Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 10, 2013

FOOD & DRINK

9

Mountain Views-News Saturday, August 10, 2013 

DOG DAYS, AND WE ARE HALFWAY THERE!!

Here are my favorite dining experiences so far for 2013. Look at this as an early report card to dining 
in the Pasadena area. 

If you’re looking for a steak, I recommend the Arroyo Chop House. In Pasadena, the steaks are above 
average and the Grand Marnier Soufflé for dessert is a must. I also recommend Taylor’s Steak House 
in La Canada, an old-school steak house. It’s a little less pricey then the aforementioned Chop House, 
and I love their Molly Salad, and although service can favor the regulars, it’s one of my favorites. 
Looking for ribs? There is only one place to go 
in the San Gabriel Valley -- Robin’s Wood Fire 
Grill. Robin Salzar has been smoking the best 
beef and baby back ribs for years. Lunch? I have 
two places in mind. First is the Central Park Café; I always order the ahi tuna sandwich with the 
delicious broccoli salad on the side, and you can’t go wrong with the short ribs. Also, I like Houston’s. 
It’s called a steak house, and but while I’ve been there twenty times in the past few years, I’ve never 
have ordered a steak (I’ll bet its good, though!) I love the service and the non-chain attitude, the beef 
dip sandwich is my favorite, and the $17 price is worth it. 

A favorite of mine in Sierra Madre is Zugos, a little café on Sierra Madre Blvd., which features al fresco 
dining and wine and beer. Order the gnocchi -- I liked it and you will too. Pizza? I like several places, 
but the one out-of-towners must check out is Tarantino’s on Green St. They are small and quaint, and 
only take cash, but the pizza is 
great – you can get traditional 
style pepperoni or sausage. 
The lasagna is a hit as well, 
and they offer sandwiches, but 
stick with the pizza. Is Sushi 
your thing? Again, we have a 
few chains in the area, but for 
my money it’s Japon Bistro 
on E. Colorado. They have a 
great selection of sake, plus the 
owner Clarence is always there 
to make everyone feel at home; 
it’s little more pricey then 
the chains, but the few extra 
pennies are worth it.

 

Save September 23rd for Taste 
of Arcadia at the beautiful 
Arboretum on Baldwin! 5:30 
to 9 PM (626) 447-2159. All you can eat and drink. Live Music and TV ‘s for Football viewing


SUMMER FRUIT SOUP

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com

INGREDIENTS

 1 tablespoon minced ginger 

3 cups chopped strawberries 

2 cups chopped pineapple 

1 1/2 cups chopped mango 

2 pieces lemon peel 

2 pieces lime peel 

2 pieces orange peel 

4 cups water 

1 1/2 cups sugar 

1/4 cup fresh orange juice 

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 

1 cup blueberries 

Mint sprigs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Saute the ginger in a medium pot over medium-
high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes (no 
oil is necessary.) Add 2 cups strawberries, 1 cup 
pineapple, 3/4 cup mango and the lemon, lime 
and orange peels; cook for another 2 minutes. 
Add water, sugar and fruit juices and bring to a 
simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5 minutes 
and remove from the heat. Allow mixture 
to cool slightly and then transfer in batches to a 
blender or food processor. Puree and strain into 
a large bowl. Add remaining 1 cup strawberries, 
1 cup pineapple, 3/4 cup mango and blueberries. 
Stir to combine, cover and refrigerate until well 
chilled. Serve with mint sprigs for garnish