It's that Ole Town Flavor

Old Town Pasadena
Location: Old Town Parking, Map, and Directions
Entertainment Value: Outdoor Shopping, Architectural Aesthetics, Downtown Stroll for the Bourgeois lifestyle
Entertainment Cost: Window shopping= free; Other shopping= varies

Food Cost: Varies from restaurant to restaurant (see Old Town Pasadena Eats)

Sure, the beauty of the arches, the villas, the earth tone hues plastered on brick buildings tickle our visual senses, and sure, the fancy selections displayed behind windows of vintage shops, boutiques, specialities stores, and namebrand stores encapsulates us, but what really draws both travelers and locals to this rich city is the food. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But here in Old Town, the food is a worth a thousand miles...of traveling saved that is!  Just imagine a place where all the best cuisines from around the world are readily available in a two mile radius.  There are 113+ restaurants in a 21 block district, where centuries of regional traditions are refined, like wine, to become today's modern dining experience--this is the place where "fusion" cuisine, a relatively modern phenomenon, thrives freely like foxtails in a prairie.

                                                                                                            

In what other two mile block could you find so many ethnic foods in one place: Tibetian, French-Belgian, Mezzbaan Indian, Italian, British, Spanish, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Equadorian, American, Thai, Peruvian, Vietnamese, Argentinian, Afgani, all waiting for your patronage? From regional tastes like Barc elona, New York Deli, Philly's Best, Seattle's Cafe, Sonoma's Dish Bistro and Bar, to Fusion restaurants like Chinese-Japanese's Wokano, French-Belgian's Quadrupel Brasserie, California-European's Greenstreet Tavern, French-Italian's Dish Bistro and Bar, and Chinese-American's 54 Holly Restaurant to specialty eateries like Green Earth Vegan Cuisine, Cafe Alibi, and Le Pain Quotidien. Thirsty? How about tea from Tea Rose Garden, Scarlet Tea Room, Bird Pick Tea and Herb, Chado Tea Room, or boba drinks? Or what about beer from 72 North, Lucky Baldwin's Pub, or perhaps wine from Vertical Wine Bistro, Red White and Bluezz, POP Champagne and Dessert Bar. And speaking of desserts, how about Violet's Cakes? Tutti Gelati's italian icecream? Rocket Fizz Soda pop? Fondue from Melting Pot? Creme de la Crepe? Dot's Cupcakes?  You get my drift? With so many selections, it's like picking candy from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It's a food savant's library of exploration.

We headed to Mi Piace to celebrate our friends,  iana and Joseph's, engagement. The Italian place was packed with people waiting. Luckily we had made reservations and was seated almost immediately (make sure all your party is present. They will not seat you otherwise). We ordered pastas and antipastas, we ordered champagne to celebrate, but what makes this swinger's lounge a titillating pursuit is the delectable desserts. The tiramisu, soaked in Brandy, and baked in the finest technologies available, just melts into the palate after a fine Italian entree. We also tried the creme brulee. Magnifico! With the caramelized flame torched outer layering covering the lightly battered creme like frozen ice over a lake, it is a mouth watering delight to polish off a meal fit for The Council of Ministers. Now that's powerful!