Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, October 29, 2016

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FOOD AND DRINK

Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 29, 2016 

If you have followed my adventures throughout 
Southern California you know I love three things: 
wine, great food, and horse racing. Just a few miles 
east of my home in Pasadena is my home away 
from home, the “Great Race Place” Santa Anita 
Racetrack. Established many years ago by horse 
breeder Lucky Baldwin, it burned down in 1912, 
and was resurrected in 1933 Charles Strub and a 
few friends who re-opened Santa Anita in 1934. 
Over the years, it has attracted many movie stars 
and been the background to many Hollywood 
movies. It’s where the Marx Brothers 
spent a day at the races. Fast forward 
to present day, Santa Anita will host 
the Superbowl of horse racing on 
November 5th and 6th. 

 The Breeders Cup has planned a few 
events to lead up to this great day in 
Santa Anita racing history. Zenyatta, 
arguably the greatest Santa Anita 
racehorse of all time, has an event 
named after her on November 3rd. 
The event is at a few blocks from the 
race track on N. First Ave. between 
Huntington Drive starts at 7 PM, and 
is free of charge.

 On November 5th Pasadena Fan 
Fest takes place at the Pasadena Civic. The event is 
open to the public, with a $45 admission fee. One 
of my favorite 80’s cover bands, the Spazmatics, 
will be live. The event also includes food trucks, 
cash bars, and is limited to 1000 attendees. I’ll be 
there!

 Nov 2nd An evening with California Chrome 
is being held at a favorite local restaurant Matt 
Denny’s Alehouse on Huntington Drive. You can 
talk to owners Perry Martin and Frank Taylor, 
trainer Art Sherman, and jockey Victor Espinoza. 
Tickets are $100 and include hors d’oeuvres\ 
Breeders Cup is a day-long event and features top 
horses from all parts of the world. Tickets range 
from $10 to $400. Santa Anita Racetrack features 
many dining choices, or you can just have a drink 
while you are betting the horses. I recommend 
getting advance seats - it is the biggest party of the 
year!!! Call (626) 574-race for more details

Here are a few of my local choices for dining in the 
San Gabriel Valley

 Paul Martin’s American Grill has a special 
Breeder’s Cup 3 course meal 455 S. Lake Ave 
Pasadena (626) 773-7600

 Parkway Grill considered by many as the Spago 
of the east. 510 S. Arroyo Pkwy. Pasadena (626) 
795-1001

 Nikki C’s winner and losers flock to this 
Pasadena restaurant after races 470 S. Rosemead 
(626) 792-7437

 Panda Inn Best of the best of the local Asian 
restaurant scene 3488 E. Foothill Pasadena (626) 
793-7300

 Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ, the real deal when it 
comes to Q !! 395 N. Rosemead Pasadena (626) 
351-8885

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com

Julie’s Favorite Family Recipes

ZUCCHINI PIZZA CASSEROLE RECIPE 

Ingredients

4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can (15 ounces) Italian tomato sauce

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

Directions

 Preheat oven to 400°. Place zucchini in colander; sprinkle with salt. Let stand 10 minutes, then squeeze 
out moisture.

 Combine zucchini with eggs, Parmesan and half of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Press into a greased 
13x9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Bake 20 minutes.

 Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat, crumbling beef, until meat is no 
longer pink; drain. Add tomato sauce; spoon over zucchini mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; add 
red pepper. Bake until heated through, about 20 minutes longer.

 Freeze option: Cool baked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. 
Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap casserole; reheat on a 
lower oven rack until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°. Yield: 8 servings. 


HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

THE JOY OF YOGA


ARE YOGA TEACHER 

TRAININGS FOR EVERYONE? 


In the past 10 
years, yoga teacher 
trainings have 
become ever 
popular. This 
trend reflects the increasing number of people 
practicing yoga. According to the 2016 Yoga in 
America study conducted by Yoga Journal and 
Yoga Alliance, over 36 million Americans are yoga 
practitioners. It’s finally sinking in that individuals 
(and the world as a whole) need a holistic approach 
to health and wellness. On the surface, the physical 
practice of yoga is a great start. However, it’s through 
the wisdom the deeper teachings of yoga and 
advanced practices of pranayama and meditation 
that transformation takes place. By integrating 
practices for wellness and spiritual health into 
everyday life, we are able to make an impact on long-
term health and happiness. 

 It’s in the foundational teacher training, that 
the deeper teachings of yoga are introduced. Yogic 
Philosophy, Meditation, Subtle Body Energetics, 
Ayurveda and Anatomy are just a few of the rich 
topics explored in teacher training. Therefore, it’s the 
perfect setting to satisfy your curiosity and deepen 
your yoga practice. It makes sense, even though, 
these trainings are called ‘teacher’ trainings, and 
they are not just for students who want to teach. 
The experience serves as an in-road to awareness, 
knowledge and ancient wisdom. 

The process of learning to teach provides the student 
with multiple benefits and unexpected growth 
opportunities. One of which, is knowing how to 
create a personal yoga sequence. This is essential 
for bringing yoga home and weaving it into your 
personal routine. Of course, learning to teach a 
group asana class is paramount in a yoga teacher 
training. However, in my opinion, the real nuggets 
are in overcoming fear while learning how to teach. 
Also, learning how to handle a room of people with 
grace and authority is instrumental and incredibly 
empowering. All explored in a safe, nurturing 
environment. These skills translate into real life, at 
home and at work. 

 Not all teacher trainings are the same or created 
equal. I am proud to say that Yoga Madre offers the 
best teacher training in town (and out of town). 
The next foundational training begins January 27, 
2017 and takes place one weekend per month for 10 
months total. Consider it if your curiosity and love 
for yoga has grown. It’s where you will learn to bring 
ancient wisdom into everyday life. 

 Namaste friends and keep exploring the vast 
greatness of yoga.

Keely Totten


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com