Pasadena Farmer Centric Restaurants

[galbert]

Hi - I am looking for some good places to bring a large group of clients from the east coast. They want local, california produce. South Pasadena is ideal. Weeknights without reservations. Any ideas?

[Jodie]

Marston's on Walnut. I found them in a newspaper article on the Dervaes organic farm, which is located at a house in pasadena, just a few blocks awa from Marston's. I've only been there for dinner, but it was really great. You can find the Dervaes organic farm at www.pathtofreedom.com

[Jack Flash]

I know that Sara Levine, the chef at Vertical Wine Bistro, shops the local farmers' markets for fresh produce. I don't think you could bring a large group without a reservation there (or anywhere else, for that matter).

[ipsedixit]

Firefly Bistro. www.eatatfirefly.com

Restaurant 561. www.561restaurant.com

[The Sauce]

561 does not use local california produce. It's a school restaurant and they order the same stuff that's used in classrooms - not always the best product.
I heard Neomeze does but I have not been there. it's on Colorado Blvd.

[ipsedixit]

I was told otherwise re: 561.

[slacker]

That's great to know about Neomeze, bc the food there is really excellent.

[Waverly SGV]

I would recommend Parkway Grill in Pasadena. Reservations suggested.

[carter]

Parkway has a garden out behind the restaurant for its produce, which also provides some for its sister restaurant next door, Arroyo chop House, and weeknights are probably ok without reservations, yet both places do fill up in the course of the night, so earlier is always better, meaning well before 7:30.