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

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):

• a/k/a An American Bistro
• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
• Brookside Golf Club (lunch only)
• Cameron’s Seafood
• Central Park Restaurant
• Clearman’s Galley
• The Counter
• Crepe Studio
• Dog Haus
• Dog Haus Biergarten
• Du-pars
• El Portal Restaurant
• Gale’s (lunch only)
• Green Street Restaurant
• Haven Gastropub
• Jake’s Pasadena
• Kal’s Mediterranean Bistro
• Kathleen’s Restaurant
• Kings Row Gastropub
• La Grande Orange Cafe
• M Local Mediterranean Grill
• The Market on Holly
• McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks
• Melt It! a grilled cheese company 
• New York Deli
• Pie ‘n Burger
• Pita Jungle
• POP Champagne & Dessert Bar
• Real Food Daily
• Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ
• Slater’s 50/50
• Toro Sushi Bar and Lounge
• Trattoria Neapolis
• Twohey’s Restaurant
• Umami Burger
• Vertical Wine Bistro
• Villa Sorriso
• Yahaira’s Cafe

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)

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)

Purchase Tickets Here.

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