Los Angeles, Calif. — March 31, 2021 — The much-anticipated Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel, the new hotel that will bring Le Méridien’s distinctive European heritage to the Southern California destination on May 26, 2021, announces the appointment of Executive Chef Mako (Makoto Tanaka) to helm the opening of Mélange, the swanky new on-site eatery that will feature delectable Asian-European inspired cuisine.
The seasoned chef boasts an impressive career, complete with catering to some of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities and entertainment industry executives after working at Spago by Wolfgang Puck and later opening his own restaurant, Mako, in Beverly Hills. Chef Mako is passionate about creating European-Asian fusion dishes sure to impress local Angelenos and global travelers alike.
Inspired by his native Japanese heritage, Chef Mako aims to share his artistry by creating and combining uniquely flavorful sauces and ingredients in order to highlight the purity and simplicity of the premium seafood, meat and local produce he features on his menus. From Braised Octopus to Lemon Grass Bouillabaisse to Half Roasted Duck with Duck Leg Confit, Mélange will highlight a diverse range of savory dishes for an extraordinary culinary experience.
“My culinary roots began as a boy working in my family’s restaurant in Kyoto, Japan and I was fortunate to land my first job with Wolfgang Puck to open Chinois on Main after I immigrated to Los Angeles,” Chef Mako said. “I am excited to join the Mélange team at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia and create innovative Asian-European cuisine inspired by my early days as a Chef in Japan and offer a twist on traditional dishes.”
Earlier in his career, Chef Mako worked as Executive Chef of China Grill in New York City where he introduced Asian Fusion cuisine to the East Coast. Escaping the cold temperatures, he moved back to Los Angeles and was hired as Executive Chef at Spago by Wolfgang Puck. In 2000, he opened his own restaurant in Beverly Hills, Mako, where he enjoyed much success and won many culinary accolades, followed by Robataya in West Los Angeles and Jujuya in Palos Verdes Estates.
Most recently, Chef Mako worked as a consultant for various restaurant groups and handled private catering for many A-list parties and events across Los Angeles before landing at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia.
For additional information on the new property or Melangé restaurant, please visit: www.lemeridienarcadia.com.
