If you get a sudden hankering for a meal of delicious meat, you can’t gone wrong moseying over to the Texas-roadhouse-like Barn Burner restaurant on Fair Oaks Ave. It’s not quite true Texas but it’s danged close – and the portions and flavor are good enough for panhandle chowhounds. Now, I’ve been to Texas and eaten in the roadhouses that Barn Burner emulates and they are similar, but ... More »
Named after the insect whose most notable feature is a greenish-yellow “tail light” capable of producing flashes of light, Firefly Bistro creates “flashes” of California-inspired cuisine. Housed in a large tent, made festive with twinkle lights and paper lanterns, Firefly Bistro recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with an inspired food and wine pairing. As we entered... More »
Food as entertainment? A restaurant that’s fun? That is what Chef De Cuisine Craig A. Strong wants you to experience when you visit his Michelin Star awarded restaurant, The Dining Room at The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa. “What we are trying to do is create memories here, and have the restaurant be more than just somewhere to eat, but a place of theater, of elegance, of refinement. But have fu... More »
Is coffee brewing an art or a science? According to Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters, it’s a little of both. David Ross and Ryan Hamlin have started their company with the express purpose of showing us just how good coffee can be. So what goes into the perfect cup? Jameson Brown begins with the best beans from such familiar places as Columbia, Kenya, Mexico and Guatemala and the more exotic Ethio... More »
When dining at newly opened Mojitos Restaurant and Rum Bar, I was treated to a mélange of taste sensations from Cuba and the Caribbean. I had to try their popular mojito a rum drink made with crushed mint, lime juice, and freshly squeezed cane juice. They also make flavored mojitos; Raspberry, Blueberry, Mango, Coconut, Ginger, Orange, and Pineapple. I found the mango mojito to be light, not over... More »
You’d think with the large population of Lebanese-Armenians in Pasadena a person could get a good falafel. Not so easy. Where it is true there are many roasted chicken places that are very good, great kebabs, falafel and hummus has remained elusive. Until now. I recently had lunch at the Lebanese Kitchen on Washington Boulevard, and I saw the light (or was that babaghanouj?). Run mainly by siste... More »
The siren smell of chocolate wafted down the hallways of the Langham Huntington Hotel. I followed my nose to the Lobby Lounge and beheld a glorious sight. Chocolate. Chocolate in liquid form, chocolate in pastries, chocolate sculptures. Chocolate as far as the eye could see. Delicate tea settings graced the tables, each a small vignette in the large formally decorated room. Pink blossoms graced th... More »
“Traditional Indian cuisine with a modern touch,†is an apt motto for Sitar Indian Cuisine on Colorado Boulevard in the Playhouse District. “It’s just simple, natural cooking, with traditional values,†says owner/general manager Aman Kamboj. The modern touches come from the zen-like music played throughout the restaurant, the warm décor and their full bar complete with mango martinis, In... More »
Tuna Pizza, Ume Tarragon Ceviche, Sashimi Carpaccio? You’re reading right, these are not misprints. These are just a few of the fusion dishes head chefs Kengo and Hiro have created for MaiKobe in Old Pasadena. In addition to Fusion Style Japanese Cuisine, the pair also offer up a Tepanyaki Dinner (cooked by a chef table-side) and of course, Sushi. But this is not yo mama’s Sushi, this is rampe... More »
Strike teams including two Pasadena engine companies and other personnel headed north late Tuesday afternoon to fight the Jesusita fire, according to the Pasadena Fire Dept. At about 5:18 p.m. Tuesday night, authorities report that the Los Angeles County Fire Department-Region 1 requested resources from Area “C†to assist with a brush fire burning in Santa Barbara County. A Strike Team compris... More »
