Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 2, 2014

8

FOOD AND DRINK

Mountain Views-News Saturday, August 2, 2014 


BIG DADDY’S FIRE GRILL ORANGEWOOD 
PLAZA WEST PASADENA

How many burger joints are there in Pasadena? Many! Have you noticed the competition in the 
hot dog and burger arena in Pasadena has increased dramatically? Although Bob’s Big Boy, Johnny 
Rocket’s and Wolfe Burger bowed out, it seems that Pasadena has gotten a lot of new burger joints, 
and I found one that stands apart from the rest: Big Daddy’s Fire Grill. How can Big Daddy be a 
strong contender? I went to the new Big Daddy’s after my radio show last Sunday night, wanting 
to get a burger and watch the games on one of their nine big screen TV’s. I was accompanied by 
Mr. Dean Lee who films my radio show for the internet. The menu has as many selections as the 
original location on Foothill Blvd. They have a chicken wing appetizer (some of the best wings I 
have had in the San Gabriel Valley, marinated in a secret sauce and are fresh never frozen), dawgs, 
grilled sandwiches, salads and, of course the burger. 

The claim here is that each burger is freshly ground daily and hand formed. On my first visit I 
had no proof, but after the burger “The Daddy 
Burger”($6.95) I wanted another! It wasn’t 
that the burger didn’t fill me up, but it was that 
good. My mind was racing on how I would 
write a full story on just one burger, and it 
occurred to me that this burger reminded me of a burger that you would have at a backyard BBQ. 
Now I ask you…. where else would you indeed have another burger? Yep, bingo! At a friend’s BBQ 
or tailgate! Friend Dean Lee had the Lamb Burger 1/3 lb. ($9.75) and promised to tell every one 
that would listen about his find. Now, when I explained to Dean that the burger reminded me of 
one that you’d have in the backyard, this usually laid-back man acted as if I had just parted the Red 
Sea and brought the sun came out on a cloudy day. He stood up and said, “You are right Peter?” I 
ate the sandwich so fast that Dean thought I hadn’t eaten in two days. Nope, it was just that good. 
I even thought about ordering another.

Prices here are ridiculously competitive, with combos available. 
All and all there are plenty of dishes to love, and they have many 
beers on tap, as well as wine by the glass or bottle. Why Big 
Daddy’s name? Every dad claims to make the best backyard 
BBQ, and the owners might have the claim for the best burger. 
Another bonus -- the walls are well, wall-to-wall with nine 
huge flat screen TV’s, much like the original. Big Daddy’s is a 
great place for a burger and to hang out with friends and watch 
your favorite sporting event. My only minus is that the French 
Fries are pre-frozened, the only blemish on another wise stellar 
performance.

Bonus: During live sporting events for home teams, beer prices 
are slashed !! I had a Stella for $3.50 the usual price is $4.75. 
Restrictions apply. 

Big Daddy’s Fire Grill 147 W. California Blvd. Pasadena (626) 
356-4900

CURRIED WALDORF SALAD

INGREDIENTS: 

1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt 

3 tablespoons light mayonnaise 

1/2 teaspoon curry powder 

1/8 teaspoon salt 

Pinch of cayenne pepper, or to taste 

1 orange 

2 tart-sweet red apples, diced (about 2 cups) 

1 cup chopped celery 

1/3 cup golden raisins 

1/3 cup toasted walnut pieces, coarsely chopped

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com

DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, salt and cayenne in a medium bowl. Grate 2 
teaspoons zest from the orange and add to the dressing.

2. Using a sharp knife, cut off the peel and white pith from the orange. To make attractive 
segments, hold the orange over the bowl (to catch the juice) and slice between each segment and 
its surrounding membranes. Add apples, celery, raisins and walnuts; toss to combine.


Sponsored by Sierra Madre Music 
SIERRA MADRE MUSIC BANDS (Top 40 Covers)
Sponsored by L.A. County Supervisor Michael D. AntonovichOPA OPA (Latin Jazz)
Sponsored by Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club & Friends of the Sierra Madre LibraryGEM CITY JAZZ CATS (Big Band)
Sponsored by Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighters AssociationHARD DAY’S NIGHT (Beatles Tribute)
Sponsored by Spero FoundationDECADES OF ROCK (Rock and Roll Covers)
Sponsored by Sierra Madre Civic ClubWOODY AND THE LONGBOARDS (Beach Boys)
Sponsored by Sierra Madre Rotary ClubELVIS (Elvis Tribute)
Sponsored by Sierra Madre Community Foundation 
CASH UP FRONT (Johnny Cash Tribute)
Sponsored by Senior Community CommissionREX MERRIWEATHER (Big Band)
All concerts are free and held from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Memorial Park 
Bandshell, located at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Seating is on the green. Be sure 
to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. Alcohol is prohibited. Spectators 
are encouraged to support local organizations that may provide refreshments. 
CONCERTS IN THE PARKPRESENTED BY THE KENSINGTON 
Sponsored by Pasadena Community Orchestra - 6:30pm-8:00pmPASADENA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA (Classical)
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICE AT 626.355.5278