OLE' ! CHIQUITA BONITA

        Slicing and dicing, chopping and mincing: Tavo, owner and chef of CHIQUITA BONITA, begins his day. Food prep of the freshest ingredients is of primary importance at this "off the grid" Mexican restaurant that has been delighting locals and patrons from afar for thirty years.  Tavo has a following. He treats customers as though they were guests at his own dinner table. "This glass of Sangria is for you."
 "Try this potato taco." ( A bit of Spanish seeps into the more traditional Mexican fare.)
      Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, every meal begins with chips and homemade salsa. "For Breakfast!" I was dipping without thinking.
A huge platter of Huevos Rancheros con Chile Verde arrived. Heaped with richly flavored rice, homemade beans(made with salt pork,) three eggs (cooked in butter,) pork and Verde sauce, this was enough to feed three followed by a run around the Rose Bowl.  As a friend likes to remind me, this wouldn't be allowed in Beverly Hills!  But an indulgence into this freshly made food with no preservatives, is actually healthy...in moderation. Shared by two, there was left overs. Tavo is very generous with his portions.
        Late afternoon or dinner is my favorite time to dine with Tavo.  Ask for a half a guacamole as soon as the chips and salsa are placed on the table.  It easily feeds 3-4. "OMG! It's the best guacamole I've ever had!" a friend exclaimed on her first taste. Even better then her famed Nigella Lawson recipe. Big chunks of perfectly ripened avocado in the sublimely seasoned spread. Save some to eat with your entree.

      The most popular dish is Chile Verde. Big chunks of tender, roasted pork in a fresh, homemade ranchera sauce. Served with rice and beans. Pork, chicken and beef are staples in Mexican cuisine. You can't go wrong with any combination. Because my palate tends towards seafood, my favorites are the crab meat enchilada, shrimp taco, and fish taco.  The seafood is always fresh: crab meat very mild and shrimp are sweet. The sauces are delicate as not to overpower the seafood. Recently I tried the Carnitas (pork) salad substituted with shrimp. Perfection and again, enough for two.
       The menu is exhaustive. If you want a substitution or something A La Carte, Tavo is usually eager to oblige. Because he's on the grill, almost anything is possible. As I said, you're his guest and he wants you to be happy. This is superb Mexican/Spanish dining with no attitude.

       The decor is a bit retro, hole in the wall. The parrot vinyl booths are memorable and fun. If there was music, people would linger forever.
        CHIQUITA BONITA has a good beer selection, not so good vino. Bring your own wine, cork screw and glasses. No corkage fee.

         CHIQUITA BONITA is a jewel in the midst of almost 400 Pasadena restaurants. Most customers find it by referral although with YELP it may become better known.
        CHIQUITA BONITA is located at 3565 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA. 626.796.5592. Open 7 days a week; 8am-9pm. Catering & Take Out. Cash, MC,V.

OLE'