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FOOD - DRINK -FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, June 8, 2024

ALL THINGS 

By Jeff Brown 

The Light Eaters: 

How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers 
a New Understanding of Life on Earth by 
Zoe Schlanger

Award-winning Atlantic staff writer Zoë Schlanger 
delivers a groundbreaking work of popular 
science that probes the hidden world of the 
plant kingdom and reveals the astonishing capabilities 
of the green life all around us.

It takes tremendous biological creativity to be 
a plant. To survive and thrive while rooted in a 
single spot, plants have adapted ingenious methods 
of survival. In recent years, scientists have learned about their ability to 
communicate, recognize their kin and behave socially, morph their bodies 
to blend into their surroundings, store useful memories that inform their life 
cycle, and trick animals into behaving to their benefit, to name just a few remarkable 
talents.

The Light Eaters is a deep immersion into the drama of green life and the 
complexity of this wild and awe-inspiring world that challenges our very understanding 
of agency, consciousness, and intelligence. In looking closely, we 
see that plants, rather than imitate human intelligence, have perhaps formed a 
parallel system. What is intelligent life if not a vine that grows leaves to blend 
into the shrub on which it climbs, a flower that shapes its bloom to fit exactly 
the beak of its pollinator, a pea seedling that can hear water flowing and make 
its way toward it?

What can we learn about life on Earth from the living things that thrive, adapt, 
consume, and accommodate simultaneously? More important, what do we 
owe these life forms once we come to understand their rich and varied abilities? 
Examining the latest epiphanies in botanical research, Schlanger spotlights 
the intellectual struggles among the researchers conceiving a wholly new 
view of plants, offering a glimpse of a field in turmoil as plant scientists debate 
the tenets of ongoing discoveries and how they influence our understanding 
of what a plant is.

PERRY'S JOINT SIERRA MADRE

Growing up as the son of a restaurant critic I 
remember making my dad a sandwich and he 
proclaiming this is as good as any restaurant 
sandwich, I’ve had. High Praise. Fast forward 45 
years I found a sandwich shop in Sierra Madre 
that reminds me of the sandwiches I made at 
home for the family.

Right here in Sierra Madre, Perry's Joint stands 
out as a top destination for sandwich lovers. 
This delightful eatery is renowned for its fresh 
ingredients, creative menu, and a jazzy ambiance, 
making it a favorite among locals and visitors 
alike.

Ambiance and Decor: Perry's Joint exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere with its casual and cozy 
decor. Rustic wooden tables, a colorful chalkboard menu, and a jazz touch contribute to a relaxed 
and cheerful environment. Jazz enthusiasts will appreciate the subtle nods to jazz throughout the 
space, including the soothing melodies of jazz music that create a laid-back vibe. The outdoor seating 
is limited but as my friend Hans Hare takes his sandwich to the local park area is a fantastic spot to 
enjoy your meal while soaking in the picturesque surroundings of Sierra Madre.

Service: The service at Perry's Joint is friendly not fawning. The staff are friendly, enthusiastic, and 
always eager to assist with recommendations or special requests. Their attentive and efficient service 
ensures a pleasant dining experience from the moment you walk in.

Food: The sandwiches at Perry's Joint are truly the stars of the show. Each creation is crafted with care, 
using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu boasts a wide variety of options, with all selections 
priced around $12, offering excellent value for money.

A standout on the menu is the "Hip Bird" sandwich, a delightful combination of Turkey, avocado, 
lettuce, tomato, and mustard and mayo on squaw bread. The flavors meld perfectly, creating a 
delicious and satisfying meal. The freshness of the ingredients and the generous portions make this 
sandwich a must-try.

Local resident Manny Almeida who actually turned me on to Perry’s had the Max Roast, Roast Beef 
mustard, lettuce on Sourdough, again we could have easily shared just one sandwich. Next visit I’ll try 
the Perry Pounder Hot Roast Beef , onion, American cheese on your choice of bread. I know I know, 
for those of you that have been there you are thinking you should have tried this and that but this was 
only one visit

Drinks: Perry's Joint offers a variety of refreshing beverages, including iced teas and Italian Sodas, as 
well as locally sourced sodas. A special mention goes to the "Beets by Perry" smoothie, a vibrant and 
healthy blend that perfectly complements any meal..

Value: The pricing at Perry's Joint is reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes of 
the sandwiches. With most items priced around $12, you get excellent value for your money, making 
it an ideal spot for a casual lunch, or a meal on the go.

Overall: Perry's Joint is a Jazzy Good time excels in delivering delicious, fresh sandwiches in a cozy 
and friendly setting. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, this 
sandwich shop is a must-visit in Sierra Madre. With its outstanding service, top-quality food, and 
jazz-themed ambiance, it's no surprise that Perry's Joint consistently receives five-star reviews on 
Yelp. I wholeheartedly agree with the praise—Perry's Joint has rightfully earned its place as a beloved 
local favorite.

My only suggestion is to call ahead for you order. Enjoy!

PERRY’S JOINT

145 Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre


RENOWNED WINE CONNOISSEUR PETER DILLS TRANSITIONS TO 
PAVILIONS SOUTH PASADENA

South Pasadena, CA — June 6, 2024 — Pavilions South Pasadena 
proudly announces the appointment of Peter Dills as a part of its 
esteemed wine department. With an illustrious background in 
the culinary arts and a decade-long tenure as a prominent radio 
personality specializing in food and wine, Dills brings a wealth 
of expertise and a prestigious family legacy to his new role.

As the son of the esteemed restaurant critic Elmer Dills, Peter 
Dills has been immersed in the world of fine cuisine and wine 
from a young age. His transition from Vons Pasadena to Pavilions 
South Pasadena marks a strategic move aimed at enhancing the 
store's wine offerings and driving increased sales.

"We are thrilled to welcome Peter Dills to the Pavilions South Pasadena family," said Phil Markert of 
"Peter's unparalleled knowledge of wine, coupled with his passion for sharing culinary experiences, 
will undoubtedly enrich the shopping experience for our customers and elevate our wine department 
to new heights."

With over a decade of experience as a radio host discussing the nuances of food and wine, Peter 
Dills is uniquely positioned to curate an exceptional selection of wines that cater to the diverse tastes 
of South Pasadena residents. His deep understanding of varietals, regions, and food pairings will 
empower customers to explore and discover new flavors, enhancing their culinary journeys.

"I am excited to embark on this new chapter at Pavilions South Pasadena," said Peter Dills. "Wine is 
more than just a beverage; it's an expression of culture, history, and craftsmanship. I look forward 
to leveraging my expertise to create an immersive wine experience that delights and educates our 
customers."

Pavilions South Pasadena anticipates that Peter Dills' appointment will not only elevate its wine 
department but also contribute to the cultural and culinary vibrancy of the community. Residents of 
South Pasadena can look forward to an enhanced shopping experience and an unparalleled selection 
of fine wines curated by one of the industry's most respected experts.

About Pavilions South Pasadena: Pavilions South Pasadena is a premier grocery store dedicated to 
providing customers with high-quality products, exceptional service, and an unparalleled shopping 
experience. With a commitment to culinary excellence and community engagement, Pavilions South 
Pasadena serves as a destination for discerning shoppers seeking premium groceries and specialty 
items.

Pavilions South Pasadena

1213 Fair Oaks


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