Michelin-star Chef Carlos Gaytán has recently unveiled two inventive concepts from the Patina Restaurant Group – PASEO and Céntrico. Both establishments are situated in the vibrant core of Downtown Disney and draw inspiration from Mexico’s natural surroundings, traditions, and cutting-edge culinary scene.
Chef Gaytán is a highly esteemed representative of Mexican cuisine, being the first Mexican-born chef to receive a prestigious Michelin star. His culinary adventure commenced in Chicago, where he ascended the ranks at the North Shore Hotel and then Bistro Margot, serving as chef de cuisine under the renowned chef Dominique Tougne. Ultimately, he charted his course towards owning his establishment, Mexique, where he artfully blended his Mexican roots with his admiration for French culinary art.
His skills and inventiveness in the kitchen have been showcased in a multitude of food, travel, lifestyle, and broadcast platforms globally, including BRAVO’s “Top Chef” in 2013.
“We are excited to present Chef Gaytán’s culinary artistry to our patrons and unveil his acclaimed Mexican cuisine as we expand our footprint at the Downtown Disney District,” stated John Kolaski, President of Patina Restaurant Group, during the inauguration ceremony. “Each of these distinctive venues – Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita – provide a personalized dining experience with their unique ambiance, all while honoring their foundations in authentic Mexican culinary and cultural heritage.”
The chef and his team prepare an array of appetizers, small plates, seafood offerings, tacos, ceviche, and refreshing cocktails. Seasonal Halloween and Dia de los Muertos themed cocktails and menu items are currently being offered at both Paseo and Céntrico to enrich guests’ dining experiences in Downtown Disney.
At Paseo, a Muertos Margarita is expertly crafted with Don Julio Blanco, RIPE Margarita Mix, orange juice, and pineapple juice, finished with a salted black sugar froth.
Céntrico offers two festive drinks to honor the season. The first is a Pumpkin Spice Horchata, and the second is dubbed Casa de Sangre Margarita, a delightfully eerie cocktail served in a Tiki mug made with Casamigos Blanco, black cherry syrup, Alma Finca liqueur, lime juice, and garnished with black cherry.
For a dessert inspired by Día de los Muertos, indulge in the Halloween Buñuelo, a fried delicacy accompanied by a spiced chocolate sauce, cinnamon sugar, and seasonal corn.
The restaurant also presents a fall-inspired Pumpkin Dulce, a spiced sponge cake drizzled with maple syrup ganache, complemented by an earthy walnut crumble, decadent pumpkin mousse, and savory gruyere. This festive confection is served alongside a scoop of rosemary ice cream.
Signature sweet treats also include Instagram-worthy Cacao with crispy nibs, an exquisite sweet elote that resembles corn on the cob, and an exquisite mango delight that is both light and refreshing.
A standout dish from Chef Gaytán is the catch of the day, Yucatan Fish enveloped in a banana leaf. This tender and flavorful entrée boasts an achiote and orange marinade, accompanied by sweet potato puree and a creamy habanero sauce, topped with a tomato and avocado salad.
Another popular main course is the Pulpo Enamorado. This grilled octopus is accompanied by tuna aioli, salsa macha, and delightful pickled vegetables.
Ensure to order the creamy Haas avocados blended with tomatoes, cilantro, onions, lime, and serrano chiles, garnished with a watermelon radish and served with crispy tortilla chips.
In a recent interview, Gaytán expressed, “My mother nurtured my passion for cooking, which motivated my move to America to refine my skills. Throughout my career, I have been blending traditional French cooking techniques with the cherished recipes and traditions from my childhood inspired by my family. It’s a true privilege to merge my love for my homeland, my family, and culinary art and share that with the guests of Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita. I am incredibly proud to launch these restaurants.”
Paseo’s modern dining area overlooks the tortilla-making section on one side and provides views of Downtown Disney on the other. There’s an outdoor balcony where guests can dine while enjoying the bustling atmosphere below.
The dining and bar areas are adorned with rich wood accents, custom leather decor, splashes of greenery, and specially designed native accents that honor Mexico’s heritage.
Chef Gaytán’s elevated culinary experience showcases lesser-known Mexican delights and seasonal offerings beautifully presented at the table. The enticing aromas and exquisite flavors will surely tempt you to return.
Parking for Downtown Disney District can be found at the Simba Lot, accessible from Disneyland Drive, nestled between West Katella Avenue and Pixar Place Hotel. The initial hour of parking is priced at $10. Validations are available post the first hour of paid parking. Guests can relish an extra three hours of same-day parking with a minimum purchase of $20 and validation from any Downtown Disney venue. Visitors can extend their parking by an additional five hours of same-day parking with validation from any of Downtown Disney’s Paseo and Centrico table-service restaurants.
Image Source: www.paseoanaheim.com
