Summer is like, totally officially here. Now. Doors are open, people are dining indoors and out. Over in East Pasadena, El Torito is welcoming summer with a new special menu, natch.
Opening the summer show is their Watermelon Cadillac Margarita, made with Lunazul Reposado, fresh watermelon purée, triple sec, sweet and sour and Cointreau Noir. I got thirsty just writing that down.
There is also the Patrón Skinny Margarita, which is hand-shaken and served tableside. This concoction, made with Patrón Reposado, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, might be the perfect temptation for the summer’s heat, so be cool, if you know what I mean.
El Torito’s summer also means Mini Chicken Tostadas — three mini crispy tostadas topped with black beans, chicken, pickled red onions, fresh avocado slices and cotija cheese, served with salsa picante.
Hungrier folks might prefer the Carne Asada and Shrimp meal, featuring grilled steak topped with nopalito salsa and shrimp. It’s got your basic frijoles de olla, rice, fresh guacamole, and warm tortillas. Like, what’s to think about?
Burger peeps will find jubilation in the El Torito Bacon Burger, a seasoned beef patty with bacon, pasilla chiles, guacamole, jack cheese, pickled red onions, chipotle aioli, and barbecue sauce. It comes with papas calientes and red pepper dip, but please, keep in mind that fireworks are illegal in Pasadena.
Okay, okay, some of us are thinking lighter. Noted.
El Torito’s new Mexican Chopped Salad mixes romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled red onions, cilantro, roasted pepitas and cotija for a yummy summer blend, and tosses it together with house-made red-wine vinaigrette.
And like the seasons themselves, El Torito’s Mudd Pie—made in-house with a chocolate cookie crumb crust, layered with premium coffee and chocolate ice creams, topped with chocolate sauce and cinnamon whipped cream—is constant.
Save no room for anything.
El Torito is located at 3333 E Foothill Blvd. in East Pasadena. For more call (626) 351-8995 or visit eltorito.com.
