Cayo THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cayo

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cayo

39 S. El Molino Ave. (Green St.)
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-396-1800
Map
Cuisine: French / California
Openings: Lunch Fri., Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Features

  • Dress code: Casual dressy
  • Full bar
  • Reservations suggested


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cayo Restaurant Review:


This spacious location, with its rustic atmosphere and large French windows looking out to the courtyard of the historic Pasadena Playhouse with its lovely Spanish-tiled fountain, has had a difficult past. The problem in part involves establishing a steady clientele that will both work around the rush of theatergoers and also be there when the theater is dark. We think chef Claud Beltran stands a good chance of successfully meeting the challenge. Beltran was widely recognized for his creative work at the former Dickenson West (now Derek’s Bistro). We like his style and sincerely admire his devotion to inventive dishes, though he occasionally flirts with questionable combinations such as his vanilla-scented curry sauce. On the other hand, a dish like the pan-seared Hudson Valley foie gras pairs nicely with the honeydew melon compote with garlic-infused honey. The menu varies frequently. Representative dishes include pork tenderloin with crispy polenta and apple-thyme chutney, New Zealand rack of lamb with red onion sauce, and pan-seared halibut cheeks. The impressive desserts are the work of Merilee Atknison, and they vary frequently to incorporate the best seasonally available ingredients. Particularly noteworthy is her smooth and satisfying pot de crème. The wine list shows a great deal of thought and includes many well-chosen selections that you’re not likely to encounter elsewhere.