We stopped into Intelligentsia the other day, a few weeks after its opening, and saw that it is settling very successfully into Old Pasadena life. Things were quiet for the first week or two, but now the word is out, and it appears that every under-30 person in town with an deliberately ragged haircut, a [...]
Dim sum doesn’t roll on carts at this temple to tea snacks; instead the jewel-like dumplings, noodles and other refined small plates are pictured on the extensive, often-changing menu. Hard-core foodies choose the crunchy fried chicken knees and gelatinous chicken feet. For more mainstream eaters, such seafood dishes as shrimp-stuffed eggplant, tofu rounds topped with [...]
Part bakery, part coffeehouse, part lunch purveyor to the many office workers in downtown Pasadena and Alhambra, these spacious, friendly, order-at-the-counter cafés are pleasant spots for lunchtime sandwiches. Generous and made on fresh, homemade bread, they are simple and very satisfying. 921 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.583.8888, lovebirdscafe.com, Bakery. B & L Mon.-Sat. No booze. AE, [...]
Briganti is the sort of lively Tuscan trattoria that’s common on the westside but rare on the eastside, and locals can’t get enough of its seafood salad, burrata with pesto and roasted tomatoes, ethereal thin-crust pizzas, classic pastas, excellent fresh-fish specials, and a lovely flourless chocolate cake. The joint is always jumping, with noise bouncing [...]
Looking for all the world like a wine bar, this place turns out to be not about drinking at all. Beyond the Olive (tagline: Celebrating Food and Living Well) is an olive oil and balsamic vinegar store that also stocks some other foods (olives, dips, tapenades, crackers) and gift items, such as bowls (for olive [...]
Devotees wait at the door for the 11 a.m. opening on Saturdays and Sundays, the only days this famed dumpling house makes the soup dumplings called xiao long bao, amazing broth-and-pork-filled creations that always sell out fast. But those are by no means the only good things to eat in this cheerful, always-crowded café. We [...]
Also known as Himeko Chicken, these two cafés make an addictive teriyaki chicken served with chow mein and rice. The sides (sprout salad, seasoned spinach, garlic noodles) are tasty. You can eat here, but we usually get it to go; it’s good party chow, too. 319 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626.683.9865, teriandyaki.com, Asian. L & [...]
Huge sandwiches, low prices and folksy charm keep this long-established spot packed every lunchtime with local working folk, from cops to office toilers to clerks at the mall next door. Split a sandwich with a friend, or get the soup and half sandwich. 269 N. Sierra Madre Villa, Pasadena, 626.578.1616, pasadenasandwichcompany.com, American/Deli. B Mon.-Fri., L [...]
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, [...]
This tiny, cheerful café is flagged with market umbrellas and small outdoor tables. Inside, refrigerated display cases are stacked with beaucoup beverages and a bowl of tempting (yes, tempting) chilled beets. The cornmeal crust is distinct, like a good hush puppy, made with coarse meal so it crunches with each bite. Corn pizza on cornmeal [...]
