Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 13, 2012

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

10

 Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 13, 2012 


HORSES AND, OF COURSE, NIKKI C’S

Nikki C’s is a small restaurant which possesses a large 
appeal. It is named after the owner’s daughter, and the 
restaurant has gathered a large faithful following over 
the years among racetrack enthusiasts, local neighbors 
and a slew of regulars from all parts unknown. It offers 
an Italian menu with an old American flair. 

 The restaurant is softly lit and has almost a club 
feel about it. The bar has been recently upgraded with 
new TVs, and many of the patrons find Nikki C’s as 
attractive and satisfying as Norm would on any Cheers 
episode. Most of the regulars sit at the bar when they 
take their main course, and it appeared to me that they 
felt as at ease as if they were in their own home enjoying 
a meal. For my last visit I decided to sit in the dining 
room which is quaint, or in proper American speak, on the small side. I wanted to get a 
better idea of what they had for a selection, so I decided that I would order half orders of 
appetizers and entrees. That way I could try more dishes and get a better idea of what they 
have to offer. For starters 

I had the Blue Cheese Wedge Salad ($8). It is 
comprised of a crisp cut of lettuce topped with 
bacon bits and blue cheese dressing. That is 
one fantastic dish that I will order every time I 
come to this restaurant. I stuck with appetizers for our next course, which was a combination 
of Ahi Sashimi and Filet Mignon on toasted baguettes with a touch of wasabi mayo ($10), a 
gold medal winner for this critic. During the meal I enjoyed a Cadillac Margarita; I missed 
the ice float though. Well, that’s just how I enjoy it. Okay, its entrée time. You have to have 
lasagna at an Italian restaurant, don’t you? It brought back a forgotten memory of a place that 
I went to in Hoboken, NJ on a rainy day. It has enough cheese to satisfy any cheese lover and 
flavor that would make your mama lift her fork approvingly ($15). My friend and political 
pundit Madd Maxx had the Cioppino Pasadino ($23) that he swears is the best in town and 
has enough shelled fish to feed 
an army. 

 Our host Nikki got wind that 
there was a big time food critic 
in the stable (I asked where?) 
She brought me a portion of 
the Tuscan Osso Bucco (Pork 
Shank) - for $23 it will be well 
worth the full course on my 
next visit. Since I wasn’t driving 
I ended the night with a martini 
at the bar -- tasty, and at $9 a 
pop I’ll stick around and have 
two. Dessert, I am full!

Nikki C’s 470 S. Rosemead Blvd. 
Pasadena (626) 792-7437

Email me your thoughts 
thechefknows@yahoo.com


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com


SIERRA MADRE FARMERS MARKET 

New Hours

The Sierra Madre Farmer’s Market hours have changed to 3:00pm through 8:00pm every 
Wednesday in fall and winter. Vendors include Dry Dock which has fresh and wild caught 
fish, Rustic Loaf with artisan breads, Cutie Pie with fresh pies and much more!

For those interested in being a vendor contact Melissa Farwell with Raw Inspirations at 818-
591-8161 ext. 806.