Crostini, parlsey aioli, rich mustard and fleur de sel accompanied the shreds of duck Eryck refered to as duck carnitas. I found that the duck was much enhanced by the accompaniment of the aioli and mustard. Biting

Lamb Chops

into the crisp crostini, the duck melted on the palate leaving behind a hint of mustard.

Mild salmon accented with English peas, cranberry beans, corn, sherry sauce and pequillo pepper honey was caramelized to a golden brown. Sweet-hot honey mingled with the fresh ocean flavor of the salmon deliciously accented with the fresh vegetables.

A French Pinot Noir accompanied the Lamb Chops we were to

Assorted Cheeses

sample next. Spicy with a fruity finish the wine complimented the chops nicely. The lamb chops were served medium rare with a port wine reduction sauce and braised red cabbage. I savored the play of the slightly sweet-tart red cabbage with the richness of the lamb. The plumy port wine sauce was heavenly and paired well with the dish.

For dessert we were presented with a plate of assorted cheeses. Humboldt Fog, an aged goat cheese from Northern California was the hands-down favorite. The Huntsman/Gloucester from England made me happy. Aged cheddar with a middle of stilton it was savory and tangy. Not to be left out was the Morbier from France. A soft creamy cheese made from cow’s milk it was delightful.

As we were finishing our cheese, the lounge act began. On Wednesday’s Max Vontaine sings Sinatra standards. At first I thought they were playing old Sinatra songs until I realized it was a live show. What a surprise! Live entertainment is offered in the lounge almost every night. On Tuesdays, DJ Matt Franke plays favorites from the ’80s, and Wednesdays feature Sinatra-style crooner Max Vontaine. On Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Franke spins contemporary lounge music and top 40 hits, and on Sunday nights, soothing jazz warms the scene.

NeoMezē is located at 20 E. Colorado Blvd. in Old Town Pasadena. Dinner is served Sunday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Lounge is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. An after-hours menu of cheese and charcuterie is available after dinner service. Reservations are recommended. For reservations and more information call (626) 793-3010 or log onto www.neomeze.com.