Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I Know Where I'm Going

apologies to Altadena Hiker

Recently back from "the Bay Area" (the vaguest geographical term in all of California) where you couldn't make a left turn without tripping across  a free range cow or a sustainable cup of coffee, which, happily, translated into delectable meals all around.  The Il Fornaio in a hotel in San Jose is bliss--the one in Pasadena: corporate.
Why not So Cal?  Why not? Is it the car fumes?  The haze?  This, I had to ponder.

Then I realized, there are some great spots with wonderful, reasonably priced food.
My recommendations to you--
The York, in Highland Park.  Truly delicious food (perhaps not the most comfortable venue).  I had a spectacular bouillabaisse for $15. Sublime.
Happy hour at Ruth's Chris.  An amazing filet steak sandwich, with perfectly crisp fries for $7.
Cacao Mexicatessan, Eagle Rock again, great stuff, the owner studied under the master, Rick Bayless.
Daisy Mint in Pasadena.  Just fun.

I was going to recommend Palate Food and Wine, but, dammit, they've closed.
I guess I'm not quite sure now, where I'll be going, when I feel flush.



8 comments:

  1. "Recently back from "the Bay Area" (the vaguest geographical term in all of California) where you couldn't make a left turn without tripping across a free range cow or a sustainable cup of coffee..."

    Wish this opening hadn't been so brilliant, because now you've made me feel embarrassed and doubt myself. I like Il Fornaio in Pasadena -- but then, more for the memories and less for the food (that's equivocating).

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  2. I've been to Daisy Mint many times; have to try the others when I get the chance. And the Il Fornaio in San Jose, too.

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  3. Yes, the York and Ruth's Chris. I haven't tried the others, but I will (when I feel flush, as you say).

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  4. Jean! See you at Daisy Mint!
    P:LOVE the York--
    AH--High praise, m'dear--

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  5. no no no The York is Eagle Rock adjacent. It's in Highland Park.

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  6. PA: THANK you for rectifying that!
    Highland Park is happening, and we don't need the NY Times to let us know.
    PS-JEAN! If you go to San Jose check out Arcadia, in the Marriott. Pricy indeed, but terrific!

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  7. I always like recommendations. Love Daisy Mint. Will try the others.

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  8. I used your NY reference into my latest blog post. Gave it a little zip

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