Maestro Opened Its Doors Over Weekend

The debut of Pasadena’s newest restaurant arrived last Friday night with the grand opening of Maestro, an upscale Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Old Pasadena.

Maestro aims to deliver traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, a theme that is also tastefully expressed through its appealing design.

Exposed brick walls, mosaic tiles, herringbone floors and suede and leather banquette seating give the open space a mid-century feel that is “representative of Mexico’s more metropolitan décor found in the cities,” says Co-owner and Chef Daniel Godinez.

As for the food, “everything is going to be pretty much farm to table but in a Mexican way. We want to represent Mexican cuisine the best we can,” adds Godinez.

Godinez, who is already recognized as a prodigious talent in Orange County thanks to his widely successful restaurant, Anepalco, and his Santa Ana diner, El Mercado, is excited to bring his special touch to Pasadena.

The menu, which is available online now, ranges from traditional tacos, tortillas and enchiladas to fresh rotating fish, shellfish, lamb, duck, short ribs and steak topped with Mexican flares such as picadillo de chiles, poblano puree, pineapple and coconut foam.

There are even surprising plates such as the French toast brioche appetizer topped with strawberries and an eggnog-style reduction.

“We’re keeping away from rice and beans because when you go to Mexico, you don’t find these things,” he explains.

Perhaps equally important as the food is the stainless steel bar tucked in the corner.

Maestro promises to deliver “the best Mezcal from Oaxaca to Pasadena” and will specialize in craft cocktails made from top-notch Tequila and Mezcal as well as serve craft beer and wine.

“We carry only quality liquor that doesn’t give you a headache,” Godinez says with a laugh.

His business partner Sergio Martinez, one of the four co-owners, adds that Maestro will represent different varieties of Mezcal.

“There are so many distilleries in Mexico that don’t get to shine because of the fact they’re small, but their quality is amazing,” says Martinez. “You can get some really incredible flavors in the crafting of them.”

This Mexican gem now occupies the space that formerly housed Azeen’s, a decades-old popular Afghani restaurant that closed recently due to rising rents in the area.

Maestro is located at 110 E. Union Street. For more information, call (626) 787-1512 or visit www.maestropasadena.com.