Food Reviews

Easter Brunch in Pasadena

March 24, 2018 by admin

Easter brunch is a wonderful opportunity to dine out in Pasadena with family and friends. There are bountiful options, we’ve listed just a few of them here. For those of you with children, there’s some fun Easter activities you can take part in as well, and we’ll make sure to mention those below. Just be sure to make reservations in advance, because you know, it’s Easter brunch.

The Langham ($68-$115pp)
The Langham goes all out for Easter! Spending the day here is definitely a splurge, but well worth it! Choose from three decadent brunch options (there’s even a Dim Sum Brunch), each filled with endless options for eats and even free-flowing champagne and Bloody Marys. Dining patron’s children can participate in complementary Easter activities, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Kid’s Train and Petting Zoo, and play with real chicks and bunnies. There’s a whole lot of fun for the whole family! Be sure to bring a camera and create those timeless snapshots while enjoying Easter Sunday at the Langham. Reservations are required. 1401 South Oak Knoll, (626) 585-6218

Maison Akira ($54pp)

A classic Pasadena staple year-round is also a wonderful option to enjoy Easter brunch. Make a reservation to enjoy the expansive brunch featuring crab cakes, honey ham, prime rib, sushi, and much much more. There are two set seating times available, 10:45am and 12:45am. Reservations are required. 713 E. Green St, (626) 796-9501

redwhite+bluezz ($35pp)
Enjoy live music and an expansive brunch selection. Options include an omelet station, fresh seafood station, freshly carved turkey and ham, salad and desserts stations and much more. 37 S El Molino Ave, (626) 792-4441

Bar Celona
If you’re looking to skip the Sunday crowds, Bar Celona is also offering their special Easter brunch on Saturday as well. Special brunch menu from 10am-2pm Saturday and Sunday. Call for details. 46 E Colorado Blvd, 626-405-1000

Paul Martin’s American Grill ($23pp)
Classic and simple, comfortable for everyone. Paul Martin’s is open for Brunch on Easter, offering a choice of entree and a beverage of your choice (coffee, juice or cocktail!) for only $23pp. A children’s brunch menu also available. 455 S. Lake Ave. Ste 102, (626) 773-7600

Great Maple

A delicious newer option at Paseo Colorado, Great Maple serves indulgent finger-licking good eats! We’re not aware of a special brunch menu for Easter, but their regular Sunday brunch menu is fantastic with plenty of options to please everyone. Enjoy this vibrant, energetic environment that is also kid friendly. Make reservations because surely they’ll be packed. They also have their brunch menu on Saturdays if you wish to skip the Sunday holiday crowds. 300 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 114, (626) 714-7625

Filed Under: Food Reviews, Pasadena Events

True Food Kitchen in Old Town Pasadena, a Truly Exceptional Experience!

October 11, 2016 by MD

tfk_logo

True Food Kitchen in Old Town Pasadena is exactly, and I do mean exactly, what this city has been needing! Prior to TFK’s arrival, Old Town Pasadena was in desperate need of a few things: An awesome spot for weekend brunch, delicious hand-crafted cocktails, hip but comfortable spots to get together with friends and family, an ambiance with the wow factor of the West side, and some flavorful and fun eats … all of these voids have been filled and so much more with its arrival! Welcome True Food Kitchen, we are so excited to have you in town!

The entire menu looks amazing, and everything is perfect for sharing! Here’s what we tried on our last visit (there’s soooo much more to try, everything looks so finger-licking good).

Let’s start with the cocktail menu. Every single drink is hand-crafted to perfection with tiny bits and pieces of muddled fruits, veggies and herbs. We tried the Skinny Margarita and the Grapefruit Martini. Both were delicious, not overly sweet, and just mixed to perfection! Be sure to check out some of these refreshing cocktails while the weather’s still scorching, they’re definitely a cooling treat (I’m sure I’ll be enjoying them throughout the So Cal ‘winter’ as well)! They’re priced pretty fairly at $10-$12 per cocktail. The same thing on the West side will easily run you $15+.

Citrus Skinny Margarita (left, $11) muddled citrus, torn mint, cucumber, ixá organic tequila

Thai Grapefruit Martini (right, $12) thai basil, grapefruit, organic vodka

Next up, let’s talk about the starters. We had the Charred Cauliflower and Squash Pizza. First things first, Vegan Almond Ricotta?? OMG quite possibly the best tasting ‘cheese’ I’ve ever had – but without any guilt! Next time I’m definitely asking for extra drops of it! The crust was perfectly crispy in all the right places, and thin enough if you’re not into all those doughy carbs. The Charred Cauliflower was just as delicious. The tahini makes it creamy (without the mayo which is which most places use) and the dates naturally sweeten it up. It’s seasoned just perfectly and feels like a guilty creamy treat, but without the guilt. TFK does a fantastic job of satisfying all of our guilty eating pleasures by making healthy versions of those bad dishes we crave.

