Celebrating a special plant in Novato

Elena Pantoja, 90, pictured with the century plant her late husband planted near Las Guitarras in Novato. (Photo by Wendy Albrecht)

“We’re cherishing each day of it,” said Wendy Albrecht of this century plant at Las Guitarras in Novato. (Photo by Lisa Garcia)

Show Caption 1 of 2 Elena Pantoja, 90, pictured with the century plant her late husband planted near Las Guitarras in Novato. (Photo by Wendy Albrecht) Expand

Novato resident Wendy Albrecht is proudly a “devoted fan” of Las Guitarras, an award-winning Mexican restaurant started in 1978 by Elena Pantoja and her late husband, Roga Pantoja. Her son, David Pantoja, and daughter, Lisa Garcia, help Elena Pantoja, now 90 years old, manage the daily operation. (The staff is made up of many family members.)

Las Guitarras is nestled