Pasadena-Based Eatery Taps the Talent of Famed Mexican Chef for Upscale Menu Concept
Agents Only, an electrifying, arts-centric restaurant nestled within the vibrant walls of Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is pleased to partner with the celebrated Mexican chef, Pablo Salas. Designed to stimulate guests’ senses and allow them to embrace their inner spark, Agents Only has teamed up with Chef Salas to provide guests with a soulful Mexican culinary experience.
Chef Salas has meticulously crafted a flavor-forward menu showcasing the essence of Mexican cuisine. The menu features signature dishes like Queso Fundido and Yellow Corn Esquites and a variety of Quesadilla options such as roasted chicken, skirt steak, shrimp, and veggies. Heartier dishes include Salas’ Enchiladas Divorciadas featuring chicken, salsa roja, crema, and queso fresco, and a Grilled Rib Eye Steak complete with chimichurri macha sauce. Dessert highlights include traditional Churros and a light Dulce de Leche, tantalizing taste buds with an irresistible sweetness.
“We are proud to partner with the incredibly talented Chef Pablo Salas,” said Marlon Gonzalez, General Manager of Hotel Dena. “We are in awe of his creativity and passion in bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the forefront and are confident in his ability to impress our guests with his inventive signature dishes.”
Like many esteemed chefs, Salas’ culinary passion blossomed in his hometown of Toluca, Mexico. Throughout his career, he explored the diverse landscapes of Mexico’s cities, where he discovered the unique fusion of Spanish and Indigenous Mexican flavors that define his homeland. He continued to hone his skills, learned from various cooks and chefs, savored Mexico’s fresh ingredients and flavors, and immersed himself in invaluable cultural experiences.
Chef Pablo Salas’ restaurant, Amaranta, was awarded one of the best restaurants in Mexico by various publications and secured a prestigious spot among the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America by San Pellegrino in 2014. Salas gained widespread prominence following his appearance on the popular television show Iron Chef: Mexico—memorably showcasing his skills by cooking ostrich in the first episode. His culinary expertise extends beyond the kitchen, as he’s been invited to judge various cooking competitions and to speak at esteemed events, including Sabor, Test Kitchen L.A., Baja Culinary Fest, Morelia en Boca, Pacific Cooks, and more. The Mexican Senate recently recognized Salas for his remarkable contributions to Mexican sustainable cuisine and the expression of Mexico’s cultural richness. He serves as a delegate of the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture (CCGM), is a Mexican Cooking Collective, A.C. member, and teaches cooking classes in various educational centers throughout Mexico.
Agent’s Only is a 42-seat intimate culinary restaurant adorned with vintage T.V. art installations, where the past meets the present in a captivating fusion of nostalgia and modernity. The restaurant offers a variety of delectable plates, attention-seeking cocktails, and mesmerizing live entertainment. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM and is located at 303 Cordova Street, Pasadena, CA 91101.
For more information, please visit www.hoteldena.com/dine-drink/agents-only
About Hotel Dena
Hotel Dena is the ultimate creative retreat in the heart of downtown Pasadena. Designed for the bold visionary in all of us, the hotel perfectly captures the thriving performing arts scene in Pasadena, CA, where diverse voices and perspectives collide to create a rich tapestry of art, music, and culture. The new hotel experience features two exciting restaurant & bar concepts, Lyric and Agents Only, signature works by LA-based street artist WRDSMTH, dynamic murals by Ian Schuler & Leah Tumerman, a retro-inspired screening room, and evening performances by local musicians, poets, and comedians. Guests seeking to unwind and recharge can take a beat and reset by the pool in sunny Pasadena, hit up the fully equipped fitness center, or sign up for a wellness pop-up class. Take center stage in Pasadena and let your creative spirit soar in a space that’s as bold and daring as you are. For more information, please visit: www.hoteldena.com