The El Paseo restaurant has a long history in Santa Barbara. Once the epicenter of dining, it now is an easy-to-forget place to dine in the heart of downtown. The place oozes old Spanish charm and recent renovations have kept up the traditions of the past. Original painting from the 1920s add charm to the open-roof dining room.
Chef Alex Castillo is at the helm in the kitchen. Chef Alex is a veteran of the Wine Cask, THe Harbor Restaurant, Lucky's to name a few. We had a well executed dinner that started with fresh chips (thin and crisp) and a trio of classic salsas to anoint them with. First course was a table side caesar salad. Flavors could have had more punch and I missed the traditional coddled egg. A nice touch was cutting the lettuce table side as well.
My Mexican spiced salmon was perfect. The fin fish was nested on mashed potatoes, sauced with a red pepper coulis and garnishes with nicely cooked vegetables, all cooked to a proper state. Our other entree was equally delicious with a chicken tamale and a chile relleno flanked by rice and black beans. Put the El Paseo on your dining list.
Chef Michael Hutchings
Michael's Catering
Santa Barbara
Chicken Tamale and Chile Relleno
Mexican Spiced Salmon
