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FOOD - DRINK -FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, August 31, 2024


SPOTLIGHT ON ARCADIA’S FINEST: 

GILBERT AGUILAR AT 

DON RICARDO’S

In the vibrant world of bartending, where every pour 
counts and every cocktail tells a story, it’s rare to 
find a true craftsman who can elevate the experience 
beyond just a drink. Yet, tucked away in Arcadia at Don 
Ricardo’s, there’s one such individual: Gilbert Aguilar.

Known by locals as the man behind the bar who never 
fails to impress, Gilbert has become somewhat of a 
legend in the community. His reputation isn’t just built 
on his skill with spirits or his knack for mixing up 
the perfect Old Fashioned; it’s his specialty that keeps 
patrons coming back—margaritas, whether on the rocks or blended, that are nothing short of perfection.

Just last Sunday I walked into Don Ricardo’s with Pete and Chelsea Jones, the Jones’ are legends in these parts 
they’ll tell you that Gilbert is not just serving margaritas; he’s serving experiences. His mastery of flavor 
combinations, coupled with a deep understanding of what makes a great margarita, makes every visit feel 
personalized. Whether you’re a regular who prefers your margarita on the rocks with a salted rim or a first-timer 
curious about trying a blended version with a twist, Gilbert is always ready with a suggestion that suits your taste.

But it’s not just his skill with a shaker that sets him apart. Gilbert’s warm personality, his genuine interest in 
the people who sit at his bar, and his commitment to his craft have earned him a loyal following. And it’s not 
just the drinks that keep patrons coming back. Don Ricardo’s serves up food that’s just as good as the 
cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a full dining experience. Whether you're indulging in classic 
Mexican dishes or trying something new, the combination of delicious food and Gilbert’s expertly 
crafted margaritas is hard to beat.

At a time when many bars strive for the newest trend or the most Instagram-worthy presentation, 
Gilbert Aguilar reminds us of the timeless appeal of great service, skill, and a welcoming smile. It’s no 
wonder he’s hailed as the best bartender in Arcadia—a title well-earned through years of dedication 
and a passion for the art of bartending.

So next time you find yourself at Don Ricardo’s, located at 1206 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA, don’t just 
order a drink—take a moment to appreciate the man who made it. Gilbert Aguilar is more than just 
a bartender; he’s the heart and soul of the bar, and his commitment to excellence, especially when it 
comes to margaritas, is something you won’t soon forget. 

And while you’re there, make sure to pair your drink with some of the delicious food on offer; you won’t 
be disappointed.

THE TASTING ROOM


INCREDIBLE SPANISH 
GARNACHA

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

I love it when I come across a wine that 
is new to me that is delicious and over 
delivers. Furthermore, I love introducing 
such wines to all of you. This week’s wine 
is a prime example of that – Sindicat 
La Figuera 2021 from Montsant Spain. 
It’s from the husband-and-wife team of 
Sara Perez and Rene Barbier – who are 
incredibly talented and two of the most innovative winemakers in all of Spain.

These two come from families of 
outstanding winemakers. Sara’s father 
and Rene’s father were part of the 
group known as the “Gang of Five.” 
This group is credited with the re-
emergence of Priorat as a fine wine 
region of Spain. Clos Mogador was 
founded by René Barbier, and Clos 
Martinet was founded by Josep Ll. 
Pérez. Priorat is almost surrounded 
by Montsant which is where this wine 
originates.

Montsant’s vineyards vary from some 
located on steep terraces at altitudes 
between 164 and 2,300 feet above sea level. There is intense Mediterranean 
sunshine during the day and cool temperatures at night. The soil is mostly 
granite and slate. Montsant has a reputation for high-quality red wines that are 
very expressive with tons of character. 

The Sindicat La Figuera 2021 is 100% Garnatxa Negra and the grapes are sourced 
from vineyards near the town of La Figuera. The elevation of the vineyards is 
1,800 feet and the vines’ average age is between 30 to 80 years old. The vines are 
farmed biodynamically, there is minimal intervention in the cellar, native yeasts 
are used, minimal sulfites are added, and the wine is vegan. 

