Author: Lily Rowen
If you are looking for an off-campus culinary adventure this weekend, head over to 698 Colorado Blvd, Pasadena where you will find Yahaira’s Cafe;, an establishment that is part Mexican restaurant and part paradise.
Yahaira’s Cafe; serves up fresh, healthy and tasty entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers and breakfast plates at prices that will keep both your wallet and your stomach feeling full long after you leave.
Yahaira’s is famous for their “Tostada” salads, which can be filled with chicken, beef or grilled vegetables. These salads are essentially huge tacos; you can choose from fillings like black beans, refried beans, homemade guacamole, jicama-mango salsa, fresh greens, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and Mexican cheeses.
In addition to this delightful entree, there are abundant vegetarian options, and the kitchen is more than willing to make vegan adjustments to any delicious dish.
When I was there, I tried their trademark tostada. The medley of vegetables was eclectic and unique, yet still appealing. I savored the mangoes, fresh spinach, succulent tomatoes and other ingredients in every bite. It definitely deserves my award for the “Best Tostada Salad.” I was also pleasantly surprised when I received my check.
In creating its price list, Yahaira’s must have had college students’ budgets in mind. The most expensive items on their breakfast menu are the “Lomitos Scrambled” (a pork-scrambled egg combination) and the “Healthy Choice” (a veggie-packed omelette). Both are $8.50. The most expensive item on their lunch and dinner menu is a Tostada salad with shrimp at $11.00. The average price of a generous plate on both menus hovers around only seven dollars.
However, food is not the only thing on the menu at Yahaira’s. Art, music, relaxation and fun are also included. The work of local artists is displayed on each brightly painted Azteca-styled wall, and if you decide, while dining, that you cannot leave without a certain painting or collage, you can purchase the artwork from the cafe;.
If you stop by on a Friday or Saturday night, there is live entertainment by Peter Sellers, a local classical and flamenco guitarist who sets a wonderful mood for the restaurant. In the time it takes you to eat, you could hear songs ranging from a classical version of “Hotel California” to flamenco and samba music, to American standards and jazz music composed by Sellers himself!
In addition to the fantastic food, college-student-friendly prices and unbeatable ambiance, the overall best thing about Yahaira’s Cafe; is the service. The manager is on the premise most weekend nights, and will not hesitate to chat with you about food and service. The personable and friendly waitstaff is more than willing to offer suggestions.
There is also a warm, community feel about Yahaira’s. Regular diners smile and wave at the wait staff and manager and call one another by name. The Cafe; was named after the owner’s granddaughter, and most of the ingredients used are from local farms, so the place has an elegant but warm feel to it.
The Cafe; is open Monday through Wednesday for lunch only, Thursday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday for breakfast and lunch. If you have any big events coming up, Yahaira’s Cafe; also caters.
If you are interested in experiencing a new twist on Mexican food, and would like more information, visit http://www.yahairascafe.com or call (626) 844-3254.
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