The new fast-casual concept from Chef Isaias Peña offers a classic menu of Mexican specialties, extensive agave spirits, and blissful summer vibes
Los Angeles, Calif. (July 20, 2021) – Qué Padre, a new fast-casual concept from Chef Isaias Peña, will open its doors today at celebrated shopping and dining destination Palisades Village. Inspired by the region’s relaxed coastal culture and south-of-the-border flavors, Qué Padre will provide a delicious and effortless new dining experience to the community.
The name Qué Padre, which is often slang for ‘how cool’, comes directly from a trip Chef Isaias took during his youth where he found himself immersed in the convivial community of surfers that woke up with the waves and afterwards would find the nearest taqueria for a meal. “It was the best, most impactful trip. I would surf every morning and the phrase kept coming up on the water,” said Isaias. “Not only did I meet some fantastic people but I also discovered the flavors of each region in Mexico and how there were subtle nuances that made the food personal. I’m excited to introduce those unique flavor combinations to Palisades Village.”
The varied flavor profiles are felt most strongly in the tacos section of Qué Padre’s menu, each imagined with a key locale in mind such as Sayulita, Todos Santos and Oaxaca. Cochinita Pibil with habanero salsa and pickled onions is rooted in the food ways of Tulum while Bohemia beer battered halibut with chipotle aioli and jalapeño slaw comes direct from a taqueria in Baja. Other speciality tacos include pollo mole negro; beef birria; butter-poached lobster; nopales; and more. Diners can opt to have their tacos served ‘tradicional’ with onions and cilantro, or fashioned into a bowl or salad for lighter fare.
Qué Padre’s menu is replete with dishes that are synonymous with the country it is inspired by. Guests can begin their meal with a variety of Ceviche including the Viera with scallops, leche de tigre, mango, pickled onions and jalapeño ash; or Pescado with ‘catch of the day’, habanero, toasted Chile de árbol, avocado, tomato and cilantro. Other starters and sides include a corn truffle tlayuda; esquites; guacamole made fresh to order with choice of heat (jalapeño, serrano, or habanero); and ensalada mexicana with cured nopales and avocado dressing. Desserts include Mexican chocolate churros with raspberry, guajillo-tequila sauce and tres leches flan.
In addition to traditional service, the restaurant will also operate a grab-and-go window offering two limited items perfect for the morning beach rush: The 77 Breakfast Burrito with fried eggs, cheddar, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns and avocado in a flour tortilla and a cinnamon bun glazed with Mexican Chocolate. Both items will be available from 8am until 11:00am.
The culinary offerings at the restaurant are complemented by an extensive cocktail list and curated spirits menu specializing in agave-based options like sotol, mezcal and tequila. Cocktail highlights include a Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita with Ancho Reyes, grapefruit and thyme; Jungle Bird with tequila, Aperol, Campari, pineapple and fresh lemon; and the Coffee and a Cigar with coffee-infused mezcal, cynar, coffee rum and bitters, many of which served in ceramics sourced from throughout Mexico to support local artisans.
Aesthetically Qué Padre connects back to the epicurean ethos of the concept. Hanging terra-cotta fixtures fill the space while white painted brick form the countertops that are embellished with potted plants. The walls are adorned with vintage surfboards above traditional fabric cushions and seating. Qué Padre accommodates 29 guests inside and on the outdoor patio which faces Palisades Village’s expansive park.
Qué Padre is located at 15203 Palisades Village Lane and is open daily from 8:30 AM – 12:00 AM. For more information, please call Qué Padre at 310-461-TACO (8226), or visit www. quepadretacos.com or @quepadretacos on Instagram.
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