Birthday Dinner in or near Pasadena

[Mina]

Okay, it's my hubby's birthday next Tuesday and my birthday next Thursday, so we're having dinner on Wednesday. We'll have with us two old ladies (his Aunts, in their 60s and 80s) and our children, ages 7 and 2. Where should we go in or near Pasadena?

Also, on my actual birthday I would like to have a date with my hubby. But it's going to have to be during lunch. (Yeah, not so romantic. But it's a school night for the kids so we can't stay out too late.) So for this meal, since it's just the two of us, we can be a little more adventurous.

Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

[GuidoTKP]

Another recomendation for Parkway Grill for dinner. Really wonderful food in a great atmosphere. Only reason I wouldn't go there is if your 2 yr old is really fussy, in which case you'd probably want to find something louder. =)

[Babette]

How about the Ritz Carlton for dinner with the aunts? Maybe not if the 2 yr. old is fussy, but we took our little one there back in the day & it was fine. If not, it would be romantic anyway for your lunch date, just not with the dinner chef who has achieved some acclaim.

Maybe the aunts would enjoy the Raymond.

[ipsedixit]

How about PARKWAY GRILL for the whole gang? (http://www.theparkwaygrill.com/

)

And for the two of you at lunch, maybe the tasting menu at Restaurant 561? (http://561restaurant.com/index.php

)

Wherever you go, enjoy, and Happy B-day!

[AquaW]

561 is definitely a pretty good deal for their tasting menu lunch (~$35 for 8-9 courses), but if you're not adventurous enough to leave your palate at the mercy of chefs-in-training (I personally don't mind) - other nearby similar options include Bistro 45, Firefly, BistroK or Maison Akira.

~AquaW
http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com/