Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 5, 2011

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

8

 Mountain Views News Saturday, February 5, 2011 


41st ANNUAL 

WINE AND CUISINE 
TASTING

MIJARES Still Great After All These Years

The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library 
have been putting the final details on their 
41st Annual Wine and Cuisine Tasting Event 
scheduled February 18th. Because of the 
renewed popularity of wine tasting events, it’s 
easy to understand that the “cuisine tasting” 
might get lost in the promotion.

Fran Garbaccio, Friend’s volunteer has 
been busy finalizing the team of participating 
restaurants who will be represented at the 
event. “ The response this year from local 
restaurants has been wonderful ,” said Fran. 
“So many restaurants have found this to be a 
great way for folk to sample the best of what 
they offer at their individual location.”” They’ll 
be promoting their best,” she added.

So far, you can expect to taste samples from: 
Bean Town, Café 322, Casa Del Rey, Claro’s 
Italian Market, Charcuterie, Enrique’s, Green 
Street Café, Jakes Roadhouse, Lucky Baldwin’s 
Emporium, Matt Denny’s Alehouse, Pie & 
Burger, Starbucks, Stonefire Grill, Sweets 
Pastries & More, The Only Place in Town, 
Ugos and Whole Foods.

Imagine taking your Valentine to over 
20 different restaurants for a taste? Now 
imagine the convenience and savings when 
you’re able to sample some of these same 
restaurants with the price a ticket. By the way, 
tipping is not required.

The always-popular evening will take place 
at the Alverno High School Villa, 200 N 
Michillinda Avenue, on Friday February 18 
7:00p – 9:30p. General entry tickets at a cost 
of $60 will allow entry at 7:00, but Premier 
admission will allow 100 folk an early entry at 
6:00 and include many new surprises. Current 
paid members of the Friends will receive a $5 
discount off general entry when purchased at 
the library.

Tickets can be purchased at Arnold’s 
Frontier Hardware, The Bottle Shop, Iris 
Intrigue, and Savor the Flavor. You can also 
pick up tickets at the Sierra Madre Library, or 
PayPal on-line at sierramadrelibraryfriends.
org.

In addition to attending one of the social 
highlights of the year, you’ll enable the 
Friends to support your library services and 
programs. This past year The Friends of the 
Sierra Madre Library provided over $58,000 
for equipment upgrades and improvements.

My friend Grant, of Patron 
Tequila, asked me for a 
meeting in the Pasadena 
area, he wanted to discuss 
the Tequila business, which 
he knows oh so well, plus 
he wanted to pick my 
brain for a spot in The San 
Gabriel Valley that had 
great margaritas and food 
to match. I suggested Mijares and we were both 
happy as can be!!! Right off the bat, I was reminded 
more than once that the correct pronunciation is 
me-har-eez, Mijares Mexican Restaurant. 

So how does one freestanding restaurant pass 
through 90 years of time, you ask?? And now 
approach the century mark? I think I have the 
answer. On a recent visit I carefully watched 
Tommy Recendez, part owner and full time 
employee, tirelessly work the front of the 
restaurant with an attitude of roll up your sleeves 
and get dirty. The one major difference is that 
Tom is wearing a Tommy Bahama Shirt. He is 
closest thing we have to a game show host as he 
manages to kiss each lady on the cheek, or shake 
the hand of each guest as they walk in. It is a 
Norman Rockwell picture of a family from the 
fifties, and that is the reason that others have 
fallen while Mijares has remained a monument 
and a destination for many from Pasadena. When 
Tom is not around kissing and shaking the hands 
of the guests, you will find the same type of warm 
invitation from his sisters R-Lene and Tina. And 
certainly we can’t forget Alice, their Mother, who 
guarantees that the youngsters are carrying on the 
tradition of catering to the customers. You may 
see her roaming the dining hall and making sure 
the customers are satisfied with their enchiladas 
or Corky’s famous Garbage Burrito. Beautiful!

