558432 Thu Sep 18 08:52:27 -0700 2008 7 2 Los Angeles Area 0 4044511 I'll be in the Pasadena area for my birthday &I'm trying to think of where to suggest to my boyfriend for dinner resos. Should I try Palate? I'm a little hesitant due to the mixed reviews I've read. Is there some place else I should look at trying? Any & all assistance is appreciated, thanks! Thu Sep 18 08:52:27 -0700 2008 48180 sunnygordy 1 4046198 Hi sunnygordy, It depends what you're in the mood for? Is there a cuisine you want to avoid? Something in particular you definitely want? Ambiance important? Or is tasty food the most important thing? Something romantic? More lively? More info would help CH'ers give you better suggestions. (^_~) Just in terms of food in the Pasadena area (and since you mention Palate)... You might want to try Azeen's Afghani Restaurant. A quiet place, with some great food. Tibet Nepal House is also a quiet, cute restaurant featuring cuisine mentioned in its name. It's unfortunate that Palate hasn't been consistent for all CH'ers here, but each time I've visited Palate, I've had nothing but good food and good service. And it's got a nice vibe / ambiance. Happy Birthday! :) Thu Sep 18 21:38:23 -0700 2008 4044511 113442 exilekiss 2 4048349 Well, it's for a dinner "a deux" w/ just my boyfriend & myself, so I would prefer something a little more intimate...but we're both really into food so that can always trump ambiance. We'll be attending a wedding beforehand, so it would be nice if we didn't look too out of place in our nicer attire. I'm so afraid of being disappointed that I was thinking of heading back over the hill to Hollywood where I'm more familiar w/ the restaurants...I'm being a wuss, aren't I? Fri Sep 19 16:46:12 -0700 2008 4046198 48180 sunnygordy 3 4048961 Hi sunnygordy, Ah, given that, I think if you want to try a cuisine more adventurous, Azeen's would still work just fine (and it's a relatively quiet restaurant). Palate would also be fine, being more Mediterranean Small Plates, and a nice atmosphere. Fri Sep 19 23:40:05 -0700 2008 4048349 113442 exilekiss 1 4046212 If you like gourmet Chinese food Yujean Kang's is not to be missed. Thu Sep 18 21:46:31 -0700 2008 4044511 11731 bodie 1 4048957 I like the Azeen's recommendation. Maybe you ought to check out some places in South Pasadena as well. There's Shiro and Mike & Anne's. I've never been, but I hear Firefly Bistro is nice Fri Sep 19 23:35:48 -0700 2008 4044511 66937 crystaw 1 4049734 I would have suggested my boyfriend and my favorite romantic Italian restaurant-- La Maschera-- but sadly they are closed. :( Popping into my mind as a backup is Red White + Bluezz, which has great American food and wine and is always a nice place to be. The restaurant has two halves, one half features live jazz and the other half is just a quiet restaurant. We also always have a lovely time at Villa Sorriso which is at the edge of Old Town. Or, go ten minutes west on the 134 and you'll find Cafe Beaujoulais (French) and Fatty's (vegetarian, but elegant and quite creative) in Eagle Rock. Fatty's is only open Wednesday - Sunday, however. Those are just a couple of the places I enjoy going in the Pasadena area. Happy birthday! Sat Sep 20 12:15:51 -0700 2008 4044511 22933 avivale 2 4056981 I really like Villa Sorriso. Great ambiance (especially on warm evenings when they project black and white romance movies on the courtyard wall). The penne vodka is awesome. Tue Sep 23 22:46:29 -0700 2008 4049734 141887 Emily227