Pasadena chef Claud Beltran is busy these days. From catering to The Eatery to Gumbo Fest, Beltran has already made an impact on the dining scene in Pasadena. Now his latest restaurant, Bacchus Kitchen, is moving into a developing part of town ready for some more positive attention.
“Bacchus Kitchen came from the beginnings of the Eatery Restaurant. We knew that there was a need for more food options in the north east Pasadena area,” explains Beltran. And so Bacchus Kitchen, a restaurant that focuses on seasonally rotating menus, was born.
Located across the street from Lark Cupcakes and the Lavender and Honey Coffee Shop, Bacchus Kitchen serves an assortment of delectable dishes. Their must-order dishes include the cheese and charcuterie plates and entrees like the El Bacchus Burger—made with ciabatta bread, white cheddar, pickled red onions, avocado, red pepper puree sauce; Pan Seared Tandori Barramundi; Spring Vegetable Pasta; and Grilled Prime New York.
“I want Bacchus Kitchen to be a neighborhood restaurant serving simple world cuisine done very well, respectful of the seasons and always mindful of wine,” says Beltran.
“We have an extensive wine program from all over the world…our wines are value priced and go great with food.”
More than just a restaurant, Beltran envisions Bacchus Kitchen as an integral part of the Pasadena community.
“We hope Bacchus to be integrated in the neighborhood by reaching out to local charities who need our space or services.”
Of course, Beltran’s newest venture doesn’t mean he’s forgotten about his roots. Gumbofest will continue this year, much to the delight of music and food loving Pasadenans.
“Gumbo Fest, which was born over 12 years ago, continues this summer on September 20th to benefit the Pasadena Education Network,” says Beltran.
The Gumbo Fest Pasadena will showcase classic Beltran creations like chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo, boiled peel and shrimp with garlic aioli bread and, “salad for the wimpy people.” There will be beer, wine, and bananas foster for dessert.
“What I always like saying about Gumbo Fest is that if you don’t like to eat a lot drink a lot and dance a lot then you should not show up,” laughs Beltran.
This year’s Gumbo Fest will be held in the parking lot next to his new Bacchus Kitchen. “The bands will be Buddy Zapata on blues guitar, and the Screaming eight balls doing killer rockabilly music,” informs Beltran.
Beltran also notes that Bacchus Kitchen has started a series of Jazz Nights featuring top names like Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Graham Dechter, and Larry Fuller to name a few, if you just can’t wait until September for music and good food.
“We do dinner and a show usually on Monday nights,” says Beltran.
We’re excited to see what else Chef Beltran has in store for Pasadena!
Bacchus Kitchen is located at 1384 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 594-6377 or visit http://www.bacchuskitchen.com