Suggestions for a ladies dinner in Pasadena and/or surrounding areas...
I'm hoping that all of you can provide me with some recommendations on where to go for a reunion of old friends. Three of my dearest friends and I are getting together on April 8th, Wednesday night. Our schedules have been so hectic due to work, travel, family and health issues that it's been a year since we've all seen each other.
I would like to choose a place that we haven't been to before. I prefer not to go to a chain restaurant. I would prefer something that has a fantastic menu (we eat anything), a good wine list, as well as an intimate atmosphere - if there is patio dining even better, but not necessary. Any suggestions?
Thanks ahead of time....
By truetraveler
on Mar 5, 2009 11:17 AM
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Pop on Union in Old Town ought to be a good places for a ladies' night out.
http://www.popchampagnebar.com/
Vertical Wine Bistro in the same area also sounds like it would fit what you're looking for. About 10-15 minutes east of Pasadena in Monvrovia is Cafe Massilia, an intimate French restaurant which does have outdoor seating.
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I second the rec for Vertical.
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Been to Vertical and have enjoyed it, but would like to try something new.
Thanks for the recommendation Jack Flash!
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Never knew about Pop - may have to check that out...
Sounds yummy!
Thanks for the tip crystaw!
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Palat Food + Wine! There's quite a bit of hype around it, but it's well-deserved. Plates are on the smaller side, but prices are reasonable and there is definitely good wine.
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Where is Palat?
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It's in Glendale. http://www.palatefoodwine.com/
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I sound like a broken record, but I think the dining room at the Langham would be perfect. I love Chef Strong's food and the hotel is really beautiful.
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I like the Langham, but the site may be a little upsetting for one of the ladies - it's the wedding site to her ex....don't want to bring up any old memories..., but thanks for the suggestion!
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Yeah I would agree. Not the right place given those circumstances.
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mike and anne's in south pasadena. atmosphere, food, wine is all divine.
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and mike and anne's has a LARGE patio. great cocktails, desserts, atmosphere.
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I forgot about Mike & Anne's! The patio is quite large and pleasant to dine in when the weather is nice. If patio seating is a big plus for you then this would be a good choice.
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Mike & Anne's! That sounds great...have heard about it, but haven't been yet. I will run it buy the "girls"
Thanks everyone for the suggestions...
If there are any more don't hesitate to let me know...we've got a month before the dinner!
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Stretching to also include South Pas, Mike & Anne's is also a fine suggestion. I think the atmosphere at Bistro de la Gare isn't quite right for your group (too noisy), though the food is good.
With a patio, there's Firefly Bistro also in South Pas. I haven't been there in a couple of years. It gets uneven reviews for the food; the space deserves better.
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Had a company party at Firefly Bistro and wasn't impressed, but I do remember their patio was nice...too bad they are inconsistent...
Thanks for the recommendations!
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also in south pas - little parlor pizzeria on mission - the food there is heads above other restaurants in the area
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Second the rec for Mike & Anne's.
In that same area, I would also suggest you consider Shiro.
Other places to consider: Malbec, Cafe Verde, and Cafe Santorini.
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I love Malbec!
I forgot about Cafe Verde - never been, so thanks for reminding me!
Cafe Santorini - been there several times and sometimes the food is good, sometimes it's not...last time there, I was served by someone who forgot we were there! Not too eager to go back there again, even though I do enjoy their patio area...
Thanks for the recommendations!
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Malbec is quickly working their way on the do not go list in our house. We're walking distance and go about once a month. That was until about 2 weeks ago where we waited over an hour for our reservation and our party of 3 blew a fit because the two tables of 4 with reservations at the same time who showed up before us were seated first. After the 3 minutes we were told to get us a table we walked home and watched the party of 5 who was also livid read them the riot act. Of course what was worse was when we checked in for the reservation we were told about 5 minutes to get a table to pay the check and move one.
So Malbec- don't go on weekends or expect them to honor your reservation without being jerks right now because they've gotten inflated egos now.
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Hi there astrobabe!
Sorry to hear about your experience at Malbec. I've been twice and haven't had the problem. The last time I was there was on Valentine's Day and my SO and I usually dine late, so our reservations at 8:30pm were fine and we didn't have to wait. It was crowded and there was some people waiting in line, but we got in without a problem. It was a little crowded, but we expected it due to Valentine's Day...they also gave away heart shaped ramekins filled with chocolate kisses and a long stem red rose to each couple. Kind of sweet....
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I like all of the recommendations thus far. I would also throw in Parkway Grill in Pasadena. www.theparkwaygrill.com Also, if you would consider going about 8 miles to Montrose, 3 Drunken Goats atmosphere is very conducive to a "girl reunion" for Spanish tapas. They have an extensive Spanish wine menu including decent selections by the glass. http://www.3drunkengoats.com/
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Thanks for the recommendations!
I've never heard of 3 Drunken Goats, might have to try that before the "reunion", the menu looks great and I love Spanish wine!
Thanks again!
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The friends and I always enjoy an evening at the Melting Pot for a reunion. It's quiet...hase a great wine list and bar for cocktails...and after eating things dipped in cheese, we eat things dipped in chocolate. It's not the best place for entrees, but I do like the salads and the cheese fondue. The chocolate is awesome...and it's all interactive so everyone gets in and has a great time.
If you can catch a ladies' night...the last Tueday of every month, dinner (salad, cheese, entree, and chocolate) is prix frixe for about $10-15 less than regular price. There's a raffle, some fun activities, and gifts for all the ladies from local businesses. It's on the website if you want to check it out.
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Thanks attran99 for the recommendation to the Melting Pot, the last time I was there it was a few years ago...
Hate to say this, but I have 1 girlfriend who is can't have any milk products....
:(
I'll have to go back there without her...
thanks again!
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What about Raymond House? It's cute, the food is good, and the patio is really lovely.
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Fogot about that!
I'm going to look it up and see what their menu is like!
Thanks for reminding me schrutefarms!
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Anytime ;)
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