INTERVIEW: Baja Fresh comes to NYC
After moving from LA to NYC, one place I really missed was Baja Fresh. It's quick, easy, and delicious with plenty of healthy options. So I was
more than a little excited to hear that two of my good friends and DEEP FRIED KIMCHEE subscribers Neil Seth and
Eddie Chen will be bringing the first Baja Fresh to the New York area.
No strangers to the hospitality business, Neil is
currently an owner/partner of Rare and both Neil and Eddie were owner/partners of the west side's wildly
successful lounge, Climate 8, from 2000-2003.
DFK had the opportunity to interview these two young entrepreneurs about the upcoming opening of their first Baja Fresh location.
So, Eddie, why did an Ivy League educated Hawaii transplant decide to open a California based Mexican restaurant in New York?
Eddie: Three reasons. I love the hospitality industry, I've always been an entrepreneur, and I'm a sucker for a great fish taco.
When will the first location be open?
Neil: Our first location is at 465 Lexington between 45th and 46th and opens mid-May.
Do you plan on opening more locations in New York?
Neil: Yes, we plan on opening all over the city, but not too quickly. We are most concerned with quality control, and making sure all of our stores offer the same quality of food and service Baja Fresh is known for on the west coast.
Isn't BF the same as Chipotle and Qdoba?
Eddie: It is very different. You get higher quality and more for your money at Baja Fresh. Never mind our amazing churro, and our unlimited salsa bar. Those salsas are always freshly made and tested for just the right flavor.
Neil: We also serve things like shrimp and mahi mahi that others don't.
Are any of your ingredients bought from local producers?
Eddie: Yes, all of our produce is purchased from a local distributor and locally grown when available. We're not going to get locally grown tomatoes in the middle of winter!*
What are some of the most popular items on the menu?
Eddie: The Burrito Ultimo and the fish taco are two of our most popular.
If someone were to go to BF for their first time what should they order?
Neil: They should order either a burrito or a fajitas plate.
Eddie: Yeah, and I'd throw in a fish taco on the side
Are there any hidden gems on the menu people should try?
Neil: I personally think the fajitas aren't ordered enough considering how good they are, but overall people tend to switch it up.
Eddie: That's what's great about Baja, there are so many different options that you can eat there often and have something different every time.
Is there a "secret menu"?
Neil: (laughing) There is but I can’t tell you! People have to be in the know. Here’s a hint: “two hands” in Spanish.
Eddie: There are a few things that can be ordered that aren't on the menu but the best one is so big it takes “two hands” to eat it. EDITOR'S NOTE: I called a Baja Fresh yesterday and asked them if they could tell me about "two hands" or "dos manos". It's a double sized burrito. I asked if there are any other "secret items" and they said no.
Hmmmmm. Very mysterious. So, what's your favorite item on the menu?
Neil: Ultimo burrito with carnitas and guac, or the fajitas - they are awesome.
Eddie: Mahi taco, shrimp fajita burrito, and I have to agree the fajitas are awesome.
Would you consider putting deep fried kimchee on the menu?
Eddie: (laughing) I’m not sure that would fit in, but there is fresh cabbage on the fish taco.
*This answer was updated 3/25/09 6:30pm EST at the request of the interviewees.
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Eddie Chen and Neil Seth
DFK had the opportunity to interview these two young entrepreneurs about the upcoming opening of their first Baja Fresh location.
So, Eddie, why did an Ivy League educated Hawaii transplant decide to open a California based Mexican restaurant in New York?
Eddie: Three reasons. I love the hospitality industry, I've always been an entrepreneur, and I'm a sucker for a great fish taco.
When will the first location be open?
Neil: Our first location is at 465 Lexington between 45th and 46th and opens mid-May.
Do you plan on opening more locations in New York?
Neil: Yes, we plan on opening all over the city, but not too quickly. We are most concerned with quality control, and making sure all of our stores offer the same quality of food and service Baja Fresh is known for on the west coast.
Isn't BF the same as Chipotle and Qdoba?
Eddie: It is very different. You get higher quality and more for your money at Baja Fresh. Never mind our amazing churro, and our unlimited salsa bar. Those salsas are always freshly made and tested for just the right flavor.
Neil: We also serve things like shrimp and mahi mahi that others don't.
Are any of your ingredients bought from local producers?
Eddie: Yes, all of our produce is purchased from a local distributor and locally grown when available. We're not going to get locally grown tomatoes in the middle of winter!*
What are some of the most popular items on the menu?
Eddie: The Burrito Ultimo and the fish taco are two of our most popular.
If someone were to go to BF for their first time what should they order?
Neil: They should order either a burrito or a fajitas plate.
Eddie: Yeah, and I'd throw in a fish taco on the side
Are there any hidden gems on the menu people should try?
Neil: I personally think the fajitas aren't ordered enough considering how good they are, but overall people tend to switch it up.
Eddie: That's what's great about Baja, there are so many different options that you can eat there often and have something different every time.
Is there a "secret menu"?
Neil: (laughing) There is but I can’t tell you! People have to be in the know. Here’s a hint: “two hands” in Spanish.
Eddie: There are a few things that can be ordered that aren't on the menu but the best one is so big it takes “two hands” to eat it. EDITOR'S NOTE: I called a Baja Fresh yesterday and asked them if they could tell me about "two hands" or "dos manos". It's a double sized burrito. I asked if there are any other "secret items" and they said no.
Hmmmmm. Very mysterious. So, what's your favorite item on the menu?
Neil: Ultimo burrito with carnitas and guac, or the fajitas - they are awesome.
Eddie: Mahi taco, shrimp fajita burrito, and I have to agree the fajitas are awesome.
Would you consider putting deep fried kimchee on the menu?
Eddie: (laughing) I’m not sure that would fit in, but there is fresh cabbage on the fish taco.
*This answer was updated 3/25/09 6:30pm EST at the request of the interviewees.
Eddie Chen and Neil Seth
Good Luck! Go Get'em!
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Nice! I hate Chipotle! Baja ten times beter
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CAN'T WAIT! MMMM FAJITAS
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very nice! cant wait to chow down on some fish tacos!
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Please consider the UES between Hunter College (on Lex and 68th) and all the hospitals over on 1st Ave (between 67th and 72nd). A good location would be on 1st Ave with all the other restaurants.
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Awesome interview... as a fellow Southern Californian transplant I am just as excited.
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Good Luck Neil! We are friends of your
Mom and Dad and we share in your enthusiam for a great business.
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Sounds yummy!
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Hey, guys. I'm looking for any information about xxx vids. Please let me know what ideas d'u have about this stuff.
Comrade.
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Hi,
Is the french kiss allowed in Christianity before marriage?
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