So you lost your wallet in the Stock Market, you had to cut up all of your credit cards and now you must avoid the bill collectors. What to do, where to go? You can’t hide at home forever, they will find you there. Times are tough across the globe and my friend Robin Salzer of Robin’s Woodfire BBQ is doing everything he can to guarantee a family can still enjoy dining out. He may be a “Maver... More »
Best new Happy Hour in town? We think the honors go to Fred’s Mexican Café, for its delicious margaritas, tasty new menu, and football-friendly atmosphere. Drink, nosh, cheer – Fred’s makes for a great pit stop on your way home from work or for displaced Crown City Brewery fans who want sports, drinks and eats. Fred’s is now offering a special menu during happy hour, each item is $3.95 and well... More »
To say I enjoyed my evening at Roy’s would be an understatement. I loved it! Flaming tiki torches light the way to this Hawaiian-inspired restaurant, centrally located in the Playhouse district. Theatre goers rejoice! Roy’s is just a block from the Playhouse on the corner of El Molino and Colorado. Christopher George is not just the chef; he is a partner who has worked with Roy Yamaguchi for a... More »
Away from the hustle, bustle and tourists of Old Pasadena, Malbec’s is a charming neighborhood restaurant with a European feel situated on tree-lined east Green Street. Sitting there one quiet evening, I could just imagine myself on a warm summer’s night enjoying a small bistro in Buenos Aires, or even Paris. Such is the feeling of this restaurant. Trying to get a handle on Argentinean cuisine... More »
On the first Thursday of each month Vertical Wine Bistro treats patrons to a free 1 ounce pour of two featured wines. As an added bonus a representative from the vineyard takes on the role of guest sommelier, pouring the wine and describing its origins. At the Tasting Thursday I attended, wines from the Italian vineyard Marchese Antinori were served. Giuseppe Cossu, representative of the winery, s... More »
Surrender to your inner gourmet and take the shortcut to meatball heaven at Porta Via Italian Foods, a stylish deli located in One West California. Co-owned and managed by foodies Victor Ciulla (former Twin Palms CEO) and ex-New Yorker John Weithas, this handsome shop oozes contemporary Italian flavor in every bite of each authentic recipe. At Porta Via, you can have your pick of the most delectab... More »
NeoMeze is a sleek modern restaurant with a big city feel. Entering through the bright orange hallway off of Colorado Boulevard, you feel transported to a restaurant in SoHo. The high-ceilinged lounge has retractable panels and connects to a patio area on Mercantile Place, the pedestrian-only alley way running between Fair Oaks and Raymond. Sitting on black leather seats in the lounge my companion... More »
If you’ve lived in Pasadena for any length of time you’ll remember going to the train station on Raymond and Del Mar to catch a train, see off relatives or just watch the trains go by. For years it was all but lost, sitting empty and forlorn. Not anymore! A new restaurant has taken up residence in this historic building: La Grande Orange Café. The interior of the restaurant is much like I rem... More »
Like its name, Fred’s Mexican Café isn’t exactly authentic Mexican. But when it comes to a kitschy Latin atmosphere, great tacos and a massive margarita menu, it’s the real deal. Open only four months, Fred’s is situated on Old Pasadena’s “final frontierâ€: the corner of Arroyo Parkway and Colorado. Standing in a glass window is a pretty young lady making tortillas by hand. The inter... More »
Chicken Tikka Masala? Yes, it’s good and a great Indian food stand by. But why not try something a little bit different, a restaurant that keeps the menu focused? Akbar Cuisine of India offers a mixture of classic dishes and innovative flavor profiles that will keep the adventurous eater happy. Most Indian restaurants serve food from northern India, because that’s what customers know. But recently... More »
