Colorado Chow

The Coffee Barrel Cafe2982 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

2008-04-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was out for/to lunch (however you want to interpret that) and wasn't sure where to go. I was close to Fu Shing so I went into the parking lot, but then I saw this cafe hidden toward the back of the plaza. So I went in to check it out and I'm sure glad I found this place.

At first I wasn't so impressed by the interior - you have sponged orange-yellow walls, barrels and a couple of water fountains around. I was thinking that the food could go either way by the looks of the joint. There were a few folks eating there and their sandwiches looked great and they had satisfied faces, so I stuck around and got me their signature roast beef sandwich.

I got everything and had them do it the way they like to do it. In this puppy they put cheddar cheese, signature dressing, ortega chili, red leaf lettuce, red and green peppers, alfalfa sprouts, and onions (they don't put tomatoes in right now). Jammed pack with all that they panini it. This sucker was saucy but good. Totally hit the spot.

I went back and had me a Turkey Sandwich which has provolone cheese, dressing, fire roasted red peppers, sliced pepperoncinis, red leaf lettuce, red and green bell peppers, alfalfa sprouts and onions - sans tomatoes.

They do like 15 different sandwiches and I intend on eating every one of them so I'll be back for more.

The other thing that makes the experience here so great is the customer service. These folks are super-friendly and make you feel right at home. With joints like this around, there is absolutely no reason to go to some chain.

And, I haven't been, but on Sundays they do all-you-can-eat pancakes. They do have a breakfast sandwich menu and they also do Belgium waffles. I may have to check this out sometime.

The Coffee Barrel Cafe
2982 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107 (626) 844-0177
Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm; Sat: 8am-7pm Sun: ?

Sushiya: Off-Coloardo, Pasadena

2008-04-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to eating at Sushiya - after going to La Estrella so many times. It's in the same minimall.

This is a classic tiny hole-in-the-wall joint that is not the "best" sushi in the world, but is very serviceable for lunch and is of excellent value. They do a all-you-can-eat thing but its not some lame sushi buffet like Todai - nope you get to sit at the sushi bar and yell out your order and see them make your nigiri.

Don't expect to get the coolest hippest decor, don't expect the best customer service, don't expect to get fish flown fresh from Japan or some hard to find seafood, don't expect to find the cleanest space - your table may be sticky, don't expect to come here to party down with Japanese expats, don't expect to be able to entertain a group here. They do it straight-forward here - which is fine for what it is.

I was surprised at the size of the sashimi cuts on the nigiri. Overall, a very satisfying lunch and I'll be back for sure when I have a hankering for sushi at lunch. You'll never find me at the Kabuki chain down the street - I mean why go there for sushi, when you can chill at Sushiya?

Sushiya
2525 E Foothill Blvd #2, Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 795-1311

Lee's Hoagie House2269 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

2008-03-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

I already did a post on this joint in the past. Since then, I've been coming here at least once a week for lunch.

Just wanted to pay homage to their awesome Chicken Hoagie.

Lee's Hoagie House
2269 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, A 91107 (626) 577-2250
M-F: 7am-7pm; Sat: 7am-4pm

Big Mamma's and Papa's Pizzeria1772 E. Colorado, Pasadena

2008-03-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

I first heard about it from one of the blog comments (Thanks BadAss). This is actually a chain with several locations. You won't believe it but they do a 36" pizza. And they have a box for it! Go to the back parking lot and you'll see stacks of them. Unbelievable.

I've been driving up and down Colorado but never saw the place until recently. So I stopped by for lunch and they actually do a slice of this big pie. And they have a box for a slice too! This slice is probably bigger than a personal pizza at any other joint. So I had me a slice with mushrooms.

Now I can't say that the pizza itself is my favorite but it was decent and just to witness a slice of a huge pizza pie was worth the small price. The crust is thin but I found the pizza "wet". Could be b/c of the mushrooms. I'll have to try another topping another time.

I put a quarter and a regular size pen on the pan so you could get some perspective in the pics.

BTW: They actually deliver this 36" pie. And some stats on it from their website: Six pounds of homemade dough, homemade pizza sauce, eight pounds of mozzarella cheese and 100 slices of Pepperoni. The Big Papa weighs about 20 pounds. The Big Papa is sliced in about 60 3”X 3” square slices.

