Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 15, 2010

Good Food and Drink

7

Mountain Views News Saturday, May 15, 2010

TABLE FOR TWO 

By Peter Dills

Il Fornaio... The Baker

Deadlines, Dead-lines, 
I am sure that most of 
us have them. I have 
been skipping lunch 
lately and swore that 
I would stop and eat. Lunch for me is the most 
important meal of the day. I know the doctor says 
breakfast’s the most important, but for me, it’s 
lunch. Like many of us I get a little grumpy and 
fatigued if I skip lunch. So, committed to change 
on this beautiful summer-like day, I decided on a 
little al fresco dining to start my stop for lunch. 
I thus decided on my Favorite Happy Hour Spot 
for this noontime adventure, Il Fornaio. That 
actually means the “Baker” in Italian. It was High 
Noon and there was hardly anyone inside the 
restaurant, aside from one large party. How could 
that be? Well, everyone had the same inspiration 
I did, for when I ventured onto the Patio, it was 
packed to the gills. 

 Every time I go to Il Fornaio, I feel this pleasant 
grin spreading over my face as I attempt to read the 
menu. Why? I will spare you my shortcomings, 
however Il Fornaio’s menu is solely Italian, as 
in: Pasta, Pizzas, Fish, Salads, Sandwiches and a 
few Beef dishes. In any given month, Chef Lalo 
Talamontes offers a special regional Menu. This 
month’s menu features the Region of Campenia. 

 If you are in the mood, check it out. My meal 
was narrowed down to either grilled Chicken or 
Salmon, both priced at around ($18). I went for 
the Salmon e alla arglia, try saying that three 
times and then enjoying the Salmon. It comes 
with vegetables and a side of mashed potatoes. 
I was very pleased with my choice and quite 
pleased sipping my sparkling water underneath 
my umbrella on the patio. The waiter came by 
with a dessert cart that included a Bread Pudding 
that looked like 1000 calories, ugg, this diet isn’t 
going to last I tell you! 

Il Fornaio is having a Food Pairing of sorts; they 
have teamed with Limon Cello for an evening 
of fine food and fantastic drinks, all made with 
the Limon Cello. Martinis and great Il Fornaio 
food, sounds like a winner to me. May 20th, 7 
PM, the price is ($55) for this seven-course meal. 
Call today, spots are disappearing quickly. (626) 
683-9797 

Il Fornaio 24 W. Union St. Pasadena 

Heard it on the Street: The old Gordon Beirsh 
location is being actively pursued by the superstar 
Restaurateur Robert Simon, of the ever-popular 
Bistro 45. Check back here for additional details. 

Contact me through my web site. www.
peterdills.com 


1 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Lisa Finnie & Freinds 
4 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Quiz Nite Trivia Game 
5 Pianist & Jazz Vocalist Gaea Schell Jazz Jam Session 
6 New Astro Turf 
7 9:00 PM - 11:55 PM Mercy & the Merketts 
8 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Cheryl Barnes & Philip Cabasso 
11 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Quiz Nite Trivia Game 
12 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Guitarist Steve Creason 
13 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Cow Bop featuring Bruce Forman 
14 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM The Jack Sheldon Quartet 
15 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Jazz Crooner Rick Blessing 
18 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Quiz Nite Trivia Game 
19 The Song Sirens 
20 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Guitarist Pete Anderson !! 
21 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM VR Smith & Putter Smith with Gary Foster, & others 
22 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Jon Mayer Quartet featuring Pete Christlieb 
25 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Quiz Nite Trivia Game 
27 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM The Judy Wexler Quartet 
28 Swing Dancing with Flat Top Tom 
29 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Cuban Jazz, Funk & Salsa with ILIANA ROSE... 
SALSA DANCING !!
Live@322 May
Great fresh Italian,
Great Jazz, 
Cool Bar 
Very reasonably 
priced,
this is thebest hang in LA!!!
Extensive 
wine listSpecialty 
Beers on TapPIZZA PASTA 
PANINI 
STEAKS 
SEAFOOD 
COCKTAILS(626) 836-5414 | www.cafe322.com322 West Sierra Madre Blvd | Sierra Madre CA 91024
TUTORING 
IN YOUR 
HOME

Basic Math, 
Algebra, 
Geometry, 
Math Analysis, 
AP Calculus, 
AP Chemistry, 
Physics, Reading 
Comprehension, 

Phonics,

SAT I and II

Call Roy Wu 

(626) 
818-2587


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Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com