil. It’s bright, bold, and a little unexpected, perfectly summing up Chef Noe’s signature balance of tradition and innovation.

Street Classics, Elevated

If you love street-style bites, Lucia’s got you covered. The Queso Birria tacos bring all the molten, cheesy crunch you crave, anchored by a deep, flavorful mole-consommé. Taquitos come loaded with slow-braised birria and a creamy mole dip, while the Street Corn plays it three ways: natural, Takis, or Cheetos. However you order it, it’s pure joy on a plate.

Coastal Flair and Bright Citrus

For something lighter, try the Mango Shrimp Ceviche with cold-smoked shrimp, mango-miso ponzu, and just the right amount of heat. It’s refreshing and full of personality. Vegetarians aren’t left out either, because the Tacos de Hongos al Pastor bring all the smoky, sweet flavor of traditional al pastor, swapping in mushrooms for a satisfying plant-based twist.

Bigger Plates for Big Appetites

The Mango-Tamarind BBQ Ribs are a standout, sticky and tangy with just enough brightness from corn and slaw to keep each bite balanced. If you’re sharing, The Molcajete is a showstopper with steak or chicken, chicharron, panela cheese, and grilled nopal, all topped with a fried egg and a side of beans and mole-consommé.

Even the salads hit differently. The Romelia brings together veggie ribbons, watermelon radish, and tajin-spiced pepitas with a fresh lemon-mint vinaigrette. It’s the kind of salad that makes you forget you’re eating one.

Cocktails That Match the Mood

Lucia’s margaritas are as thoughtful as the food. Try the Spicy Lucia with jalapeño tequila and Cointreau for a kick, or the Tamarind Margarita for something tangy and smooth. Both pair beautifully with Chef Noe’s dishes and keep the energy just right.

Celebrate the Craft

This International Chef’s Day, Lucia Mexican Grill is honoring Chef Noe Alcala and the idea that food can be both soulful and inventive. Whether you stop in for tacos and margaritas or go all out with Ribeye Aguachile and Chile Relleno, every meal at Lucia is a celebration of flavor, artistry, and joy.