Dining Guide 2013 by Southland Publishing

Dining Guide A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY

DINING GUIDE 2012 PASADENA WEEKLY

2013 DINING GUIDE

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RESTAURANT CITY

RESEARCH SHOWS PASADENA WEARS THE CROWN FOR HAVING THE NATION’S MOST RESTAURANTS PER CAPITA BY REBECCA KUZINS

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DINING DIRECTORY

NOT SURE WHERE TO EAT TONIGHT? USE THIS HANDY DINING GUIDE TO GREATER PASADENA

THE PERFECT GUEST

MEALS WERE PRICELESS PLEASURES WITH DAN O’HERON AT THE TABLE BY KEVIN UHRICH

ABOUT THE COVER: Photo courtesy of Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

EDITOR Kevin Uhrich DEPUTY EDITOR André Coleman CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kent Bancroft ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Carla Cortez PRODUCTION MANAGER Richard Garcia PRODUCTION DESIGNER Rochelle Bassarear FOOD WRITER Rebecca Kuzins ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon SALES AND MARKETING Brenda Clarke, Joseluis Correa, Leslie Lamm OFFICE ASSISTANT Ann Weathersbee HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker BUSINESS MANAGER Angela Wang ACCOUNTING Alysia Chavez, Kacie Sturek PUBLISHER Jon Guynn

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING V.P. OF FINANCE Michael Nagami V.P. OF OPERATIONS David Comden PRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

RESTAURANT CITY RESEARCH SHOWS PASADENA WEARS THE CROWN FOR HAVING THE NATION’S MOST RESTAURANTS PER CAPITA

PASADENA WEEKLY DINING GUIDE 2013

BY REBECCA KUZINS

ALONG WITH BEING THE HOME OF THE ROSE BOWL, CALTECH AND CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOWS, PASADENA CAN ALSO CLAIM BRAGGING RIGHTS TO BEING A LEADER IN ANOTHER CULTURAL PHENOMENON: MANY RESIDENTS, RESTAURATEURS AND OTHERS MAINTAIN PASADENA HAS THE MOST RESTAURANTS PER CAPITA OF ANY CITY IN THE UNITED STATES. The Pasadena Weekly wondered if this claim was true, or merely the stuff of urban legend. So we compared data from Pasadena with other parts of the country and concluded that the Crown City, with almost 49 eateries per 10,000 residents, or almost 124 dining establishments per 10,000 households, can legitimately boast it is the nation’s most restaurant-filled city. We based these figures on two counts of restaurants in major metro areas — neither of which listed Pasadena. In 2012, according to The Huffington Post, Trulia, an online real estate site, used data from the 2010 US Census to find the 10 cities with the largest number of restaurants per 10,000 households. San Francisco led the pack by a large margin, with 39.3 eateries per 10,000 households. This January, The Huffington Post reported the results of another survey conducted by NPD Group, a market research firm that annually counts the 15 metropolitan areas with the most restaurants per 10,000 residents. The winner was Juneau, Alaska, with 36 restaurants Since Pasadena was a no-show on both lists, the Weekly used the formula employed by the two —CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

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surveys to determine Pasadena’s rating. According to the 2012 Census data, Pasadena had 138,547 residents and 54,592 households. And according to the Pasadena Public Health Department, the city has around 675 restaurants. Using these figures, the city has 48.7 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 123.6 per 10,000 households. Admittedly, there could be another city with even more dining facilities than Pasadena that the Weekly doesn’t know about. And our definition of “restaurant” could differ from the definitions used in the two national surveys. Still, by any calculation, Pasadena has an unusual abundance of restaurants for a city of its size. What is the reason for this glut of dining options? Most people we talked to said the area’s major tourist attractions lure people to the city — and create a demand for dining facilities. “We are the dining destination of Southern California,” said Robin Salzar, owner of Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ & Grill in East Pasadena. “We have the Rose Bowl, Santa Anita

racetrack, Old Pasadena, the Huntington Library. It’s such a rich, vibrant city and a cultural destination. … We want people to come to Pasadena and have a wonderful experience dining.” Many of the city’s restaurants are in Old Pasadena. When that area was developed in the 1980s, it included many new and existing restaurants. Not to be outdone, other parts of town, such as the Playhouse District and South Lake Avenue, improved as well and added dining facilities to compete. The city’s restaurants account for more than 67 percent of the nearly 1,000 food establishments located here, including grocery stores, food trucks, coffee bars, bars and pubs, liquor stores and Rose Bowl concessions. All of these facilities are inspected and regulated under the supervision of Liza Frias, manager of the city Health Department’s Environmental Health Division. Frias, who’s been on the job since July, said Pasadena stages a number of events for both residents and tourists, most of which heavily feature food. “One of the things I’ve seen since coming to the city of —CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

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Trulia’s Top 10 Restaurant Locations RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LOCATION San Francisco Fairfield, Conn. Long Island, NY New York City Seattle, Wash. San Jose, Calif. Orange County, Calif. Providence, R.I. Boston, Mass. Portland, Ore.

RESTAURANTS PER 10,000 HOUSEHOLDS 39.3 27.6 26.5 25.3 24.9 24.8 24.8 24.3 24.2 24.0

NPD Group’s Recount Census for Fall 2012 RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

METROPOLITAN AREA*

RESTAURANTS PER 10,000 RESIDENTS Juneau, Ala. 36.0 Salisbury, Md. 27.4 Bend, Ore. 25.9 Panama City, Fla. 24.8 New York City 24.4 Florence/Myrtle Beach, S.C. 24.0 Anchorage, Ala. 23.6 Portland/Auburn, Maine 23.5 Medford/Klamath Falls, Ore. 23.2 Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo, CA 23.1 Honolulu, Hawaii 23.0 San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, CA 23.0 Seattle/Tacoma, Wash. 22.9 Charlottesville, Va. 22.8 Portland, Ore. 22.5

*NPD Group’s definition of “metropolitan area” is more expansive than the definition used by the US Census Bureau and includes broader areas of suburbs. For example, the New York City Metropolitan Area includes all suburbs in lower New York, northern New Jersey, western Connecticut and Long Island.

Pasadena is that special events are a huge part of the city,” she said. “Every weekend you can have three, four special events. The Rose Bowl is another huge venue we have responsibility for. During the UCLA games, there are over 85 temporary food facilities.” Some residents have speculated that Pasadena attracts so many dining facilities because these eateries are regulated by the city’s own Health Department, which they believe has more lenient standards than the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the agency that regulates restaurants in all but three of the county’s cities. But the people we spoke to said this was not true. Like several other restaurateurs, Abel Ramirez, the owner

of three eateries in the Playhouse District — El Portal, Vanessa’s and Yahaira’s Café — dismissed the idea that the city Health Department’s inspection and regulatory processes were lenient. “To the contrary, with the arrival of Dr. [Eric] Walsh, the new [department] director, things are changing and getting stricter,” he said. Frias said the inspection and regulatory processes are no different in Pasadena than in any other part of the state. “To open a restaurant, you have to comply with the California Retail Food Code,” she explained. “There is one state law in the state of California,” and “every single facility in the state” is subject to the code’s regulations. ■ DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

2013 BEST OF PASADENA DINING RECAP BEST RESTAURANT

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK

BEST CHINESE FOOD

BEST INDIAN FOOD

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

TWOHEY’S 1224 N. ATLANTIC BLVD., ALHAMBRA (626) 284-7387 TWOHEY’S.COM

BROTHER’S PIES N’ FRIES 36 W. COLORADO BLVD., #5 PASADENA (626) 844-4343 BROTHERSPIES.COM

PANDA INN 3488 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., PASADENA (626) 793-7300 | PANDAINN.COM

ALL INDIA CAFÉ 39 S. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA (626) 440-0309 | ALLINDIACAFE.COM

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE 2226 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 795-6900 SAHARAPASADENA.COM