Butternut Squash Pizza ($13.50) smoked onion, organic kale, vegan almond ricotta, dried cranberry (Vegan)

Charred Cauliflower ($8) harissa tahini, medjool date, dill, mint, pistachio (Vegan, Gluten Free)

On to the mains … I guess we were feeling a little Italian that night cause we ended up ordering the Lasagna Bolognese and the Spaghetti Casserole (made with spaghetti squash … get the reoccurring theme here folks? All the good tastes, without the guilt)! Both were good portions with a unique twist to somewhat traditional dishes. I added the house-made chicken sausage ($4) to the casserole for some extra protein, I think you should too!

Lasagna Bolognese (left, $16) house-made chicken sausage, mushroom, spinach, lemon ricotta, herbs (Gluten Free)

Spaghetti Squash Casserole (right, $14) organic tomato, caramelized onion, zucchini, fresh mozzarella (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)

And for the grande finale (we couldn’t resist), we shared the Flourless Cake. I simply can’t think of a single improvement I’d make to it, but I did add some Coconut Whipped Cream that I saw listed on another dessert item because I love anything and everything coconut. With just the right amount of bittersweet chocolate, a light crunch and some vanilla ice cream you just can’t go wrong. I don’t generally like caramel, but this one was homemade and I had no issue scooping it straight to my mouth.

Flourless Chocolate Cake ($7) caramel, vanilla ice cream, cocoa nibs (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

TFK was definitely love at first sight. We’ve been back 4 times, and they’ve only been open a few weeks. I keep telling myself to slow down because I’ll get sick of it, but I really don’t think that is possible.

Check them out on Yelp, they already have hundreds of folks bragging about how amazing it is. Warning: the food pics are going to make your mouth water!

What’s even more wonderful is that they take reservations! They’ve been really busy every night of the week, so click here to reserve through Open Table.

168 W Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105

(626) 639-6818

truefoodkitchen.com

Filed Under: Casual Dining, Food Reviews, Hot Spots

Del Frisco’s Grille Pasadena – A Wonderful Addition to Lake Ave.

February 26, 2015 by MD

Del Frisco’s Grille in Pasadena an exciting new Pasadena restaurant that offers quality fine dining worthy foods in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere! They serve up a vast menu of very tasty eats that take classic American comforts food and give them a modern foodie-worthy twist. The large bar is hip and swanky, offering a perfect environment for catching up with friends over a tasty cocktail and delicious appetizers. The restaurant itself is very warm and inviting, with comfortable and roomy seating and enough space between patrons so that you don’t feel crammed in. If you’re into wine, their selection is vast and impressive.

The Grille uses local ingredients to make delicious favorites such as their Ahi Tacos and Cheesesteak Egg Rolls (pictured below) which were perfect appetizers for sharing!

Ahi Tacos ($17.50)

Tuna Tartare, Avocado, Spicy Citrus Mayo

eggrolls

Cheesesteak Eggrolls ($13.00)

Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard

The menu also includes a selection of prime steaks, hearty salads, formidable sandwiches and chef-inspired entrees. We selected the Sole Francese & The Filet Mignon trio (the Filet trio is not a regular menu item) as our main courses. The sole was one of the best I’ve had, rich with lump crab meat and a tangy lemon-butter sauce on top. To accompany our main course, we chose the Pan-Seared Wild Mushrooms, and of course who could resist the hearty Truffled Mac and Cheese (all pictured below)! The portions are generous, and everything we ordered was perfect for sharing, even with a few people.

Sole Francese ($28.50)

Lump Crab, Arugula-Cherry Tomato Salad, Chive-Lemon Butter

Filet Mignon Trio ($market price)

mushrooms

Truffled Mac & Cheese ($8.00) & Pan-Braised Wild Mushrooms ($9.00)

Finally, to add fire to the already roaring flame, we ordered the Coconut Cream Pie for dessert!! We had no room left whatsoever in our stomachs to eat dessert – or so we thought. Rich with real whipped cream, shaved white chocolate and coconut flakes it was truly irresistible and a perfect ending to a perfect dining experience.

Coconut Cream Pie ($10.50)

White Chocolate Shavings

The service was amongst the friendliest, and the ambiance is a refreshing fun addition to the classic staple restaurants on Lake Avenue. Once you experience the fresh ingredients and generous portions, you’ll see the pricing is fair as well! We certainly can’t wait to return, and are looking forward to trying Del Frisco’s Grille’s Sunday Brunch – sooner than later! Do yourself a favor and get over to try this wonderful new restaurant in Pasadena!

