Fru's Profile
Pasadena - Need Some Help
Just called Intelligentsia based on virtual balboa's post. They are no longer selling food with the exception of pastries. They will be serving cheese and charcuterie soon.
SoPas Farmers Market
While I can't comment on certification at FMs, I don't completely trust what I buy from Whole Foods either but, if you shop farmer's markets, you will generally get produce grown in season which is a plus for so many reasons. I have shopped at the Eagle Rock, S Pas, Alhambra, Glendale and Pasadena markets as well as others not in the immediate area. I have been going since their inception. If I were you, I would just go and peruse. Get to know the vendors. Once you are familiar, you can go through pretty quickly. The Saturday morning Pasadena market is a ritual for me. I would rather buy straight from the grower and buy locally and stay in season if possible. The Sunday Hollywood and Wednesday Santa Monica markets are awesome but there is a major hassle factor between parking and getting there. I have actually turned around on the 10 frwy in frustration trying to go to the Wednesday Santa Monica Market but you will find things there that you will find no where else-provided the chefs don't get there first:) And yes, generally speaking, the produce DOES taste better.
Where Can I find a great Selection of Balsamic Vinegars in Orange County/LA
I get Uncle Berch's products at the Pasadena farmer's market but they do on line and other markets so check them out. http://www.uncleberch.com/ They have a fig balsamic that is wonderful along with other flavors and straight balsamic vinegars of different ages. Hopefully this isn't the company that you are having trouble with because they are really nice, helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the products they sell.
Ploughman's Lunch in LA Area
If you do plan on being in Pasadena to go to Lucky Baldwin's, consider Rose Tree Cottage for their afternoon tea. The owners can be both charming and/or persinickity but it is truely an authentic tea service. http://www.rosetreecottage.com/RTC-Website-2011-V004/Afternoon_Tea.html
Where do Koreans frequent for BBQ in Ktown?
Found Corner Place by accident. Went there for lunch-moms and kids with my girlfriend (Korean) who has introduced me to Moodaepo, Parks and Chosun Galbee. We really liked Corner Place. My son and I were the only Caucasians except for a long table full of police. I thought the quality of the meat was good. I've had funky meat at Soot Bull Jeep. Our go to place is still Chosun Galbee, yes, with my Korean friend and her family. I like their panchan but their kimchee is lacking-sour instead of well fermented and not spicy enough but they have the best bim bim bap I have ever had.
Where to get good breakfast AND good coffee
While not my absolute favorite breakfast, Black Cow in Montrose has great coffee options including French Press.
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
Agree with Arthur's assessment. I had to ask my father about this since I'm sure he is older than westsidegal, he is 78...He used to get his Reubin at Tip Toe Inn on Broadway at 86th in the 40s and early 50s. Not Kosher, not touristy, no longer around:) To keep this post relevant to the OP's question, I've got to get to Langer's!
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
Well, being a lifelong eater of ok deli ( family originally from NY, me-I'm a California native) I've never had my socks knocked off until I went this summer to NY and had Katz's pastrami. I'm going to have to make the effort and try Langer's now. For me, their hours are a bit inconvenient...too bad they aren't open on Sunday!
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
Don't get me wrong. I Just like to have a destination when I'm outside of my neighborhood. What is it about Label's that makes it "New York-esque/New York quality"?
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
I know many people think Jr's is meh but it certainly has the atmosphere and variety. Plus, you get pickles, tomatoes and sauerkraut. This is the only deli I have ever gone to on the west side as that area is just too overwhelming for me, a SGV and SFV girl. What is it about Label's Table that is so much better to convince me to drive there rather than to Brent's?
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
No offense was meant. I didn't say that it wasn't real deli. I was simply pointing out that while the 2 establishments may share a name and a menu, the similarities end there. This is my opinion. I stick by it regarding the BH location-stingy portions, uninformed waitstaff. I was very disappointed. I wish we had a Zabar's!
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
It is ridiculously overpriced for what you get served by wannabees that don't know what deli is.
Any recommendations for NY-esque establishments in LA?
We stayed at the Beacon (across the street from Fairway) OMG! I don't know that anything could compare with Fairway. You would have to put Cost Plus, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's together. And then, there is the terrific cafe upstairs...The trade off is, we have space and NYC doesn't.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate
Also, Herrell's Hot Fudge which is from Northampton, MA can now be found at Whole Foods. It is the BEST and no HFCS. Put that over Carmela's Dark Chocolate Cacao Nib ice cream http://carmelaicecream.com/ice-cream-locations.php
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate
The Langham does a chocolate afternoon tea. Personally, I haven't been because of schedule conflicts but plan to. Anyone else want to chime in?
http://pasadena.langhamhotels.com/restaurants/chocolate_afternoon.htm
Middle-Brow, Non-Ethnic in Arcadia
Well, this is a pub with only beer and wine but if you want to hop around, your friend can get sausage rolls, cornish pasties and pigs in a blanket at Lucky Baldwin's http://www.villagedomain.com/lucky/
Kale Preparation
Yes kale is super nutritious but it is tough. So unless you are going to braise it in a bit of liquid that you will be serving it in, save the Kale for soup if you are concerned about loosing nutrients in the cooking water. You can always save your cooking water to use for soup. Have you tried beet greens? While not bitter, they are tender and super delicious. I just saute onions in butter and olive oil 'til almost caramelized and then throw a bunch of chopped garlic in for about 30 seconds before throwing in the greens and putting on the lid to wilt. You can add things like black bean paste, a bit of soy sauce, etc. but they don't need much else besides salt and pepper.