BEST NEW RESTAURANT ROUNDS PREMIUM BURGERS 46 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 304-9810 ROUNDSBURGERS.COM

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH ROUNDS PREMIUM BURGERS 46 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 304-9810 ROUNDSBURGERS.COM

BEST CHEAP EATS DOG HAUS 105 N. HILL AVE., PASADENA (626) 577-4278 DOGHAUSDOGS.COM 93 E. GREEN ST., PASADENA (626) 683-0808 410 E. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA (626) 282-4287 (HAUS)

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH MIJARES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 145 PALMETTO DRIVE, PASADENA (626) 792-2763 MIJARESRESTAURANT.COM 1806 E. WASHINGTON BLVD. PASADENA (626) 794-6674

BEST ARMENIAN FOOD ZANKOU CHICKEN 1296 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 405-1502 ZANKOUCHICKEN.COM

BEST BAKERY EURO PANE 345 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 844-8804 950 E COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 577-1828

BEST OUTDOOR DINING LA GRANDE ORANGE CAFÉ 260 S. RAYMOND AVE., PASADENA (626) 356-4444 LGOSTATIONCAFE.COM

BEST BBQ GUS’S BBQ 808 FAIR OAKS AVE. SOUTH PASADENA (626) 799-3251 | GUSSBBQ.COM

BEST RESTAURANT STAFF OASIS CAFÉ 34 S. RAYMOND AVE. PASADENA (626) 535-9700 OASISPASADENA.COM

BEST BREAKFAST TWOHEY’S 1224 N. ATLANTIC BLVD., ALHAMBRA (626) 284-7387 | TWOHEY’S.COM

BEST CUPCAKES

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

DOT’S CUPCAKES 400 S. ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA (626) 568-3687 DOTSCUPCAKES.COM ONE COLORADO, 21 N. FAIR OAKS AVE. PASADENA (626) 744-7719

CELESTINO’S RISTORANTE 141 S. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 795-4006 CELESTINOPASADENA.COM

BEST DELI/SANDWICHES PASADENA SANDWICH COMPANY 259 SIERRA MADRE VILLA AVE. #102 PASADENA (626) 578-1616 PASADENASANDWICHCOMPANY.COM

BEST LOCAL BREWERY CRAFTSMAN BREWING CO. 1260 LINCOLN AVE., PASADENA (626) 296-2537 CRAFTSMANBREWING.COM

BEST FRENCH FOOD

BEST JUICE BAR

CHEVAL BLANC 41. S. DE LACEY AVE., PASADENA (626) 577-4141 CHEVALBLANCBISTRO.COM

REAL FOOD DAILY 899 E. DEL MAR BLVD., PASADENA (626) 844-8900 | REALFOOD.COM

JAMBA JUICE 64. E COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 666-1500 | JAMBAJUICE.COM 204 S. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 744-5200 3595 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., PASADENA (626) 351-4333 1101 FAIR OAKS AVE., SOUTH PASADENA (626) 799-1775

BEST HOT DOG

BEST KOREAN FOOD CHAM KOREAN BISTRO 851 CORDOVA ST., PASADENA (626) 792-2474 CHAMKOREANBISTRO.COM

BEST HEALTH FOOD

TWOHEY’S 1224 N. ATLANTIC BLVD., ALHAMBRA (626) 284-7387 | TWOHEY’S.COM

BEST ICE CREAM/ YOGURT/GELATO

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

BEST BURRITO

KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT OLD PASADENA 88 W. COLORADO BLVD., #103, PASADENA (626) 568-9310 KABUKIRESTAURANTS.COM HASTINGS CENTER 3539 E. FOOTHILL BLVD. PASADENA (626) 351-8963

BURRITO EXPRESS 1597 E. WASHINGTON BLVD., PASADENA (626) 798-0844 BURRITOEXPRESSPASADENA.COM

BEST SPECIAL OCCASION DINING

MALBEC 1001 E. GREEN ST., PASADENA (626) 683-0550 | MALBECCUISINE.COM

BEST SPANISH FOOD LA LUNA NEGRA 44 W. GREEN ST., PASADENA (626) 844-4331 LALUNANEGRARESTAURANT.COM

BEST STEAKHOUSE ARROYO CHOP HOUSE 536 S. ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA (626) 577-7463 ARROYOCHOPHOUSE.COM

BEST TACO

BEST BURGER

BEST BUFFET SOUPLANTATION 201 S. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 577-4798 SOUPLANTATION.COM

BEST SOUL FOOD BIG MAMA’S RIB SHACK & SOUTHERN COOKING 1453 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 797-1792 BIGMAMASPASADENA.COM

BEST SOUTH AMERICAN FOOD BEST DESSERT

PARKWAY GRILL 510 S. ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA (626) 795-1001 THEPARKWAYGRILL.COM

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT OLD PASADENA 88 W. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 568-9310 KABUKIRESTAURANTS.COM HASTINGS CENTER 3589 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., PASADENA (626) 351-8963

AMARA CHOCOLATE & COFFEE 55 S. RAYMOND AVE., PASADENA (626) 744-1765 AMARACHOCOLATE.COM

DOG HAUS 105 N. HILL AVE., PASADENA (626) 577-4278 DOGHAUSDOGS.COM 93 E. GREEN ST., PASADENA (626) 683-0808 410 E. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA (626) 282-4287 (HAUS)

THE RAYMOND RESTAURANT 1250 S. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA (626) 441-3136 | THERAYMOND.COM

BEST SEAFOOD CAMERON’S SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT 1978 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (626) 793-3474 CAMERONS4FISH.COM

CARMELA ICE CREAM 2495 E. WASHINGTON BLVD. PASADENA (626) 797-1405 CARMELAICECREAM.COM

BEST CALIFORNIA CUISINE

BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE HOUSE

OASIS CAFÉ 34 S. RAYMOND AVE. PASADENA (626) 535-9700 OASISPASADENA.COM

JONES COFFEE ROASTERS 693 S. RAYMOND AVE., PASADENA (626) 564-9291 THEBESTCOFFEEE.COM

KING TACO 45 N. ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA (626) 792-0405 | KINGTACO.COM

BEST TEA ROOM

BEST LOCAL PIZZA AVANTI CAFÉ 111 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA (626) 577-4688 | AVANTICAFE.COM

SCARLET TEA ROOM AND FINE DINING 18 W. GREEN ST., PASADENA (626) 577-0051 SCARLETTEAROOM.COM

BEST THAI FOOD BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD CAFÉ SANTORINI 64 W. UNION ST., PASADENA (626) 564-4200 | CAFESANTORINI.COM

SALADANG 363 S. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA (626) 793-8123

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD BEST MEXICAN FOOD MIJARES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 145 PALMETTO DRIVE, PASADENA (626) 792-2763 MIJARESRESTAURANT.COM 1806 E. WASHINGTON BLVD. PASADENA (626) 794-6674

REAL FOOD DAILY 899 E. DEL MAR BLVD., PASADENA (626) 844-8900 | REALFOOD.COM

BEST VIETNAMESE FOOD SAIGON NOODLE RESTAURANT 28 N. RAYMOND AVE., PASADENA (626) 796-9378

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S WINNERS. DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

FISH DISH

230 South Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 796-1925 fishdishgrill.com

ish Dish is a casual, quick-serve restaurant that provides Los Angeles area residents with unique and low-priced American, fusion-style seafood. Originally inspired by the fresh ingredients and culinary traditions of Baja California, the menu features a variety of international dishes, including linguini pastas, tacos, salads and soups, burritos, Hawaiian BBQ, sushi rolls, and an array of charbroiled fishes. Since the first Fishdish opened four years ago in Burbank, the mission has remained the same: to prepare and serve the freshest foods in the healthiest and most savory manner possible. And to ensure that every customer enjoys a comfortable and satisfying experience in the restaurant. To accomplish that mission, seafood at Fishdish is delivered daily by a local provider, salmon is fresh from Canada, grilled to perfection and prepared in low fat, low calorie, omega-rich meals at affordable prices. Fishdish uses only 100% transfat-free oil, and presents dishes with brown rice and unique sauces. Beverage options include sodas, teas and ice cold beer. Every day students, professionals, couples, families and visitors from around the world gather at our Pasadena location. Here, they enjoy delicious and nourishing foods in an easy and comfortable environment that feels almost like home. We hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll join us for your next meal in the San Gabriel Valley!