Check them out on YELP.

55 S. Lake Ave., Suite 150

Pasadena, CA 91101

(626) 765-9913

Filed Under: Casual Dining, Fine Dining, Food Reviews, Hot Spots

Meat District Co. – Old Town Pasadena

September 4, 2014 by MD

If there’s a perfect place for the Paleo, Atkins, Carnivorous, my favorite animal is steak kind of person – I’m pretty sure the meat Gods would deem it to be located at Meat District Co., in Old Town Pasadena. I visited the new diggs (on Raymond & Union) over the weekend, and I must say I was very impressed. I ordered the burger & 1/2 rack combo (pictured above). The Truffle Burger ($15) was exceptional!!! With the surge of burger establishments in the area, I’ve definitely had my fair share recently. This 1/2 lb. burger was surely by far the best in town! The pork ribs were also delicious and tender!

All their beef is ‘ALL NATURAL, NEVER EVER BEEF (hormone, steroid & antibiotic free).’ They work in partnership with America’s most sustainable producers, to make sure quality and taste are always on par.

As for the menu, Meat District offers something for everyone, from five spice chicken wings and baby back ribs to nearly a dozen burgers on deck.

BURGER & RIB COMBO

Any 1/2 lb burger & 1/2 a rack of beef or 1/2 jumbo pork ribs

TRUFFLE BURGER

1/2 lb patty with truffle parmasen, argulua, roasted peppers, tomato & truffle aioli

JUMBO PORK RIBS

25oz Half Rack 45oz Full Rack

Definitely two thumbs up! Give them a try and see for yourself!

69 N Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103

Pasadena

Check them out on Yelp.

Filed Under: Casual Dining, Food Reviews, Hot Spots

The Pie Hole – Old Town Pasadena

May 14, 2014 by MD

If you’re a sucker for sweets, look no further. The Pie Hole is my new go-to for very unique, delicious and mouth-watering sweets! I guarantee you’ve never had anything like any of their sweet and savory eats anywhere else, and the experience is worth every single calorie!

The Pie Hole hand makes all items from scratch. Each sweet runs $5-8 dollars, they are all fairly large and perfect for sharing. This family owned business believes a pie shop is a living institution, a neighborhood gathering spot, and a welcoming environment for all. Come support this business that seeks to be the best part of everyone’s day – I guarantee you wont regret it!

The shop is located in the new Indiana Colony, sharing space with CoolHaus ice cream and Pressed Juicery.

[Chocolate Crostada and Maple Custard pictured above.]

Pasadena

59 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105

www.thepieholela.com

Sun-Thurs: 10am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-11pm

888-692-7429

Check them out on Yelp.

Filed Under: Coffee Shops, Food Reviews, Quick Eats

Brunch: KTCHN Old Town Pasadena

April 17, 2014 by MD

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.

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!

Filed Under: Casual Dining, Coffee Shops, Food Reviews, Quick Eats

The Royce at Langham Pasadena

March 26, 2014 by MD

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.

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.

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

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

Filed Under: Fine Dining, Food Reviews

Juice Served Here – Pasadena, CA

January 9, 2014 by MD

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!

PASADENA

57 E. Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91103

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

T: 626-578-0101

Filed Under: Food Reviews, Quick Eats Tagged With: juice

Malbec New Argentinean Cuisine – Pasadena

November 19, 2013 by MD

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.

Spinach & Cheese Empanadas ($6.95 for 2)

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

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

malbeccuisine.com

Filed Under: Casual Dining, Food Reviews

Copa Vida – Old Town Pasadena

August 22, 2013 by MD

With long windows looking out to the streets of Old Pasadena, Copa Vida, is now up and running in the old stomping grounds of Red White and Bluez. They’re serving caffeine-seeking customers a variety of coffees and teas, from espresso and drip coffee, to cold brewed coffee and iced tea served via a unique tap system. Founded and produced by Steve Chang, plus Frank La and Sam Hong (Cafe Dulce), this bright, dapper new bar is sure to be a hit with local office workers and residents, thanks to a wide floorspace, a multitude of calming wood panels and accents all around, as well as plenty of seating to linger. We’ve yet to try the cafe ourselves, but wanted to share the grand opening news, let us know what you think!
– A La Carte Menu –

Brewed coffee – Aero press $4

Espresso, Macchiatto, 1 + 1, Capp, Latte $3-$5

Iced Freddo $5

70 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena 91105
p: 626-213-3952

mon-thurs:	7am – 10pm
fri:	7am – 11pm
sat:	8am – 11pm
sun:	8am – 9pm

Filed Under: Coffee Shops, Food Reviews Tagged With: coffee