The wine’s aroma is gorgeous – notes of white delicate flowers and white pepper. 
The mouthfeel is light and delicate. On the palate, you get more white pepper, 
citrus, and floral notes. It’s a clean, fresh, and very balanced wine with pleasing 
natural acidity and subdued alcohol. I’d pair this wine with salads, seafood, 
grilled sausages, and savory meats. 

 

This wine is an incredibly delicious wine that is a tremendous value. One of 
the better grenaches I have had recently. Don’t wait too long, this is going to 
sell out fast!

The Sindicat La Figuera 2021 is available at The Bottle Shop for $23.99. Say 
you saw it in the Mountain Views News and get it for $22.99 through Monday, 
September 2nd. 

Scan the QRCode to sign up for our newsletter. 

Until next time – Salud!


CHICKEN SALAD WITH 
GRAPES

www.thegraciouspantry.com

INGREDIENTS

½ cup chopped celery (chop small for easy eating)

1 cup red grapes

1 medium chicken thigh (boneless, skinless)

½ cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)

3 tbsp. almond slivers

½ medium lemon (juice and zest)

1½ tsp. Dijon mustard (no sugar added)

1 medium bunch fresh parsley

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (to grease the skillet)

¼ tsp. salt (or to taste at serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

Rub the chicken with salt and pepper (or any 
spices you want to use) and leave it for 20 minutes 
at room temperature. 

Grease a grill pan with olive oil and fry the chicken 
thigh on both sides until browned, and the chicken 
reaches at least 165 F. on a meat thermometer. Cut 
it into strips and set it aside.

Cut each grape in half or into quarters, as you 
like. You can remove the seeds if your grapes have 
them. Chop your almonds as well.

Cut grapes on a cutting board.

Grate and juice the lemon into a bowl. Add the 
zest to the yogurt and mustard. Add a pinch of salt 
and stir the sauce until smooth.

Dressing ingredients in a small, green bowl.

Place prepared ingredients in a salad mixing bowl, 
add chopped parsley, and mix. Taste the salad for 
salt and leave it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Place whole-grain crackers and lemon slices on 
the edge of a serving plate. Arrange the salad in a 
loose mound, drizzle with the dressing, and serve.


ALL THINGS 

By Jeff Brown 

THE SIX SECOND KISS 

Most kisses shared may be short and sweet. Perhaps 
you are running off to work, in the middle of cooking, 
or about to go to sleep. Lengthening kisses to six seconds could be a key to a better 
relationship. Dr. John Gottman says it’s long enough to make a moment of connection 
with our partner. It stops the busyness in your brain and puts your focus on your partner 
at that moment. There doesn’t have to be talking, listening, or problem-solving. 
It’s just a time to connect with your partner physically and feel close to them. It also 
accomplishes a lot of principles and needs in our relationship in only six seconds.

What the six second kiss can do for you

The more you practice an elongated kiss, it can also become a habit. A six second kiss 
is one of the least time-consuming ways to improve things with your partner. In fact, 
if you have two kisses per day the total time per week amounts to less than 90 seconds 

So, keep kissing. It has the potential to benefit the overall health of your relationship. 

A study of 70,000 people in 24 countries conducted by sociologists determined that 
small gestures to show love throughout the day have a major impact on couples' long-
term happiness and success. Though 6 seconds is the minimum time, Gottman says, 
has an effect, that doesn't mean you literally need to count to six in your head before 
stopping. Above all, it's a way to make sure that people connect in a meaningful way 
every day. Just "relax and enjoy the kiss." Dr. Gottman suggests saying some sweet 
things to your partner before and after the kiss.“Sharing something positive with each 
other like ‘I love you’ or ‘I'm so happy to be with you.,”

The 6-second kiss symbolizes love, devotion, and partnership in the journey toward 
deeper intimacy and connection. By embracing this simple yet profound practice, 
couples can unlock new levels of emotional closeness, passion, and fulfillment in their 
relationships.

As John Gottman aptly summarizes, "In the end, it's the small moments of connection 
that make the biggest difference." So why not start with a kiss?

Approach each kiss with genuine affection, presence, and mindfulness, focusing on 
the connection with your partner.

Experiment with different settings and contexts to keep the practice fresh and exciting.

Communicate openly with your partner about the significance of the 6-second kiss 
and the impact it has on your relationship.

Embrace spontaneity and creativity, allowing the ritual to evolve organically over 
time.A six-second kiss is an easy, practical way to build connection. 


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