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

KABUKI

88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 568-8553 3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-8963 kabukirestaurants.com ABUKI Japanese Restaurant has been receiving “Best of” awards since 1994. They have received rave reviews from food critics and writers, but the most important recognition received is from their guests. KABUKI assures their guests will experience the best in service and food. One of the many reasons why they are consistently voted the Best of the Best! Since 1991, the vision of KABUKI Japanese Restaurant has been to create high-energy, family-friendly and value-oriented Japanese restaurants. It is an everyday mission to deliver quality and freshness, great service, clean restaurants and value to each guest. Ultimately, the hope is that customers will come to appreciate Japanese cuisine as comfort food. This all starts at first step inside the restaurant as guests are greeted with IRASHAI-MASE! Here you will experience the cuisine and beverages passionately crafted by two gentlemen who are not only dedicated to providing the best in Japanese cuisine, but also dedicated to spreading the culture of Japanese dining. The tireless efforts of Executive Corporate Chef Masa Kurihara and Master Sake Sommelier Yuji Matsumoto are aimed to attain total satisfaction from first sip to last bite. They will be heartbroken felt otherwise. Presently, KABUKI Restaurants, Inc. operates 15 KABUKI Japanese Restaurants in Arizona, California and Nevada. They are committed to bringing the KABUKI Japanese Restaurant experience to many more communities throughout America. Despite recent expansion, the same humble attitudes from 1991 remain; to treat each customer and employee like family and to care about the communities in which they serve. Come to the place voted “Best Happy Hour” in 2011 by the Readers of Pasadena Weekly, Monday-Friday from 3-6pm and enjoy specially priced appetizers, sushi rolls, beer, wine & more (Pasadena & Old Pasadena locations). Enjoy reverse Happy Hour Monday–Thursday from 9pm-close and Sunday from 8pm-close (Old Pasadena location only). DOMO ARI-GATO GOZAI-MASU!

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

BIG DADDY’S FIRE GRILL 2122 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 796-1266 147 W. California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 356-4900 bigdaddysfiregrill.com

EST BURGER IN PASADENA!!! Grilled Sandwiches, Dawgs & Sausages. Everything is fresh and handmade with 100% Angus Beef. Big Daddy’s is the only Gourmet burger place that grills and smokes all of its meats on an oakwood fire. Since it makes us uncomfortable to talk about ourselves, we prefer to let others do all the talking. Pasadena Weekly by Dan O’Heron: “I was stricken dumb with amazement at the price/quality ratio. “This really tastes good,” I said to a pal. And again, “This really tastes good.” And to give plain glee greater weight: “Absolutely, it’s ‘a once bitten, twice sighs’ adult hamburger experience.” Zagat Editor and Radio Talk show host Merrill Schindler says “Big Daddy’s is fast and fun with unexpected pleasures... a serious contender for the title of Best Burger in Pasadena.” TALKRADIO 790 KABC by Peter Dills – “Dining with Dills” Talk Radio on Sunday evenings: “Can Big Daddy be a contender? I’m shouting it from the rooftops… Yes it can!” Los Angeles Times Pasadena Sun by Rebecca Bryant: “The Pasadena “gourmet fast-food restaurant” delivers on a promise of fresh ingredients… Big Daddy’s is a cut above the double-double.” Pasadena Now by Mr. Pasadena: “I am here to tell you that Big Daddy’s Fire Grill is going to be your guilty pleasure… It is the real deal.”

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

BISTRO DE LA GARE 921 Meridian Avenue South Pasadena, CA 91030 bistrodelagare.com

nder new ownership since September, Bistro De La Gare is a love story with food, service and the community. Owner and Chef Bruno Morin, who made his culinary debut at the age of 16, along with his team of dedicated staff, have only one objective in mind: The delivery of excellence without pretention from the moment our guests open the door. This type of commitment, reminiscent of an extreme passion and love for the culinary and hospitality craft, can be tasted in every dish we serve. Each member of our team have something unique about the way they lead our customer through this culinary journey, but all, without exception have the same passion and dedication to the satisfying nature of your experience. The new owner, Chef Bruno Morin does not bargain on quality or consistency. All of his selections are made with a strict focus on organic, fresh and local purveyor’s produce with a preference for the local “Farmer’s Market” community, this translates in the pride we feel for each dish presented at your table, the exceptional and fairly priced wine selection that has been carefully prepared as the perfect pairing for the French and Italian influence of our food. Bistro De La Gare is a culinary adventure in the world of French and Italian cuisine, without pretention but an unequivocal dedication to our guest’s experience. We believe that the pursuit of culinary and service excellence starts with a warm welcome and ends with a friendly smile of satisfaction. Chef Bruno Morin and his team are looking forward to share their passion and love of hospitality with you. Bon Appetit!

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

PASADENA FARMERS MARKET 3 locations: TUESDAYS 363 E. Villa St. SATURDAYS Victory Park @ Sierra Madre WEDNESDAYS (Summer only -May thru Sept.) pasadenafarmersmarket.org

ith two markets open each week, Pasadena’s Certified Farmers’ Market offers more opportunities to buy fresh than ever before! Saturday’s Victory Park market is the largest in the San Gabriel Valley and has fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, plants, cut flowers, grass-fed beef, fish, bakery items, jams, mustards and other specialty items produced by food artisans.Since it makes us uncomfortable to talk about ourselves, we prefer to let others do all the talking. Why should you care where you buy your produce? Seasonal freshness and ripeness are two big reasons. Walk through the produce aisle of any grocery store and ask yourself ‘where is the fabulous smell of ripe strawberries or peaches?’ It’s not there because of the ‘travel’ factor that requires fruits to be picked before ripeness in order to make the journey to the grocery store. At the area’s farmers markets you will smell the fruit before you see it. Our farmers pick the fruit when it’s ready to get the best taste. We want you to have the best tasting food for your table! You should shop more often in the summer to get the freshest items. That’s one of the reasons we have the summer evening market each Wednesday evening from May through September. Our markets also provide the opportunity to meet the farmers. You can ask questions on how things are grown, and discover that they don’t have to use pesticides or preservatives because shelf life isn’t an issue. Visit our website to learn about our growers - where they grow their produce, what their season is, and at which market they can be found. Everything at our markets is California grown as part of the California Direct Market Program. This means no resale; no selling of items the farmers didn’t grow themselves. Each grower has a ‘certified producer certificate’ that assures what they grow is inspected by their counties’ Agriculture Department. Sponsored by the City of Pasadena Human Services and Recreation department, each market accepts EBT and the CalFresh Program. Plus, we urge you to comply with Pasadena’s new ordinance about plastic. Please bring your own reusable bags.

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

THE MARKET ON HOLLY 921 Meridian Avenue South Pasadena, CA 91030 bistrodelagare.com

n its third year of business, The Market on Holly is a great local success story. Opened jointly by chef Mary Pat Brandmeyer and composer Marty Davich, The Market represents their combined aesthetic and attention to quality. Everything is made in-house with the highest quality ingredients. The menu is clean classic comfort food with a modern twist, served beautifully in a warm, cozy setting, reminiscent of a cafĂŠ somewhere in Brooklyn. Open for breakfast at 7:00 during the week, they serve coffee from Stumptown and local roaster, Handsome. Saturday and Sunday are reserved for their brunch, as well as their deli items. Their fried egg sandwich with prosciutto, brie, and arugula is served on griddled brioche, and is a perennial favorite. The menu also includes eggs Florentine, home made pumpkin cinnamon swirl French toast, coconut chai porridge and several other delicious and satisfying brunch items. The Market also features a well curated list of small production olive oils, vinegars, salts, chocolates, pastas and an assortment of delicious, hard to find foods. They offer full service catering seven days a week, for every occasion from office meetings to large event dinners for 1000 people, and everything in between. For Holiday gift giving the Market will have lots to choose from. You can create your own gift basket from the selection of gourmet foods, or choose from several pre-assembled choices.

