As has been discussed here before, the term “gastropub” immediately conjures up some sort of boardroom trying to guess the next trend. “Gastropubs,” the men in the suits say. “That’s what the hip kids like today.” In contrast, an “ale house” brings to mind long tables and beer—something simpler, something, well, less pretentious. This time [...]
Three things make King Taco notable. First, the incredible juiciness of the meats in its tacos and burritos. Second, the late hours. Finally, it’s in Old Pasadena, so you can stop by after shopping, movie-going or bar-hopping. Oh, and we forgot to mention that it’s cheap. 45 N. Arroyo Parkway, Old Pasadena, 626.792-0405, kingtaco.com, Mexican. [...]
This hugely successful caterer offers a small but excellent roster of daily-changing to-go food, from soups to vegetarian lasagna to a delicious beef bourguignon. If you don’t have time to make appetizers for that potluck, you can usually pick up a dozen mini Caesar salad cups or zucchini-wrapped shrimp. 1434 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.793.7234, [...]
Cafe Alibi has free wi-fi and a cute little patio southside. Also, one of the first places several years ago to routinely ask if you prefer soymilk in your espresso drink. Great, big picture window in front for people-watching. Friendly service with comfy chairs for laptop lads and lassies. 84 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, [...]
Next weekend the streets of Sierra Madre will come alive with charity, jazz and wine. The 4th Annual Sierra Madre Wine and Jazz Festival takes place the evening of October 3rd, benefiting cancer research and treatment at City of Hope. Wine will be provided by Riboli Family Wine Estates and San Antonio Winery and local [...]
Besides giving us a blessed three days off, Labor Day weekend brought the opening of the L.A. County Fair. I love the fair, always have. I love the looks on city faces when they realize how big a pig really is. I love the pointlessness of putting everything on a stick, of deep frying everything [...]
The Pasadena Master Chorale will kick off its first full season this weekend with a brief concert series in Altadena and Pasadena. This first of seven concerts throughout the year, the September program will focus on Songs of the World, featuring American classics, European tunes and more traditional folk music from around the world, sung [...]
This Sunday, South Pasadena’s Mission Street, a leg of the old Route 66, will be lined with with more than 400 classic cars. The 5th Annual Cruz’n for Roses Hot Rod and Classic Car Show promotes the city’s float in the Rose Parade — the oldest self-built float in the tournament. Each year South Pasadenans [...]
Though the heat of September is upon us, we can still dream of midsummer at the Descanso Gardens with the help of the Crown City Theatre Company. For four performances, the company will bring Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Under the Oaks Theater. Hopefully the smooth comedy will bring some refreshing [...]
Hardcover Fiction Homer & Langley, E L Doctorow Gate at the Stairs, Lorrie Moore South of Broad, Pat Conroy Help, Kathryn Stockett Shanghai Girls, Lisa See White Queen, Philippa Gregory Blame, Michelle Huneven The Girl Who Played With Fire, Stieg Larsson Inherent Vice, Thomas Pynchon Best Friends Forever, Jennifer Weiner Hardcover Non-Fiction L.A. Noir, John [...]
