Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, September 23, 2017

9

FOOD AND DRINK & MORE

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 23, 2017 


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com

A REAL BARGAIN AT PAUL MARTIN’S

I like my surroundings to be familiar. That said, 
I am also adventurous and have stated many 
times that I will drive anywhere for the best food 
a restaurant has to offer. I recently drove to Isla 
Vista for a single barbecue beef rib! My passion for 
great food is only equaled by my desire to make 
sure that when I pass along my findings, they are 
consistent and of great value. 

 Are you familiar with the supermarket term 
“loss leader”? It is common practice to get you in 
the door for something inexpensive, so that while 
you are there you’ll fill your cart with all the other 
items on your list. Restaurants offer happy hours 
to grab your attention in the same way. I also 
understand Groupon is still alive. My friend John 
Beeman was the general manger at Il Fornaio, 
and he wanted to make sure that anyone looking 
through the windows would see a full bar. He 
would even buy a round to make sure his patrons 
stayed in their seats. It makes us feel comfortable 
that others are there. Enough of the restaurant 
psychology — let’s get back to loss leaders. 

 I have grown very comfortable at the new Paul 
Martin’s American Grill on South Lake Avenue in 
Pasadena. The Grill originated in Roseville and 
has slowly made its way to other states. Its motto 
is “Seasonal & Delicious.” I will add that it’s also a 
good value if you know where to look. I was given 
this tip by manager Jesse: He explained to me that 
Mondays are their slow nights, and management, 
in their wisdom, came up with the “Wine Dinner 
for Two” special. For $60 you can choose any 
entree on the menu, with the exception of two of 
the steaks, for which there are small up-charges — 
still a heck of a deal. You will get a seasonal salad 
and a bottle of wine — not a glass, but a full bottle 
of red, white, pink or sparkling wine. Not sure 
which to get? They will let you try a taste of any 
wine before you commit. Among the wine choices 
are Piper Sonoma sparkling wine, an Annabella 
pinot (2014), and Kenwood 2013 Zinfandel. We 
thoroughly enjoyed the marinated skirt steak 
(regularly $33) and a brick chicken for ($27). 
Next time I am going to go one step further and 
order the prime New York steak; yes, there is a $15 
surcharge, but it’s well worth it. That sounds good, 
right? Remember, loyal readers, we are talking 
$60 for a dinner for two, so get in quick before 
management comes to their senses! Bottom line: 
This is one of the best values I’ve ever had. Please 
call ahead to confirm menu and prices!!

 

 Paul Martin’s American Grill, 455 S. Lake Ave., 
Pasadena; 626-773-7600.

 Reach me through my award winning website 
www.peterdills.com


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