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

BOBBY’S PLACE 140 N. Lake Ave (626) 844-3510 www.bobbys-place.com

obby’s Place, formerly known as Rick’s Burgers on Walnut Street in Pasadena has moved to a new location a few blocks away. Now open at 140 N. Lake Ave. next to RALPH’S GROCERY. The restaurant was forced to move due to the property owner of the old location wanting to rebuild, housing. Bobby didn’t want to relocate too far from the original location and the opportunity to move in at 140 N. Lake came up. The location is bigger and the look is the same. Bobby’s Place has been a Pasadena fast food restaurant icon since 1964, serving burgers, burritos, tacos and their famous “SPUDERITO” a burrito with fries, cheese and their homemade sauce. Also try their signature burger “The Big Lou” and new additions to the menu, onion rings, fried zucchini sticks. Homemade taco shells are made daily, and tacos are served with their classic hot sauce. The new location has indoor seating so come and enjoy great food and sports on the big screen TVs. Also view the 60 foot photo mural wall of famous Pasadena landmarks against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Phone orders are welcome. Catering, parties and special event deliveries are available.

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

GUIDE TO LOCAL DINING 41. 168 RESTAURANT 168 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 793-8008 168pasadena.com

8. DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT 2363 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 993-2862 | dickeys.com

4. ALL INDIA CAFE 39 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 440-0309 | allindiacafe.com

26. DOTS CUPCAKES 21 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 744-7719 dotscupcakes.com

24. AMY’S PATIO CAFE 900 E. Altadena Dr., Altadena (626) 798-4737 amyspatiocafe.com

27. DOTS CUPCAKES 400 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena (626) 568-3687 dotscupcakes.com

5. AVANTI CAFÉ 111 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 577-4688 avanticafe.com

30. EL PATRON 2555 N.Lake Ave., Altadena (626) 296-2818 elpatrononline.com

29. B.A.D. SUSHI 29 E. Holly St., Pasadena (626) 568-1500 thebadsushi.com

9. FISH DISH 230 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 796-1925 fishdishgrill.com

39. BAR CELONA 46 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 405-1000 barcelonapasadena.com

32. GRILL ‘EM ALL 19 E. Main St., Alhambra (626) 284-BURG grillemalltruck.com

50. BEYOND THE OLIVE 10 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena (626) 844.3866 beyondtheolive.com 33. BIG DADDY’S FIRE GRILL 2122 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 698-8139 bigdaddysfiregrill.com 34. BIG DADDY’S FIRE GRILL 147 W. California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 356-4900 bigdaddysfiregrill.com 6. BIG MAMA’S RIB SHACK 1453 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 797-1792 bigmamaspasadena.com 36. BISTRO DE LA GARE 921 Meridian Ave. South Pasadena (626) 799-8828 bistrodelagare.com 35. BOBBY’S PLACE 140 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 844-3510 bobbys-place.com 7. BONNIE B’S SMOKIN’ BBQ 1280 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 794-0132 bonniebssmokin.com 46. BOWLMOR PASADENA (FORMERLY 300) 3545 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena (626) 351-8858 bowlmor.com/pasadena 49. BUCA DI BEPPO 80 W. Green St. Pasadena (626) 792-7272 bucadibeppo.com 37. CASA CORDOBA 2331 Honolulu Ave. Montrose (818) 937-4445 casacordoba.com 25. COPA VIDA 70 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 213-3952 | copa-vida.com 19. THE COUNTER BURGER 140 Shoppers Ln. Pasadena (626) 440-1008 thecounterburger.com

51. OASIS CAFE 34 S. Raymond Ave. Pasadena (626) 535-9700 oasispasadena.com 13. OSEK KOREAN CUISINE 67 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 644-1299 osekpasadena.com 14. PARK BENCH GRILL 2470 Lake Ave., Altadena (626) 797-2740 53. PASADENA FARMER’S MARKET 3 locations: 363 E. Villa St. El Molino @ Union Victory Park @ Sierra Madre pasadenafarmersmarket.org 22. PASADENA NOODLE & GRILL 2335 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 792-1893 pasadenanoodle.com

10. IL FORNAIO 24 W. Union St., Pasadena (626) 683-9797 | ilforniao.com

15. PASADENA SANDWICH COMPANY 259 Sierra Madre Villa, #102 Pasadena (626) 578-1616 pasadenasandwichcompany.com

38. IX TAPA CANTINA 119 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 304-1000 cantinaixtapa.com

3. PORTA VIA 1 W. California Blvd., #270, Pasadena (626)793-9000 portaviafoods.com

47. KABUKI 3539 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena (626) 351-8963 kabukirestaurants.com

16. PRESIDENT THAI 498 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 578-9814 president-thai.com

48. KABUKI 88 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 568-9310 kabukirestaurants.com

43. REAL FOOD DAILY 899 E. Del Mar Blvd. Pasadena (626) 844-8900 realfood.com

20. THE KITCHEN 78 W. Union St., Pasadena (626) 796-9802 thekitchenpasadena.com

17. RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 369. E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 583-8122 | ruthschris.com

11. MAMMA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 710 Fair Oaks, South Pasadena (626) 799-1344 311 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 405-9877 mammasbrickoven.com

18. SUSHI BAR YOSHIDA 2026 Huntington Dr. San Marino (626) 281-9292

12. MARGARITA JONES 541 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena (626) 744-1828 margaritajones.com 23. MARGARITA’S MEXICAN FOOD 155 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-4224 margaritasmexicanfood.com 52. THE MARKET ON HOLLY 57 E. Holly St., Pasadena (626) 844-8811 themarketonholly.com 1. MATT DENNY’S 145 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia (626) 462-0250 | mattdennys.com

21. TOKYO SHABU 345 S. Lake Ave. #101 Pasadena (626) 844-7355 tokyoshabushabu.com 44. TOPS WALNUT 1792 E. Walnut St. Pasadena (626) 584-0244 28. TWOHEY’S 1224 N. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra (626) 284-7387 | twoheys.com 40. VILLA SORRISO 46. E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 405-1000 sorrisopasadena.com 2. ZELO’S PIZZERIA 328 E. Foothill Blvd., Arcadia (626) 358-8298

31. MELT IT! 105 N. Hill Ave. #103 Pasadena (626) 793-7002 agrilledcheeseco.com 42. NEW MOON 2148 Huntington Dr. San Marino (626) 284-8877 newmoonrestaurants.com

45. ZUGO’S CAFÉ 74 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre (626) 836-5700 zugoscafe.com

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

MELT IT!

105 N. Hill Ave. #103, Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 793-7002 AGrilledCheeseCo.com ow many ways can you make a grilled cheese sandwich? If you ask Tim Tabakian, owner of Melt It! (105 N. Hill Ave. #103, Pasadena, CA 91106), the opportunities are endless. “Let’s just say there are a lot of cheeses in the world,” said Tabakian, “and we’re always working on new ideas.” Melt It! prides itself on its creative take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. From their traditional sandwich, The Legend, to the wilder, Cheesiest Mac N Cheese Sandwich, there’s definitely comfort for everyone throughout the menu. Besides their sandwiches, Melt It! also provides other tasty options, including their famous Tomato Basil Soup, Fresh-Cut Potato Chips and French fries, Root Beer Floats, and a Deep-Fried PB&J sandwich! “We’re all about fun here at Melt It! From our food, to the atmosphere, to our team members, our goal is to have all of our guests leave with big smiles on their faces,” said Tabakian. About Melt It! A Grilled Cheese Co.: Melt It! A Grilled Cheese Co. opened its doors in November, 2012. Serving gourmet, unique, and modern grilled cheese sandwiches, along with homemade soups, fries, and desserts, Melt It! is focused on providing the traditional flavors of grilled cheese sandwiches with a unique twist.

