Tight Life

I rarely post night shots--not because I don't like them, but because I don't get out much. Time for a change.

I don't know about you, but lately I'm tight-fisted with my time and my money. These days we're all working hard and not taking much time off. Even then we don't spend much. I don't know about you, but I'm saving up for the next recession.

Sometimes, though, you've got to take your battered psyche out to happy hour. Yes, a glass of Two Buck Chuck poured by your own tight fist at home is cheaper than a glass poured by a server in a downtown bistro, but you're paying for elegance, leisure, and the festive feeling of being out with your friends and their psyches. And don't forget the server has a recession to pay for, too.

Doesn't tonight seem like the time? The weather's balmy, the summer's new. A glass of wine at a balcony cafe and a stroll through Old Town, or along South Lake Avenue (for ice cream) would be an indulgent, healing way to waste an hour or two, perhaps with fists unclenched long enough to hold hands.

Going Vertical

The skylight and dangling bulbs above the stairway leading to Vertical Wine Bistro make for an intriguing entryway. Ever since the place opened I've wondered what it was like inside. I found out Tuesday night when I attended a get-together to celebrate the success of Hometown Pasadena, the go-to blog for what's happening here in town.

(Actually, Hometown Pasadena is hardly a blog. It's more of an online magazine. It's also a book. Actually, it's hardly a book. It's more of a Pasadena bible. Actually, it's several books. And publisher Colleen Dunn Bates, who oversees it all, is the nexus connecting people to things they love even if they don't know it yet.)

I was so busy connecting with Hometown Pasadena contributors Tuesday that I didn't take time to taste enough of the small-plate treats floating about. But what I had was fab, so I got to Googling and found mattatouille's review. It must be a good one because reading it made my mouth water. His photo gives you a good idea of the cozy-chic look of the bar.

I snapped the picture of the lights as I was leaving. Makes me want to go back already.