Big Mamma's and Papa's Pizzeria
1772 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106(626) 397-2727
Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
36pizza.com

A & A Golden Grill 2616 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena

2008-02-16T00:18:00.000-08:00

Been passing by this place for a while so I just stopped by for lunch. It's new - I noticed them last year. It's accross the street from the Post Office. From what I can gather just by looking at the joint from the outside, I was expecting some Zankou wannabe - like Zorbas. But this place was different.

It's a clean space but would win no interior design awards. They do have your Rot chicken and falafel, but instead of trying to be another Zankou, they are shooting in the direction of a fast food version of say Carousel or Raffis. They actually do kabobs, lule, fish (sole), lamb, and lamb chops - which I haven't seen at other joints.

I ordered a chicken lule sandwich which included a drink and fries. It was a big sandwich and the entire bill was under 8 bones. Not bad for a lunch.

Now, they start cooking on order so if you choose the kabobs, it can take a little time to cook. And as far as flavor, I didn't find the chicken lule as well seasoned and as tasty as say Carousel or Raffis but for a fast food lunch - it hit the spot.

I'd certainly come back here for lunch and sample some more stuff.

Also, I did notice that they do party platters. This might be of interest for some of the businesses around the area - if they need to feed a bunch of folks at the office.

A & A Golden Grill Mediterranean Fast Food
2616 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107 (626) 356-9191
aagoldengrill.com

Viva Tacos La Estrella: Off Colorado - Pasadena

2008-02-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

Let's continue on this La Estrella kick. There are many La Estrella locations and taco trucks in the area. I've been to the La Estrella Taco Truck on York Blvd. a bunch of times and have been recently visiting the La Estrella Taco Truck on Colorado Blvd. For this post, I visited the La Estrella on Foothill in Pasadena in a small minimall with a small tight parking lot. You may want to just park on the streets on your visit.

The thing to try at this particular location is the fish taco. It's not a small affair either so order multiple tacos with caution. You'll find a satisfying mix of heat from the hot sauce, cool from the crema, and crunch from the fried fish batter and cabbage.

I don't know what is true or not but I read on Chowhound about the divorce of the husband and wife who ran the La Estrella business. According to the chowhounder, they heard that the couple split but they still get to run different La Estrella locations and the husband got the fish taco recipe in the settlement.

I tried tacos with various meats there and they are okay. I'd stick with the fish tacos.

Viva Tacos La Estrella
2525 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 584-9815

La Estrella Taco Truck: Colorado and Highland View

2008-01-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

As the commentor pointed out on my post about the La Estrella Taco Truck on York, La Estrella has established a presence on Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock. Their blue Taco Truck is parked on the corner of Colorado and Highland View in a gas station lot.

I've been stopping by for late night tacos many-a-times since finding about this taco truck!

La Estrella Taco Truck
Colorado and Highland View, Eagle Rock
Hours unknown

Little Flower Candy Company1422 Colorado Blvd

2008-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

In the former Bees Knees Bakery location, on the stretch of Colorado Blvd that connects Eagle Rock to Pasadena, the Little Flower Candy Company has finally found a retail location.

I've been seeing the Little Flower Candy marshmallows in different locations over the years.

While I'm not a huge fan of marshmallow in general, I was intrigued by these and have sampled them before. For me personally, I can only eat half of one piece but from all the marshmallows I've tasted in my lifetime, these are among the best. I can see why Christine (the candy maker) has a following. It's lucky for Eagle Rock that she was able to find a space close by.

Compared to the former Bees Knees, the new space design is more open and friendly to customers. And, being lame person that I am, I finally discovered that there is a parking lot in the back of the building!

They also have these chocolate bead/pearl/caviar thingies that are basically chocalate covered biscuit balls. A bead-shaped Pocky-like thing, if you will. Ask for a sample - they're great and just imagine them on ice cream or maybe you are more into Pinkberry.

Before walking in initially, I was just expecting assortments of candies but they are doing some excellent pastries, croissants, scones, muffins, and they have good coffee. Perfect spot to stop by if you are jogging/walking/biking in the area.

They also do lunch too! They have soup, salads, and sandwiches. The pic is their rare roast beef sandwich.