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

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DINING DIRECTORY NOT SURE WHERE TO EAT TONIGHT? USE THIS HANDY DINING GUIDE TO GREATER PASADENA

168 RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 168 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-8008 168pasadena.com

AMY’S PATIO CAFÉ 900 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena (626) 798-4737 amyspatiocafe.net

168 is a modern California restaurant influenced by pan-Asian traditions. Our focus is on creating flavorful dishes using the freshest ingredients. We offer vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree dining options. Menus will change according to the season and the availability of quality produce, meats, seafood and herbs. Our food includes organic & heirloom products and farmers’ market produce meticulously crafted in combination with unique flavors from around the world.

On the southeast corner of Lake Avenue and Altadena Drive you will find Amy’s Patio Café, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday abd from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. If you are in the mood for a omelet made with ham, brie and avocado, or a grilled prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, basil and crushed red pepper on sourdough, or a Patio Cobb (romaine lettuce , egg, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, avocado, crumbled blue cheese, sliced turkey and ham served with blue cheese, you will find a delicious meal anytime of the day at Amy’s Patio Café

300 PASADENA 3545 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-8858 300Pasadena.com We’ve turned America’s favorite pastime into a high end, high energy entertainment experience! Our glow-in-the-dark lanes feature banquette seating and lane-side servers who will deliver your order VIP style, right to your lane – so you’ll never miss a frame. At Bowlmor Lanes we are all about fun and friendly competition! We welcome walk-in guests as well as group reservations and, of course, private events. We’ve partnered with industry leading promoters and top DJs to give our clients an unparalleled nightlife experience. Our venues are well known celebrity hot spots and our parties have brought out everyone from Michael Phelps to Paris Hilton to John Legend! If you’re looking for something different for your next night out, our innovative nightlife activities partnered with great music and delicious cocktails is just what you need! So lace up those bowling shoes (available in all sizes) and let the good times roll!

ALL INDIA CAFÉ 39 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (626) 440-0309 allindiacafe.com An unassuming Indian restaurant that fans call the best in Pasadena, All India Café specializes in a fascinating and extensive menu of authentic Indian home-style cooking. We use only natural spices and ingredients. We do not add artificial colorings or preservatives. We offer many sumptuous dishes that are lean, healthful and low in fat. Many vegan and vegetarian dishes are also available. We offer daily specials, which include a chicken curry of the day, a vegetable special, a lentil and rice of the day.

AVANTI CAFÉ 111 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 577-4901 avanticafe.com Avanti Cafe has won Pasadena Weekly’s “Best Gourmet Pizza” for 16 years. Avanti Café is dedicated to providing exciting gourmet cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere and specializes in gourmet pizzas prepared in an imported oak-wood-fired Italian oven, with pizza dough especially formulated to accent a natural oak-wood flavor. Choose from a delicious assortment of California-style toppings, each prepared from the freshest ingredients, or select from their many popular pasta or calzone dishes and a variety of salads

B.A.D. SUSHI 29 E. Holly St., Pasadena (626) 568-1500 badsushi.com Why B.A.D. Sushi? B.A.D. is “Best And Delicious,” and we provide many different kinds of sushi and rolls. Our menu offers more than 50 dishes, including appetizers, salads, sushi, rolls and other special items from our sushi bar. We are excited to be located here in Pasadena and more than happy to welcome everyone to join us. We’ll prove to you that we are not B.A.D.

BAR CELONA MODERN SPANISH RESTAURANT AND TAPAS BAR 46 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 405-1000 —CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

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barcelonapasadena.com Inspired by the au courant food capital of the world, this stylized version of a modern Spanish tapas bar and restaurant brings Spain’s passion for great food and wine to Old Pasadena with a vibrant selection of tapas (small plates), paella and Spanish entrees, plus specially blended sangria. A stunningly beautiful wine and martini lounge will entice you with live music, flamenco bands and deejays. We have a late-night lounge and menu. Private dining rooms are available.

BEYOND THE OLIVE 10 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 844-EVOO (3866) beyondtheolive.com We are the premier source for the education, tasting and purchasing of California’s high-quality, extra virgin olive oils, gourmet vinegars, specialty food products and merchandise. Our olive oils and vinegars are almost exclusively produced and bottled in California — not shipped from Europe. In this economy, why not support your local economy? We are located in the heart of Old Pasadena at Raymond Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.

BIG DADDY’S FIRE GRILL 2122 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (Next door to the Pasadena In-N-Out) (626) 796-1266 147 W. California Blvd., Pasadena (Across from Huntington Hospital) (626) 356-4900 bigdaddysfiregrill.com Big Daddy’s Fire Grill offers premium quality foods and ingredients, featuring our handcrafted hamburgers using fresh 100 percent Angus beef, freshly gilled marinated sandwiches and fresh sausages and dawgs, which are infused with garlic and fresh herbs and spices and grilled on a wood-fire grill to give our meats the sublime smokiness that can only be achieved when grilled on our Oakwood Fire Grill, which, by definition, makes Big Daddy’s Fire Grill better than all the rest.

BIG MAMA’S RIB SHACK 1453 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 797-1792 bigmamaspasadena.com Big Mama and her family have been cooking and serving Southern “downhome” food for over 75 years! When your guests know Big Mama’s is catering, they are sure to come! Big Mama’s can handle all of your catering and take-out needs. Your place or ours, let us help you plan your next office lunch, or any special event. Call or ask your server to speak with one of our catering managers.

BISTRO DE LA GARE 921 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 799-8828 Bistro De La Gare is a culinary adventure in the world of French and Italian cuisine, without pretention but an unequivocal dedication to our guest’s experience. We believe that the pursuit of culinary and service excellence starts with a warm welcome and ends with a friendly smile of satisfaction. Chef Bruno Morin and his team are looking forward to share their passion and love of hospitality with you.

BOBBY’S PLACE 140 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 844-3510 bobbys-place.com Bobby’s Place, formerly known as Rick’s Burgers on Walnut Street in Pasadena has moved to a new location a few blocks away. Now open at 140 N. Lake Ave., next to Ralph’s Supermarket, Bobby’s Place has been a Pasadena fast-food restaurant icon since 1964, serving burgers, burritos, tacos and their famous “SPUDERITO,” a burrito with fries, cheese and their homemade sauce. The new location has indoor seating, so come and enjoy great food and sports on the big screen TVs. Phone orders are welcome.

BONNIE B’S SMOKIN 1280 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 794-0132 bonniebssmokin.com Family owned Bonnie B's Smokin, BBQ & Soul Food Heaven opened in December 2009. It’s Zagat-rated with numerous BBQ & Soul Food Side awards since its opening. It’s been said that our Oklahoma Style BBQ is smoking up Pasadena, North of the 210 freeway, and most importantly we're South of Washington Boulevard, across from the Food For Less shopping 28

PASADENA WEEKLY DINING GUIDE 2013

center. Our slogan BBQ Heaven has a resounding reply from our wonderful customers:“Yes we’re in heaven, and we’re glad you’re here.”

BUCA DI DEPPO 80 W. Green St., Pasadena (626) 792-7272 bucadibeppo.com Open daily for lunch and dinner, Buca di Beppo is conveniently located at the corner of Green Street and South DeLacey Avenue in Old Pasadena. Buca di Beppo hosts events of all sizes and offers four different packages to choose from for groups of 20 or more. It’s the perfect setting for any group to experience a fun, energetic and welcoming Italian family style dinner. Buca di Beppo also caters — a perfect fit for business and social events of all sizes.

