Showing posts with label pasadena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pasadena. Show all posts

November 02, 2014

Cookies & Cream



Pasadena is home to many delicious ice cream/ frozen yogurt places.  There's 21 Choices, Carmela, and classic Fosselman's.  Then, there's Cookies & Cream, which not only churns its own ice cream, but bakes some of the most delicate, delicious cookies that your inner fatty could imagine.  Similar to CoolHaus and Diddy Riese, but in my opinion, better than them both, we have a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop called Cookies & Cream.  You must go.



For under $5, you will get generous scoops of your choice ice cream -- you can choose from many interesting flavors such as: earl mango amaretto, lychee green apple, minty thai tea, taro nutella, honeydew green tea, amongst other conventional flavors -- with a chewy, homemade cookie.  YUM.


Taro Nutella Ice Cream with Lemon Bar cookie -- $3.25

You can opt to get a made-to-order ice cream sandwich or an open-faced sandwich like I did (see above).  They are also very generous with their ice cream sampling (I think I tried them all) and there's usually a tray for cookie samples, too.  Also, not only is service ultra friendly, but flavors change on a weekly basis, so go, and go often.  When you do go, say hi to owner, Mr. Cheng Liu for me!



Cookies & Cream on Urbanspoon

cuisine: Ice Cream
location: Pasadena
hours: Mon: 1:30pm-10pm; Tue-Thur, Sun: 1:30pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat: 1:30pm-11pm
websites: { yelp | facebook |
attire: Casual
parking: Street meters
price range: $3.25/scoop
notes: Cash only!
other review: { hometownpas }

June 08, 2014

Copa Vida

Oh kale, yeah!

There's a gem located at the Northeast corner of Raymond Ave & Green St, Pasadena.  Copa Vida. Cup of life. And what a good life it is.




The space (plus adjoining room, not pictured above) may be big when empty, but during peak hours, you'll be strolling around to snag an available table.  Or maybe you'll have fortuitous timing when you wait in line to place your order.  Either way, you'll eventually find a place to enjoy your brew, no sweat.


You'd think only coffee-lovers and tea afficionados would appreciate Copa Vida, but nay.  There's something for everyone (even caffeine-free drinkers)!  That said, Copa Vida baristas do a fine job of serving up a your favorite cup of joe with only fresh and high quality ingredients.  It's like happiness in a cup.
Garden of Eden Iced Tea -- black, passionfruit, refreshing.

Kale Salad -- grapes, parm cheese, red peppers, sunflower seeds, kale, tossed in a dijon lemon vinaigrette and a side of fresh bread with basil aioli -- $9

Spinach Salad -- julienned Granny Smith apples, red onions, dried cranberries, candied bacon with crostini with goat cheese -- $9

There's nothing complicated about Copa Vida, but in its simplicity, it delivers a memorable experience.  So whether you're meeting your friends for a light lunch, taking a quick break from shopping, or going on your first date, Copa Vida is where delicious food and beverages, welcoming baristas, and welcoming ambience collide into one.  Enjoy your experience at Copa Vida; your cup may overflow.
"Go, Enjoy, Experience."



Copa Vida on Urbanspoon

cuisine: Coffee shop, American
location: Pasadena
hours: M-Thu: 7am-10pm; F: 7am-11pm; Sat: 8am-11pm; Sun: 8am-9pm
websites: { CP | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Free 90 min parking in nearby garages; Street meters
attire: Casual
notes: Free wifi; Accepts credit cards; Self-order/seating; Challenging to find available seats during peak hours.
other reviews: { inheritance mag }

February 03, 2014

Fiore Market Cafe


When my former boss told me he wanted to take me to one of his favorite dining spots in Pasadena, I was excited.  Not only is my former boss a fair judge of food (among other things), but he fuels my passion for trying new places by always giving me good suggestions.  Plus, who openly refuses a reason to get out for lunch, much less a lunch invite from the Honorable bossman? 

Front patio.

Fiore Market Cafe is, or was, South Pas' best-kept secret.  With 767 likes on Facebook and over 4 stars from 277 Yelp reviews, I can't say I'm the first to fall in love with what Fiore has to offer.  Nevertheless, I am a fan of its simple, but fresh food, the quaint atmosphere, and the inevitable charm of enjoying remnants of Italy in beautiful South Pasadena.  You'll love the story about the cafe, too.

So quaint!  But patio seating is limited and fills up quickly.

Inside.

Fresh homemade lemonade (good for at least 2 and a half glasses) -- $3

Curried Cauliflower w/ dried cherries and sugared walnuts -- $4.25 (small; pictured) or $8 (large)

Spicy Udon Noodles -- Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, scallions with "spicy" soy dressing -- $4.25 (small; pictured)/ $8 (large)

Short Rib Sandwich -- homemade bread, pickles, Asian slaw and chipotle mayo -- $9.25

Nom.

Roasted Chicken and Maple Glazed Bacon Salad -- mixed greens, romaine, roasted chicken, maple-glazed bacon, hard-boiled egg, bleu cheese crumbles, oil-cured olives with creamy dill-peppercorn dressing -- $10.25 (only half-portion pictured)

Piccolo Sopprasetto Sandwich -- French baguette with tapenade and bleu cheese (half portion pictured) -- $5 and half-portion of the Roast Chicken and Maple Glazed Bacon Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad -- mixed greens, shredded chicken, red cabbage, scallions, Asian vinaigrette (seasonal special)

Fiore Garden

In addition to serving delicious foods in generous portions, Fiore also boasts an on-site garden where your next salad may be borne.  Also, Fiore's looking into expanding into a farm.   They also have weekly jazz hour on Fridays at 4pm, various cooking classes, and fun table art drawn by other happy customers.  So when you're looking for a place to enjoy a meal with a good buddy, grab a quick lunch, or study/ work/ lounge with a good book, give Fiore a try.  You'll doubtlessly end up with a smile to your face.
Thanks for introducing me to this gem, TD!



