Karan and Candy Garcia Raina (Radhika) have opened Aro Latin (1019 Mission St., South Pasadena, 91030; 626.799.9400), a modern restaurant that is serving up Latin American and Mexican cuisine. Karan and executive chef Rigoberto Lopez are behind the huge menu, which has Empanadas filled with chicken or vegetarian versions; Tamales salvadoreño (Chicken, olives, potatoes, serrano avocado cream); tacos with lamb or pork belly (my fav); Jalea (Lightly battered white fish, scallops, shrimp, calamari, corn, and pickled onion); shrimp and scallop enchiladas; and Cordorniz (Cornish game hen stuffed with raisins, pomegranate, rose petals, and pecan salsa. Served with seasonal vegetables).
Pastry chef Rocio Camacho is behind the desserts like coconut tres leches cake and flourless chocolate, banana cake. The bar has mezcals and tequilas from Argentina, Chile and Spain.
Open Monday-Wednesday, 11 am-midnight, Thursday & Friday, 11 am-2 am, Saturday, 8 am-2 am and on Sunday from 8 am-midnight.
