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FOOD - DRINK -FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, August 24, 2024


THE TASTING ROOM

FIRST IMPRESSION: 355 BURGER

Located at 85 W Sierra Madre in the heart of Sierra 
Madre, 355 Burger is a brand-new spot that’s already 
making waves. 

My first impression? 
This small, yet spotless, 
restaurant is off to a 
promising start. It’s so fresh 
that owner Armen hasn’t 
even had time to put up 
pictures or print out to-go 
menus—but with a focused 
menu of just burgers and 
fries, who needs one?

The ambiance is clean and straightforward, with a no-frills approach that keeps the focus where 
it should be: on the food. The staff, though still getting into the groove, were friendly and eager to 
make a good impression. Armen, a veteran of the Sierra Madre food scene, previously owned and 
operated the pizza place just next door, bringing a wealth of experience to this new venture.

I dined with my companion, Hansalicious, and we both agreed that the burger was delicious. In a 
world where In-N-Out reigns supreme , we couldn’t help but wonder: Why wait in line at In N Out 
when you can enjoy a burger that, in my opinion, rivals the top dog? Armen shared that the beef 
is ground daily, and it shows in the burger’s flavor and juiciness. Whether you prefer your onions 
grilled or raw, the choice is yours, but I opted for grilled, the burger was perfectly cooked, juicy patty 
that was satisfying and well-seasoned.

The fries, while acceptable, do add to the calorie count, so if you’re watching your intake, you might 
want to skip them. They were crispy and seasoned, but the star of the show is definitely the burger.

Feeling a bit peckish? Go for the double patty—I did, and now I’ll need to run a couple of laps at 
the Rose Bowl to get back to my girlish figure! But honestly, it’s worth every bite. A great burger at a 
reasonable price is hard to beat, and 355 Burger delivers. Like I mentioned this is a work in progress, 
though the soda fountain is up and running.

Keep in mind, they’ve just opened, and they’re still working on the staff and the menu, but I’d say 
they’re off to a strong start. Check out 355 Burger and see for yourself!

Hours for now are limited

85 W Sierra Madre Blvd - Sierra Madre, Ca.


A BOLD ROSÉ 

I’m Gustavo Lira, Tasting Room Manager 
and Wine Buyer at The Bottle Shop in Sierra 
Madre with another wine and spirits selection. 

For those who think Rosés are weak and 
wimpy, I have a BOLD Rosé for you! The 
Prieure de Montezargues, Tavel 2020 is a 
revelation. It is a Rosé that will age beautifully 
and will pair with a variety of foods.

This 
wine is 
from 
Chateau 
La 
Nerthe – 
one of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. 
The Prieuré de Montézargues was originally a 
monastery dating back to 1199. There are original 
stone buildings still standing on the property. The 
vineyards are composed of sandy soils covered 
by a layer of ‘galets’ – large, round, well-worn 
stones carried down from the Alps (about 250 
miles to the northeast) by glaciers during the last 
ice age. The combination of the unique soils and 
Mediterranean climate give the wines freshness 
and vibrancy. Tavel is an ancient village in this area 
and was famous for its Rosés long before Rosés 
became popular. 

The wines from Tavel undergo an extended 
maceration (contact with the grape skins) which 
give Tavel Rosés more texture, flavor, and color. 
The color is like a gorgeous dark hued salmon. This wine is aged in stainless steel, 
and the vineyard is certified organic. This vintage is composed of 55% Grenache, 20% 
Cinsault, 10% Clairette, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre.

On the nose, I get aromas of blood orange, stone fruits, fennel, spice, and bitter cherry. 
On the palate, I get notes of crushed stone, citrus pith, bitter cherry, salinity, peach, and 
savory herbs. There is a grip to the long finish. It’s elegant, quaffable, bold, and perfect 
to drink by itself or paired with food. Drink this now and for another year or two. It’s 
coming into its prime. 

According to Janic Robinson – noted wine reviewer from England – Tavel Rosé pairs 
very well with artichokes, duck, tuna steak, and Middle Eastern foods. Her best pairing 
though is Tavel Rosé with Nicoise Salad. It sounds like this is a great match when you are 
with friends and need a wine that goes well with everything that everyone is ordering! 
Don’t pass this up, you can surprise your friends with a Rosé that isn’t as famous or 
popular as the Rosés from Provence, but you will get a heck of a wine that is exciting, 
delicious, and priced to enjoy!

 

The Prieure de Montezargues 2020 is available at The Bottle Shop for $14.99. I’ve seen it 
online for $18 to $30. Say you saw it in the Mountain Views News and get it for $13.99 
through Monday, August 26th. 

Upcoming at The Tasting Room: Sunday August 25th at 3pm – The Great Pizza Challenge 
& Wine Tasting (Reservations essential); Thursday & Friday August 29 & 30 – Osh 
Gosh Grenache!

Scan the QRCode to sign up for our newsletter. Until next time – Salud!


SALMON PATTIES

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups boneless and skinless salmon, drained if water-packed (about 10 oz.)

1 cup finely crushed saltines (about 24 crackers)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 large egg

1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning (optional)

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

A generous pat of butter and splash of oil, for pan frying

DIRECTIONS

Step 1 Make patty mixture:

Stir together the salmon, cracker crumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Old Bay (if using), and pepper in a medium-
size bowl. Let stand a couple of minutes, and then stir until the mixture comes together and holds its 
shape on a spoon.

