Maestro Plays a Pasadena Love Song to Modern Mexican Food

Modern Mexican cuisine continues to trend upward with the arrival next month of chef Daniel Godinez’s Maestro to Pasadena.

Godinez may not be a household name in Los Angeles circles, but he’s won acclaim down in Orange County as the man behind Anepalco in the city of Orange. Now with this Union Street offing, Godinez hopes to bring his prodigious talent up north for a closer look from Los Angeles County locals.

As first revealed back in June, the upcoming Maestro hopes to peg traditional Mexican dishes and flavors, while relying on modern techniques and market ingredients. If that all sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard much the same sentiment from other boundary-pushing chefs like Eddie Ruiz of Corazon y Miel and Ray Garcia of Broken Spanish.

The full opening menu is now available online, and includes everything from mole tacos to duck, steak, and a rotating fish of the day. Cocktails lean on tequilas and mezcals, though you’ll also find wine and craft beer available.

Coming in at 2,500 square feet, the Old Town Pasadena option should also push for customers in what is quickly becoming one of the most sought after dining stretches anywhere in the county. Longstanding options are edging up against newer favorites like the pasta-loving Union, seafood specialist Lost at Sea, and the popular Ramen Tatsunoya. The space itself is full of little luxuries, with a mid-century modern appeal, herringbone floors, and gilded details.

Look for Maestro to officially open in Pasadena on January 6. In the meantime, you can check out the full menu here.

Maestro
110 E. Union St.
Pasadena, CA

• OC Chef Daniel Godinez Opening Modern Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena [ELA]