We have a sitter and no place to go...

[lolabelow]

Our plans fell through so we have a night - just the two of us.

We'd go to Bistro Verdu if it were still open.

Any recs that are nice, cozy, easy, low stress, not too expensive and in the Pasadena/Glendale/Downtown/East Hollywood area.

Thinking of Cafe Stella, Cafe Beaujolais...feedback would be great. I haven't been to Stella in years and don't remember much more than the wine.

Any suggestions?

thanks

[lolabelow]

My husband took a left turn and we ended up in Little Tokyo at the Shabu Shabu place...one of our first date spots.

But now I have him interested in Bashan and Lil' Pizza Parlor. Thanks for all the recs.

ps - has anyone eaten in the Italian join there? Seems out of place but oddly enough I had a great Italian meal my last trip to Tokyo.

[Kitchen Queen]

Bashan is beautiful Been there several times. Eat outside on the front patio, slow, easy and very romantic.!

[rickym13]

what about bashan? wasn't that were bistro verdu was?

[patz]

if you liked bistro verdu, you should try little parlor pizzeria in south pas:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/588764

[lolabelow]

Oh that sounds perfect. I'll let you know how it was.
thx

[sbritchky]

Very nice pastas and other Italian dishes at Celestino, a member of the small, high-quality Drago chain. Celestino is more casual than Drago in Santa Monica, for example, but the food is very good. On Saturday night it will probably be bustling but with neighborhood people, not the Hollywood set. Professional service, too.

-----
Celestino
141 South Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

[ipsedixit]

Malbec.

[lolabelow]

I read some reviews here and it seemed like it might not be the best place on a Saturday night...I'm a bit phobic about Old Town...thanks for the rec, though.

[ipsedixit]

On the outskirts of Old Town is Shiro. Another great place.

[Servorg]

Did you ever try any of these the last time around? http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/404589 - and if so, how was the one you picked?

[Silverlaker]

Can you get into Palate? For two it's about $120 w wine. There's also that South American place that's really good and I can't remember the name -- we went this time last year and are due to go back. They remodeled it and it's in a residential area, kinda South Silverlake -- that place is really good and fun, hope it's still around!

[Silverlaker]

I was talking about El Caserio -- has anyone gone recently? We really liked it when we went-- awhile ago. It's fun and romantic (the decor!) --

http://www.elcaseriola.com/

[cls]

First come first served at the wine bar at Palate.
Church and State is very good now but a bit loud.
Stella is always crowded.
We go to Water Grill and eat at the bar for an easy night out. Split entrees and it's not too bad. Steve or Peter will take good care of you.

[lolabelow]

My goodness...I realized I was terrible about responding. We went to Canele (which was our stand by until we had such a miserable experience with both service and food that my husband vowed never to go back...I'll miss it!)

[Tom P]

oh no! So sorry that happened. I love Canele. I had one of the best lamb dishes of my life there last week... newer to the menu. it was incredible.