Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 25, 2012

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

10

 Mountain Views News Saturday, August 25, 2012 


DERBY ARCADIA. ALMOST PERFECT

The Derby Restaurant in Arcadia is part of a storied history like the racetrack that birthed it. 
As you shuffle through the restaurant you are taken back in time to an era when horseracing 
was the sport and Seabiscuit galloped through the Depression. Over the decades interest 
in the sport has waned with the divided attention of more channels than once could ever 
be envisioned. If you are a Hemingway fan, horseracing and boxing are as American as 
freedom. 

The great thing is that you don’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy this historic restaurant. The 
restaurant was made famous by its purchase in 1938 by Hall of Fame Horse Jockey George 
“The Iceman” Woolf, who rode Seabiscuit, and who wanted a place to gather his friends in 
the horse racing industry. He was famously known for his cool rides on horses. As other 
jockeys aggressively moved their mounts a fraction early, he patiently waited and finally 
unleash a well-timed run that would place his horse’s nose on the winning end of the photo. 

Today the reins of the restaurant fall under 
the able hands of two young entrepreneurs 
who have maintained the identity of the 
restaurant. 

There are many exciting items on the menu, and we started dinner with the World Famous 
Cheese Bread. You know I love “World Famous” and it is enough bread to feed a cavalry. 

Our appetizer selection was the Crab Cakes, and described on the menu as California Style, 
but was a little weak. I think if the chef could make his way over to the Frontrunner (at Santa 
Anita Racetrack) he might discover what a Maryland crab cake is all about. 

For my entree I went with the steak, a Bone-in Kansas City Rib Eye ($44). Once the kitchen 
got the temperature right, it was so tender that I worked myself all the way into gnawing 
on the bone. My dinner companion ordered the Marinated Grilled Shrimp (aka Shrimp 
Skewers), breaking the rule of ordering seafood on a Sunday, but I gave it two thumbs up as 
well. 

As for desserts, there are many on the list, but for a special occasion I would go for the Baked 
Alaska. The Bar has Large screen TVs and our sever Margaret was the Queen of the upsell!!

After a special Day at the Track, or simply if you are in the area, you should definitely check 
out The Derby.

The Derby Restaurant 233 E. Huntington Dr. Arcadia (626) 447-2430. 

Email me your thoughts thechefknows@yahoo.com

SIX PEPPER 
CHICKEN

WARNING: THIS IS HOT!

INGREDIENTS

•2 jalapeno peppers

•2 serrano peppers

•1 habanero pepper

•1 poblano pepper

•1/2 medium green pepper

•1/2 medium sweet red or yellow pepper

•6 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch strips

•1 tablespoon canola oil

•1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

•1/2 small onion, sliced

•1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

•Hot cooked rice, optional

DIRECTIONS

•Cut all of the peppers into thin strips; discard seeds. In a skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in oil until 
no longer pink. Add the peppers, mushrooms and onion; stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. 
Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Serve with rice if desired. Yield: 2 servings.

 Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid 
touching your face. Seriously!

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com


SIERRA MADRE FARMERS MARKET 

 The Farmers Market is open today and every Wednesday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. The location of 
the market is on Hermosa Avenue, south of Sierra Madre Boulevard to Mariposa Avenue, situated 
in the downtown area of Sierra Madre. The market has organic, fresh and locally grown 
produce. The farmers market is a great opportunity to come on down and meet the farmer directly. 
Dry Dock Fish has fresh and delicious wild caught varieties of fish. Rustic Loaf has your 
artisanal breads baked fresh that same day and brought to the market. Cutie Pie that has pies 
made with the fruits of our organic farmers, make sure you pick one or two up for desert. There 
are so many unique and amazing finds at the farmers market. Come on down to the Sierra Madre 
Farmers Market and shake the hand that feed you.

 If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Farmers Market, please contact Melissa Farwell 
from Raw Inspiration at (818) 591-8161 Ext. 806. Raw Inspiration, Inc., is responsible for 
all management and marketing of the City’s Farmers Market.

GOOD EATS PASADENA: 

FOOD, ART, & MUSIC 

Join us as we celebrate delights from local and 

regional vendors on Saturday, September 8

Summer is almost over but before you say goodbye, enjoy a summer day 
filled with a smorgasbord of food, live music, chef demos, hands-on activities 
and more at Good Eats Pasadena: Food Music and Art on Saturday, 
September 8 from 11 am until 6 pm at 23 S. Madison Ave. Purchase 
local goods and give back to the community! Admission is free and open to the public. The first 500 
attendees will receive a free canvas tote bag, so come early. Food and drinks will be sold by participating 
vendors with nothing costing over $10. 

At Good Eats Pasadena you will experience new tasty bites from around the world, including Greece, 
Korea, and Thailand, as well as a selection of over 40 food and vendors including: World of Flavoz 
Spice & Tea who offer a large variety of distinct spices and tea, the Rice Creamery who will be on 
hand with their savory, handcrafted gourmet puddings, as well as the 2011 Gourmet Product Award 
Winner, Grace & I with their unique and delicious gourmet seasonal preserves and Turshi collections. 

In addition to the food, the festival will include a beer and wine garden featuring locally brewed 
beer on tap by Golden Road Brewing Company and Italian wine flights: 2010 Consono Verdiccio 
del Casteli de Jes, 2010 Luigi Giusti Rose di Settembre, 2009 Badia Di Morrana I Sodi Del Parettaio 
Chianti. 

The event will also include multifaceted food-related hands-on activities for all including designing 
your own hot plate, making your own “Hungry Catepillar,” and live music. 

Chef talks and demonstrations by Nathan Lyon from “Growing a Greener World,” and “Good Food 
America,” and Chef Leslie Bilderback who will give a talk on “Being a Chef.” In addition, to sharing 
some recipes from her upcoming book “Mug Cakes.”

“Good Eats Pasadena will be a celebration of food in the heart of Pasadena. The Playhouse District 
Association is partnering with two great culinary institutions Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary 
Arts and Chefs Center to bring this event together in a tree lined setting along Madison Avenue 
between Colorado Boulevard and Green Street,” says Erlinda Romo, Playhouse District Executive 
Director. 

The seven hour Good Eats Pasadena: Food, Music & Art event will provide attendees with unique 
gourmet tastings, live music and one-of-a kind art activities at an affordable price.

Goods Eats Pasadena is produced by the Playhouse District Association, Pasadena’s art and culture 
district. For additional event information please visit www.playhousedistrict.org/goodeatspasadena 
or call 626.744.0340