CASA CÓRDOBA 2331 Honolulu Ave., Montrose (818) 937-4445 casacordoba.us.com Casa Córdoba is open for lunch and dinner. Diners may sit in the garden courtyard, interior wine gallery or colorful dining room. Menus include tapas, salads, soups, sandwiches, quiche, paella and dinner entrées. Our beverage list includes imported beers, wine and sangria from Spain. Live entertainment is presented Friday and Saturday evenings. Casa Córdoba accommodates groups for special occasions and catering. Offered for sale are Spanish ceramic giftware, kitchenware, olive oils, paella pans, spices and gourmet food products.

CLEARMAN’S GALLEY 7215 N. Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel (626) 286-3075 clearmansrestaurants.com “The Boat,” as The Galley is better known, is your destination for informal family meals in an atmosphere of fun. It’s the place for group celebrations inside or outside on the patio. This is especially the place for watching all your favorite games on a huge hi-def TV screen. Cheer your team on to victory while enjoying one of our many draft beers and hot-off-the-grill burgers with all the fixin’s. Bring your friends and family tonight!

COPA VIDA 70 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 213-3952 copa-vida.com Copa Vida is dedicated to serving the best coffee, tea, and food as a way of sharing life and enriching our community. We believe that great service, along with great drinks and food create a great community and ultimately a great experience. Our highly trained Baristas take pride in working with top-ranked roasters and blenders who work only with fair trade products. Go, Enjoy, Experience.

DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT 2363 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 993-2862 dickeys.com Dickey’s Barbecue Pit prides itself on down-home food with a signature brand of Southern hospitality. Every location still smokes all of their meats on-site each night. Dickey’s Barbecue serves up beef brisket, pulled pork, barbecue honey ham, polish sausage, turkey breast and chicken, along with delicious home-style sides. Buttery rolls are served with every meal, along with complimentary ice cream at every location. Kid’s eat for free on Sunday at all Dickey’s Barbecue restaurants across the country.

DOTS CUPCAKES 21 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena (Old Pasadena, next to J. Crew) (626) 744-7719 400 S. Arroyo Parkway Pasadena (Between California and Del Mar boulevards) (626) 568-DOTS (3687) dotscupcakes.com Repeatedly voted Pasadena’s “Best Cupcake,” Dot’s delights are baked fresh daily using the best natural ingredients, including French chocolate and Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. Whether it’s a quick-fix “mini” or a full-sized delectable dose, Dots serves up the perfect ratio between not too sweet icing and cake topped with charming edible decoration. All cupcakes leave the store tucked neatly in an adorable, eco-conscious, custom cupcake box adorned with Dots signature pink polka dots.

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EL PATRON MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2555 N. Lake Ave., Altadena (626) 296-2828 elpatrononline.com El Patron opened its doors on May 15, 2010, and ever since has been serving delicious Mexican food to all of the locals who are lucky enough to find a seat. Owner Alex Cortez and his family invite you to come in and taste the real flavors of Mexico, from the huge Burrito Mojado that explodes with flavor to the chicken fajitas, you will find something that will please your taste buds. There is no pinching in El Patron’s kitchen. You get fantastic food and great portions at great prices. So next time you are feeling hungry, come on up the hill to El Patron and you will not be disappointed.

FISH DISH 230 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626) 796-1925 fishdishgrill.com Fish Dish Grilled Seafood is a casual, quick-serve restaurant that provides fresh ingredients like Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Giant Scallops, Giant Shrimps and culinary traditions of Baja Calif. The menu features a variety of international dishes, including linguini pastas, tacos, salads and soups, burritos, Hawaiian BBQ, sushi rolls, and an array of charbroiled fishes that can be topped with your choice of garlic or Cajun style sauce.

(626) 405-9877 mammasbrickoven.com One look at Mamma’s Brick Oven menu and you’ll never order ordinary pizza ever again. This ambitious menu boasts everything from artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes to pesto and goat cheese. Mamma’s offers handcrafted pizza, pastas, calzones, Stromboli and much more. You’ll be the talk of the town when you serve Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza or Pasta at your next party!

MARGARITA’S 155 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-4224 margaritasmexicanfood.com The name may say Margaritas, but this is a full-service Mexican restaurant. Tortillas are made by hand daily, and the weekday Pronto Buffet Brunch allows you to quickly and inexpensively eat to your heart’s content. Yes, the margaritas are to die for. Also open for Sunday brunch.

MARGARITA JONES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 541 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena (626) 744-1828 margaritajones.com

GRILL ‘EM ALL 19 E. Main St., Alhambra (626) 284-2874 (BURG)

Authentic Mexican Food. At Margarita Jones you can enjoy a truly authentic Mexican dining experience with family and friends. We take pride in giving you the fun and flavors of old Mexico. Freshness is our commitment to you. The foods in our menu are prepared daily by our skilled and knowledgeable chefs to give you the unforgettable taste that makes us unique. Enjoy one of our famous frosty House margaritas with your meal.

Grill ‘Em All believes that the heavy metal and culinary worlds were bound to collide one day in a marriage of massive meat and monster riffs. Burgers like the Dee Snider (peanut butter, jelly, sriracha sauce and bacon) are sure to test your limits. And with great local craft beer on tap, Grill Em All is the perfect location for the feast! Gourmet burgers, fries, craft beers and creative desserts — GEA has your cravings covered.

MATT DENNY’S ALE HOUSE RESTAURANT 145 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia (626) 462-0250 mattdennys.com

IL FORNAIO AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAKERY 24 W. Union St., Pasadena ilfornaio.com Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Fresh pastas are made daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of Italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, Il Fornaio is the perfect location for special events and business functions. Il Fornaio is a repeat recipient of The Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.”

IX TAPA CANTINA & RESTAURANT 119 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 304-1000 cantinaixtapa.com Ix Tapa, the latest offering from restaurateur Jack Huang, combines a restaurant, sports bar and club with Mexican cuisine. Ix Tapa specialties include pollo en mole poblano (chicken in our house-made, spicy red mole sauce) and chile relleno (poblano pepper stuffed with ground beef or cheese, topped with a red chili) as well as traditional mariscos. The 7,000plus square feet of space has a resort-like feeling and accommodates live music, dancing and a complete schedule of weekly entertainment options.

KABUKI 88 W. Colorado Blvd., #103. Pasadena (626) 568-9310 3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 351-8963 201 N. San Fernando Road, Burbank (818) 843-7999 kabukirestaurants.com Since 1991, our vision for Kabuki Japanese Restaurant has been to create high-energy, family-friendly and value-oriented Japanese restaurants. It is our everyday mission to deliver quality and freshness, great service and value to our guests with the ultimate hope that our guests will come to appreciate Japanese cuisine as comfort food. Experience the cuisine and beverages passionately crafted to provide you with the best in Japanese cuisine and to spreading the culture of Japanese dining to our guests.

MAMMA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 710 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena (626) 799-1344 311 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena

Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant has been a very popular venue in Arcadia since 1999. Over the years, Matt Denny’s owner Matt McSweeny has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, Holy Angels Church, the Historical Society and Methodist Hospital. Being active in the community has helped make Matt Denny’s Ale House one of the local favorites in town. With its extensive menu, Private Library Room, large Patio Beer Garden and all the sports you want, this is a great place for a Business Lunch, Birthday Party, Office Holiday Party or Sports Team Party. Go to mattdennys.com for a virtual tour.

MELT IT 105 N. Hill Ave., #103, Pasadena (626) 793-7002 agrilledcheeseco.com Melt It! A Grilled Cheese Co. opened its doors in November 2012, serving gourmet, unique and modern grilled cheese sandwiches, along with homemade soups, fries and desserts. Melt It! is focused on providing the traditional flavors of grilled cheese sandwiches with a unique twist. Melt It prides itself on its creative take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. From their traditional sandwich, The Legend, to the wilder, Cheesiest Mac N Cheese Sandwich, there’s definitely comfort for everyone throughout the menu.

