1810 Argentinean Restaurant

1810 Argentinean Restaurant Restaurant Review:

In this space previously occupied by a Gaucho Grill, one of the chain’s former employees opened 1810 (referring to the year of Argentina’s independence). The look of this Old Pasadena eatery has not changed dramatically, retaining its candlelit wooden tables, antique brick walls and a central crystal chandelier. Starters include particularly good empanadas --- the ham-and-cheese is a must-try --- and the rustic morcilla (blood sausage), with its chunky yet soulfully rich texture. Reflecting Argentina’s large Italian population are pastas, gnocchi and risotto croquetas (rice balls stuffed with mozzarella) plated with thick tomato sauce. The arugula salad with Parmesan is large enough to share, and there are several sandwiches on French baguette, most of which are smeared with one of the best chimichurri sauces around. The same chimichurri comes with the steaks, like a ten-ounce skirt and 12-ounce New York. On one visit, the milanesa was a bit overcooked, the only disappointment of the evening. For dessert, there’s a topnotch dulce de leche flan made from a recipe belonging to the owner’s wife. A South American wine list focuses predominantly on labels from Argentina and Chile.