Southern Light

He's at Europane on Colorado Blvd. near the Paseo. (We have to distinguish, because there are two Europanes on Colorado.) The window faces south, and at this time of year our sun stays low in the southern sky.

I just like the light.

Theme Day: Numbers

Today's City Daily Photo theme day is "numbers." I knew I'd eventually have a reason to post this shot. This old license plate was part of the eclectic decor at Perdue's barbecue restaurant, a great little place that had an all-too-short tenure on Orange Grove Blvd. near Los Robles. I guess their timing wasn't great, but the food sure was.

City Daily Photo is still having website problems but we still have the nice linky page, thanks to Julie of Sydney Eye. Speaking of eyes, I like telling you about new blogs and lately I've been enjoying Cambridge, UK. Rath Savinders has quite an eye.

Commute, 9

I don't usually stop on the way to or from Bell Sound Studios in Hollywood for my weekly recording session. This isn't because the possible stops don't tempt me. It's because I'm on my way to work and I haven't included browsing time in my commute.

So I haven't tried Jollibee. Looks like it's a chain but I've never seen another one besides this one on Beverly Blvd.

Anybody?

Yahoo reviews say Jollibee is a Filipino fast food chain. After reading the reviews I might not end up going to Jollibee but I might seek out some Filipino food. It sounds pretty good.

Deja Brew

Here's a fine kettle of caffeine (and more awnings for Susan):

I'm such a pro that although I've been blogging daily since 1/1/08 I didn't know until yesterday that Blogger saves my photos to Picasa. Sometimes it saves four or five copies, and now my Picasa album is so full I can't upload new photos to it. (I deleted about 40 photos, but that didn't help.)

Until I figure it out (or make the long-threatened move to Wordpress), here's a photo I posted January 15th, 2008 (my fifteenth day of blogging). I took the shot at Il Capo Restaurant on Green Street. Malbec Argentine restaurant occupies the location now.

Have you experienced this Picasa problem? Did you buy more space? Move to Wordpress? Delete old photos? I'd be grateful to hear your suggestions.

Today Special

I have no idea if the food is good at Luciano's. I've never eaten there, but I've got to try it. It's not just the menu that tempts me, though I do like the hand-written chalk board. It's not the setting--shopping mall across the from the hospital--that could be good and bad.

It's the tablecloths.

The red checkered cloth says "quaint" to me. It says "charming." It says "authentic." They knew that when they put them there.

I am such a sucker.

Lemonade

This was a welcome sight on a gloomy day.

These people sure like yellow.

It was too chilly to eat outside but it looked like people were taking advantage of the Lemonade menu indoors.

Lemonade is on Lake between Green and Cordova, part of The Commons. Should be a good spot. I haven't eaten there yet. Have you? What's your verdict?

Mt. Wilson Week: Cosmic Cafe

You probably won't go to the Cosmic Cafe* first. You'll probably walk around the grounds and check out the views--wear yourself out a little. That is, if you drove up. Some people hike, so they come pre-worn out. I wouldn't recommend hiking on a hot day; the trail is long and (necessarily) uphill, and it doesn't have much shade.

The first thing you'll see upon your approach to the Mt. Wilson Observatory, no matter which way you arrive, is this impressive set of towers. They mostly serve Los Angeles-area radio and television stations. This view of them is from the Cafe.

Two of us had their excellent hot dogs. A third had the hummus and didn't finish it, so I finished it for her. Piggy.

The Cosmic Cafe is popular and super-casual. Folks wear their hiking clothes. Dogs are welcome (there's a dish for them, too). Nothing fancy but the views.

*The Cafe is only open on weekends.

Happy Trails Catering

Maybe you think Happy Trails Catering is a caterer. Which they are, but you also need to know they're open for lunch from 11-2:30 on weekdays and, theirs is the most magical setting in which to dine since Alice sat down with the Mad Hatter and his cohorts in insanity.

You and your own cartel of kooks may start by entering the storefront of the old brick building at 207 S. Fair Oaks. Order your sandwich or salad there. Then slip down the rabbit hole walkway to the back and you're in Wonderland, enchanted by green grass, white tablecloths and an oak* so ancient and benevolent it deigns to shade the whole place.

When your food arrives, the magic is complete. Look, I'm just warning you--don't expect a normal, drab burger or BLT. The idea is to entice you to hire their catering services, so they're going to wow you with the food.

It's safe to eat it; my analogy is Wonderland, not Faerie. Once you and your mad tea party have finished, you'll be allowed to leave. But you'll be loathe to do so.


*My more knowledgeable commenters have set me straight. It's a camphor!

La Bodeguita

La Bodeguita restaurant and mini-market squats at the corner of Summit Avenue and Hammond Street.

I was in a bit of a hurry when I drove by the other day, but this photo was not to be resisted. I didn't take the time to go inside.

I found this post about la Bodeguita on Chowhound and it's a rave! Ah, but it's five years old. I say it needs an update.

Have you been to la Bodeguita? What's your review?

