Chef Rafael Palomino's Pacifico Continues as The Corner for Flavor in New Haven

What is it about Latin food that is just so ga’damn sexy? Is it the aura surrounding it, the parade of flavors, the colors, the collision of land and sea on the plate? Who the heck knows? Well, Pacifico in New Haven does. And that’s because beloved Chef Rafael Palomino and partner Moe Gad know a thing or two about the world they are serving up. Since 2004, Pacifico has tapped into the community with a vibe all its own, and a corner of town just made for fun, flavor, and people watching! And, with Covid restrictions loosening, yet safety measures still in place, their outside dining area will be THE PLACE TO BE this summer.

When arriving at Pacifico the first time, I noticed the music. Upbeat, lively tunes overhead instantly set the mood for a fun night out with the girls. (The great music continued on my second and third visits, so they’ve got that part of ambience down!)

Pacifico has won numerous awards and recognition, including Best Place to Dine Before a Show, Diners Choice, and Best Mojito. As one of my favorite drinks, I knew I had to try that first. Like a tropical island in a glass, the Mojito Pina made this girl very happy before moving onto the equally delicious yet tamer Sangria with dinner. With drink in hand and the music overhead, I was ready to enjoy the fanfare of Latin flavors.

I normally never order a quesadilla. I’m just not the biggest fan of flour tortillas and I often find more interesting treats on a menu. Hold on a minute though. This was a Quesadilla de Pato! The most tender, shredded duck with roasted red peppers, smoked gouda, jalapeno aioli, and a pomegranate reduction. What?! Every sense was awakened. From sour and sweet to spicy and smoky, this was unlike any quesadilla I had ever tasted. More please. 

We then had the Ostras Fritas Mofongo, Crispy oysters over plantain mash topped with a saffron-mojito sauce; another variation I had never experienced before. Usually one for oysters in their naked state, I quickly became sold on this vibrant, latin version.

Next, we had something I knew would be delicious, Churrasco a la Parilla, skirt steak with stir-fried rice with sweet plantains, saffron mojito, green chimichurri. Having a Colombian sector of my family, the ones who came down from the heavens and showed me how to make a proper steak, I just knew this would be one of my favorites of the night. With a perfect dark sear on the meat, while keeping the inside a juicy medium, I was swept into celestial delight with a bright zesty chimichurri. Hard to top.

Those of you who have had arepas before know they can be a perfectly satisfying salty, sweet, almost crunchy snack, with a little cheese, maybe a little butter? Wait until you try the mountain of flavor that comes on Pacifico’s Arepa Vegetariana. Piled high atop the golden disc that is the sweet corn arepa, scale through mushrooms, quinoa, red pepper, arugula, queso fresco, AND a sun-dried tomato chimichurri. That once satisfying arepa and cheese, is looking a bit too plain jane about now!

Although incredibly simple, the Boquerones tapas was truly one of my favorites. Easily a delicious light snack with a cocktail on its own would make me very happy. Fresh, crusty bread as a bed to the anchovy fillets, these were nothing like the salty pungent ones that you get in a can for your ceasar salad. They were delicate against the olive oil and vinaigrette that they were dressed in; I could have had the whole plate.

Pacifico has also put their stamp of flavor on their two-course brunch menu. Prix-fixe, including a mimosa or bellini. Who needs pancakes and French toast when you can have their signature Eggs Benedict with crab and cilantro, a Tortilla Espanola with chipotle aioli or a Nuevo Latino Frittata with chorizo. I fell in love with the Roasted Cauliflower with pumpkin seeds, aji amarillo, and lime mojito served in a little, sizzling cast iron skillet; It became my favorite, surprising bite of the brunch.

Chef Palomino and his team deserve the attention and accolades they have received all these years. Originally hailing from Bogota in Colombia, then New York City, with culinary training in France, Chef Palomino uses his years of experience and his knowledge of latin and classic cuisine to his advantage. Books by Chef Rafael Palomino: Bistro Latino, Viva la Vida, Nueva Salsa, Fiesta Latina, and Latin Grill!

Stay tuned for Villa Lulu, an Italian-inspired new restaurant under Palomino and Gad’s helm opening on the same street as Pacifico later this summer.

Other Restaurants from Chef Rafael Palomino

--Sonora (flagship restaurant in Portchester, NY) See CTBites piece on Sonora here
--Tapas on Main (Bethlehem, PA)
--Urbano (Bethlehem, PA)
--The Flying Egg (Bethlehem, PA)
--Cachette Bistro & Creperie (Bethlehem, PA)
--Mesa Modern Mexican (Easton, PA)
--BSquare (Fort Lauderdale, FLA)