I overheard Christine say that in the summer, she's thinking to have a deck in the rear of the space for a patio. That would be excellent!! I know I'll be coming by for sure. And oh.. from my understanding, there is wifi as well. I think I may have found my 2008 summer hangout....

Little Flower Candy Company
1422 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena CA 91105
(626) 304-4800
Mon-Sat: 7AM - 5PM; Sun: 8AM - 3PM
littleflowercandyco.com

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone who has the ill fate to drop into this blog.

I haven't slowed down - I'm still plowing my way up and down Colorado Blvd. and vicinity. I'm also happy that Eagle Rock is getting more and more exciting by the day. Even LA Magazine (Jan 2008 issue) is offering ten reasons why Eagle Rock rocks!

Wishing everyone excellent chow for 2008!

La Estrella Taco Truck: Off Colorado - Highland Park

2007-12-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

After an evening of bar hopping down in the Highland Park area, if you need that little something before calling it a night, you can always stop by La Estrella's Taco Truck parked on York Blvd. near Ave 54.

You'll find this taco truck in many of the Top 10 listings of Taco enthusiasts and authorities.

On one particular night, I needed a couple al pastor tacos at $1.25 a pop.

La Estrella Taco Truck
At York and Ave 54, Highland Park, CA 90042

fresh & easy: Off Colorado - Glassell Park

2007-12-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

A new neighborhood grocery store, fresh & easy, openned on Eagle Rock Blvd. a few months back in Glassell Park. Their mission is to make fresh, wholesome food accessible and affordable to everyone. Lots of organic stuff there.

What they are trying to be is a more "affordable" Whole Foods or perhaps we can nickname them Traders VonsCo(?).

In any case, what do they do cut some operational costs? They pretty much prepackage everything (while at the same time increasing package waste) and reduce the choices. The displays are more sterile - costco-ish in grocery store shelving. They replace checkout stands with self-checkout stands (with some manned by staff).

So, if you live around the area, I would recommend going there and checking out all the aisles to see what they have and to try anything that may be appealing to you. Basically, figure out the items that you may actually consume.

While I could spend hours at a Whole Foods exploring and sampling different things, with fresh & easy I would only use the place as a quick in and out type of shopping.

fresh & easy Neighborhood Market
4211 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90065 (323) 255-1113
Open daily 8AM - 10PM
freshandeasy.com

My TacoOff Colorado - Highland Park

2007-12-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

I confess that I went to this place after reading a review by Pulitzer Prize Winning Jonathan Gold in the LA Weekly. I've driven south down Figueroa many times but I never made a left turn on York - so I never saw this place.

First off, the location is kinda funny. My Taco has huge yellow signage and is in the middle of a minimall parking lot with a Chinese place next door. There is some DUI center(?) and a liquor store in the same lot. Supply and demand symbiosis at work, I guess.

The specialty of My Taco is the Barbacoa - stewed lamb. The dish is served with onions, cilantro, some tortillas and a cup of goat consommé.
With a description like that how can you not try it? And let me tell you, if you are into lamb, this sucker is really good. I only got the "half" portion and I couldn't finish it. I'm scared to see what the "full" portion looks like.

The various reviews on this place also talk about their Carne Asada Fries and their Potato Tacos, but whatever. I'm sticking to the lamb.

And about this pic - I already polished off a few Barbacoa tacos off a "half" order before I realized I didn't take a picture.

My Taco
6300 York Blvd Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 256-2698

Cindys Restaurant1500 Colorado Blvd Eagle Rock

2007-12-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

This is another old post that was in draft mode. Trying to clean up and get stuff posted by the end of the year.

Earlier this year, some people were apparently racing on Eagle Rock Blvd and one car crashed into Cindys. The building looked horrible. See for yourself. I hardly go to Cindys because it is your basic diner schlop food but I felt bad for the restaurant.

So, after they fixed up their joint, I did visit them a couple times to help them out. It is an old working restaurant that started like in 1946 or something. It's been there for a while. I wish the food were better.

While they were working on fixing the place up, I was wondering if they would do anything different with the interior. They matched everything to the orange decor that it was before. By the way, if you have anyone you know who is obsessed with orange, this is is a place to take them.

Cindy's Restaurant
1500 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323) 257-7375

P.S. What is it about Colorado Blvd and crashing into food establishments. In 2007, Swork's front enterance was crashed into and also Pete's Burger joint was crashed into as well.