Favorite Place in Glendale

My Burbank friend and I have finally found the perfect middle ground: Favorite Place (that's its name) in Glendale.

I'm not a foodie. I'm not a restaurant reviewer. I can't describe the delicate blabbedy blah on the palate or the minglings of fine spices in the this and the that. What I can tell you is the food is fresh and tasty and unusual, the service is not just friendly but downright sweet, and the atmosphere is all charm.

From a glimpse of the outside you could be fooled into thinking you're about to enter a greasy-smelling diner to sit at a Formica counter and drink coffee that's been sitting on the burner since last night. But don't judge a restaurant by its storefront. And do call ahead for reservations.

Favorite Place has unself-conscious class. Also they have rose petal lemonade. Who else has rose petal lemonade?

Castaways

Yesterday, my friend of 23 years took me out for a belated birthday lunch at the Castaway in Burbank. This is a place where you go for the views.

The view here is to the southwest overlooking Burbank, Forest Lawn and Griffith Park (the hills in the distance). At night it's all lit up (not the hills) and if you look more west than south you can pick out Disney, Warner Brothers and Universal studios. The 101 freeway is easy to spot, flowing like red and white water.

But you'll have to imagine all that. Our two-day heat wave is over and yesterday was cool and misty. The hills were like description in a story--not central to the action but complimentary, a setting or a mood. If it's true, as the Irish author Anne Enright says, that "all description is an opinion about the world," then yesterday those hills looked like they hadn't changed in 23 years, except after all this time they're even more green.

Sandwiches by Connal

We were hungry, and as is often the case we couldn't bring ourselves to cook. All we wanted was a sandwich.

What we got was neighborhood regulars regaling us with recommendations ("Ask for well-done fries, they do 'em a little light--you'll learn...") and stories ("Did you see that youtube video...") and ideas for next time ("You hafta try the burger, put that on your list.").

Cash only, but if you don't have enough there's an ATM inside. The BLTs were fresh--not fancy, but they didn't scrimp on bacon. The avocado fries were spicy and they give you a lot. But what's really great about Connal's is the small-town, neighborhood feel.

Perry's Joint

I have sought hot dog heaven, and I have found it.

The first time I went to Perry's Joint at 2051 Lincoln Avenue (just south of Woodbury), I had the Chicago dog and a chocolate shake. For the next two weeks I didn't stop thinking about the dog or the shake, so I went back and ordered the same thing. I loved it just as much the second time.

I'm sure the other things on the menu are good but I may never try them. For my money, Perry's Chicago dog is the best hot dog in Pasadena.

Here's Perry, scooping up the chocolate ice cream for my shake (ice cream and milk are the only ingredients). You can get a better look at Perry in this Youtube video by John Muir students.

To give you an idea of the kind of guy Perry is, last time I was there he was donating 65% of the day's proceeds--sixty-five percent--to a local girl who needs an operation. I asked if she was a relative. "No, she just needs the operation," he said.

Perry and Melanie Bennett have been running Perry's Joint for six years, regularly getting raves at online review sites. The place is bright and comfortable, the music smooth, and the service so friendly you'd come back even if you didn't like the food.

Breakfast at OB's

OB's Cafe in North Quincy serves scrumptious french toast smothered in blueberries and whipped cream . . . yum!

PDP/PPM Books Contest, week 3

At the new Technique Restaurant on Colorado Blvd., depending on which side of the table you choose you may gaze at the ceiling...

...or at what is perhaps a more dramatic view: the kitchen and some quirky, food-related films.

Technique is the new "classroom" kitchen of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena. John and I had a lovely meal there the other night. We began with Grilled Haloumi Cheese with compressed watermelon and pickled rind, plus Roasted Bone Marrow with French radishes and toast with house-churned butter (I had to try it). For his meal John had fried, free range Jadori chicken, braised cavolo nero, pommes puree and a biscuit. I couldn't resist trying the Coffee Braised Short Ribs, parsnip puree and house made apple chips, which also came with some delectable root vegetables.

J raved about the cavolo nero all through dinner, of which he ate every bite. I didn't need a knife to cut my short ribs and I can't even begin to define the succulent flavor of that sauce. The parsnip puree alone is worth going back for. I did not eat every bite, I snarfed every bite.

We were too full for dessert. The room is a bit of an echo cavern, but that's the only drawback I can see.

An elegant, fantastic meal, cooked and served by Le Cordon Bleu students, and you won't believe the price. Go ahead, guess. (Liquor license is being applied for, so no wine.)

No prizes for getting that one right, but there is a prize today. We're supposed to be having a contest and indeed we are.

What historic building is now occupied by Technique Restaurant? That's today's contest question.

I've given you all the information you need to Google the answer. As a matter of fact, I've linked you to it.

A quick review of the contest rules:

1. Email the answer to me. There's a link to my email in my profile at the upper left. You have until midnight tonight, Pasadena (Pacific) time. Answers in the comments section will be rudely ignored.

2. That's all you have to do.

3. This weekend I'll ask my cutest, most innocent neighbor child to draw the winning name from a hat. I'll announce the winner in Sunday's post.