Middle-Brow, Non-Ethnic in Arcadia
How about Carmine's? They make a "decent" pizza and have a full bar. I love their minestrone. http://www.carminesrestaurantandbar.com/ Don't let the picture on their website fool you. It is casual. You could definitely come as you are from the race track
Where can I find flavored sliced wheat bread?
We also like Oroweat breads. It makes me crazy when I find something that i like at TJ's that is discontinued. I've tried many breads sweetened with molasses and or raisins that are just too heavy and sweet for my family. We don't particularly like the very dense "healthy" breads either. I especially like the Oatnut variety by Oroweat as it is made with hazelnuts so it has a mildly sweet nutty taste and it is soft. Von's carries a wide variety of Oroweat products. I like their 100% whole wheat too as it is not made with high fructose corn syrup.
What's the best place to take your picky mom for her birthday?
You're welcome:) Have you ever been to Shiro in South Pasadena? Mostly fish. Was cutting edge a few years back but still very good IMHO. We were there about 2 months ago. Service good, attentive as well. http://restaurantshiro.com/ Prices not quite as attractive as Cafe Bizou though. I thought of Parkway Grill too but again, higher price point. The acoustics aren't great. Last time I was there for lunch, there was a big party a few tables away with a couple of loud cackling hens. A bit disconcerting. http://www.theparkwaygrill.com/ Again, I think Cafe Bizou has everything your mom would want and I would and do eat at all 3.
What's the best place to take your picky mom for her birthday?
Doesn't get a lot of love on Chowhound but, Cafe Bizou would solve many of your issues. It shouldn't be too loud, it has fish options and has some of the best roasted chicken according to my husband. Well priced as well so your mom should have no reason to admonish you:) http://cafebizou.com/ I love the monkfish over saffron shrimp risotto. Your mom will love the $1 & $2 soup or salad addition to your entree.
Chocolate Croissants (ISO the best in the San Gabriel Valley)
Haven't been to Proof or Cloverleaf as I am guessing they are both out of my immediate area and for me, they are more of an impulse purchase but I can vouch for Nichole's Gourmet Foods in South Pasadena. I don't know where she gets them but they are wonderful. Buttery, flaky, with a wonderful chocolate center. It sounds like I'm going to have to at least get to Glendale and try Proof's.
Sea Harbour Dim Sum is pretty darn good.
Just went last Wednesday at about 11:30. Got right in but an hour later, the crowd waiting outside was typical for a weekend. Haven't been before on a weekday so don't know if this is typical or because of winter break-which is why we were there-2 moms, 3 kids. Oh yes, their fried turnip while doesn't look like what I am accustomed to is the best I have ever had and will crave for the rest of my life. But, now that I know that SGV doesn't compare to Vancouver, I feel like I am missing something:(
Trader Joes with Frozen Potato Pancakes in Stock?
Haven't looked myself but I know Gelson's carries a lot of Empire products.
New Years Eve in Monrovia
I'm laughing as I am reading. It is a beautiful setting!!! Do they still have the piano bar?
Where to buy burnt candy peanuts?
Thanks, I do know how to read. Like I wrote, they have a HUGE warehouse. The implication is that you can go there:)
Where to buy burnt candy peanuts?
Try http://garveycandy.com/ Their warehouse is HUGE. I did do a search for burnt candy peanuts and they didn't show up but maybe they are under another name. Give them a call.
Walked Out of Pacific Dining Car & Went to Taylor's
I ate at the Taylor's in La Canada a while back. I really, really wanted to like it. I love old school. Very disappointed in the prime rib, the mashed potatoes were meh, and they couldn't make a mixed (I can't remember what I ordered) if their lives depended on it. The service was professional and the setting was club like but I will be hard pressed to go back. Never been to PDC for dinner because it just isn't in me to pay that much for a steak but I love their breakfasts. I know the difference between a high end aged piece of prime and everything else but since I make a great steak at home, it isn't something that I typically look for in a restaurant. That being said, I would get the rib eye or the prime rib sandwich at Houston's. Sorry this is abbreviated-am making dinner-not steak:)
El Pollo Unico - Pasadena?
I haven't been myself because of habit but I plan to. It is the best kept secret in the construction industry. Will, are you referring to it's new location on the west side of Lake? Certainly a lot more accessible than when it was across the street.
Lunch spot for Route 66 tour group between San Bernadino and Pasadena?
Mediterranean Garden Grill on Foothill in Monrovia. http://www.mediterraneangardengrill.com/contact.php Should satisfy the meat eaters as well as the pescatorians and vegetarians. It is outside but enclosed. I should have finished reading your post before I started. I wouldn't say the ambiance is great and it is not kitchy but the food is very good. I'm partial to their lentil soup and stuffed grape leaves-both are vegetarian.