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Fiore Market Cafe on Urbanspoon

cuisine: American
location: South Pasadena
hours: M-F: 11am - 6pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm; closed Sundays
websites: { Fiore | yelp | facebook | twitter }
attire: Casual
parking: Free street parking
notes: First come, first serve. - Order inside and try to find seating. - No reservations. - Relax, take your time, enjoy.

February 01, 2014

Bittersweet Treats

Friends, it has been a minute, but I'm back and ready to guide you through another year of delicious and memorable meals. And though we're already in February, it's still a new year and I hope it is/ you are still very happy!

Though the name of the following Pasadena bakery might suggest otherwise, Doah's Hungry is kicking off the 2014 posts on a purely sweet note!




Despite some bittersweet happenings in 2013, Bittersweet Treats also kicked off 2014 on a sweet note by showcasing some of its specialties at a dessert tasting and proving that it will continue to provide delectable treats to local Pasadenans and visitors alike.  

photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }

Classic Cooooookies . . . that is good enough for me!
Chewy, moist, buttery, and delicious, as cookies should be (in my humble opinion).




The Brown Butter Cookie has garnered particular attention because it incorporates -- you guessed it -- browned butter.  FYI: Browning the butter creates another dimension to the cookie, allowing the nutty undertones of the cookie to shine.  Recipe here.

The Brown Butter Cookie was a bit too crunchy and sweet for me, but I imagine it would be perfect with a cup of LAMILL coffee, which Bittersweet Treats not only serves, but has a special house blend that was specially paired to go with their desserts!


Cake Pops, courtesy of Angel Cakepops.
Can't stop, won't stop, with just one pop.


{ photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }

Fresh Fruit Jellies
Tasty! Be jelly.



Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Hooray for retro confections like this treat -- cream smooshed between two, crunchy red velvet cookies -- that will make you (audibly or silently) yelp, "Whoopie!"


{ photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }


Bread Pudding, soaked in bourbon sauce, brown butter, and toasted pecans.
I'm not usually a bread pudding fan because it tends to be too gooey and decadent, but it had me at first bite.  Smitten!

photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }

Cheddar Bacon Pepper Scones and Caramelized Onion & Bacon Quiche

photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }

A true bakery should be able to handle salt as well as it works its magic with sugar. Thankfully, Bittersweet Treats offers some savory choices, too.  Next to the bread pudding, the bacon scone is one of my faves.  As for the quiche, the eggs must've been whisked well because it fluffy and as light as caramelized onion and bacon can be.

Gluten-free, Flourless Chocolate Cake
Offered M, W, F.

photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }

Flourless chocolate is de-ca-dent!  A small slice can surely go a long way.  Make sure you try to get some of the glazed cherries to accompany your bite of chocolately heaven -- one bite was enough for me.

Flourless Goat Cheesecake with Balsamic-soaked Figs and Pecan Crust
Another flourless tart that was less rich as the chocolate cake, but carries its own weight.  The figs really enhances the treat.

photo courtesy of bittersweet treats }

Cupcakes


Coffee & Ice Cream
Can be eaten/ drunk separately or together (affrogato, baby!)



Cute interior.

Like most bakeries, Bittersweet Treats makes fresh treats daily, but also offers catering and orders for special events.  However, unlike most bakeries, Bittersweet Treats hosts fun specials like "Throwback Thursday" to embrace nostalgia and bring back childhood faves like homemade twinkies and ding-dongs.  For those more adventurous, stop by on a Friday for "Test Kitchen Friday"and allow the chefs to delight your tastebuds with creative concoctions.  Last, but not least, Sweet Saturdays will help sweeten up your weekend and daily Happy Hour (4pm-5pm) will help out your wallet with 30% off all baked goods.  Needless to say, there're many reason to check this place out!  And don't get me started on all the reasons why you should indulge in an occasional cookie, cake, or tart.  #treatyoself.



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Bittersweet on Urbanspoon

cuisine: Desserts
location: Pasadena
hours: M-Th: 8am-6pm; F-Sat: 8am-7pm; closed Sundays.
happy hours: Daily from 4pm-5pm -- 30% off all baked goods!
websites: { BT | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
attire: Casual
parking: Free lot behind bakery or street meters
notes: Free wifi.  Great place to get work done or take a date post-dinner. Also, if there's something you'd like or you're afraid something will be running low, feel free to call ahead and express your concerns.  The only thing they'd bite is their own delicious treats -- in other words, they're friendly folks!

July 30, 2011

La Grande Orange Cafe

Brunch and Pasadena compliment each other like proscuitto and melon - you don't see it to often, but when you do, it simply works.  While there aren't a ton of great brunch places in Pasadena, there is La Grande Orange Cafe where they believe "Food is love."  Amen.

Brunch is especially nice when shared with company you adore.  Such was my case.  Here's a glimpse of what we consumed.  And for the record, everything I had a chance to sample (which was everything), was very delicious!

Daybreaker (egg-white omelet with tomato-avocado salsa and spinach) - $12

Grilled Ahi Tuna Taco Platter - $20

Prime Rib Hash (chopped prime rib, potato, onion, with scrambled egg) - $16

Why, hello there prime rib.

Turkey Eggs Benedict (spinach, housemade English muffin, hollandaise) - $15

Cheeseburger - $13
LGO is located as part of an actual train station.  With plenty of natural sunlight and warm hospitality, this place is especially endearing!



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cuisine: American
location: Pasadena, CA
websites: { LGO | yelp }
attire: Casual
parking: street meter or adjacent lot (free with validation)
notes: Apparently, their white sangria is "famous." Must try next time!