Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán recently opened two innovative Patina Restaurant Group concepts – PASEO and Céntrico. Both of these restaurants are located in the heart of Downtown Disney. They are inspired by Mexico’s natural environment, culture, and innovative culinary scene.
Ambassador
Chef Gaytán is recognized as an ambassador of Mexican cuisine and the first Mexican-born chef to earn a coveted Michelin star. His culinary journey began in Chicago, where he rose through the ranks at the North Shore Hotel. Working as chef de cuisine under the esteemed chef Dominique Tougne. Eventually, he navigated his path to owning his restaurant, Mexique, where he seamlessly unified his Mexican heritage with his love of French cuisine.
His talent and creativity in cuisine have been featured in numerous food, travel, lifestyle, and broadcast outlets worldwide, including BRAVO’s “Top Chef” in 2013.
Vision
“We are thrilled to share Chef Gaytán’s culinary vision with guests and introduce his world-renowned Mexican cuisine as we continue to grow our presence at Downtown Disney District,” said a spokesperson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Each of these unique venues – Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita – offers a bespoke dining experience with its own look and feel, while maintaining its roots in authentic Mexican cuisine and culture.”
The chef and his team prepare a variety of starters, small plates, seafood dishes, tacos, ceviche, and cocktails. Halloween and Día de los Muertos-themed cocktails and menu items are now available at both Paseo and Céntrico to enhance guests’ Downtown Disney dining experience.
At Paseo, they are shaking a Muertos Margarita made with Don Julio Blanco, RIPE Margarita Mix, orange juice, pineapple juice, and topped with salted black sugar foam.
At Céntrico, there are two special drinks to celebrate the season. The first is a Pumpkin Spice Horchata and the second is called Casa de Sangre Margarita. It’s a spooky, fun cocktail served in a Tiki cup made with Casamigos Blanco, black cherry syrup, Alma Finca liqueur, lime juice, and a black cherry garnish.
For a Día de los Muertos-inspired dessert, try the Halloween Buñuelo, a fried dough treat with spiced chocolate. Also, with cinnamon sugar, and seasonal corn.
More Restaurants
The restaurant also offers a fall-themed Pumpkin Dulce, a spiced sponge cake with maple syrup ganache. It has an earthy walnut crumble, luscious pumpkin mousse, and savory gruyere. This festive dessert is served with a scoop of rosemary ice cream.
Other signature desserts include Instagram-worthy Cacao with crunchy nibs. It is a beautiful, sweet elote that looks like corn on the cob, and a fabulous mango delight that is light and refreshing.
One of Chef Gaytán’s signature dishes is the catch of the day, Yucatan Fish wrapped in a banana leaf. This tender and flavorful entree dazzles in an achiote and orange marinade. It’s served with sweet potato pureé and a creamy habanero sauce. On top is a tomato and avocado salad.
Another entree favorite is the Pulpo Enamorado. This roasted octopus is served with tuna aioli, salsa macha and wonderful pickled vegetables.
Be sure to order the creamy Haas avocados blended with tomatoes, cilantro, onion, lime, and serrano chiles. It’s adorned with a sliced watermelon radish and served with delightfully crunchy tortilla chips.
Gaytan
In an interview, Gaytán said, “My mother instilled in me a passion for cooking, which inspired me to move to America to hone my craft. Throughout my career, I have been merging the traditional French cooking techniques. I’ve learned from the traditions and recipes of childhood favorites inspired by my family. Getting the chance to combine my love for my home country, my family, and cooking and display that to the guests of Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita is truly an honor. I’m extremely proud to debut these restaurants.”
Paseo’s contemporary dining room overlooks the tortilla making area on one side, and Downtown Disney on the other side. There is an outdoor balcony for guests to sit and dine while watching the action below..
The dining and bar areas are filled with rich woods, custom leathers, a pop of greenery and custom native accents
Chef Gaytán’s elevated dining experience highlights lesser-known Mexican delicacies and holiday theme offerings presented beautifully at the table. The aroma and flavors will have you coming back again.
Downtown Disney District Parking is at the Simba Lot, located off Disneyland Drive, between West Katella Avenue and Pixar Place Hotel. The first hour of parking costs $10. Validations apply after the first hour of paid parking. Enjoy an additional three hours of same-day parking with a $20-minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location. Guests can stay up to 5 additional hours with validation from any Downtown Disney’s Paseo and Centrico table-service restaurants.
