Mex 1 Coastal Cantina steps up its game with new Culinary Director and Director of Operations
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
For 11 years, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina has been bringing the flavors of Southern California to West Ashley. But a lot has changed in the last decade, especially in the ever-changing world of restaurants. And that’s why marketing and beverage director Morgan Hurley says the company has decided to step its game up by bringing in some new blood.
“We’re an established brand, but we needed to inject some energy back into it,” said Hurley, who grew up in the restaurant industry in Charleston and knows very well that you can’t sit on your laurels in this business. “We wanted to bring more creativity, energy, and innovation to what we’ve already been doing here.”
Last month, Hurley announced the appointment of Chef Ruddy Bollat as the new Culinary Director and Michelle Longo as the new Director of Operations for all three Mex 1 Coastal Cantinas located throughout the Lowcountry. These dynamic additions to the Mex 1 team mark an exciting new chapter for the local restaurant group, renowned for its craveable Baja-style tacos, fresh-squeezed margaritas, and laid-back atmosphere.
Bollat, a native of Guatemala, has worked in some of the hottest restaurants in New York and Nashville before being lured by Longo to the South Carolina coast to take over the kitchen at Mex 1. The two previously worked together at Bartaco and remained in touch over the years. When Longo was hired as operations manager, she knew she wanted Bollat to come in to help Mex 1 continue to grow and evolve as it heads into it’s second decade in business.
Longo has a strong track record in restaurant operations and hospitality. According to Hurley, her role with Mex 1 will primarily focus on optimizing guest experiences and supporting the existing team to ensure guests have a great time while dining there.
Bollat brings a wealth of culinary expertise and creativity to Mex 1 Coastal Cantina. With a distinguished background in culinary development, Hurley says he’s set to elevate the menu with innovative dishes that celebrate fresh, coastal ingredients while staying true to the cantina’s signature style.
Some immediate changes regulars will notice are in the technique and preparation. While many of the Mex 1 favorites will remain on the menu, Bollat is changing how they are made to enhance flavor. For example, the adobe chicken is packed with zest, the esquites or street corn is now roasted, giving a much richer flavor, and the guacamole is made using fresh avocados.
“You’re getting much more bang for your bite now,” says Longo about the modifications Bollat has made already. More changes are coming and will be slowly implemented over the next several months. Bollat says he plans to roll out some new menu items via daily and weekly specials that play of the coastal theme, such a Seared Tuna Taco and Crab Enchiladas. He also will be adding new veggie items, like Fried Buffalo Brussels Sprouts.
In the meantime, Hurley says they plan to pause brunch and lean into football on the weekends, with a special gameday menu featuring wings, Mexican sliders, fajitas, and carnitas taquitos, fajitas, and nachos.
You will also see some immediate new additions to the menu, such as Mahi-Mahi Skewers, Mexi-Cali Burrito, and a Ranchero chicken Sandwich.
“We are excited to welcome Ruddy and Michelle to our team. Their expertise and vision align with our commitment to delivering great food and service,” says Hurley. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their leadership while helping to refocus Mex 1 Coastal Cantina on the spirit of road trips down the Baja coast, coastal tacos, and margaritas, while invoking the feeling of community.”
Mex 1 is located at 817 St Andrews Blvd. For more information, call 877-363-4093 or visit www.mex1can.com.