If you have been to Mijare’s you’ve sensed the 
classic “Cheers” approach to the feel of the 
restaurant. You have to walk straight through the 
bar to get to the dining room. Many times I have 
given in to temptation and stopped in my tracks 
and enjoyed one of George’s famous and award 
winning Margarita’s. Their motto is “mi casa es su 
casa!” If I took them up on that offer more often, 
I would never get any work done, but the risk 
almost seems worth it.

Let’s talk about Sunday Brunch. 
As of this writing for ($18.95) 
you can immerse yourself in 
pretty much all the menu items. 
Sparkling wine is also included 
in the price. The Musicians 
wander through the restaurant 
with their powerful ballads 
that sweep the afternoon away. 
I see many people having a 
great time, so, be responsible and please bring a 
designated driver!!! 

Items included are different fruits, a salad bar, 
many desserts; house made tortillas, soups, 
enchiladas, fajitas and an omelet station. Kids 
eat for ($8.95), no mimosas for the kids. Make 
sure you say, hello to Alice, knowing her, she’s 
probably the one setting up the brunch.

Plenty of free parking, full bar, outside dining a 
true Pasadena Institution that should be visited 
often. Sunday Brunch Hours are 9:30 AM to 2 
PM. 

Check out their website for exact hours, prices 
and menu items. 

Mijares Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Dr. Pasadena 
(626) 792-2763. www.mijaresrestaurant.com 

Listen to me every Sunday afternoon at 4 PM. 
On KABC Talk Radio 790


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills


LUCKY WINNER OF TWO TICKETS 
TO THE 41ST ANNUAL WINE AND 
CUISINE TASTING ANNOUNCED

Sierra Madre resident Donna Singer’s name was drawn 
from the deposit box on January 31st. As instructed, Donna 
diligently completed and deposited her entry forms weekly 
from the Mountain Views News to improve her chances.

Singer, a 33-year resident, has never attended the Friend’s 
event. “ I was so excited, as I’ve always said I should do this,” 
she said. “But, the cost has always been a factor for me, and 
this will be a thrill.”

Final details are now being wrapped up as the Friends of 
the Library volunteers are busy selling tickets to the event.

The always-popular evening will take place at the Alverno High School Villa, 200 N Michillinda 
Avenue, on Friday February 18 7:00p – 9:30p. General entry tickets at a cost of $60 will allow entry at 
7:00, but Premier admission will allow 100 folk an early entry at 6:00 and include many new surprises. 
Current paid members of the Friends will receive a $5 discount off general entry when purchased at 
the library.

Tickets can be purchased at Arnold’s Frontier Hardware, The Bottle Shop, Iris Intrigue, and 
Savor the Flavor. You can also pick up tickets at the Sierra Madre Library, or using PayPal on-line at 
sierramadrelibraryfriends.org.

In addition to attending one of the social highlights of the year, you’ll enable the Friends to support 
your library services and programs. This past year The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library provided 
over $58,000 for equipment upgrades and improvements

Come and Celebrate 
Valentine’s DayTwo Course Meal (For Two)
Fajitas Trio for TwoA Chicken, beef and shrimp mix with bell peppers, 
onions, tomatoes and flamed with white wine, 
accompanied with rice, beans and tortillas.
1 DessertChoose one of our delicious dessertsFresas con Crema, Crepas con cajeta,
Fried Ice Cream, Cheesecake,
Flan de la Casa or Vanilla Ice Cream$25.95From 11am to 9:00pm, Valentine’s DayNew Hours beginning 
February 14th, 2011Open at 8:00am for Breakfast 
7 Days a WeekIf you bring in or mention the paper,
you will get a surprise.
wARCADIA(626) 445-5327625 E. Live Oak Ave.
Arcadia 
California 
91006PASADENA(626) 795-0230655 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena 
California 
91101DUARTE(626) 359-36141856 E. Huntington Dr.
Duarte 
California 
91010