NEW MOON 2148 Huntington Drive, San Marino 626-284-8877 newmoonrestaurants.com New Moon’s menu is classic Chinese cuisine, re-imagined with lightness and freshness, using a blend of seasonal California ingredients. Zagat-rated New Moon has been consistently voted best and favorite restaurant by their loyal customers in local polls. It’s combination of great food, attentive service and relaxed atmosphere has set the pace for New Moon’s enduring success. With dining room and patio seating, take-out, delivery and catering, we are serving lunch and dinner seven days a week.

OASIS CAFÉ 34 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 535-9700 oasispasadena.com Oasis Café is a contemporary American restaurant serving the best in Californian cuisine. Located in Old Pasadena, Oasis provides an escape to enjoy comforting foods in a casual setting. Our menu features fresh, sophisticated dishes inspired by local farmers’ markets. With an emphasis on seasonality, we are proud to partner with our local vendors who allow us to provide the freshest ingredients in our dishes. Oasis truly brings the best of California right to your table. —CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

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OLD OAK CELLARS (626) 674-9244 oldoakcellars.com Old Oak Cellars, Pasadena’s only winery, is a family run winery which brings to Pasadena skilled winemaking traditions dedicated to the creation of excellent and affordable wines. Starting from a small family owned vineyard, we now source our grapes from several premier vineyards. Winemakers Paul and David produce a variety of Bordeaux and Burgundy style award winning wines. Please visit us to learn our techniques and purchase our wines for your table. Cheers!

OSEK KOREAN CUISINE 67 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626) 644-1299 osekpasadena.com Take a Korean epicurean pilgrimage to experience the philosophy, beauty, and science of the traditional Korean cuisine at Osek. Translating into “five colors” in Korean, Osek utilizes five different colors of ingredients, which protect five different organs in our body. The restaurant’s menus feature traditional and modern tapas and entrées, including galbi sushi, bibimbap, and soon-tofu. If you are in the mood of splurging to please your gustatory receptors, try the seven-course tasting menus for $28 or $35.

PARK BENCH GRILL 2470 N. Lake Ave., Altadena (626) 797-2740 Formerly known as Park Bench Deli, Park Bench GRILL is now owned by Executive Chef Larry Quishenberry, a longtime Altadena resident and alumni of Pasadena's Le Cordon Bleu. The cafe-grill style restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. PBG is a BYOB eatery that boasts Po’ Boys and other hot sandwiches, fish dinners and pasta. Enjoy 50 percent off appetizers this month from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and like us on Facebook for future promos and daily specials.

PASADENA CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET (626) 449-0179 Pasadenafamersmarket.org Tuesdays – Villa Parke Center Saturdays – Victory Park Enjoy fresh local fruits, vegetables and farm products! If you have never been to a farmers market, you are in for a real treat. You’ll love the experience of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you’ll love even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, vegetables and farm products. Our certified vendors only sell what they grow. Or, to put it another way, they won’t sell you anything that they did not grow. You know where your food came from and who grew it for you! The market is cash only, and we accept EBT!

PASADENA NOODLE & GRILL 2335 E. Colorado Blvd., # 110., Pasadena (626) 792-1893 pasadenanoodle.com Pasadena Noodle and Grill features pho, a noodle soup from Northern Vietnam, is served as a bowl of white rice noodle in beef broth (or chicken broth), with thin cuts of meat, variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatball or chicken. Spring rolls with lettuce (choose shrimp or tofu) are available to dip with mixed hoisin sauce. Crispy egg rolls and rice dishes with charbroiled pork chop, chicken, beef, baked egg or bean curd skin wrap shrimp are also on the menu.

PASADENA SANDWICH COMPANY 259 Sierra Madre Villa, #102, Pasadena (626) 578-1616 pasadenasandwichcompany.com Since 1995, Pasadena Sandwich Company has been a family owned and operated NY-styled deli. We cook our meats in-house and make all of our salads fresh daily. In addition to being Pasadena’s landmark lunch spot, we cater and deliver for every occasion — from tailgate parties to business meetings. Thank you to all our loyal customers, families, and friends for making us the No. 1 Deli in Pasadena. Here’s to another healthy and happy year!

PORTA VIA 1 W. California Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-900 2507 Mission St., San Marino (626) 441-7600 portaviafoods.com

Our passion is creating delicious foods inspired by the vibrant flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean in a modern café-style atmosphere that’s as welcoming as an old neighborhood market. The ingredients are fresh sandwiches handcrafted, and soups made from original family recipes. Artisan sandwiches and panini are made with premium Italian meats and gourmet cheeses. One visit and you’ll see why Porta Via has become the go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine and take-out in Pasadena.

PRESIDENT THAI 498 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena (626) 578-9814 president-thai.com Decorated with ornate Thai art forms, the atmosphere at President Thai sets a traditional and scrumptious precedent for the food to come. Locals swarm this place for its friendly service and authentic Thai taste. Favorite dishes include the President BBQ Beef, and mouth-watering Garlic Prawns. Order a Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango for dessert or a savory Banana Roll for a delightful end to a fantastic meal.

REAL FOOD DAILY 899 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena (626) 844-8900 Real Food Daily is Southern California’s premiere organic plant-based restaurant serving a quality, authentic, creative and nutritionally balanced menu. We’re a cherished destination where community happens around education, connection and hospitality, over delicious, accessible food that’s real. At RFD, we enjoy surprising our guests. We raise the standards of plant-based restaurants by providing fresh, delicious, and unique meals of plant origin; educated, friendly, consistent and efficient service; and a clean, upbeat, and contemporary environment.

SUSHI BAR YOSHIDA 2026 Huntington Drive, San Marino (626) 281-9292 For almost 20 years, Sushi Bar Yoshida has quietly offered the freshest, most delicious fish and traditional Japanese dishes in the San Gabriel Valley. Locals come to savor the traditional Japanese dishes of Albacore tuna, toro and Japanese scallops prepared as only sushi chef and owner Yoshi can. Yoshida is also a destination for great sushi and unique seasonal items such as live sweet shrimp, lobster, soft shell crab, shirako and wild salmon. Once you’ve experienced the exceptional fish Yoshi himself selects daily, you’ll join the multitude of regulars who won’t go anywhere else.

THE COUNTER BURGER 140 Shoppers Lane, Pasadena (626) 440-1008 thecounterburger.com Step into The Counter® and you’re greeted with a clipboard and an extensive list of fresh chef-inspired mouth-watering ingredients that allow you to build your own gourmet burger. The 312,120-plus different combinations make every burger as unique as each customer. Established in 2003, The Counter® is the 21st century’s bold answer to the classic burger joint. Ushering in a fresh era of industrial decor, today’s music, cold beer, unique wines, cocktails, and burger options that are only limited by your imagination.

THE KITCHEN ITALIAN CAFÉ AND PIZZERIA 78 W. Union St., Pasadena (626) 796-9802 thekitchenitaliancafe.com The Kitchen Italian Café and Pizzeria is one of Old Pasadena’s hidden gems, well known by businesspeople and pizza lovers alike. Inside the rustic brick building you’ll find New York, Sicilian and Chicago-style pizzas, all made with fresh ingredients and available by the slice, half pan or full pan. Homemade soups, pastas and calzones can be savored for lunch or dinner.

THE MARKET ON HOLLY 57 E. Holly St., Pasadena 626-844-8811 Opened jointly by chef Mary Pat Brandmeyer and composer Marty Davich, The Market represents their combined aesthetic and attention to quality. Everything is made in-house with the highest quality ingredients. The Market on Holly is THE place to explore new and exclusive culinary frontiers. Open for breakfast at 7:00 during the week. All the pastries are baked in house every day, and are the best in town. Saturday and Sunday are reserved for their brunch, as well as their deli items. We serve lunch and take away picnic boxed din—CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY

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ners and offer full service catering seven days a week, for every occasion from office meetings to large event dinners for 1000 people, and everything in between. Serving Beer and Wine.

TOKYO SHABU SHABU 345 S. Lake Ave., # 101, Pasadena (626) 844-7355 tokyoshabushabu.com We sell quality! Fifteen varieties of made-from-scratch soup base and dipping sauce are made in-house to perfection with no preservative added. Our fine steak house quality meat such as Snake River Farm Kobe Beef, Certified Angus beef, all-natural Jidori chicken, Kurobuta pork, and premium seafood will make your mouth water. Vegetables are all hand-cut daily. Healthy, delicious and fun! Currently serving Pasadena, Monterey Park and Rowland Heights.

TOPS ON WALNUT 1792 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 584-0244. topsburger.com You can’t leave here hungry. Not with 14 burgers, 13 Mexican dishes, 17 sandwiches, three types of hot dogs, seven salads and 12 types of breakfasts on the menu — all at great value prices. Charbroiled chicken plates, rib-eye steak plates, fish and chips and chicken strips add hearty heft at dinner for those hungry for just a little bit more. Nothing is pre-cooked. The portions of fresh onion rings and fries, sweet potato fries and zucchini are legendary, as are the best pastrami sandwiches in town. Try our new menu item California 3 Way: Spaghetti, Tops Secret Chili and Cheese.

TWOHEY’S 1224 N. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra (626) 284-7387 twoheys.com Twohey’s is a Southern California landmark restaurant offering food that generations of families have gown up on. They come for our famous Stink-O burgers, our award-winning onion rings and sundaes, lemonades and acclaimed soda fountain treats. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we are looking forward to your continuing patronage for many years to come. We are now renovating the restaurant for future generations and looking forward to seeing many of you again. Thank you for all your support!

VILLA SORRISO ITALIAN, SEAFOOD, STEAKS 46 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 405-1000 sorrisopasadena.com Located at the western gateway to Old Pasadena, this luxurious Mediterranean gem boasts romantic outdoor cabanas, a crackling fire pit and a lushly landscaped courtyard complete with cascading fountain. The Martini Bar and Lounge is a favorite latenight hangout. In addition to a menu of classic Italian favorites, fresh seafood, steaks and chops, the evening passes into to night at the Villa with live music, dancing, deejays and a wonderful late menu. Private dining rooms are available.

ZELO PIZZERIA 328 E. Foothill Blvd., Arcadia (626) 358-8298 zelopizzeria.com It’s the cornmeal crust that makes this pizzeria stand out from the rest. Zelo Pizzeria in Arcadia is a truly unique place to fill your pizza craving. This locally owned establishment’s signature dish is the fresh corn, balsamic-marinated, oven-roasted red onion pie. Don’t be intimidated and don’t make substitutions! The dish is truly unique and a worthy competitor for the area’s best pizza. Zelo Pizzeria is expanding the dining room to better serve you.

ZUGO’S CAFE 74 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 836-5700 zugoscafe.com Owner Chez has built his menus and food preparation using his mother Palmira’s ethos: fresh, quality ingredients prepared from scratch. All entrees are served with a side salad and fresh bread, which is baked throughout the day. Their wine list is extensive and features award-winning wines from around the world. They also offer catering in your home or office. Great Food, Great Wine!

PASADENA WEEKLY DINING GUIDE 2013

BY KEVIN UHRICH

THE PERFECT GUEST

MEALS WERE PRICELESS PLEASURES WITH DAN O’HERON AT THE TABLE

WITH HIS PASSING LAST SUMMER, LONGTIME PASADENA WEEKLY RESTAURANT REVIEWER DAN O’HERON LEFT A STILL-EMPTY SEAT AT THE NEWSPAPER’S TABLE OF IDEAS. Having written for a number of publications, the Los Angeles Times and the Downtown News among them, Dan came to the Pasadena Weekly in 1989, a number of years before the paper’s current crew of word merchants arrived on the scene. Over all that time, right up to his death in Glendale from natural causes on Aug. 27, Dan delighted readers and colleagues alike with not only his rhythmic prose and often quirky reviews of some of the world’s best eateries, but also with things people could actually use — for one, great recipes; another, unique cooking tips and insights from some of the top chef’s in the country. This was one thing that Danny did that few other food critics even attempt: He interviewed the people who do the actual cooking, giving them a voice that they never had before, or since. Once, for a Dining Guide a few years back, Dan, who had remarkable energy for a man nearing 80, his age when he died, interviewed a dozen chefs around town, some of international renown, and persuaded them to reveal to him their favorite recipes. I told my old friend that I believed this idea would have netted him an instant bestseller, if only he added a few more recipes. Dan was not very tall, but he was a handsome, —CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Dan O’Heron

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photogenic man, and I suggested that a caricature of his mug — that devilish grin, those ruddy red cheeks, his dark and naturally curly locks (an Irish ’fro, as he called it) — on the cover of such a book would be a great promotion for the collection. He liked the idea, but apparently didn’t get around to turning those treasured and otherwise secret culinary concoctions into cash, or lettuce, as the surprisingly street-savvy LA-born critic might have said. For all of his many connections around town, Dan didn’t play favorites, giving as much attention to the intricacies of a classic burrito from El Portal

PASADENA WEEKLY DINING GUIDE 2013

Restaurant in the city’s Playhouse District as he might to a feast at Vertical Wine Bistro, or a formal soiree at Villa Sorriso in Old Pasadena, or a dinner of Chinese cuisine at Eagle Rock’s Green Dragon Restaurant, his last review for us, appearing on April 18. To those who ever had the pleasure of sharing a meal with him, Dan was the perfect guest. Once in the mid-2000s, when Julie Riggott was our Arts Editor, Julie, Dan and I met up with Caltech PR honchos for lunch in the dining room of the fabled Athenaeum, on the Caltech campus. Included in our party was then newly hired Deborah Williams-Hedges and

Caltech’s also now-departed chief of media relations Bob O’Rourke. We were there to first introduce Julie to Bob and Debi, and then discuss upcoming projects that were in the works at the college. But that didn’t happen quite as planned, largely because Dan, always at the ready with a snappy retort or a cute quip, had so assumed control of the table conversation, and we were all laughing so much at his bottomless well of funny stories, that it was nearly impossible to eat, let alone get any actual work done. “Dan loved to tell a good story; he was a fan of baseball, the racetrack, novelty songs,

old radio shows, eating without writing about it and good oldfashioned mischief,” Dan’s longtime friend and former PW writer Debra Davis wrote in his obituary, appearing in the Weekly’s Sept. 12 edition. “We will always miss and remember Dan’s keen ability to make words dance on the page, the tuneful rhythm of his phrases and the literary music he could make out of even the most mundane topic,” recalled Deb, a pretty talented singer/songwriter in her own right. “We will cherish his impish smile, the way he smirked at and gleaned the treasures from everyday life and his big-kid sense of humor that was still alive and well, even through languishing health,” she wrote. Just as important to Dan as pointing out all the good things he learned about the restaurants he visited was helping the people who pay the bills around here: our team of advertising representatives. He would often speak with them to develop a list of the restaurants requiring his attention and then acquire the information he needed before stopping in. “Everyone appreciated Dan because he worked with and supported his colleagues here at the Pasadena Weekly in an altruistic fashion,” said Leslie Lamm, an ad rep for the Weekly and its sister publication, Arroyo Monthly, who described Dan as “a clever, witty guy” who “never wielded his pen like a sword.” I loved this gentle spirit for these and many other reasons, and will miss his kindness, humor and help in times of need. I take some solace in knowing in my heart that he’s now sitting at another table somewhere, probably still working on compiling that long list of recipes, and waiting to welcome us to the party. Rest in peace, Daniel O’Heron. ■

DINING GUIDE 2013 PASADENA WEEKLY