WHY Good, straightforward Indian cooking with a few not-too-trendy modern touches, including Indian-inspired tacos. Excellent-value lunch menu. WHAT Radhika calls itself a ‘modern Indian bistro,’ which sounds gimmicky but is actually quite accurate. The interior is cozy, done in deep colors. Service is attentive and kind. There’s a good list of wines and beers. And [...]
December 29, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY This is one of the greenest markets in town, because you don’t have to drive—it’s right off the Gold Line Mission stop. WHAT Formerly ho-hum (a half -dozen clown acts!), this market has become a star thanks to new, strong management, which has brought many new vendors as well as chef demos and food [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Tasty, straightforward thin-crust pizzas served by the (large) slice or whole pie, to eat inside or on the patio or to get delivered. Make sure to get a couple of garlic knots, too. WHAT Lots of locals swear by Mamma’s white pizza, but we find it too sweet and prefer the margherita, the shrimp [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The sons of the guy who owns the original Tops learned well at their daddy’s knee: Focus on good, unfussy food that makes people, if not their cardiologists, happy. So you get tasty dry-rub ribs, sweet baked beans, salty and rich pulled pork and fresh Southern greens. WHAT For years people came here just [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY An authentic and appealing slice of European-style café life, right in the middle of Small Town, U.S.A. WHAT The sultry purple neon sign beckons passersby into this popular hangout in a handsome old brick building across from the library. On the menu: well-made espresso drinks and sunny sidewalk tables, but not much to eat. [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A dessert case packed with dreamy retro desserts, including Hostess-never-had-it-so-good chocolate cupcakes. WHAT Heirloom’s first-rate breads and baked goods, fine sandwiches (try the Cuban) and excellent salads (especially the Cobb) have made it one of the most popular breakfast and lunch spots in South Pasadena. The setting is stylish, hip and friendly, and the [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Great setting in a lively neighborhood, steps from the Gold Line station that inspired its name. WHAT This lovely red-walled space features a traditional French bistro menu and charm galore. Service can be slapdash and the kitchen uneven but the crowds of spirited locals packing the small bar and dining rooms don’t seem to [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Hip and friendly, with a sangria and tapas menu on Thursdays, when the bustling local farmers’ market comes to life outside its door. WHAT This tented bistro is bright by day and romantic at night, with an always-interesting and usually wonderful menu of multiethnic offerings, from red chile vegetable egg rolls to warm spinach [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The signature whole sizzling catfish with ponzu sauce, but don’t stop there—it’s all delicious. For a memorable experience, ask Chef Shiro to surprise you. WHAT Chef Hideo Yamashiro knows his seafood and the menu reflects it, with lots of fresh, interestingly sauced fish offerings. As competition has intensified in increasingly food-obsessed South Pasadena, Shiro’s, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY It’s a nice spot to just hang out around wine. WHAT Former Patina sommelier Chris Meeske runs a charming, artisan-style shop that showcases handmade, distinctive bottlings at every price point. Wine education and pairing wine with food are specialties, and the frequent tastings have become a linchpin of South Pasadena’s lively food-and-wine scene. The [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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