Elements Kitchen andHeritage Wine and SpiritsOff Colorado: Pasadena

2007-11-17T00:26:00.000-08:00

Some bad news and some good news.

First two bits of bad news: I went by Elements Kitchen for lunch the other day on Fair Oaks and found that they are no longer plating and, instead are serving food in to-go containers. The food is still great but not as well presented as before. Second, I also found out that their plans to move to Eagle Rock are no more. I was really bummed to hear that. I was looking forward to having them in Eagle Rock. In fact, I was wondering why the "for lease" sign was still up on the Colorado building that they were supposed to move into.

And now for the good news: I found out that Elements Kitchen and Heritage Wine Company are working together now at the Heritage Wine shop location. There is some great food happenning at Heritage - including a Tasting Menu, Dessert Tasting Menu, Charcuterie and Cheese plates. The dishes are not your huge dinner portions, so you can try a bunch of different things and have some great wine too. Go check it out! Drop in for a drink or dinner.

I also heard that on occassional Mondays they do something special - like an oyster bar or a sushi/sake tasting. And apparently they are working on a Sunday Brunch. I signed up for their email lists so I can get the scoop.

This partner relationship just happenned like a month ago, so everything is new and evolving. I recommend checking it out and giving them some feedback. I leave you with some Osso Buco I had there the other day.

elements kitchen
107 South Fair Oaks Ave, Suite 110, Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 440-0100
www.elementskitchen.com
Read Part I and Part II

Heritage Wine and Spirits
155 N. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 844-9333
heritagewinecompany.com

Brownstone Pizzeria2108 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock

2007-11-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Eagle Rock is getting more exciting by the day. Just a few weeks ago, Brownstone Pizza openned its doors. As the name would suggest, they do a decent thin crust New York pizza.

The no-frills interior has a few tables but it certainly won't be featured in any interior design magazine. The staff are still working out the early business kinks but are super nice and appreciative of the customers.

It's great to have a close neighborhood pizza joint where you don't have to wait hours and you can get pizza by the slice. On top of that they use real mushrooms.

However, to be completely honest, if we are just focusing solely on pizza, I do have to say that, although its making some waves on Chowhound, I wouldn't personally classify this place as a food destination where people should drive accross town to get to. For me, I'd be more likely to drive to Larchmont Village Pizzeria.

Having said that, one of the great things is that Brownstone Pizza is located right next to the Colorado Wine Company. So the combination of the experience changes in a synergistic way. You can grab slices before, during, or after some wine/beer tasting.

I just hope that Brownstone Pizza can get the city to let them stay open later.

Brownstone Pizzeria
2108 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323) 257-4992
Mon - Sat: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm; Sun 3:30 pm - 9 pm

Italian Bakery and Deli: 1726 Colorado Blvd

2007-10-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

I needed a quick bite to eat so I went to the Eagle Rock Italian Bakery right across the street from Toxic Belch (Taco Bell). I got me a quick sandwich and it hit the spot. They do a good sandwich here.

This is a real neighborhood family institution. I've talked to many grown adults who reminisce about growing up in the area and who stopped by the Italian Bakery all the time as a kid.

They carry basic Italian grocery goods and Italian baked goods. They make cannolis, cookies and cakes. They bake bread daily. They can do party platters, and can make stuff for events...etc.

It took all my will power not to get some pasteries/desserts. See what I mean?

Italian Bakery and Deli
1726 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323) 255-8224

Fish King Part II: Off Colorado - Glendale

2007-10-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

I was digging through my old food photos when I ran into this pic. I know this ain't right but I figured I'd post it anyway.

I did a post a while ago on my go-to fish store, Fish King and their galley. Someone commented about their fried soft shell crab. Well this is what we were talking about.

The comment was regarding how thick the fried batter is compared to typical lightly dusted and fried soft shell crab in most Japanese restaurants.

I agree with the poster in that I prefer the lightly dusted and fried ones. But, if you get a chance, try these at Fish King. I've never had a meatier soft shell crab and I'll continue to order these.

Now, the part that ain't right is that these suckers are not available now, so you'll have to wait til' next year. Sorry folks.