Step 2 Make patties:

Divide the mixture into 8 patties that are about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 3 Cook salmon patties:

Warm the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter bubbles, add the 
patties in a single layer, spacing them evenly. (Work in batches if need be, and add more fat to the pan 
as needed.) Cook until the patties are nicely browned and sizzling, flipping once, about 3 minutes per 
side. Serve warm, although refrigerated leftovers are good, too.


ALL THINGS 

By Jeff Brown 


TAKING AWAY THE CAR KEYS 

by William Falk Editor-at-large “The Week” 

When I took my mother's car keys away, she cursed at 
me. I'd never heard my sweet, churchgoing mom use 
language like that in my life, but she couldn't accept 
that at 85, her fading vision, hearing, and memory 
made her unsafe at any speed. 

I was reminded of the day Mom followed me to the door, shouting "Give 
me those #@ $&%! keys back," when Joe Biden spent several weeks insisting 
against all evidence that he was fit to serve four more years. 

Giving up the most powerful and prestigious job in the world, obviously, is 
more painful than losing access to the Camry. But the denial and the anger 
are fundamentally the same. Getting old, I've found, demands a succession 
of surrenders. You can accept these losses with some grace and rueful 
resignation — or go to war with the inevitable. 

Pro tip: You can't win. 

I'm still more than a decade from Biden's stage of life, but if I put on my 
glasses, I can see the shape of it on the horizon. Behind me, the path is 
long and littered with losses large and small. Joints worn out from years of 
running, basketball, softball, and typing take turns complaining, and the 
mirror reveals a graying old guy I sometimes do not recognize. Too many 
loved ones and friends are gone. 

Last year, after 22 years as editor-in-chief of this magazine, I stepped down 
from full-time work so I could have more time to travel, to enjoy our new 
home in our new community, to kayak and cycle and walk and play more, 
to savor the passing days and sunsets over the river. Fortunately, I still get to 
continue to contribute to this fine magazine. It's worked out as I hoped, but 
the surrenders continue. 

The best strategy, it appears, is to accept them and fall back behind a new 
line of defense, and prepare for the next assault. I know how you feel, Mr. 
President. When they come for my car keys, I suspect I, too, will curse.

Editor's Note: CONFESSION: When I first glanced at the title of this article, I 
contemplated moving it to the Education and Youth page, flashing back on the days 
when taking the keys away was the most effective tool for rambunctious 16 year olds! 
And then I read it......OMG, he's talking about US! S. Henderson/MVNews

TASTE OF ‘DENA RETURNS TO THE ALTADENA LIBRARIES

 Get ready for an unforgettable evening of culinary

delights, soulful melodies, and community spirit as the Altadena Library 
Foundation proudly presents the Taste of ‘Dena on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Back for its seventh year, Taste of ‘Dena is the foundation’s annual fundraising 
event to celebrate the Altadena Library District. Guests will enjoy delicious 
regional fare, wine tasting, live music from local jazz band Kira & The Major 3, 
and a silent auction while supporting the district and its continuing efforts to 
bring people and ideas together. 

This year, the foundation also honors the lifetime achievements of William “Bill” J. and Brenda L. 
Galloway for their service to the community.

“We are so excited to give Altadena residents an opportunity to pay tribute to the Galloway family at this 
year’s Taste of ‘Dena,” says Veronica Jones, community activist and chair of the event. “We are forever 
grateful for Bill and Brenda, who spent decades improving educational opportunities and literacy rates 
in our community.”

Longtime residents of Pasadena, Calif., the Galloways are widely respected for their involvement in 
countless organizations and their unwavering commitment to education. They endowed the beautiful 
Galloway Plaza at Pasadena City College (PCC) and established the Bill & Brenda Galloway Endowment 
for Education with the Pasadena Community Foundation. Both Galloways served on the boards of 
community groups, including the PCC Foundation, Pasadena Playhouse, and Pasadena YMCA, and 
received honors from local and national organizations. Together, they have made an indelible impact on 
their community and the people around them.

Since its inception 98 years ago, the Altadena Library District has provided the community with a vast 
array of library services, innovative resources, and engaging programs. Last year, the district hosted more 
than 675 events attended by 18,000 people, circulated almost 207,000 physical items, and welcomed over 
123,000 visitors to its two libraries. And in April, the district started a new phase of its commitment with 
the expansion and renovation of the Bob LucasMemorial Library. The project will take about a year, 
and once the branch reopens, the district will move forward with its renovation of the Main Library to 
ensure both facilities are updated, upgraded, accessible, and inspiring for future generations of Altadena 
residents.

“Our past events have been really fun gatherings of like-minded people who support our two local 
libraries,” says Mark Mariscal, president of the Altadena Library Foundation Board of Directors. “Given 
how much our libraries partner with community businesses and nonprofits, people are amazed to find 
out that our district is totally independent from the L.A. County library system. We invite anyone who’s 
been to a program or worked with our libraries to join us for this year’s Taste of ‘Dena.”

The Altadena Library Foundation has supported and strengthened the mission and resources of

the Altadena Libraries through fundraising and advocacy since 2009. 

Join the Altadena Library Foundation in supporting and celebrating the Altadena Libraries on

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. Become an

event sponsor or purchase tickets at www.AltadenaLibraryFoundation.org.


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