Culinary trio brings a new iteration of
authentic and upscale Mexican cuisine to Orange County, California
ANAHEIM,
Calif., May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán and Patina Restaurant
Group are pleased to announce the grand opening of three new
Mexican dining concepts – Paseo,
Céntrico and Tiendita – to the Downtown Disney District at the
Disneyland Resort. As a world-renowned and sought after figure in
the industry, Gaytán is ushering in a new wave of authentic, yet
refined Mexican cuisine to Anaheim, bringing his culinary expertise and
Mexican heritage for his first professional venture on the West
Coast.
Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán and Patina Restaurant Group open
Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita
Wednesday, May 1.
As the first Mexican-born chef to earn a coveted Michelin star,
Gaytán is a widely recognized ambassador of Mexican cuisine and has
been prominently featured in numerous food, travel, lifestyle and
broadcast outlets worldwide, including BRAVO's "Top Chef" in 2013. His culinary
journey began in Chicago, where he
rose through the ranks at the North Shore Hotel, followed by Bistro
Margot, working as chef de cuisine underneath the esteemed chef
Dominique Tougne. Eventually, he
navigated his own path to owning his own restaurant, Mexique where
he seamlessly unified his Mexican heritage with his love of French
culinary cuisine. In addition to these new concepts in California, Gaytán's current concept portfolio
includes Ha' at Hotel Xcaret México in Playa del Carmen
and Tzuco in Chicago, where
he is chef-owner and was a semifinalist in the Best New Restaurant
category by the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2020.
"My mother instilled in me a passion for cooking, which inspired
me to move to America to hone my craft. Throughout my career, I
have been merging the traditional French cooking techniques I've
learned with the traditions and recipes of childhood favorites
inspired by my family," Gaytán said. "Getting the chance to combine
my love for my home country, my family, and cooking and display
that to the guests of Paseo,
Céntrico and Tiendita is truly an honor. I'm extremely proud to
debut these restaurants, which were heavily influenced by my
heritage and family, and hope those visiting the Downtown Disney
District will create their own memories here, anchored by good food
and good company."
"We are thrilled to share Chef Gaytán's culinary vision with
guests and introduce his world-renowned Mexican cuisine as we
continue to grow our presence at Downtown Disney District," said
John Kolaski, President of Patina
Restaurant Group during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday.
"Each of these unique venues - Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita - offer a bespoke
dining experience with their own look and feel, while maintaining
their roots in authentic Mexican cuisine and culture."
At Paseo, guests are welcomed
with a contemporary and show-stopping dining room and bar area
filled with rich woods, custom leathers, lavish greenery and custom
native accents that celebrate Mexico's culture. Gaytán's vision and
connection to his heritage come to life at Paseo, offering an elevated dining experience
that puts a spotlight on lesser-known Mexican delicacies with an
elegant presentation.
The robust menu features reimagined and modern versions of
Gaytán's childhood favorites and includes the vibrant flavors of
chiles, aromatic spices and homemade tortillas he grew up enjoying.
Standouts include rich and vibrant cochinita pibil – a pork recipe
derived directly from his mother's recipe – and pulpo enamorado,
which features roasted octopus and is finished with a creamy tuna
aioli. Showcasing Gaytán's unique culinary training, the mejillones
is another key dish on the menu – combining French techniques and
infusing Mexican flair into the classic mussels dish with the
addition of saffron, chorizo and pickled jalapeños. Paseo transports diners to the heart of
Gaytán's hometown with the intent to create lasting memories
through the food he serves.
Céntrico is a new social hub of the Downtown Disney District.
Céntrico's open, airy spaces - designed with custom wooden elements
and lush greenery throughout - capture the spirit of a Mexican
hacienda. The energetic and central gathering place offers an
exciting menu of Mexican staples like chicken enchiladas and modern
twists like a vibrant Caesar salad layered with a hint of Mexican
flair. The expansive bar features a robust cocktail menu full of
unique libations including the Ritual Margarita with Espolon
tequila, ginger liqueur, guava, and lime juice and the El Mariachi
in Manhattan, which is a Mexican
twist on the traditional Manhattan
cocktail. This outdoor space invites groups to gather around the
table and try a range of menu items, encouraging guests to enjoy
the present moment with Céntrico as their backdrop.
Completing the trifecta, Tiendita is a quick-service dining
option for those on-the-go, while still maintaining the
high-quality Mexican cuisine offered in its sister restaurants. The
menu features beloved classics such as esquites, a Mexican
street-food staple that transcends borders, and tacos al pastor,
which includes marinated pork roasted to perfection. Prepared in a
bright, glass space, guests can watch the expert culinary team at
work. Guests have the option to order from self-service kiosks or a
friendly counter service.
The strong Mexican influence is not only displayed throughout
the cuisine, but also through the distinct design elements of
Paseo and Céntrico from
award-winning Mexican architect Jorge
Gracia, founder of Tijuana-based GraciaStudio. The restaurants'
furnishings hail from La Metropolitana, a Mexico City-based design and carpentry company
that produces traditional pieces paired with cutting edge
technology and are hand finished by master carpenters.
Additionally, Anfora, a celebrated dinnerware company which is
deeply embedded in Mexican culture and craftsmanship, has created a
bespoke dinnerware collection that truly reflects the unique spirit
and dining ethos for Paseo and
Céntrico.
Walk-in service is available now with reservations starting
June 1 for Paseo and Céntrico. Paseo is currently open for dinner, with
weekday lunch and weekend brunch service coming soon. Céntrico is
serving lunch and dinner.
For more information on Chef Gaytán and Patina Restaurant Group,
please visit PaseoAnaheim.com and CentricoAnaheim.com.
B-roll is available upon request.
About Patina Restaurant Group
Patina Restaurant
Group is a bicoastal collection of
27+ boutique restaurants in the premium segment of the
hospitality industry. The group is best known for its unique and
impeccable market-driven menus, modern design and décor, exemplary
service culture, and outstanding beverage programs across all
locations—offering numerous distinctive, one-of-a-kind dining
destinations.
On the East Coast, its restaurant concepts include fan favorites
such as Morimoto Asia, Maria & Enzo's, Pizza Ponte, Enzo's
Hideaway, and The Edison at Disney Springs® along with
the Italy pavilion in the World
Showcase at EPCOT® at Walt Disney World® Resort, which encompasses
Via Napoli, Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto, and Gelateria Toscana.
Additionally, Patina operates Space 220 Restaurant within the World
Discovery neighborhood of EPCOT®.
On the West Coast, its portfolio includes Downtown
Disney® District staples in Anaheim such as Naples Ristorante e Bar.
Patina is also comprised of celebrated venues at cultural
institutions throughout Los
Angeles such as Nick & Stef's Steakhouse near The Broad
Museum on Bunker Hill, Leatherby's
Café Rouge at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Ray's & Stark Bar
at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Patina Catering, a
world-class catering division servicing high-profile events across
the country, and more.
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SOURCE Patina Restaurant Group