Fish King
722 N Glendale Ave Glendale, CA 91206 (818) 244-0804
Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 11am-5pm
Glendale Courtyard Website - only site I found for them

Linda Rosa Meat Market: Off Colorado - Pasadena

2007-09-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Well summer is officially over. I have to say that I've had some great grub throwing some BBQs over the last few months. Due to the scorching heat, I usually like grilling fast and what better than carne asada. And being the ~~lazy~~ efficient person that I am, I checked out a few carnecerias for pre-seasoned meats.

My go-to place is called Linda Rosa Meat Market in Pasadena - a hole-in-the-wall small grocery in the back of a sad looking parking lot. They have a meat section in the far corner of the store and this is the best carne preparadas and pollo preparadas that I've found in the area.

Linda Rosa Meat Market
1827 E Villa St. Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 449-8698

Mignon Chocolate: Off Colorado - Glendale

2007-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to Fish King, driving up Verdugo and I saw a chocolate shop so I stopped out of curiosity. Very cool find.

A brief history gathered from the website: This is a family run business that was first started as a bakery in the Ukraine back in 1910. By 1935, they moved to Tehran, Iran. In 1962 they started getting into chocolate making. And in 2003 they openned up shop in Southern California. The chocolates here are made in their own chocolate factory in Van Nuys. Willy Wonka step aside...

If you're a chocoholic, this is paradise. The display case is stacked full of beautiful chocolates of all shapes and flavors. It is almost too much choice! I got a handful of random selections and they were all awesome - but I can't remember what flavors they were. And the prices seemed low to me.

They have an attached cafe and some seating so its a great place to stop by for a sweet pick-me-up.

Mignon Chocolate
315 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91209 (866) 443-2474
mignonchocolate.com

Buckhorn Exchange: Denver, Colorado

2007-08-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've joked before that if I lived in the state of Colorado, I can post about anything I ate there. In fact, maybe the food bloggers out there are sad to see this domain name in my hands. (Yeah right. Who reads this crap anyway.)
Well I had a chance to take a business trip to Denver, so I jumped at the opportunity and visited a few joints to post about. I know it's way way way off Colorado Blvd, but it's my blog dammit.

If in Denver, one should definitely make an outing to Buckhorn Exchange - the oldest restaurant in Denver. Their liquor license number is "1" - and posted on the bar wall - and they market the hell out of that. The restaurant is very touristy, old, and kitchy. The first thing that slaps you in the face is all the trophy heads that adorn the dining and bar walls - something like over 500 various animals.

So, I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who would be squeamish to dine while being eyed by dead animal heads on the walls. You may just be seated right underneath a few buffalo heads as I was on my visit. Many celebrities and politicians have eaten here over the last hundreds of years and you'll find all sorts of letters, pictures, drawings..etc. all over the wall. Basically all their history and documentation are on the walls. You can spend hours walking around and looking at that stuff.

I didn't have a reservation so I went before supper hour and went to the upstairs bar straightaway while waiting for a table. It was Happy Hour!! I had me a Buffalo Bill Cocktail - which they claim is one of the oldest concoctions that the bar has served since the 1800s. Its whiskey and apple juice - and on that hot humid day - it was very refreshing.

This place specializes in various game meats, so I was looking forward to eating something out of the ordinary.

For an appetizer I tried out the Rattlesnake that's marinated in red chile/lime with chipolte pepper cream cheese. The rattlesnake had the consistensy of the meatier pieces of say cha shu pork - but with the cream cheese thing - it was a heavy glorified dip. I ended up just fishing out as much rattlesnake that I could find. Unfortunately, I was there by myself so I couldn't really sample other stuff like fried alligator tails, smoked buffalo sausage, rocky mountain oysters...etc. I'd recommend coming here with a group so you can try a bunch of appetizers.

For a main dish, I did a medallion duo of Elk and Buffalo with garlic mashed potato and veggies. Sorry, the room was dark. The Buffalo tasted like beef - more like a chunky ground beef - and was served with a garlic herb butter sauce. The Elk had a texture of gamey seared tuna, and they served it with some blueberry sauce. The sauce masked any hint of grass or cedar that was supposed to be there.

Although the food I ordered didn't blow me away, the uniqueness of the entire experience won me over. I was planning on going back to sample some other stuff (maybe yak? pheasant? buffalo prime rib?) but unfortunately, I was unable to go back. Oh well, next time....

