THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Elements Kitchen

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Elements Kitchen Restaurant Review:

After winning over Pasadena with a mostly al fresco, now-shuttered eatery called Elements Café, chef-restaurateur-caterer Onil Chibás opened this more ambitious restaurant adjacent to the historic Pasadena Playhouse. Most of the candlelit, linen-topped tables have a view of the glass-ensconced exhibition kitchen, while fine art lines the walls and vintage-style amber lamps hang from the ceiling. Elements Kitchen applies classic French technique to Latin and Asian flavors, resulting in an intriguing, eclectic cuisine that showcases seasonal organic ingredients. The menu is dominated by small plates, such as corn-and-bacon fritters with Cajun blackberry sauce or buttermilk fried chicken with fries, while larger plates are represented by beef Wellington and a Latin-influenced cassoulet. Desserts can be spotty, but a thoughtful, attractively priced wine list is a plus. Brunch is a good way to experience Elements, with Belgian waffles dressed up with maple ice cream or house-made peanut butter, and shrimp and grits with Cajun gravy.