4. PRIZES! Once again, this week's prize will be a brand new copy of Hometown Pasadena 2009-2010, thanks to Colleen Dunn Bates and Prospect Park Media. I'm down to two copies after today, so the contest will continue for two more Fridays--plus an additional week when Colleen and I will give away a copy of At Home Pasadena, the lovely, hardcover coffee table book about beautiful living in our beautiful town.

Stick around, because one lucky winner will receive a copy of the brand new novel, Helen of Pasadena, by Pasadanish Lian Dolan. The book is now available on Amazon, at Vroman's and at bookstores everywhere. Whet your Helen appetite by reading chapter one here.

Many thanks to Colleen, Lian and everyone at Prospect Park Media.

Making Something

Koi at Houston's Restaurant

Boz and I took a walk last evening and got a look at some of the Halloween decorations going up in the neighborhood. Some people do the same thing every year. (If it works, don't fix it, right?) Some people try new things. It's fun to see folks being creative.

So far the Pumpkin God has not appeared. I hope he does. He's my favorite. But that display is a lot of work and maybe his creator wants to try something new this year. Or maybe he'd rather put up nothing at all. I don't blame him. I usually stick a couple of gourds on the front steps, and rarely do they even get carved.

I guess people are creative in different ways. There's the chef, the painter, the tailor, the interior designer, the architect, the gardener--these people do things I envy. Then again, I'm glad I get to take pictures and write stories. (And as soon as my talents make me enough money to hire all the aforementioned people, then perhaps I can stop envying their talents so damned much)

Sometimes I do the same thing because I know it works. Sometimes, I like to shake it up.

Playhouse Elements

I'm not an insider when it comes to the Pasadena Playhouse or to Elements Kitchen, but I'm charmed by the sight of the Elements tables set up for lunch at the Playhouse Plaza on a hazy day.

The reviewers gush over the food at Elements Kitchen. (A better word might be "slobber.") I haven't eaten there, so I can't give you a personal recommendation, but one of these days I mean to do so (eat there and tell you about it).

I can't tell you what's going on with the Pasadena Playhouse, either. For a while it looked like this grand old institution wasn't going to make it through the recession. But they've got a fall season coming up and it looks interesting. Let's hope the reviewers gush, and use their napkins.

Small Business

I've been taking morning walks. Besides being good exercise, walking gives you a different perspective on every little thing and it's a better way to take pictures than driving.

I walked along Lake Avenue the other day and took these photos before business hours, thus the empty parking lots. 

It's been quite some time since I ate at Orean the Health Express. They've got a nice website, which seems to me a requirement these days for any business, large or small. They've also got a drive-through window. Convenient.

Angel's Tropical fish doesn't have a website, though they have a web presence, as in reviews. Not being in the market for tropical fish, I can't corroborate. Boz the pooch would like to have a pet, but you know the drill--he'd start out with good intentions but I'd end up having to take care of it, and I don't even want a fish.

I wonder how these small businesses are doing. I'm no expert but my friend Karen Klein is. If you have a small business or are thinking of starting one, do yourself a favor and follow her blog.

Plate 38

I'm not one to stand in line for the opening of a movie. I won't camp out to be the first to buy the latest product from Apple. I figure if these things are any good, they'll be around for a while and I can take advantage of them when sanity sets in and the crowds die down.

This was my thinking about Plate 38. As interested as I was in this new Pasadena restaurant, I wasn't in any hurry to get over there. But my usual method of operations didn't work for me this time. Just days after opening, a serious fire closed the place yesterday.

The location, on the northeast corner of Colorado Blvd. and Sierra Madre, had long been empty. (The window signs promising coffee taunted me cruelly.) The new owners put a lot of work into the place and took their time to make it right. I was willing to wait and I was glad when I heard they'd opened. I figured I'd get over there sooner or later.

Well, later. Robert Humphreys, the chef and owner, is quoted in the Pasadena Star-News saying he's not sure when he'll be ready to open the place again. Not soon. Maybe October. I wish him and his staff all the best.

Next time, I'll wait in line.

Madre's

Madre's restaurant might not be a mystery to you, but it was to me. I found it in my wanderings a couple of months ago. This entryway might be gone by now. Such things are ephemeral.

Jennifer Lopez opened this "elegant Cuban restaurant" at 897 Granite Drive in April of 2002. It started out with a bang--such luminaries as Kobe Bryant, Nicole Kidman and even Maria Shriver were there for the opening.

I don't know why it closed (too expensive? not good enough? the economy?), but for some reason it didn't make the cut. Professional reviewers called it pricey, but liked the feminine decor. I tried peeking in the windows but couldn't see much. A sticker on the door said it was Zagat rated. Did you eat there? What are your memories of the place?

I haven't been linking to Yelp reviews due to the class action extortion lawsuit, but in this case Yelp can neither hurt nor help the business and the reviews are kind of funny. Many people went to Madre's to catch a glimpse of J-Lo. It gives you an idea of the grasp they have of the restaurant business, and what kind of reviewers you get on a website like Yelp.