Mountain Views News          Saturday, May 19, 2012

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

9

PASADENA JAZZ FEST, 
WHERE TO DINE?

MIJARES. OF COURSE !!

What do The Chronicle, JJ’s Steak House and Wood 
and Eddy’s all have in common? At one time they 
were all very popular restaurants here in the Pasadena 
area. For one reason or another, they are all out of 
business. So how does one freestanding restaurant 
pass the test of time? And approach the century 
mark, which is more then the combined years that 
the aforementioned restaurants were in business. 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 as Mijares has remained a monument and 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. But let’s not 
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’ll sense 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.

Recently, I filmed Mijares Sunday Brunch for my TV show, “Dining with Dills,” again the 
friendly service abounded. 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.

Mijares 145 Palmetto Pasadena. (626) 792-2763

Email me your favorites..thechefknows@yahoo.com, tune in this Sunday Night to Dining 
with Dills Radio Show, KABC Talk Radio 790 AM

 Mountain Views News Saturday, May 19, 2012 


RED, WHITE & BLUE

AMBROSIA

INGREDIENTS

 1 pint heavy cream

 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

 2 cups sour cream

 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

 1 pint fresh blueberries

 3 cups miniature marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the heavy cream and confectioners' 
sugar in a large bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until thick but not grainy. Mix in sour 
cream. 

2. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flaked coconut, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries 
and marshmallows until everything is evenly distributed. Cover and chill for at least 4 
hours before serving. It tastes best if chilled overnight. 


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com