Smoking, Grilling and Chilis: MacArthur Park visits New Mexico this March

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Feb 29, 2016, 06:35 ET

MacArthur Park Restaurant, named after a Jimmy Webb song, has been a neighborhood favorite in Palo Alto since it first opened in 1981. Today's MacArthur Park has been reclaimed by its original owner and its original chef with a revitalized menu and a recent renovation of this historic Julia Morgan-designed building. MacArthur Park has been about bringing people together around outstanding California BBQ in a casual yet elegant setting for decades. MacArthur Park Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto on University Avenue, adjacent to the Cal-Train station.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Diners craving authentic Southwestern BBQ can make a reservation at MacArthur Park throughout March. MacArthur Park, the Palo Alto home of great American BBQ cuisine, is hosting its American BBQ Road Trip again this year and has included a new destination in New Mexico.

MacArthur Park's Chef Dalton Mendoza has designed a 'heart and soul' 3-course prix fixe menu for New Mexico which draws on the traditional BBQ flavors and smoking techniques of New Mexico as well as his culinary heritage growing up in El Salvador. "When I was young, it was food that brought everyone together and it was made with passion. Our mother used to gather us around the table, three meals a day. To her it was important for each family member to have something they wanted to eat so that's what I'm hoping for with our New Mexico menu," says Chef Mendoza.

And that's what he's done. A bubbling cast iron pan of Chorizo Queso Fundido (cheese fondue with chorizo) or a fresh tostada salad as choices for the starter course. The Chile Verde Burrito is stuffed with brisket that's been smoked for twelve hours. A hearty bowl of Pozole combines shredded organic chicken, hominy, fresh veggies and New Mexico chili for heat. For rib-lovers MacArthur Park's baby back ribs are lovingly smoked, grilled and basted with Red Chile New Mexican BBQ Sauce beside red slaw and honey chipotle grilled corn.

Classic Herradura Silver Margaritas and other Southwestern favorites are, of course, available for refreshment.

Bunuelos (Mexican donuts smothered in caramel sauce) or the moist Tres Leches Cake are both mouthwatering dessert options for diners who still have space.

MacArthur Park's American BBQ Road Trip has already paid homage to New Orleans and includes another seven stops this year. For each Road Trip stop, MacArthur Park marries regional BBQ favorites with seasonal produce to offer a satisfying $45 prix fixe menu. This year, the American BBQ Road Trip winds its way through our nation's grilling greats including: