Apr 2018

Maestro – Pasadena

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the dining scene in Old Pasadena just keeps getting better and better. With the likes of Bone Kettle, Fishwives, Lost at Sea, and Maestro lining the streets in and around Colorado, we’re on the cusp of being spoiled over here. All that’s missing is a solid Vietnamese joint (wink, wink).

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

Opened at the start of 2017, Maestro is Chef Danny Godinez’s first restaurant in L.A. He has three Mexican restaurants in Orange County.

My friend Miguel, a Mexican food snob to rival Bill Esparza, previously dined here and had a terrific time. He was eager to return with Juliam and me in tow to share his favorite dishes and to try new ones together.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

To drink, a mighty strong “Agave Old Fashion” ($14) made with tequila, mezcal, spicy agave, and bitters.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

Between the three of us, we shared three appetizers and three mains. We all but waddled out of the restaurant at the end of the evening.

The first dish to land on the table was the ceviche ($14) with shrimp, octopus, chile manzano, jalapeno, and heirloom tomatoes. Though fresh and well-balanced, the dish was fairly unremarkable.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

The strongest appetizer was the Tacos Ahogados ($12), delightful taquitos stuffed with shredded chicken and served in a slurp-able broth with a spicy slaw, crema, and queso fresco.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

The Esquite ($11) was comprised of two elements: baby corn spears dusted in cojita cheese and chapulines (grasshoppers) served alongside a soupy bowl full of corn kernels in a tangy, creamy liquid. While we weren’t sure how to approach it, the dish’s flavors were tastily on-point.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

Moving on to mains, we shared the braised lamb shank ($31) served with thick, house-made tortillas and Mexican rice. We made satisfying little tacos using the fork-tender flesh, roasted chili sauce, and pickled cabbage.

 

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

My favorite dish of the evening was the seared scallops ($29) served on a bed of huitlacoche (corn smut) rice and epazote foam. The risotto-like rice had an irresistibly rich and earthy way about it.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

And finally, we shared the chicken mole ($18)—plated in the shape of Mexico—with avocado puree, queso fresco, and jocoque cheese. It was easily the clunkiest dish we sampled with its dry chicken, forgettable sauces, and abstract plating.

Maestro Restaurant - Pasadena

For dessert we shared the jericalla, a cross between creme brulee and flan. The flavor was more egg-forward than anticipated, but appealing nevertheless.

While there were hits and misses this evening, overall, we quite enjoyed our feast of modern Mexican fare. The most memorable dishes, namely the tacos ahogados and the seared scallops, will definitely have me coming back for more. Old Pasadena just keeps getting better and better.

Maestro
110 Union Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: 626-787-1512

One year ago: Mint Leaf Cuisine – Pasadena
Two years ago: 
Here’s Looking at You – Los Angeles (Koreatown)
Three years ago: 
{swoon} Blueberry Doughnut at M&M Donuts
Four year ago: 
Glazed and Infused Doughnuts – Chicago
Five years ago: 
Saw’s Soul Kitchen – Birmingham
Six years ago: Braised Rabbit with Pappardelle
Seven years ago: Le Bon Garçon Gourmet Caramels
Eight years ago: Just Married!
Nine years ago: The French Laundry Garden & Young Inglewood Wineries
Ten years ago: Bánh Hỏi Thịt Nướng
Eleven years ago: Ajia Japanese Fusion – Philadelphia

Previous Post
Next Post

2 thoughts on “Maestro – Pasadena

  1. Do you plan on visiting Broken Spanish anytime soon? I recently dined there and would like to see your perspective on the place.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *