Make Music Pasadena 2014 Saturday, June 7, 11am-11pm

makemusicpasadena

 

Make Music Pasadena is a free, all-day, all-ages music celebration that takes place throughout Downtown Pasadena. Make Music Pasadena is California’s only FREE musical festival that features Grammy-award winning and platinum-recording artists, along with homegrown and emerging talent. The event spans more than 20 city blocks and includes over 150 free concerts.

Past Performers include:
Matt and Kim, Tanlines, Yacht, The Antlers, Best Coast, Youngblood Hawke, The Raveonettes, Ra Ra Riot, Warpaint, Autolux, Grouplove and Grimes.

Brunch: KTCHN Old Town Pasadena

I always find myself with minimal options for breakfast and weekend brunch in Old Town Pasadena. There’s a new option in town that I look forward to checking out at the new KTCHN. Formerly Via Soriso, then more recently 168, the property has been facing an identity crisis recently. I think they’ve finally figured out a good solution; a high end food court-like setting for multiple restaurants to offer a variety of foods to patrons. The courtyard also now includes Zona Rosa Coffee, Bulagrini Gelato and Picnik.

zktchnfrenchtoast

ZAGAT recently wrote about KTCHEN, here’s the article:

Joining Eduardo Ruiz’s new Picnik complex in Pasadena – where sausage and pork is king – Felix Barron is now serving his popular KTCHN brunch daily in Old Town. What started as an underground pop-up out of his Downtown LA loft, Barron has been serving things like carnitas hash and apple fritters in The Gorbals every Sunday since 2011. Taking a corner of the Picnik complex (that’s what we’re calling it for lack of a better word), he’s bringing his unique twists on breakfast staples to the ‘Dena. The current menu features creamy brie grits with berry compote and hazelnut crunch; eggs scrambled with pickled jalapenos, caramelized onion and goat cheese; scrambled organic eggs with pea harissa, aged cheddar and potato hash; duck confit hash; pork belly and eggs; and tres leches French toast. There’s a full bar in the complex and out of the KTCHN corner come things like the Heminguey (tequila, watermelon, lime and mint simple syrup) and a Spring Collins (vodka, fresh cucumber, elderflower and rosemary seltzer). There are also fresh juices that go beyond the orange and cranberry norm, like elixirs made with Asian pear, carrot, parsley, fennel and beet.

One beautiful thing is that there are a ton of tables outside with umbrellas to shade the sun, plus a cute little dining room. Unlike Picnick, where you order at the counter and the food is brought to you, KTCHN is full-service. There’s even free WiFi. Once the other businesses get rolling, there will be space for Zona Rosa Coffee and Bulagrini Gelato, too, both of which are serving from carts now, making this a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly want to eat in one day. KTCHN serves daily from 8 AM-2 PM.

Hours:

Mondays thru Friday 8a.m to 2p.m

Saturday & Sundays 9a.m to 2p.m

Check them out on Yelp.

Let us know what you think!

 

The Royce at Langham Pasadena

The Royce Steakhouse at the Langham Pasadena provided a stellar cuisine that was mouth-watering!!! Don’t judge the Royce by the 3.5 stars you see on Yelp, if the rating were just for food I’d give them 5 stars. I will say that service is a little lacking, so I think that’s why the reviews are lower than they should be.

As you walk into the reception, you’ll notice their beautiful wine rooms. One cold for white wine and champagnes, and the other cellar room temperature for reds.

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I personally ordered the Rib Eye, but I did have a chance to try my friends dishes, which were the Swordfish, Venison, and Lamb Chops, and all of them were outstanding and cooked to perfection.

brandtribeye

Brandt Beef, 100% all natural, grass-fed Rib Eye, 12oz. $65

spinnach

Truffled Spinnach $9

All of their steaks are prepared on an Aztec wood-fired grill over White Oak and seasonal wood to sear in the maximum flavor and juiciness of each cut.

The seafood consists of the freshest local and global selections available, and all produce is sourced from the local farmer’s market and the hotel’s organic garden on property.

Appetizers, vegetables and comforting side dishes will change regularly with the season. A vegetarian menu is available upon request.

Definitely a place to enjoy a special occasion dinner! Two thumbs up!

1401 South Oak Knoll Ave. Pasadena, CA 91106 | 626.585.6410

Pasadena Pinot Fest 2014

Grand-Pinot-Fest-3-4-2014

The 7th annual Pasadena Grand Pinot Fest, benefiting Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services and Professional Child Development Associates, will be held at Noor restaurant in Pasadena on March 30, 2014.

Dozens of the finest Pinot noir wines from California, Oregon and Australia will be paired with cheese and charcuterie by Claud & Co., and other small bites by Noor. Guests will be entertained by live music from iconic jazz musician Michael Lington. The event begins at 12:00 p.m. for VIP ticket holders ($165 per ticket), and at 2:00 p.m. for general admission guests ($110 per ticket), and will continue until 5:00 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.pasadenagrandpinotfest.com.

In years past, the Pinot Fest was held at the Altadena Country Club, and the event’s planners expect a bigger crowd than ever this year at Noor, a boutique event space conveniently located in historic downtown Pasadena. Known for producing consistently flawless events, Noor has been voted “Best of Pasadena” for three straight years by readers of Pasadena Weekly, and was named as Pasadena Magazine’s “City Best-Top Venue” in 2012. Noor features two gorgeous indoor ballrooms along with a stunning outdoor space.

VIP ticket holders will enjoy an “exclusive” pass to the event, including a pre-reception to taste and enjoy the finest wines before the doors open for general admission, full access to the outside patio and preferred area to hear jazz musician Michael Lington perform and a “Meet and Greet” afterwards. VIP Tickets come with a goodie bag stuffed with gift items, special offers and a specially etched wine glass compliments of Morgan Stanley.

Claud & Co. provides full service catering with a distinctive flare for private parties, receptions, corporate events and extraordinary intimate dinners in the Pasadena, San Gabriel and greater Los Angeles area. Claud & Co. takes pride in hearing their clients’ needs and working closely with them to ensure complete satisfaction. From menu to décor, the team strives to make each event a memory to be treasured by guests and hosts alike.

Michael Lington, a premiere saxophonist, has done extended stints as a special guest with musical superstars including Barry Manilow, Bobby Caldwell, Randy Crawford and Michael Bolton. On his tour, he played more than 300 shows in over 50 countries. Lington’s most recent album, Pure, was released in 2012 by Trippin N’ Rhythm and distributed by Red/Sony. His previous CD, “Heat,” reached #4 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Sales Chart.

Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, one of the largest, nonprofit, private children’s mental health and welfare agencies in Los Angeles County, serves over 8,500 children and families annually through a network of facilities in greater Los Angeles. Services include: a residential treatment center for youth ages 9 through 18; foster care and adoption services; a nonpublic school; school-based and outpatient mental health services; wraparound and in-home counseling services; a transitional living program for young adults; a family resource center; and a grief and loss center for children. To learn more about the organization, go tohttp://www.hathaway-sycamores.org.

PCDA (Professional Child Development Associates) improves the lives of children and young adults who have autism or other developmental challenges through leadership in family-centered, multidisciplinary services and professional training. Learn more here: pasadenachilddevelopment.org

Cheeseburger Week Jan 12-17, 2014 – Pasadena, CA

cheeseburgerweek

Pasadena’s Cheeseburger week is back for its 3rd annual event from Jan 12-17th 2014. We all need one cheat meal from our New Year’s diet resolution, so make it a good one and indulge in a special Cheeseburger, only offered during this wonderful week in Pasadena.

Cheeseburger Week is held in honor of the ‘invention’ of the cheeseburger by one Lionel Sternberger, in 1924, at a restaurant called the Rite Spot. The week’s festivities will kick off at Dog Haus Biergarten on Jan. 11 with a slider eating competition … 6 minutes of slider eating bliss will unveil this year’s champion! If you haven’t tried their sliders, they are to DIE for! Only $1 each at Happy Hour from 4-7pm daily, how could you refuse?

Forty of Pasadena’s favorite restaurants, lounges and burger joints offer their signature burgers, some special creations and a deals  during Pasadena Cheeseburger Week.

Again in 2014, you can vote for your favorites in the Cheeseburger Challenge. Who makes your favorite lunch counter burger? Who serves your favorite turkey burger? Who makes your favorite veggie burger? Who serves the best beverage with a burger? You decide during Cheeseburger Week, January 12th through January 17th.

Here are our participants for the 2014 Cheeseburger Week in Pasadena and the gamut of burgers they each serve (click on the name to go to the web page, click on the menu item for the full restaurant burger menu):

Click here to vote for your favorite Cheeseburger.

Here are some of last year’s favorites: Left (Lamb Burger from Haven Gastropub) Right (King’s Burger from King’s Row Gastropub)

lamb burger haven gastropub    king's burger kings row

 

Juice Served Here – Pasadena, CA

pasadena-hollystreet

 

Anyone who loves juice and lives around Old Town Pasadena knows that we’ve been lacking a juice spot … well the wait is over. Welcome to Pasadena, Juice Served Here! Whether you’re looking for a Wheatgrass shot, a single juice, or a comprehensive juice cleanse, they offer it all.

All juices are designed using nutrient rich ingredients and offering a wide range of medicinal benefits. All Juice Served Here produce is 100% organic and locally grown whenever possible. There is almost no repetition of ingredients in our recipes, making each juice distinctly unique.

They also serve up raw vegan deserts that are nutritionally packed, gluten free, dairy free, and delicious!

Here’s what they are promising:

The Juice: We are Raw. We are Organic. We are Cold-Pressed.  We are sourced locally whenever possible and no two juices are alike.

The Served: We are Fresh. We are Clean. We are Simple.  Impeccably presented by passionate health enthusiasts.

The Here: We are Warm. We are Inviting. We are the Place to hang.  Drink and eat in total comfort with select literature, free wi-fi, and local community events.

Check them out on Yelp and visit them on Facebook. Let us know what you think!

Farmer-Juice

PASADENA

57 E. Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91103

Sunday – Friday 7:30am-6pm
Saturday 7:30am-7pm

T: 626-578-0101

Malbec New Argentinean Cuisine – Pasadena

malbec

 

Malbec Argentinean restaurant in Pasadena provides an intimate dining environment with a wide selection of “New Argentinean” cuisine menu items and relatively affordable pricing. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner for two (make sure to ask for the main dining room which has candlelight and a better ambiance for 2), or a large group. We went with a group of 8 and ordered plenty of appetizers to share, as well as our own individual dinners. I was pleased with most of the food. It wasn’t the best skirt steak I’ve had but it was a healthy portion and priced well. The Chimichurri sauce is definitely worth while, make sure you ask for seconds! I’ll also add that the Dulce de Leche Crepes were amazing!! Make sure to save some room and splurge on those.

empanadas

Spinach & Cheese Empanadas ($6.95 for 2)

 

skirtsteak

Entrana al Chimichurri (Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurii sauce and grilled vegetables $23.95)

 

dessert

 

Panqueques de Dulce de Leche ($9.95)

Diners on Yelp and Urbanspoon sure do love this place! Check out their reviews and see for yourself. Reserve in advance on weekends, as it can be very busy. There is very little street parking, so save yourself the headache and park Valet out front for $5.