Additional Notes: There is a Light Rail stop right across the street from the restaurant. I found it convenient to get to Buckhorn Exchange from where I was staying. And they do have patio dining as well. Here are some pics.

Patio Dining Anyone?

Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage Street, Denver, Colorado 80204 (303)534-9505
Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm;
Mon - Thurs 5:30 - 9pm; Fri & Sat 5:00pm - 10pm; Sun 5pm - 9pm
Happy Hour: Mon- Fri 4pm - 6pm
URL: Buckhorn.com Email:info@buckhorn.com

Elements Kitchen: Part IIIHopefully On Colorado!

2007-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

OK, if you can't tell by now, I'm a fan of Elements Kitchen. That is why I was totally floored when I saw two posts about them - on Eagle Rock Talk and Eating LA - which stated that Elements Kitchen is moving or openning up shop on Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock!!

From all the stories I've heard about openning a restaraunt in Eagle Rock, there are a lot of hurdles to get through - but I sincerely hope Elements Kitchen will open in Eagle Rock. I'll certainly be there all the time.

So, here I leave you with some Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup (with champagne vinegar, white pepper, iced radish and mint), Heirloom Tomato "Carpaccio" Salad (with micro arugula, fine herbs, and fried capers), and some Yuzu Sorbet.

elements kitchen
107 South Fair Oaks Ave, Suite 110, Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 440-0100
www.elementskitchen.com
Read Part I and Part II

Colorado Wine Company: Open 'til 11pm2114 Colorado Blvd

2007-07-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Colorado Wine Company is now open until 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!!

Now that is worth celebrating.

Colorado Wine Company
2114 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 323-478-1985
www.cowineco.com - info@cowineco.com
Tues-Wed: 11am-9pm; Thurs-Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun: 11am-5pm

Euro Pane Bakery950 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena

2007-07-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

My latest obsession has been to attempt to try everything at Euro Pane Bakery run by a former LaBrea Bakey pastry chef. I was thinking of the doing another photo montage like my Zankou post, but then I'd figured who'd want to look thru a photo montage of pasteries? And besides, been there done that.

The Euro Pane interior space is a clean any-mini-mall looking food joint which will not excite anyone. The real story here is the baked goods and food. The most amusing thing is when you get in line, you can see every patron in front of you stretching their necks, bending knees, leaning over, bending right and left - looking to see what goodies are in the display case. And of course, I get into the action as well.

One popular item here is the Egg Salad open-faced sandwich, which is elevated from something mundane to an art form. The eggs are not hard boiled and diced small and encased in thick mayo. Instead you have huge chunks of perfectly boiled eggs - taken out just when the yolk comes together and still has its glorious gooey-ness - served atop your choice of homemade bread (I had the Olive bread) with a sun-dried tomato pesto spread. After you have this, it's hard to go back to your regular and familiar egg salad. (Unless you are a fan of hard boiled eggs, in which case, this sandwich may not be for you.)

On another visit, I had the Chicken Salad sandwich with thick chunks of moist chicken with a light coat of tyme mayo.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about this. I think I know where I'm headed for lunch....

Euro Pane Bakery
950 E. Colorado #107, Pasadena CA 91106 (626) 577-1828
Mon-Sat 7am-5:30pm; Sun 7am-3:30pm

Spitz: Now Open 7 Days/Week2506 Colorado Blvd.

2007-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

We interrupt this blog for some more Spitz news.... Now they are open 7 days a week!!

How can you not celebrate another day to enjoy a doner kabob. And remember, especially in this heat wave, they also have some great gelato. See you there!

BTW: You can check out Bryce talk about Spitz in a video posted on CitySearch

Spitz
2506 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323) 257-5600
eatatspitz.com

Elements Kitchen: Part IIOff Colorado - Pasadena

2007-06-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

If I was forced to pick one dish that captured the essence of the season, it would be Elements Kitchen's Cucumber Sorbet - an icy mound of sweet gourd goodness nestled on ribbons of cucumber. A perfect companion for that hot summer day.

elements kitchen
107 South Fair Oaks Ave, Suite 110, Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 440-0100
www.elementskitchen.com: Read Part I

BTW: Did you hear about Pepsi's recent pilot of artificial Cucumber Soda in Japan?