1001 E Green St
Pasadena, CA 91106
Neighborhood: Pasadena

(626) 683-0550

I Do! An Event for the Stylish Bride

idobridalevent

I Do! An Event for the Stylish Bride” debuts just in time for the wedding season. On Sunday, January 26 2014, dor one day, The Langham Huntington will have its luxurious ballroom host the best of Southern California’s wedding vendors, all under one glamorous roof.

Whether you are looking for fresh ideas or need a reliable professional to help make your dream day possible, the luxury event will be a one-stop source for all your wedding needs. Stylish brides-to-be will have the opportunity to preview the latest couture fashions, mingle with a select group of top bridal experts and even enjoy a refreshing cocktail as you peruse the innovative showcases for design inspiration.

Say “I Do!” to this exclusive event and be connected with the brightest ideas to make your big day everything you want it to be, and more.

I Do! An Event for the Stylish Bride

Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (PST)

Pasadena, CA

Purchase Tickets Here.

 

Ultimate Beerfest Pasadena

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11/23/2013

Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green Street
Pasadena, California 91101
The Ultimate Beerfest Pasadena features two Saturday sessions:Session 1: 1 pm – 4 pm general admission
Session 2: 7 pm – 10 pm general admission

The Ultimate Beerfest Pasadena includes over sixty beers from craft breweries in this one day celebration of craft-brewed bliss. The Ultimate Beerfest provides craft beer lovers with a chance to meet brewers, sample different craft beers and find a new favorite malt beverage in a fun, festive environment.

VIP Admission to the festival includes a commemorative Ultimate Beerfest tasting cup, 20 samples of festival beer, one-hour early entrance and participation in the beer judging to help determine which breweries take home Ultimate Beerfest Pasadena trophies.

General Admission to the festival includes a commemorative Ultimate Beerfest tasting cup and 10 samples of festival beer.

Additional round cards and food concessions available separately.

Plan on arriving up to one hour early for event check-in. Drink responsibly, designate a driver or take public transportation.
Visit www.UltimateBeerfest.com for event terms and conditions and a local hotel booking engine.

Click here to purchase tickets.

A Taste of Old Pasadena – September 17, 2013

taste-of-pasadena

Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Presented by: Pasadena-Foothills Association of REALTORS

A Taste of Old Pasadena
The Pasadena Association of REALTORS Charitable Foundation presents the 22nd edition of A Taste of Old Pasadena 2013 on Tuesday, September 17, from 5:30-9:00pm. Indulge in an adventure of taste as you visit Old Pasadena restaurants on a self-guided walking tour. Each participating restaurant will provide maps to guide you – or simply follow the signs conveniently placed in front of establishments.

A Taste of Old Pasadena is the perfect opportunity to experience many of the area’s award-winning restaurants and culinary delights in one evening. Come sample a myriad of cultural treasures from Old Pasadena’s new and well-established restaurants. Diners will not only marvel in the delicious cuisine that A Taste of Old Pasadena offers, but will also enjoy helping others with 100% of proceeds benefiting local charities.

Participating restaurants to date:
– 168 Restaurant
– 21 Choices
– All India Café
– Bar Celona
– Bella’s Gourmet Pizza
– Beyond the Olive
– Bird Pick Tea & Herb
– Brothers’ Pies ‘n’ Fries
– Café Santorini
– Equator
– Himalayan Café
– Hot Wings Café
– Il Fornaio
– IX Tapa
– Jake’s
– KAL’s Bistro
– The Kitchen
– La Luna Negra
– The Melting Pot
– Mezbaan Indian Cuisine
– Mignon Chocolate
– PappaRich
– Pita Jungle
– Popcorn-n-More
– Saladish
– Slater’s 50/50
– SORRISO
– Sugar Fix Desserts
– Temptations
– Three Dog Bakery
– Tibet Nepal House
– Twin Palms
– Vertical Wine Bistro
– Wokcano

To purchase tickets, visit their website below.

Tickets $30
Participating restaurants
5:30 – 9:00pm
http://www.pfarcf.org
(626) 795-2455